Users of budget smartphones often encounter a situation where, after automatically installing a new version of the system, the device begins to work unstable. The model Samsung Galaxy A10released in 2019 no longer receives major interface changes, but background security patches may cause slowdowns or increased battery consumption. There is a natural desire to return the previous, more stable version of the software.
Unfortunately, in the ecosystem Android there is no simple “Cancel update” button in the phone settings. The process of rolling back a firmware version (downgrade) is a complex technical procedure that requires an understanding of the system architecture and the presence of special software on the computer. Simply deleting the update files from the device's memory will not restore the previous version of the system, since the old system partitions are permanently overwritten.
However, there are proven methods for solving problems that arose after the update. In this article we will look at all the available methods: from a soft reset to a complete flashing of the device with a downgrade of the software version. It is important to understand the risks of each method and strictly follow the instructions so as not to turn your smartphone into a “brick.”
Why you can’t just delete the update file
Many users mistakenly believe that the downloaded update package is stored as a regular installation file that can be found and erased. In fact, when you see a notification that an update is downloaded and ready to install, the system has already prepared partitions to record the new data. After clicking the “Install” button, the old system partition bootloader and the system kernel are replaced with new ones.
The update process on devices Samsung is irreversible using standard interface tools. As soon as the new firmware is written to permanent memory, the previous version physically disappears. Only temporary logs or installer cache can remain in the storage, the deletion of which will not in any way affect the version of the operating system.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to delete system files through file managers with superuser rights (Root) can lead to complete inoperability of the device and loss of warranty.
The only legal and safe way to return the old version is manually installation of factory firmware from an earlier year of manufacture. This requires a computer, cable and specialized software. Simply deleting the cache will not solve the problem of incompatibility of new software with your hardware Galaxy A10.
Before any manipulations with the firmware, be sure to create a backup copy of all contacts, photos and documents on external media or in cloud storage.
Preparing to roll back the firmware version
If you are determined to downgrade, you must carefully prepare. This process requires a PC running Windows, since the main flashing tool Samsung does not work on macOS or Linux without sophisticated emulators. You will need an original or high-quality certified USB cable to ensure a stable connection while recording data.
The first step is to find the correct firmware. For the model SM-A105F (or your regional modification), you need to find a file with a version lower than the one currently installed. The version ID can be viewed in the phone settings. Firmware files usually have the extension .tar.md5 and weigh from 1 to 3 gigabytes.
You also need to install drivers Samsung USB Driver on your computer. Without them, the flashing app will not see the connected smartphone in a special mode. After installing the drivers, download the utility Odin —this is a standard service center tool for working with devices of this brand.
☑️ Preparing for flashing
Do not forget that the firmware process will completely erase all data from the internal drive. Therefore, the backup stage is critically important. Save photos, videos and correspondence in a safe place, as it will be impossible to restore them after formatting the system partitions.
Instructions for flashing via Odin
The process of installing an old version of software is called flashing. Run the app Odin as administrator on your computer. Switch your smartphone Samsung A10 to Download Mode. To do this, turn off the phone, then press the Volume Down and Powerbuttons simultaneously. When the warning screen appears, press Volume Up to confirm entry.
Connect your phone to the computer with a cable. In the Odin app, a message Added!should appear in the log, and one of the squares in the upper left corner should light up blue or yellow. This means that the connection is established correctly and the device is ready to receive data.
Unpack the downloaded archive with the firmware. In the Odin app interface, you need to organize the files into the appropriate fields. Typically, the file structure looks like this:
- 📂 The file starting with BLis loaded into the field
BL(Bootloader). - 📂 File marked AP (the largest in volume) goes into the field
AP(System). - 📂 File CP is loaded into the field
CP(Modem/Radio module). - 📂 File CSC or
HOME_CSCplaced in the fieldCSC.
Difference between CSC and HOME_CSC
Using the HOME_CSC file will attempt to save user data, but this often causes errors when downgrading. It is recommended to use a clean CSC file for a complete reset and guaranteed system stability.
Make sure that in the app settings (Options tab) the checkboxes are only opposite Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time. Press the button Start and under no circumstances disconnect the cable until the green progress bar and the inscription PASS!appear. The phone will automatically reboot, and the process can be considered complete.
