How to Downgrade Apps on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide
Android apps are constantly being updated to offer new features, improved performance, and bug fixes. However, sometimes you may find that the latest version of an app doesn’t work as well on your device or lacks certain features that were available in a previous version. In such cases, it can be useful to know how to downgrade apps on Android. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that.
1. Locate the APK file: Search for the specific app version you want to downgrade on reliable APK websites or use backup apps like APKMirror or APKPure to find older versions.
2. Enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and toggle it on to allow installation from sources other than the Google Play Store.
3. Uninstall the current app: Go to Settings > Apps > [app name] and tap on Uninstall.
4. Install the older version: Locate the downloaded APK file and tap on it to initiate installation. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
5. Disable auto-updates: Open the Google Play Store, go to Settings > Auto-update apps, and select “Don’t auto-update apps” or “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.”
6. Prevent accidental updates: Open the Google Play Store, go to the app’s page, tap on the three-dot menu, and uncheck “Enable auto-update.”
7. Disable Play Protect: Open the Google Play Store, go to Settings > Play Protect, and toggle off “Scan apps with Play Protect.”
FAQs about downgrading apps on Android:
1. Can I downgrade any app?
Not all apps have older versions available for download. It depends on developers and app availability.
2. Will downgrading an app cause data loss?
No, downgrading an app shouldn’t lead to any loss of data. However, it’s always advisable to back up your data regularly.
3. Can I still receive updates for downgraded apps?
No, you’ll need to manually update the app by downloading newer versions from reliable sources.
4. Is it safe to download APK files?
Only download APK files from trustworthy sources to avoid malware or security risks.
5. Can I downgrade system apps?
Downgrading system apps requires root access, which may void your device’s warranty and can be risky.
6. Can I downgrade an app without uninstalling the current version?
No, you need to uninstall the current version before installing the older one.
7. Will downgrading an app impact its functionality?
Downgrading an app may affect its functionality, as newer versions often include bug fixes and improvements. Be cautious when downgrading.
With these steps, you can easily downgrade apps on your Android device. Remember to exercise caution and only download APK files from reliable sources.