Application updates on Huawei often bring new ones features, bug fixes and improved security. However, not all updates turn out to be useful: some introduce bugs, slow down the app, or change the familiar interface. If you encounter a problem after an automatic update, it is important to know how to return the previous version or completely block updates for a specific application.

In this article we will analyze all the available methods for canceling updates on smartphones Huawei - from standard tools AppGallery i Google Play to manual rollback through APKfiles and system settings. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with devices on EMUI (including models without Google services) and possible risks when deleting system updates.

Why might you need to cancel the update?

Automatic application updates on Huawei are enabled by default, and this is not always the case convenient. Here are the most common reasons why users want to return the old version:

  • 🐞 Critical bugs have appeared: the application crashes, does not open or does not work correctly after the update.
  • 🐢 Performance has decreased: the new version consumes more memory, drains the battery or slows down.
  • 🎨 The interface has changed: the developers have removed familiar functions or made the design less convenient.
  • 🔒 Compatibility problems: the updated application does not support your version EMUI or conflicts with other apps.
  • 📶 Restrictions by region: some functions have become unavailable in your country after the update.

On devices Huawei without Google Play Services (for example, Mate 40 Pro, P50) updates come through AppGallery, where the rollback mechanism differs from the standard Android. It is also important to consider that system applications (for example, Huawei Mobile Services or HiSuite) may block manual removal of updates.

⚠️ Attention: Rolling back system applications (for example, Huawei AppMarket or Phone Manager) can lead to unstable operation of the phone. Before taking action, check whether the application is critical for EMUI.

Method 1: Cancel the update via AppGallery

If the application was updated through the company store Huawei, you can return the previous version directly in AppGallery. This method works on all devices with EMUI 10.0 and newer, including models without Google Play.

Instructions:

  1. Open AppGallery (blue package icon).
  2. Go to section Manage → My applications.
  3. Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
  4. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Delete updates.
  5. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

If there is no item Uninstall updates then the application does not support rollback via AppGallery. In this case, try other methods from this article.

Check the EMUI version (Settings → About phone)

Close the application that needs to be rolled back

Connect to Wi-Fi (to download the old version, if required)

Make a backup copy of the application data (if it is important to save the settings)-->

On some models (for example, Huawei Nova 9 or Mate Xs 2after a rollback AppGallery may again offer to update the application. To avoid this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → AppGallery → Notifications.
  2. Disable the option Auto-update applications.

Method 2: Rollback via Google Play (for devices with GMS)

On smartphones Huawei with support Google Mobile Services (for example, P30 Pro, Mate 20) updates come through Google Play. Here the rollback algorithm is simpler, but there are nuances:

Steps to cancel the update:

  1. Open Google Play Store.
  2. Tap on your profile avatar in the upper right corner and select Manage applications and device.
  3. Find the desired application in the list Updated recently or through search.
  4. Click on the three dots (⋮) next to the name and select Uninstall updates.

If the button is inactive, this means that:

  • 🔄 The application is a system one (for example, Google Play Services), and its updates cannot be rolled back without root access.
  • 📥 The current version was installed manually (not through Google Play), and to roll back you need to delete the application completely.
💡

If after the rollback Google Play again offers to update the application, add it to the blacklist auto updates. To do this, in the Play Store settings, select "Auto-update applications" → "Do not update automatically" and manually uncheck the box next to the desired application.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei s EMUI 12+ after a rollback after Google Play it may work protection Huawei Mobile Services, which will block the launch of the old version. In this case, manual installation will be required APK.

Method 3: Manually removing updates through Android settings

Some applications (especially system ones) do not allow you to roll back through stores, but their updates can be removed manually. This method works for most versions EMUI, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications (or Settings → Applications and notifications → Manage applications to EMUI 11+).
  2. Select the desired application from the list.
  3. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and press Delete updates.
  4. Confirm the action.