Alternative methods for solving problems
If flashing seems too difficult or risky to you, you can try to mitigate the consequences of a failed update using less drastic methods. Often, problems with performance or heating are associated not with the version of Android itself, but with a cache conflict between old applications and new system libraries.
The first step is to clear the cache partition (Wipe Cache Partition). This does not delete your personal data, but it does erase temporary system files that may have become corrupted during the update. To do this, you need to boot into Recovery mode by holding down the buttons Volume Up and Power (with the device turned off, you may need to connect to a PC via USB for new versions of Android).
In the Recovery menu, Using the volume buttons, select the item Wipe Cache Partition and confirm the selection with the power button. Once completed, select Reboot System Now. This procedure often eliminates “lags” and slowdowns of the interface.
| Method | Complexity | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cache clearing | Low | No | Medium |
| Factory reset | Low | Full | High |
| Flashing (Odin) | High | Full | Maximum |
Another option is to perform a full reset (Hard Reset) through the phone menu. This will return the software to the “as from the store” state, but the system version will remain current. However, a clean installation often works faster than an updated one “on top” of the old system.
Possible risks and errors during downgrade
The process of downgrading a software version carries certain risks. The most serious obstacle is protection Knox and the anti-rollback mechanism (Anti-Rollback). If the manufacturer has blocked the ability to install older versions of the bootloader, attempting to flash the old firmware may result in the phone no longer turning on.
On the model Samsung A10 the Anti-Rollback mechanism is not implemented as strictly as on the flagship series, but there is a risk. If the firmware is unsuccessful, you may end up with a device with a black screen that only responds when connected to a computer in Download mode. In this case, you will need to search for a combination of files for recovery (Stock Firmware) of the exact version that caused the failure, or an even newer one.
⚠️ Attention: Unofficial firmware or files from unverified sources may contain malicious code or be modified, which will make the phone vulnerable to data theft.
It is also worth considering that older firmware versions may not support some modern applications. Banking apps and instant messengers often require the latest security patches. By rolling back to the 2019 or 2020 version, you risk encountering error messages when launching important software.
Downgrade is only possible if the bootloader version (Binary Bit) in the old firmware is equal to or lower than the current one. You can check this by the fourth digit in the assembly version (for example, A105FXXU1... vs A105FXXU3...).
Setting up the phone after returning to the old version
After successfully installing the previous version of the system, you will have to configure the smartphone again. When you turn it on for the first time, the setup wizard will prompt you to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your account Google. Since we used the full format method, the phone will be clean.
Do not restore all applications from Google backup at once. It's better to install them manually as needed. This will help avoid migrating potentially conflicting settings or cache that may have caused the initial problems. Pay special attention to the energy saving settings.
In the Settings → Device maintenance → Battery section, check which applications consume energy. On older versions of Android, optimization algorithms may work differently. It is recommended to enable the “Adaptive power consumption” mode so that the system itself limits the background activity of rarely used apps.
If you notice that the connection is unstable, check your network settings. Sometimes after flashing the preferred network types are reset. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and make sure that the mode is selected LTE/3G/2G (auto-connect).
After the firmware, let the phone work for about an hour in quiet mode without active actions. The system performs internal file optimization (ART/Dalvik cache), which can cause heating in the first minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to remove an update without connecting the phone to the computer?
No, it is impossible to remove a system update and roll back the version using standard phone tools. You need to use a PC and the Odin app to write the old system image to the device's memory.
Will flashing erase my photos and contacts?
Yes, the flashing process via Odin using a CSC file involves completely formatting the internal drive. All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery if there is no backup.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the Samsung logo after flashing the firmware?
Try to force a reboot by holding down the Volume Down and Power buttons for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to re-firmware, possibly with a different version of the software or using a PIT file (for experienced users only).
Is it safe to install firmware from another region (for example, instead of Russia - Europe)?
Technically this is possible, and the phone will work. However, problems may arise with the operation of local functions, communication frequencies or pre-installed software. It is recommended to use firmware with the region code (CSC) corresponding to your location.
How long does it take to flash a Samsung A10?
The actual writing of data to the phone's memory via Odin usually takes from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the speed of the USB port and the size of the firmware. However, preparation (searching for files, installing drivers, backup) may take much longer.