The Android operating system is constantly improving: device manufacturers and Google itself are fixing errors that have arisen, fighting shortcomings, optimizing energy consumption, and also adding new functions. It would seem that updating to a newer version of the OS is always a good thing. However, all this is far from being so rosy: you can often upgrade to an unfinished version and a smartphone or tablet will work much worse than on a stable assembly. That is why today we decided to talk about how to return an old version of Android after an update.
Unfortunately, neither Google, as the creator of the OS, nor the device manufacturers have provided such a function. It is pointless to use a full reset to factory settings from the corresponding menu, all your data will simply be deleted, and the version of the operating system will remain the same. We think that you clearly do not want this. So what can be done?
Returning an old version of Android using Recovery
First, save all your data. You can use any program, but we recommend Titanium Backup. To use it, you need Root rights, as well as to restore an old version of the OS, so if you don't have them, get it. Each device has its own unique instructions for obtaining them. Here's exactly what you need to do:We agree that the process is clearly not an easy one and it should be used only in one single case, if the device really does not work well with the new OS version: it constantly freezes, irreplaceable applications do not turn on, and so on. In other cases, we recommend just getting used to the new interface, new features - this is not always a bad thing. Moreover, people quickly enough adapt to everything. So why should you cope with a smartphone or tablet ?! In any case, now you know what to do if you decide to return the old version of Android after the update. If you have any difficulties, we recommend visiting the w3bsit3-dns.com forum, where you can find out detailed information on your device.
It happens that smartphone users are often unhappy with the new version of the operating system for various reasons. Many are interested in whether it is possible to roll back Android updates by returning the previous version of the system. Any restore to a previous version - installation of the operating system from scratch, in which all files are completely removed. Let's see how to rollback the Android version.
Preventing unplanned updates
To avoid automatic updates on Android, you need to disable the auto-update function in the settings. Because once the installation procedure starts, you cannot stop it.
To adjust the settings, do the following:
The described algorithm was created on the example of Android 4.4. These actions will protect you from unexpected downloads of updates so that you do not have to rack your brains over restoring your native firmware.
A special program will serve as an intermediary in that operation. Titanium Backup is a common product. The utility can work if you have root rights. Their receipt is necessary to open access to system documents and archives.
As a result, a Titanium Backup folder will be created on the flash drive, in which many files will be placed. We advise you to transfer the content to your computer to avoid data loss.
Odin program helps to remove the firmware on Android and return the old one. Let's say you don't have a backup. Then you will have to search the Internet for documents with the desired operating system. The optimal place is considered to be the w3bsit3-dns.com site, intended for those who are going to restore old software. There are many firmwares for smartphones and tablets.
Returns via Titanium Backup
Thus, this program allows you to save copies of data from gadgets and helps you roll back the firmware to Android. Therefore, its use makes it possible to easily downgrade android version without searching for files and data.
To roll back the Android update to the factory firmware, just use the smartphone settings.
Sooner or later, there comes a time when, for some reason, you need to return an earlier version of the firmware on your Android device. These reasons can be very different: from software failures and errors to dissatisfaction with some unofficial assembly of the operating system. In any case, you need to be fully armed and know how to undo the changes made in the software.
Possible problems after updating Android
Android updates do not always improve the life of the owner of the device
Not to say that the Android upgrade will completely ruin the life of the owner of the device, but it will deliver minutes of headache.
After updating from the desktop, some shortcuts periodically disappear, and with them programs.
In other cases, after modifying the system, the user discovers new, completely optional programs that cannot be removed.
Returning old firmware options
Backup
There are many apps that are designed to back up your Android gadget's data, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. But we will take a look at the example of one of the first and most versatile backup and recovery programs - Titanium Backup.
Titanium Backup has long been recognized as the most efficient backup software
First, let's figure out why you need to use special software at all, because Android has backup capabilities out of the box. For example, when you change your phone or after a full reset to factory settings, you just need to log into your Google account and your contact data will be restored. However, do not forget that this will lose all applications and games, Wi-Fi and other network settings, system settings, etc. And this is a very significant problem if there are dozens of those applications installed - since the recovery can take an unacceptably long time.
So, to create a backup, we need Root rights on the device and the Titanium Backup program itself. Root rights are needed to gain access to system files and folders that store the settings and data we are interested in. Next, install the Titanium Backup program. Do not forget to allow the installation of applications from "Unknown Sources". After the first launch, Titanium Backup will ask for superuser rights, we give them and we can remember the solution. Do not rush to click everything - the program is powerful enough, and an inexperienced user can mess things up with full access to the system. Stick to the principle: "never use functions if you are not sure what they do."
