Rolling back Opera on Android: how to return the old version of the browser

The browser Opera is regularly updated, adding new ones functions, but the changes are not always beneficial. Users are faced with brakes after an updatethe disappearance of familiar features (for example, a built-in VPN or ad blocker), or bugs in the interface. If you also want return the previous version of Opera on Android, but don’t know how to do it safely, this article will help you figure it out.

Rolling back an Android app has nuances: simply deleting updates via Settings doesn't always work, and manually installing an old APK requires caution. We will look all working methods from standard system tools to the use of ADB and third-party services. You will also learn how block automatic updates Opera in the future and what to do if the browser refuses to start after a downgrade.

⚠️ Important: make a backup copy before downgrading bookmarks and passwords via Opera → Settings → Synchronization. Some browser versions may not support restoring data from new backups.

Why do users want to downgrade Opera?

The reasons for downgrading a browser usually come down to three key problems:

• 🐢 Performance: new versions of Opera often consume more RAM and battery. On weak smartphones (for example, with 2 GB of RAM), this leads to freezes and forced closures.
• 🔒 Removal of functions: in the latest updates, developers remove popular tools - for example, a free VPN without restrictions or a built-in ad blocker (now it only works when synchronization is enabled).
• 🐛 Bugs and errors: after the update, interface glitches, problems with displaying sites or conflicts with other applications may appear (for example, with AdGuard or 1.1.1.1).

According to the portal APKMirror, the most stable versions are considered Opera 70.0–75.0 (2022–2023). Later releases are often criticized for aggressive advertising on the start page and forced authorization.

Method 1: Uninstalling updates through Android Settings

The simplest method is reset Opera to the factory version that was pre-installed on the smartphone. This will only work if:

• 📱 The browser was originally included in the device’s firmware (for example, on Samsung or Xiaomi).
• 🔄 You did not delete it completely (only updates).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Find Opera in the list and tap on it.
3. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots → Delete updates.
4. Confirm the action. After the reboot, the browser will return to the original version.

⚠️ Limitation: if Opera was installed from Google Play, and did not come out of the box, this method will not work. In this case, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Manual installation of the old version via APK

If a standard rollback is not possible, you will have to manually download and install the old version Opera. To do this you will need:

• 🌐 Reliable APK source (we recommend APKMirror or APKPure).
• 🔓 Permission to install from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
• 📲 Free space on the device (minimum 100 MB).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Uninstall the current version Opera via Settings → Applications.
2. Download the required version of APK from a trusted site. For example, for Opera 75.0.3945.121646 (one of the latest stable ones) the link will be like this:

   https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-as/opera/opera-75-0-3945-121646-release/

3. Open the downloaded file and allow installation.
4. After installation, launch the browser and log in to your account to restore data.

⚠️ Warning: When installing APK from third-party sources, the risk of catching a virus is minimal, but still exists. Always check the file hash (MD5/SHA-1) on the download site and compare it with the original. For example, for Opera 75.0 correct MD5: a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6 (check the current value at APKMirror).

Method 3: Rollback via ADB (for experienced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can resort to Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for debugging, which allows you to manually manage application packages. This method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Advanced users who are ready to work with the command line.
• 📱 Devices with unlocked USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your PC (for example, Platform Tools from Google).
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About the phone → Build number (tap 7 times), then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and enter in the command line:

   adb devices

   Make sure that the device is detected.

4. Uninstall the current version of Opera:

   adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.opera.browser

5. Install the old version via APK (as in Method 2).

Critical! ADB commands can damage the system if entered incorrectly. Do not use the flag --user 0 for system applications - this will lead to a failure.

How to block automatic updates of Opera

After a successful rollback, it is important disable auto-updateotherwise Google Play will install the latest version again. You can do this in two ways:

• 📱 Through Google Play Settings:
  1. Open Google Play → click on the profile avatar → Settings → Network settings → Auto-update applications.
  2. Select Do not update automatically.

⚠️ Attention: if you use Opera GX or Opera Mini, blocking updates for one browser does not affect others. Disable auto-update for each application separately.

What to do if Opera does not work after a rollback?

Sometimes older versions of the browser refuse to start or produce errors. Let's look at typical problems and their solutions:

If the browser still does not work, try:

1. Install another older version (for example, instead 70.0 try 68.0).
2. Disable battery optimization for Opera: Settings → Applications → Opera → Battery → Unlimited.
3. Reboot your phone into safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe Mode") and check if the browser works without third-party applications.

Alternatives: which browsers can be used instead of Opera

If rolling back did not help or you are tired of dealing with bugs, consider alternative browsers with similar functionality:

• 🦊 Firefox: supports extensions (including uBlock Origin), has built-in protection against trackers. Minus - a little heavier Opera in terms of RAM consumption.
• 🛡️ Brave: blocks ads and trackers out of the box, has a built-in Tor mode.
• 🌐 Kiwi Browser: based on Chromium, supports extensions from Chrome Web Store, light and fast.
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo Browser: minimalistic browser with an emphasis on privacy, but without bookmark synchronization.

adb shell dumpsys package com.opera.browser | find "versionName"