Rolling back to a previous version of Android is a procedure that can save a smartphone from bugs in the new firmware, return your favorite interface or restore compatibility with mission-critical applications. However firmware downgrade this is not just clicking the “Cancel update” button. Manufacturers often block the ability to return to older versions due to changes in security policy, and incorrect actions can turn the phone into a “brick.”

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus and others), methods bypassing blocking and unique methods of data recovery after a downgrade, which are not described on most forums. We will also look at why some models (for example, Huawei after 2019) are almost impossible to roll back without specialized equipment, and what to do in such cases.

Why you may need old firmware Android

Fresh versions of the operating system do not always mean improvements. Here are the most common reasons why users are looking for ways to return old firmware:

  • 🐞 Critical bugs: The new version of Android may contain bugs that interfere with your experience, from random reboots to problems connecting to mobile networks. For example, Android 14 on some Samsung Galaxy S22 caused problems with the fingerprint.
  • 🎮 Incompatibility with games/applications: Old games (for example, Pokémon GO on Android 7) or corporate software may stop working after updating.
  • 🔋 Deterioration autonomy: New versions are often optimized for new hardware, and on older smartphones (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5) they can eat up the charge 20-30% faster.
  • 🛠️ Loss of root access: After updating, OTA often crashes Magisk or SuperSU, and returning root on new firmware can be more difficult.
  • 🖥️ Interface changes: Many users OnePlus were dissatisfied with the transition to ColorOS instead of OxygenOS.

Before you start the rollback, check if your problem resetting to factory settings (without losing the firmware) or installation custom kernel. For example, on Google Pixel firmware KernelSU instead of a complete downgrade often helps.

📊 What problem made you look for the old one? firmware?
Bugs in the new version
Poor autonomy
Incompatibility with applications
Interface changes
Another reason

Preparation for downgrade: what needs to be done before flashing

Unprepared firmware rollback can lead to data loss, bootloader blocking or even damage to the eMMC module (especially on older smartphones Samsung with chips UFS 2.0). Here is a checklist of required actions:

Make a backup copy of data (including Internal Storage)

Check the model and version of the bootloader (fastboot getvar all)

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

Make sure that the battery is charged to 80%+

Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)

Disable OEM Unlock in the settings (if required)

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Pay special attention bootloader version (bootloader). data-i="96">. To find out your version, run the Google Pixel 6 firmware Android 12 not compatible with bootloader from Android 13 — attempting to downgrade will result in an error INVALID BOOT IMAGE. To find out your version, run ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.bootloader

Also check whether the manufacturer has blocked the downgrade. For example, Samsung since 2021, it uses a system RMM Statethat can block the device when you try to rollback. In such cases, you will need resetting the KNOX counter (which will void the warranty).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (entered in Android 10) an attempt to flash the old version without first changing markup will lead to loss of all data possibly “skewed”. Check the markup via fastboot getvar partition-type:dynamic.

Methods of installing old firmware: which one to choose

The downgrade method depends on the brand, model and current version of Android. Below is a comparison of the main methods with their pros and cons:

Method Suitable brands Pros Cons Complexity
Fastboot (full firmware) Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi (A/B) The most reliable, works even on locked devices (with unlocking) Requires unlocking the bootloader, erases data ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ODIN (for Samsung) Samsung Galaxy (all models) Official tool, supports downgrade without data loss (sometimes) Works only on Windows, risk of KNOX trigger ⭐⭐⭐
Recovery (TWRP) Any devices with custom recovery You can flash only the necessary partitions (for example, system without boot) Requires root or an unlocked bootloader, not all firmware is supported ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OTA downgrade Google Pixel, some Xiaomi Does not require unlocking, saves data Works only if the manufacturer has not blocked rollback ⭐⭐
EDL (emergency mode) Xiaomi, Qualcomm smartphones Works even on bricks Requires an authorized account (Mi Account for Xiaomi), risk of damaging IMEI ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For most users, the best option would be Fastboot (for Pixel/OnePlus) or ODIN (for Samsung). If your device supports Seamless Updates (partitions A/B), you can try to flash the old version onto an inactive slot without loss. data.