To create a backup, you will need a memory card installed in the corresponding slot with a sufficient amount of free space, since the backup will be performed on it. On the main working screen, select the "Backups" tab. Press the "Menu" button on the phone and select the "Processing" item at the bottom of the screen. In the menu that opens, select the item "Back up all user software and system data", click "Start" opposite it. The program will prompt you to select all applications for backup. We are interested in a complete copy of the system, so we do not change anything. After that, the process of creating a backup starts. The process may take a different amount of time, depending on the number of programs installed. Now, in the "TitaniumBackup" folder on your memory card, you can see a large number of backup files, it is advisable to copy them to a computer or other device - you never know, suddenly the microSD card fails. It is also possible to set up automatic backups in the "Schedules" menu.
When the time comes and you need to restore the contents of your Android device, there are several ways to do this. First, you can restore both apps and settings. Through the menu item "Processing", go to the "Recovery" section and click "Restore all software with data". You can also restore only individual applications - then in the "Backups" section, select specific applications and click "Restore". Keep in mind that sometimes you need to reboot your device before the changes take effect. In any case, Titanium Backup offers a huge number of options for creating and restoring backups, so you can always restore your Android gadget to its original state. If you need to restore a full copy of the operating system, that is, the firmware, then you need to use the alternative recovery menu ClockworkMod Recovery or the like.
Other ways to rollback
Reset in the menu
The path to the coveted option depends on the type and model of your device:
- phones on Android version 2.3: Settings> Privacy>
- phones on Android version 4: Settings> Device storage> Reset to factory settings;
- tablets on Android version 4: Settings> Backup & reset> Factory data reset.
Hard reset
The path to hard reset starts from the Android system recovery menu
Go to the "Android system recovery" menu (). First, you need to turn off your smartphone or tablet, and then use the key combination, which again differs depending on the manufacturer of the device:
- more or less universal option - simultaneously hold down the power and volume down buttons;
- Samsung - simultaneously hold down the power and volume up buttons;
- Sony Ericsson - simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and camera buttons;
- Huawei - simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and volume up buttons;
- LG - simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and home screen buttons for more than 10 seconds. Release the power button after the LG logo lights up on the screen, hold the rest until you go to the recovery screen;
- HTC (most interesting) - hold down the volume down key, then briefly press the power button. After seeing the recovery menu on the screen, you can temporarily leave the volume down button alone. Find the item "Clear storage", select it by pressing the power button and confirm the action by clicking to decrease the volume.
For more confident navigation through the "Android system recovery" menu, it will be useful to remind you that the buttons are assigned: highlight is to navigate through the menu, and select is to select a menu item.
We get to the line "wipe data / factory reset" and select this item. Then in the new menu we find the action confirmation sub-item and select it.
With both hard and lighter reset options, a reboot will occur, after which your device will wake up with standard factory settings.
Video: How to Restore Firmware on Android
As you can see, the process of returning to the old version of Android is not as scary as many people think. Use our instructions and don't forget to make backups.
If you are faced with the question of how to restore the firmware to Android, first you need to deal with the situation when the firmware is really considered to be a failure. Most often, unofficial firmware versions give unsatisfactory results after flashing. You can restore the system on your own.
You can state the essence of your problem in the comments, I will definitely answer and advise something!
In a situation where the tablet starts to work incorrectly, freezes, WiFi does not work correctly, or other problems of a similar nature arise, do not worry too much. This situation is quite amenable to correction, and it is quite possible to return your tablet to its previous state.
Often there is a situation when, after the firmware, the tablet refuses to turn on at all. Or it turns on for just a couple of seconds, after which it turns off again. A similar phenomenon among specialists has received the name "brick".
How to restore factory firmware Android
This option is suitable in the first case we described, that is, when the tablet still shows signs of life, but there are problems during operation. Most often, such problems are the following situations:
- the tablet hangs immediately after switching on, the Android logo hangs on the screen and the download simply does not end;
- everything on the display is shown in mirror image;
- the sensor does not work, that is, the device does not react at all to touch.
With these and similar problems, the tablet is visible to the computer as connected equipment.
To fix a similar problem and return the factory firmware to the tablet, you must first find it. This firmware version must be present on the manufacturer's official website. You can often find the address on the packaging of the device, or simply use the search engine on the Internet.
