How to return the old version of the firmware on Android: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Updating firmware on Android often brings new features, security fixes, and performance improvements. But what if the new version worked worse than the old one? The battery starts to run out faster, the interface is slow, and your favorite functions have disappeared without the ability to roll back through the settings? In this article we will analyze all working methods of returning to the previous version of the firmware from official methods to manual flashing through Fastboot and Custom Recovery.

It is important to understand: rolling back the firmware is not just “installing the old version with a button.” The process requires preparation, data backup and an understanding of possible risks. For example, on some devices (especially with Exynosprocessors from Samsung), a rollback may block the bootloader or lead to loss of IMEI. We will analyze in detail which models support downgradeand for which this is impossible without the risk of “bricking”.

The article is suitable for owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other brands based on Android 10–14. If your device is older or runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), some steps may differ - we will also mention this.

Why might you need to roll back the firmware?

The reasons for returning to an old version of Android are different - from subjective preferences to critical bugs. Here are the most common:

• 🔋 Deterioration of battery life: the new firmware “eats” the battery due to background processes or an unoptimized kernel. For example, after updating to Android 14 to Redmi Note 10 Pro many users complained about a reduction in operating time by 20-30%.
• 🐢 Lags and slowdowns: new versions of the OS may not be sufficiently optimized for older chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 660 or Helio G90T).
• 🚫 Disappearance of functions: manufacturers sometimes remove useful features. For example, MIUI 14 they removed the ability to disable advertising in system applications.
• 🔒 Compatibility problems: some applications (especially banking or for working with equipment) may stop working on the new version of Android.
• 📱 Unsuccessful upgrade: if the update was completed with errors (for example, due to an interrupted download), the system may be unstable.

Before you rollback, check if the problem can be solved otherwise:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
• 📦 Delete the system application cache via Recovery.
• 🔧 Disable unnecessary features (for example Adaptive brightness or Battery optimization for specific applications).

⚠️ Attention: on devices c Dynamic Partition (entered in Android 10) rollback can lead to data loss in the system i vendor. Before you start, be sure to make a backup copy via TWRP or ADB.

Preparing for a rollback: what needs to be done before you start

Rolling back firmware is an irreversible process that can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device. To minimize risks, follow these steps:

Make a backup copy of your data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the device model and bootloader version

Download the correct firmware version (only for your model!)

Charge the phone for at least 70%

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on the PC

Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)

Disable OEM lock (if required)

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1. Data backup

Rolling back the firmware almost always leads to a complete reset of the device. Save:

• 📸 Photos and videos (for example, via Google Photos or copying to a PC).
• 📞 Contacts (export to .vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export).
• 💬 Messages (use SMS Backup & Restore or analogues).
• 🎮 Game saves (if cloud backup is supported).
• 📄 Files from internal memory (copy to PC or to the cloud).

2. Checking the device model and bootloader version

Install the wrong firmware and the phone will turn into a brick. To avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and write down:
   • Device model (for example, SM-G975F for Samsung Galaxy S10+).
   • Build number (for example, RP1A.200720.012).
   • Bootloader version (can be found through the command fastboot getvar all v ADB).

3. Unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock)

On most modern Android devices, the bootloader is locked by default. To flash the old version, you need to unlock it:

1. Activate Developer mode 7 times: go to Settings → About phone and click on Number assembly.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable:
   • USB debugging
   • OEM unlocking (on some devices this item may missing).

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

⚠️ Attention: unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings! Also on some models (for example Huawei or Sony Xperia) an official key from the manufacturer is required for unlocking.

Methods of firmware rollback: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the device model, the current version of Android and your experience Below is a comparative table of the main methods:

Let's consider each method in more detail.

Method 1: Official rollback through settings (for supported devices)

Some manufacturers allow you to return the previous firmware version directly from the update menu. This method is the safest, but only works on a limited number of devices.

Devices that support official rollback:

• 📱 Google Pixel (via Android Flash Tool).
• 📱 Some models Samsung (if rollback is allowed by the company's servers).
• 📱 Devices with Android One (for example, Nokia or Motorola).

Instructions for Google Pixel:

1. Go to website Android Flash Tool (works in a browser Chrome).
2. Connect your phone to the PC via USB and enable debugging.
3. In the list of firmware, select the desired version (for example, Android 13 instead of Android 14).
4. Click Install and follow the instructions. The process will take 10–15 minutes.

Instructions for Samsung (if available):

1. Go to Settings → Software update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Delete the latest update (if the item is active).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: on Samsung rollback through settings is possible only within 7 days after the update. After this period, the function is blocked.

Method 2: Flashing via Fastboot (universal method)

Fastboot is a bootloader mode that allows you to flash system partitions directly from a PC. The method is suitable for most devices with an unlocked bootloader, but requires caution.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB i Fastboot installed (you can download it from Android SDK Platform Tools).
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (see section "Preparation").
• 🔗 Firmware in format .img or .zip for your model (look on XDA Developers or official resources).
• 🔌 Original USB cable (cheap cables may interrupt data transfer).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the firmware and unpack it into a folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and put it into mode Fastboot:

   adb reboot bootloader

3. Check that the device is detected:

   fastboot devices

   The phone's serial number should appear.
4. Flash each section in turn (example for Google Pixel):

   fastboot flash boot boot.img
   fastboot flash system system.img
   fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
   fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img

   For other models names partitions may differ (check the instructions for the firmware).
5. Clear the cache:

   fastboot erase cache

6. Reboot the device:

   fastboot reboot

Possible errors and solutions:

• 🚫 FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed') → The bootloader is not unlocked. "Preparation".
• 🚫 Invalid sparse file format → The firmware is damaged. Download it again.
• 🚫 The device is not detected → Check the drivers or try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

⚠️ Attention: on devices with A/B sections (for example, Pixel or OnePlus), you need to flash both slots (_a and _b). Otherwise, after a reboot, the phone will automatically update to the new version.

Method 3: Firmware via Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If your device has custom recovery installed (for example, TWRP), the firmware can be rolled back without a PC - directly from the memory card. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and a supported TWRP.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require constant connection to a PC.
• ✅ You can make a backup of the current firmware before rolling back.
• ✅ Supports firmware .zip-archives (convenient for custom firmware).

Instructions:

1. Download the required firmware in format .zip (for example, from XDA Developers or SamMobile).
2. Transfer the file to microSDcard or to the internal memory of the phone.
3. Boot into TWRP:
   • Turn off the phone.
   • Hold Power + Volume up (the combination may differ).