💡

On devices with MediaTek (for example, Realme or Oppo) downgrade often requires a tool SP Flash ToolDownload it only from official sources - fake versions may contain. malware.

Step-by-step guide: downgrade via Fastboot (for Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you have never unlocked bootloader, first do:

fastboot flashing unlock

fastboot reboot-bootloader

Next follow the instructions:

  1. Download the firmware:
    • 📱 For Google Pixel: official images with Google site (search by device code, for example redfin for Pixel 5).
    • 📱 For OnePlus: firmware with oxygenos.oneplus.net (select version MSM Download Tool for a complete downgrade).
    • 📱 For Xiaomi: MIUI firmware with official website (pay attention to the region! Global ≠ China).
  • Unpack the firmware and check files: Unzip the firmware using

    The archive must contain files boot.img, system.img, vendor.img And flash-all.bat (For Pixel). If there is only payload.bin, extract the images using payload_dumper.

  • Flash the firmware:

    Connect the phone in fastboot (hold Power + Vol Down when turned on) and do:

    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot flash system system.img
    

    fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
    

    fastboot reboot

    For Pixel possible use flash-all.bat (but it will erase all data!).

  • Check the version:

    After reboot, run adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release. If the version has not changed, flash boot and system again.

    • ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and AVB 2.0 (for example, Pixel 6) after downgrading, you may need to disable signature verification. To do this, after flashing the firmware, do: 
    fastboot disable-verity

    fastboot disable-verification

    Otherwise the phone will get stuck on the logo.

    What to do if Fastboot gives an error FAILED (remote

    'Partition not found')?:

    This error means that the firmware is missing an image for one of the partitions (for example, product.img for Android 10+). Solution:

    1. Check if all files have been unpacked from the archive.

    2. If missing product.img, download it separately from the forum XDA Developers for your model.

    3. Sew the missing sections manually:

    fastboot flash product product.img

    4. Reboot into recovery and do wipe cache.

    Downgrade on Samsung: features of ODIN and KNOX

    Device Samsung use a proprietary firmware protocol, so they need a tool ODIN. The main difficulty is the system KNOX, which can block the device when trying to roll back. Here's how to minimize the risks:

    • 🔓 Unlock OEM Unlock: Go to Settings → About phone → Software information and click on Build number7 times. Then in Options developer enable OEM Unlock.
    • 📥 Download the correct firmware:

      Use only official firmware from samfw.com or samobile.com. Pay attention to:

      • Model (SM-G975F for Galaxy S10+)
      • Region (SER for Russia, XEU for Europe)
      • Bootloader version (BL in the file name)
    • ⚠️ Check the meter. KNOX: If it is already 0x1, downgrade is possible, but the warranty will be lost. If 0x0 - after the firmware it will become 0x1.

    Instructions for flashing firmware via ODIN:

    1. Run Odin3 v3.14.4 (new versions may not support older devices).
    2. Connect the phone in Download Mode (hold Power + Vol Down + Bixby with the phone turned off).
    3. Add files to ODIN:
      • BL → bootloader
      • AP → system + recovery
      • CP → modem
      • CSC → select HOME_CSCto save the data (or CSC to do a full reset).
  • Click Start and wait for the reboot (may take up to 10 minutes).
    • ⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Exynos (for example, Galaxy S21 Ultra) downgrade from Android 13 to Android 12 can lead to job loss 5G and VoLTE. The functionality can only be restored by flashing the patch via ADB.

    Restoring data after a downgrade

    If you did not make a backup copy before the rollback, you can return data in several ways - but success depends on which partitions were overwritten:

    • 📁 Recovery from TWRP backup:

      If you had it installed TWRP, and you made a backup in /TWRP/BACKUPS, connect the phone to the PC and copy the folder via ADB: 

      adb pull /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS

      Then flash TWRP again and restore the backup.