If the button Delete updates is missing, this may mean:

  • 🔧 Application is a system component (for example, Huawei Share or HiSearch).
  • 📦 The update was installed as a separate APKpackage (for example, via ADB or third party installer).
Application type Can I roll back? Risks
Third-party (user-installed) Yes, through AppGallery/Google Play or settings Minimal (data loss is possible)
System (included in EMUI) Partially (only if there is a "Delete updates" button) Medium (stability may be affected)
System critical (for example, HMS Core) No (without root access) High (risk of phone bricking)
Applications with root access (Magisk, LSPosed) Yes, via Magisk Manager High (if incorrect actions)
What to do if the "Delete updates" button is inactive?

If the button is gray, try:

1. Disable the application (if there is such an option) - this will stop it from working, but will not delete files.

2. Delete cache and data in the application settings - sometimes it helps to return the original state.

3. Use ADB (for advanced users):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with the real application package (you can find out through App Inspector in Huawei Developer Mode).

Method 4: Installing the old version via APK

If standard methods did not work, you can manually install the previous version of the application via APKfile. This method is universal, but requires preparation.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the old version APK from a reliable source (for example, APKMirror, APKPureMake sure the version is compatible with your model Huawei ). version EMUI.
  2. Uninstall the current version (if this is not a system application To do this, go to Settings → Applications, select the app and click Uninstall.
  3. Allow installation from unknown sources:
    • Go to Settings → Security → Advanced → Installation from unknown sources.
    • Select the browser or file manager through which you will install APKand enable the permission.
  • Install the downloaded APK via file manager (for example Files or Huawei File Manager).
  • Lock auto-update in AppGallery or Google Play (see Method 1 or 2).

    • On Huawei devices with EMUI 12+, when installing the APK, the error “The application is not compatible with your device” may appear, even if the files are suitable. In this case, try disabling signature verification via ADB:

    adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1

    Automatically via AppGallery

    Automatically via Google Play

    Manually, after checking the reviews

    I never update

    Another method-->

    Installation warnings APK:

    • 🛡️ Security: Download APK only from trusted sites. Viruses in pirated versions can steal data.
    • 🔄 Compatibility: The old version may not work with the current EMUI or other applications.
    • 📱 Data: If you delete the current version, you will lose all settings and application files (if you have not made a backup copy).

    Method 5: Disabling automatic updates for the future

    To avoid repeated problems, you can completely disable automatic application updates On Huawei this is done separately for AppGallery And Google Play.

    For AppGallery:

    1. Open AppGallery and go to Profile → Settings.
    2. Select Auto-update applications.
    3. Set the switch to Off or select Wi-Fi only (if you want to limit updates to mobile traffic).
    4. For individual applications: find the app in AppGallery, click on the three dots (⋮) and uncheck Auto update.

    For Google Play (on devices with GMS):

    1. Open Google Play Market and tap on your profile avatar.
    2. Go to Settings → Network settings → Auto-update applications.
    3. Select Do not update automatically.

    On some firmware EMUI (for example, HarmonyOS on Huawei P50 Pocket) the auto update settings may be located in a different place. If you can't find the option, try:

    • 🔍 Use search in settings (swipe down on the main screen Settings and enter "auto update").
    • 📱 Refresh AppGallery up to the latest version (sometimes older versions hide some options).
    💡

    Disabling auto-updates does not guarantee that the application will not update when you manually launch the store. To completely block updates, add the application to the blacklist (in AppGallery: Settings → Manage auto-updates → Exceptions).

    Method 6: Using ADB to force a rollback (for experienced users)

    If none of the above methods worked, you can try rolling back the update via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for system applications, but requires turning on Developer mode and connecting to the PC.

