How to roll back Samsung Galaxy A50 from Android 10/11 to Android 9 Pie: a complete guide

Owners Samsung Galaxy A50 (model SM-A505F) are often faced with the desire to return the original firmware Android 9 Pie after updating to Android 10 (Q) or Android 11. The reasons are different: from slowdowns and bugs to incompatibility with critical applications. However, a rollback is a procedure with pitfalls that requires an understanding of the firmware mechanisms and possible consequences.

The process of returning to Android 9 to Galaxy A50 is technically possible, but there are no official tools from Samsung for this. All methods are based on manual intervention in the system software through Odin, ADB or custom recovery. It is important to take into account that after a rollback, blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection) may occur, and some functions (for example Samsung Knox) will be irrevocably damaged. This article covers all stages - from preparation to data recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial firmware will void Samsung's warranty. If the device was purchased from a telecom operator, check whether it is linked to the SIM card - after a rollback it may disappear.

Why users want to return Android 9 to the Galaxy A50

The main reason for the rollback is performance. Android 10 and 11 on Galaxy A50 are often criticized for:

• 🐢 Noticeable lags when multitasking (especially with 4 GB of RAM).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to background processes One UI 2.x/3.x.
• 📱 Overheating of the processor Exynos 9610 under prolonged load.
• 🚫 Incompatibility with older versions of applications (for example, banking clients or corporate software).

The second factor is interface. Many users find One UI 1.x (based on Android 9) more intuitive, especially on screens with resolution 2340×1080. For example, in Android 9 there is no forced "gesture control", which in newer versions is disabled only through ADB.

Finally, security: some custom ROMs based on Android 9 offer better optimization for Exynos 9610than stock firmware from Samsung with abundance of bloodware.

Preparing for a rollback: what needs to be done before updating the firmware

Improper preparation is the main cause of “bricks” (inoperative devices) after a rollback. Follow the checklist:

Make a backup copy of your data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check the device model in Settings → About phone|Download the correct firmware version for the region|Install Samsung USB drivers|Charge the phone at least 70%|Prepare a USB cable (original or high quality)-->

Pay special attention firmware version. For Galaxy A50 there are regional options (for example, A505FXXU4BTI6 for Europe or A505FDDU4BTK1 for Russia). Installing firmware from another region can lead to:

• 📡 Loss of support for local LTE bands.
• 🔊 Problems with operation Samsung Pay or Knox.
• 📵 Errors when updating via OTA in the future.

To check the current firmware version, go to Settings → About phone → Software information and write down the values Build number and Baseband version (Baseband). This data will be useful when choosing a file to roll back.

⚠️ Attention: If yours Galaxy A50 has been updated via Samsung Smart Switch or OTA, check the status Knox command *#06#. The value Knox: 0x1 means that the warranty has already been voided and a rollback will not make the situation worse. If Knox: 0x0 —be prepared to activate it.

Official vs. unofficial rollback: pros and cons

Return Android 9 to Galaxy A50 can be done in two ways:

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Risks
Official firmware via Odin	Keeps Samsung Knox in condition 0x1, minimal bugs	Requires the exact version for the region, restrictions are possible (for example, blocking Netflix HD)	Low (with proper preparation)
Custom firmware (LineageOS, HavocOS)	More opportunities for fine-tuning, no blockware	Loss Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, possible problems with the camera	Medium (risk of "brick" if there is an error in TWRP)
Rollback via Samsung Smart Switch (if available)	Simplicity, no need for technical skills	Works only for some regions and versions	Minimal

For most users, optimal first method - firmware of the official version of Android 9 via Odin. It preserves the main functions Galaxy A50 and reduces risks to a minimum. Custom firmware is suitable for experienced users who are willing to sacrifice Samsung branded features for the sake of performance.

Step-by-step guide: rollback to Android 9 via Odin

This method is suitable for firmware official stock firmware Android 9. You you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer running Windows 7/10/11 (for Odin Samsung drivers are required).
• 📁 Firmware in format .tar.md5 (4 files: AP, BL, CP, CSC).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ app Odin3 v3.14.4 (latest stable version).

Step 1. Download the firmware

Official firmware for Galaxy A50 can be found on the resources:

• SamMobile (registration required, download speed is limited).
• Sammobile Firmware (alternative archive).
• XDA Developers (in topics dedicated to SM-A505F).

Look for firmware with the tag Android 9 Pie and the region code corresponding to your device (for example, SER for Russia, XEO for Europe).

Step 2. Install drivers

Download and install Samsung USB Driver from the official website. To check, connect the phone in Download Mode:

1. Turn off Galaxy A50.
2. Hold Volume Down + Volume Up, then connect the cable to the PC.
3. Click Volume Up to confirm entering Download Mode.

In Manager devices Windows the device should appear Samsung Mobile USB CDC Composite Device.

Step 3. Firmware via Odin

1. Run Odin3 as administrator.
2. Connect the phone in mode Download Mode.
3. B Odin upload the firmware files to the appropriate fields:
   • BL → BL_...
   • AP → AP_...
   • CP → CP_...
   • CSC → HOME_CSC_... (if you want to save the data) or CSC_... (full reset).

Click Start and wait for completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

What to do if Odin hangs on setupconnection>...?

This error occurs due to problems with the drivers or USB port. Try:

• 🔌 Connect the cable to the rear port of the PC (on laptops, the front ports are often unstable).
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus (it may block Odin).
• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers manually via Device Manager.