    • 🔍 Extracting data using DD:

      If the partition userdata has not been formatted, you can try to copy its image: 

      adb shell su -c "dd if=/dev/block/by-name/userdata of=/sdcard/userdata.img"

      Then analyze the image with apps like Autopsy or PhotoRec.

    • ☁️ Recovery from the cloud:

      If backup was enabled in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, the data can be returned via Settings → Accounts → Recovery. However, applications and their data will be restored only if the Android version matches the one on which the backup was made.

    For devices with FBE (File-Based Encryption, entered in Android 7) data recovery without a password is almost impossible. If you forgot your PIN code after the downgrade, try resetting it via fastboot erase frp (does not work on all devices).

    💡

    If after the downgrade the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, try flashing only the partition boot from the old firmware over the new one. In 30% of cases, this solves the problem without a complete flashing.

    Frequent errors and their solutions

    Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Error Cause Solution
    FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') The bootloader is blocked (for example, on Xiaomi linked to an account) Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (may require waiting 7-30 days)
    Error: update package missing system.img Firmware compiled without image system (often with custom firmware) Download the full firmware package or remove system.img from payload.bin
    Phone stuck on bootloop (cyclical reboot) Incompatibility of versions boot i vendor Flash boot.img from the current firmware over the old one or run fastboot erase cache
    ODIN: Complete(Write) operation failed Problems with USB connection or damaged firmware file Try another cable/port, check the checksum (MD5) firmware
    Loss of IMEI after flashing Partition damaged modem or nvdata Restore IMEI via QCNfile (for Qualcomm) or MauiMeta (for MediaTek)

    If your device does not turn on after several attempts to flash the firmware, do not panic. In 90% of cases it can be restored through EDL Mode (for Qualcomm) or Download Mode (for Samsung/Exynos). The main thing is not to try to flash random files, this can damage the partition with important data. EFS-section with important data.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to roll back the firmware without unlocking the bootloader?

    On most devices, no. Exceptions:

    • Google Pixel: you can use OTA downgradeif the manufacturer has not blocked it.
    • Samsung: sometimes the firmware works via Smart Switch (only for official updates).
    • Xiaomi: on some models you can flash recovery via fastboot without complete unlocking.

    In all other cases, unlocking will be required, which will reset the device to factory settings.

    Why does the mobile network not work after downgrading? Wi-Fi?

    This is due to the incompatibility of modem (radio module) and vendor-partitions. Solutions:

    1. Flash modem.img and vendor.img from current firmware over the old one.
    2. Update Radio Firmware via QFil (for Qualcomm) or Odin (for Samsung).
    3. If all else fails, return to the new firmware and wait for a patch from the manufacturer.
    How to find out which was the firmware version installed previously?

    There are several ways:

    • View the update history in Settings → System → Software update.
    • Use ADB: 
      adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental
    • On Samsung check through *#1234# (in the dialer).
    • If the phone does not turn on, look at the mark on the box or under the battery (for removable batteries).
    Is it possible to roll back the firmware on Huawei or Honor?

    On devices Huawei and Honor after 2019 (with processors Kirin 980+) downgrade is almost impossible due to:

    • Blocking of the bootloader through Huawei ID.
    • Lack of official firmware for older versions.
    • Use of a proprietary file system EROFS, which is not compatible with older kernels.

    The only option is to contact a service center with an official unlock code (cost ~50–100$).

    What to do if after downgrading the phone starts working slower?

    This is normal - the old firmware may not work optimized for new hardware. Try:

    • Disable animation: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.
    • Install a custom kernel (for example, FrancoKernel for Pixel).
    • Clear Dalvik cache: fastboot erase cache.
    • Roll back to latest stable firmware version (not the very first).