    Instructions:

    1. Enable USB debugging:
      • Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on Build numberto activate Developer mode.
      • Go back in Settings → System → Developer Mode and enable USB debugging.
  • Connect the phone to PC and confirm permission for debugging.
  • Install ADB to the computer (download Platform Tools from the site Android Developers).
  • Run the commands in the terminal (command line): 
    adb shell

    pm list packages | grep "application_name" # Find the exact package
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app # Replace with the actual package

    • This command will only remove updates for the current user (--user 0), without affecting system files For a complete uninstall (not recommended!) use:

    adb shell pm uninstall -k com.example.app
    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may cause the system to crash. Do not remove packages named huawei. or android. —these are critical components EMUI.

    After the rollback, ADB the application will return to the factory version that was pre-installed on the phone. To block future updates, use:

    adb shell dumpsys package com.example.app | grep "autoUpdatePolicy

    If the parameter is 1, then auto-updates are enabled. To disable:

    adb shell pm set-install-location 2 # Install applications on the SD card (if any), which can block auto-updates

    Common errors and their solutions

    When trying to cancel an update on Huawei users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

    Error Possible cause Solution
    "Failed to remove updates" The application is a system one or protected HMS. Use ADB or install the old version via APK.
    "Application not installed" after rollback The old version is incompatible with the current one EMUI. Try an older version or find modified APK for Huawei.
    AppGallery does not show the "Uninstall updates" button The update was not installed through the store (for example, manually). Uninstall the application completely and install the old version via APK.
    After rollback, the application crashes The old version conflicts with the current libraries EMUI. Clear the cache and application data or find an alternative firmware.
    Google Play does not allow you to roll back the system application Limitations EMUI to prevent damage to the system. Use ADB or disable the application in the settings.

    If none of the methods helped, consider alternative options:

    • 🔄 Reset application settings: Go to Settings → Applications, select the app and press Reset (does not delete data, but returns the settings to factory settings).
    • 📱 Using an alternative application: If a rollback is not possible, find an analogue in AppGallery or Aurora Store.
    • 🛠️ Contacting Huawei support: If the problem concerns a system application (for example, Huawei Health), write to the support chat via HiCare.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to roll back an update to a system application (for example, Huawei Mobile Services) without root access?

    No, system applications that are critical for operation EMUI (for example, HMS Core, Huawei ID), cannot be rolled back without root access. Trying to remove their updates via ADB or manually may cause the system to crash. The only safe way is to wait for the official fix from Huawei.

    What should you do if the application stops opening after a rollback?

    This means that the old version is incompatible with the current firmware. Try:

    1. Clear the cache and application data in the settings.
    2. Install a newer, but not the latest version (for example, not the very first, but the penultimate one).
    3. Check whether the application is blocking the operation Battery Optimization (in the settings batteries).

    If all else fails, return the updated version and report the problem to the developer.

    How to block an update for a specific application in the AppGallery?

    There is no direct blacklist function, but you can: AppGallery There is no direct blacklist function, but you can:

    1. Disable auto-updates completely (in the store settings).
    2. Add application to Exceptions (in some versions EMUI this option is in Settings → Auto-update management).
    3. Delete updates manually after each automatic update (inconvenient, but it works).
    Is it possible to rollback a game update if it saves progress in the cloud?

    Yes, but be careful:

    • If the game is synchronized with Huawei GameCenter or Google Play Games, your progress will be saved.
    • If the data is stored locally, make a backup copy of the folder /Android/data/package_name before rolling back.
    • Some games (for example, Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail) may require re-downloading resources after a rollback.
    Why, after a rollback via APK, does the application ask to update every time you open it?

    This happens if:

    • You installed APK with a signature different from the official one (for example, modified version).
    • The application checks its relevance through the server (for example, Facebook or WhatsApp).
    • B AppGallery or Google Play forced update is enabled for this application.

    Solution:

    1. Disable the Internet for the application in the settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Mobile data and Wi-Fi).
    2. Use Patch managers like Lucky Patcher (requires root) to bypass verification.
    3. Install APK with an official signature (for example, via Aurora Store).