If the problem persists, try another version Odin (for example, v3.13.1).

Step 4. First startup

After the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically reboot. The first startup may take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process! If the device is stuck on the logo Samsung longer than 20 minutes:

• 🔄 Force reboot it (Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).
• 📱 If the freeze persists, repeat the firmware with a full reset (CSCnot HOME_CSC).

💡

Use HOME_CSC saves user data, but can lead to conflicts with system applications. For stability, a full reset is recommended (CSC).

Solving common problems after a rollback

Even with successful firmware, problems may occur. Here are the most common and methods for them. solutions:

• 🔒 FRP Lock (Google Factory Protection): If after the reset it requires the data of the previous account, but you do not remember them, you will need to bypass it through Combination ROM or a service center.
• 📶 No network: Check that the firmware matches the region. If the problem persists, update Baseband via Odin (file CP).
• 🔋 Battery drain quickly: After the rollback, perform calibration:
  1. Charge the phone up to 100%.
  2. Disconnect and use until completely discharged.
  3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

🎵 No sound in the speaker: Often associated with partition damage /vendorReflash the file AP without. checkmark Auto Reboot, then manually reboot into Recovery Mode and do Wipe Cache.

Critical information: If after a rollback the phone does not turn on (black screen, no response to buttons), and Download Mode is not available - this is a "hard brick". The device can only be restored via JTAG or replacing the motherboard.

⚠️ Attention: On some Android 9 firmwares Galaxy A50 support is disabled (voice over LTE). If calls do not work on 4G networks, check the settings in VoLTE (voice over LTE). If calls do not work on 4G networks, check your settings in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode (select LTE/3G/2G).

Alternative methods: custom firmware and Root

If stock Android 9 is not satisfactory, consider custom firmware. For Galaxy A50 popular:

• LineageOS 16 (Android 9 Pie) - stable build with a minimalistic interface.
• HavocOS - firmware with advanced performance settings.
• Pixel Experience - ported interface Google Pixel.

Requirements for installation:

1. Unlocked Bootloader (voids warranty, resets data).
2. Installed custom recovery TWRP (version 3.5.2 or later).
3. Firmware in format .zip i GApps (if Google services are needed).

Installation instructions for TWRP:

1. Download twrp-3.5.2_9-0-a50.tar for Galaxy A50.
2. Flash it through Odin in the field AP (ticks only Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time).
3. Immediately after flashing, press Power + Volume Up to enter TWRP.
4. Make a backup of the partitions Boot, System, Data.

To flash a custom ROM:

1. Run TWRP run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
2. Flash the ZIP file firmware, then GApps (if necessary).
3. Reboot. The first startup may take up to 15 minutes.
💡

Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with the modification of your Galaxy A50firmware. for SM-A505F not suitable for SM-A505FN (version with NFC).

Data recovery and configuration after a rollback

After a successful rollback to Android 9 required:

1. Restore data: Use backups created through Samsung Smart Switch, Google Drive or Titanium Backup (requires Root).
2. Update applications: Go to Google Play and update all apps - some may require manual confirmation due to a change in Android version.
3. Set up security:
   • Activate Find My Mobile in Settings → Biometrics and security.
   • Update fingerprints and facial recognition (algorithms may differ in Android 9).
• Check performance: Install CPU-Z or Geekbenchto compare performance with Android 10/11.

If you used HOME_CSC and saved the data, there may be errors in the operation of system applications (for example, Samsung Health or Galaxy StoreIn this case:

• Go to Settings → Applications.
• Find the problematic application and clear Cache + Data.
• Restart the device.

For recovery Samsung Pay after a rollback, a reset may be required Knox through a service center - this cannot be done on your own.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rolling back the Samsung Galaxy A50

❓ Is it possible to roll back Android 11 directly to Android 9 without intermediate steps? steps?

Technically yes, but not recommendedA sudden transition through several versions of Android can lead to:

• Loss of IMEI (no network).
• Operation errors Secure Folder.
• Unstable camera operation (especially in Night Mode).

Optimal path: Android 11 → Android 10 → Android 9 with a full reset at each stage.

❓ Will banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) work after a rollback?

Depends on the firmware:

• Stock Android 9: Yes, if SafetyNet is being tested (check through the app SafetyNet Test).
• Custom firmware: You may need Magisk with module Universal SafetyNet Fix.

Some banks (for example, VTB) block access on devices with unlocked Bootloader.

❓ How to return OTA updates after a rollback?

OTA updates only work on official firmware s intact Knox. If you flashed stock Android 9:

1. Check Settings → Software update.
2. If there are no updates - download the latest version of Android 9 for your region and flash it via Odin c HOME_CSC.

OTA does not work on custom firmware - updates are installed manually via TWRP.

❓ Is it possible to roll back the firmware without losing data?

Partly yes, if use HOME_CSC instead of CSC in Odin. However:

• System applications (Galaxy Store, Samsung Keyboard) may not work correctly.
• Data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp) may become damaged due to changes in the Android version.
• The risk of a “soft brick” (cyclic reboot) is higher than with a full reset.

To be on the safe side, make a backup via Samsung Smart Switch or Titanium Backup (requires Root).

❓ Where to download the official Android 9 firmware for the Galaxy A50?

Official sources:

• SamMobile (the largest archive, but requires registration).
• SamFW (free downloads, but limited speed).
• XDA Developers (in the device topic SM-A505F they often post firmware mirrors).

⚠️ Avoid third-party sites with suspicious domains - they can distribute firmware with malware.