Android updates on devices Samsung often bring new features, security fixes and performance improvements. However, users often encounter the other side of the coin: after an upgrade, the system begins to slow down, discharge faster, and some applications stop working correctly. In such cases, a logical solution seems rollback to the previous firmware version - but the manufacturer does not provide standard tools for this.

In this article we will analyze all the available ways to return the old firmware to Samsung Galaxy - from official methods with minimal risks to advanced techniques for experienced users. It is important to understand: the rollback procedure is not always safe and can lead to data loss, device lock or warranty void. Therefore, before you begin, be sure to read the warnings and prepare backups.

Please note: rollback options depend on the device model, current and target version of Android, and bootloader status (bootloader). For example, on devices with Knox 3.0+ (released after 2017), some methods may not work correctly or even block the device. You perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk.

📊 Why do you want to roll back the Android update?
The smartphone began to slow down
The battery is draining quickly
Favorite applications do not work
I don’t like the new one interface
Other

1. Preparing for a rollback: what you need to do before you start

Before trying to return the old firmware, complete the required preparatory steps. This minimizes the risk of data loss and will help restore the device in case of failure.

Create a backup copy of all data - rolling back the firmware almost always leads to a complete reset of the settings. Use:

  • 📱 Samsung Smart Switch (official software for backup on PC)
  • ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud) for contacts, photos and documents
  • 💾 Local copy to SD card (if supported)
  • 🔧 Applications like Titanium Backup (requires root access)

Make sure you have access to your Samsung account —after a rollback, you may need to re-authorize to unlock the device (function Factory Reset Protection). Write down your login and password.

Check device model and current firmware version:

  1. Open Settings → Phone information → Information about Software
  2. Write down the values Model number (for example, SM-G975F) and Android version
  3. Find Build number (last line in section)

Full data backup on PC/cloud|Battery charge ≥ 70%|Samsung drivers installed on PC|The required firmware version has been downloaded|Antiviruses and firewalls have been disabled-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with One UI 4.0+ (Android 12+) rollback through Odin can lead to the flag being triggered RMM/Knox and blocking the bootloader. Before the procedure, check the status OEM Unlock in developer mode.

2. Official method: rollback via Samsung Smart Switch (for limited cases)

The safest way to return the previous firmware is to use proprietary software Samsung Smart Switch. However, it only works in two scenarios:

  1. The device stuck on the logo after an unsuccessful update
  2. Manufacturer officially allowed rollback for a specific model (rarity)

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch on PC (Windows/macOS)
  2. Connect your smartphone to the computer via the original USB cable
  3. Run Smart Switch and select Recovery (Emergency software recovery)
  4. Enter the device model and follow the app prompts

If the option Recovery is not available, it means that an official rollback is not possible for your model. In this case, proceed to alternative methods.

Rollback method Supported models Risks Requires a PC?
Smart Switch Only for devices with official rollback support Minimal (data will be erased) Yes
Odin (manual firmware) All models (except some with Knox 3.0+) Medium (risk of brick, loss of warranty) Yes
ADB Sideload Devices with an unlocked bootloader High (possible loss of IMEI) Yes
Custom recovery (TWRP) Only for models with TWRP support Very high (risk of complete data loss) Yes
⚠️ Attention: After a rollback via Smart Switch the device may require re-activation through your Samsung account. If you have forgotten your login details, restore them in advance on the website account.samsung.com.

3. Manual flashing via Odin: step-by-step guide

Odin is an internal tool Samsung for flashing devices, which has become popular among enthusiasts. Using it, you can install any compatible firmware version, including older builds. However, the method requires caution: incorrect actions can turn your smartphone into a “brick.”

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ PC with Windows (Odin does not work on macOS/Linux)
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (do not use cheap analogues!)
  • 📄 Firmware in format .tar.md5 for your model
  • 🛠️ app Odin3 (version 3.14.4 recommended)
  • 🔑 Drivers Samsung USB Drivers

Where to download the firmware? Official assemblies can be found on the resources:

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Unpack the archive with Odin and run the file Odin3.exe as administrator.
  2. Turn off the smartphone and transfer it to download mode:
    • Hold Volume down + Power + Bixby (or Volume up/down + Power on new models)
    • Confirm login Download Mode button Volume up
  • Connect the device to the PC. In Odin a message should appear Added! and a blue indicator in the field ID:COM.
  • In Odin click BL, select the file BL_****.tar.md5 from the firmware. Repeat for AP, CP and CSC (or HOME_CSCif you want to save the data).
  • Make sure that the checkboxes are only opposite F. Reset Time and Auto Reboot. The option Re-Partition should be disabled!
  • Click Start and wait for completion (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
    • What to do if Odin freezes on setupconnection>..?

    This error is usually related to the drivers or cable. Try:

    • Reinstall Samsung USB Drivers manually via Device Manager
    • Use a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0)
    • Disable antivirus and firewall
    • Try another cable (original from Samsung)

    If the problem persists, check the port status in Device Manager - the device should be detected as Samsung Mobile USB CDC Composite Device or similar.

    After successful firmware, the smartphone will reboot. The first launch may take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process! If the device is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, perform Force reboot (Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).

    💡

    Use file HOME_CSC instead CSCif you want to save user data. However, this may lead to system instability. For a clean rollback, always select CSC (full reset).

    4. Rollback via ADB Sideload (for experienced users)

    If Odin does not work (for example, due to a locked bootloader), you can try flashing the firmware via custom recovery in ADB Sideloadmode. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP or another recovery.

    Warning: method does not work on all devices Samsung. On models with One UI 3.1+ protection may be triggered VaultKeeper, blocking the installation of unsigned firmware.

    Instructions:

    1. Unlock the bootloader via OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if not unlocked previously).
    2. Install TWRP for your model (look for instructions on forum.xda-developers.com).
    3. Download the firmware in format .zip (not .tar.md5!) from resources like SamMobile or XDA.
    4. Reboot into TWRP (Power + Volume Up + Bixby).
    5. Select Advanced → ADB Sideload.
    6. On the PC, open the command line in folder with ADB and do: 
      adb sideload firmware.zip

    The process will take 10-20 minutes. Once completed, do Wipe Dalvik/Cache in TWRP and reboot. If the device does not start, try flashing magisk.zip to fix it. boot (if you were previously root).

    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Exynosprocessors (for example, Galaxy S21 Ultra Exynos) rollback via ADB Sideload can lead to loss of IMEI Before the procedure, save a backup copy of the partition EFS using TWRP or utility EFS Professional.

    5. Alternative methods: when all else fails

    If standard methods do not work, riskier options remain. They should be considered only as a last resort, as they can lead to irreversible consequences.

    1. Firmware via Fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader)

    Some models Samsung (for example, line Galaxy A with processors Qualcomm) support firmware via fastboot. To do this:

    • Download the firmware in format fastboot (for example, from XDA).
    • Unpack the archive and run the script flash-all.bat (Windows) or flash-all.sh (Linux/macOS).
    • Wait for completion and reboot device.

    2. Using Patched Odin to bypass restrictions

    On some devices (for example, Galaxy S10+ s One UI 2.5) standard Odin blocks the firmware of older versions. In this case, you can try modified versions of the app, such as:

    • Prince Comsy Odin (to bypass version checking)
    • Odin3 v3.13.3 Patched (supports old firmware)

    3. Contacting the service center

    If all attempts at self-rollback have failed, the last option remains - contact the service center. authorized service center SamsungPlease note:

    • Official services do not perform firmware rollback under warranty.
    • The procedure will be paid (the cost depends on the model and region).
    • They may require proof of purchase of the device (receipt, warranty card).
    💡

    If after an unsuccessful rollback the device does not turn on, try the combination Power + Volume down + Bixby for 15 seconds. This sometimes helps to get out of the “soft brick” and reboot the smartphone into download mode.

    6. Possible problems after a rollback and their solutions

    Even if the rollback was successful, you may encounter unpleasant consequences. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

    1. The device is stuck on the logo Samsung

    Reasons:

    • Incompatibility of the firmware with the device model.
    • Damage to system files during firmware.
    • Conflict with the remnants of the previous version of Android.

    Solution:

    • Perform force reset via Recovery Mode (Power + Volume Up + Bixbythen Wipe data/factory reset).
    • Repeat the firmware with a clean CSCfile (not HOME_CSC).
    • Flash the full firmware package (including PITfile, if available).

    2. Loss of connection (no network, IMEI not detected)

    This is a critical problem that often occurs after a rollback on devices with Exynoschips:

    • Partition damage EFS, where the modem data is stored.
    • Incompatibility of the modem version with the firmware.

    Solution:

    • Restore the partition EFS from a backup (if you made it in advance).
    • Flash separately the modem file (CP) via Odin.
    • Try to enter IMEI manually through the engineering menu (#06#then #197328640#).

    3. Message "Custom binary blocked by FRP lock"

    This error appears if:

    • The device was turned on Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
    • You flashed custom software or unsigned firmware.

    Solution:

    • Enter your account information Google or Samsung, which was linked before the reset.
    • If you don’t remember the data, use the official tool Samsung Find My Mobile to unlock.
    • As a last resort, flash full stock firmware s PIT-file.
    💡

    If after the rollback the device stops charging or discharges quickly, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the smartphone before turning it off, then charge it to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

    7. How to avoid problems with future updates

    To avoid having to roll back in the future, follow these recommendations:

    1. Check reviews before updating

    Before installing new software:

    • 🔍 Read reviews on forums (XDA, 4PDA, Reddit).
    • 📊 Check stability ratings on sites like SamMobile.
    • 📋 Check out list of changes in the new version.

    2. Postpone updates for 1-2 weeks

    The first days after the release of a new firmware, critical bugs are often identified. Wait until:

    • The manufacturer will release patches.
    • Developers of popular applications are adapting their products.
    • Reviews from real users will appear.

    3. Use beta versions for testing

    If you do not want to risk the stability of the main one. devices:

    • 📱 Install the beta firmware on second device (if any).
    • 🧪 Register in the beta testing app Samsung Members.
    • 🔄 After testing, you can easily return to the stable version.

    4. Set up automatic creation of backups

    To minimize data loss during failures:

    • ☁️ Enable automatic synchronization s Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
    • 📅 Set up regular local backups via Smart Switch.
    • 📁 Save copies of important files to an external drive.
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and One UI 5.0+ some backup functions may be limited due to stricter security policies. Check the synchronization settings in Settings → Accounts and archiving.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rolling back the firmware on Samsung

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

    Theoretically, yes - if you use file HOME_CSC instead of CSC in Odin. However, this is fraught with system errors, since older versions of Android may not support new data storage formats. In practice, it is more reliable to make a full backup and reset.

    Why does the camera or fingerprint sensor not work after a rollback?

    This is a typical problem when rolling back to an older firmware, since hardware component drivers are updated along with the system. Solutions:

    • Flash full firmware with the correct version of drivers.
    • Install Magisk module for compatibility (if you have root).
    • Return to new firmware and wait for fixes from Samsung.
    How do I know if the bootloader is unlocked on my device?

    Check the status in download mode:

    1. Turn off smartphone.
    2. Hold Volume up + Power + Bixby (or Volume down + Power on new models).
    3. If in at the top of the screen there is an inscription OEM Unlock: ON —the bootloader is unlocked.

    You can also check the status in the developer settings (OEM unlocking).

    What to do if after a rollback the smartphone does not turn on (brick)?

    Follow this algorithm:

    1. Hard reset: press Power + Volume down for 15-20 seconds.
    2. Attempting to boot into Download Mode: Power + Volume Down + Bixby.
    3. Firmware via Odin: Repeat the process with a different firmware version.
    4. Usage JTAG: if the device does not respond at all, you will need specialized equipment (contact the service).

    In 90% of cases, "soft brick" (soft brick) is eliminated by re-firmware.

    Is it possible to roll back the firmware on devices with eSIM?

    Yes, but there are nuances:

    • 📱 On devices with eSIM (for example, Galaxy S22 Ultra) a rollback can lead to loss of the eSIM profile.
    • 🔄 Before the procedure deactivate the eSIM through the operator settings.
    • 📲 After the rollback, you may need to re-activate the eSIM (contact your operator).