Having found the zero firmware, it is necessary to fully charge the device before flashing it. Today there are many instructions on the correct firmware procedure. Follow all the recommendations and you will succeed.
With the brick effect, it's best to take your tablet to a service center where your friend can be brought back to life. Also, this activity is easy to handle with a hacker friend, if you have one.
How to rollback firmware on Android
The easiest and most effective way to restore your tablet system is to rollback from the previous step. Before installing any new programs on your tablet, you should make a backup. Such an action will help protect your device from the possible negative consequences of installing a particular program.
It is worth noting that creating backups should become a habit of the responsible user of an android device. If you have any problems in the operation of the tablet, and you have not made a backup copy, then you can find the same devices on numerous user forums and ask them for a backup. Believe me, there are enough people like that.
There are quite a few applications that are designed to back up the necessary data from your tablet. Of course, each has its own characteristics, pros and cons.
Universal Titanium Backup
This program is one of the first of its kind, and today it is considered one of the most versatile for data backup and recovery. To carry out such a procedure, of course, you need the program itself, and you also need root rights. The latter are needed, since we need access to system folders.
After the program is installed, it will ask for the superuser rights that we give it. It should be noted that when working with this program, you need to be extremely careful. If you do not know what exactly a certain function performs, then it is better to refuse it. In general, experts recommend strictly adhering to the instructions for using the program.
How to flash Android through Recovery
ClockworkMod Recovery program is designed to create a full backup, restore the device, install the firmware, kernel and other system updates. Let's first figure out what recovery is in general, and then we'll figure out how to flash Recovery on Android.
Any android device has its own factory recovery. It can be downloaded after turning on the device. There is a special keyboard shortcut for this. Usually the factory program can install a system update from update.zip, as well as clean up the system.
ClockworkMod Recovery is a utility that differs significantly from its factory counterpart. It allows you to create a backup version of the complete system of the device, install software, firmware, and many other functions that are not inherent in the factory installation. This version of the recovery is installed in the internal memory of the device, in place of the factory recovery option.
This program will help out the owner of a tablet or phone in seemingly desperate situations. In the event that the device refuses to reboot at all, ClockworkMod Recovery will help restore the system with its previous applications and settings.
With this program you can:
- install unofficial firmware and kernels;
- install factory updates, additions and system fixes;
- connect to a personal computer via USB;
- create a full backup of the installed firmware, as well as its parts.
(root access) or, the device stops functioning. This manifests itself in the impossibility of logging into the system of the mobile device and even loading the Recovery environment. This state of the phone or tablet is popularly called "brick".
No matter how serious the problem of "oskirpichivaniya" may seem, in most cases it is possible to reanimate the gadget at home. Let's consider how to restore Android if it has turned into a "brick".
Ways to resuscitate Android when "oskirpichivaniya"
There are three effective methods for restoring Android when it loses its functionality:
- using the standard recovery environment;
- through a computer and special software.
Which method to use directly depends on the state of the system on the device.
Recovery of "bricks" through standard Recovery
If, when trying to enter the working area of the device, there are constant reboots or the phone hangs on the system logo, but the Recovery environment works, then you are in luck, since you can restore the Android firmware through it. This requires:
After rebooting, the factory settings should appear on the smartphone. If it did not help to fix the problem, we try to reanimate the Android after an unsuccessful firmware using a previously created system backup or a file with firmware downloaded from the Internet.
When deciding to get root access or perform other potentially dangerous actions, it is recommended to create a full backup of the device. In this case, even after "oskirpichivaniya" you will be able to return all user data and the old firmware.
To restore Android from a previously created backup, you need to do the following:
If you have not taken care of creating a return point in advance, then you can return the work to Android on a tablet or smartphone using the downloaded firmware. In this case, we animate the gadget as follows:
After it was possible to restore the "brick" of Android, the downloaded file can be deleted.
Using custom recovery
If the "oskirpichivanie" led to the rally not only of the operating system, but also of the standard Recovery, then you can restore the system using a custom resuscitation environment - the CWM Recovery program.
Before you restore the "brick" on Android, you need to install the recovery mod on the problem device:
The installation of CWM Recovery will begin, after which the smartphone can be disconnected from the computer and proceed directly to resuscitation:
After completing the specified actions and rebooting, the phone (tablet) should work.
Reanimation of the "brick" through a PC and special software
Considering how to restore Android after "oskirpichivaniya", it is worth noting the specialized software developed individually for each manufacturer of mobile devices. So, the FlashTool recovery program is used for Sony gadgets and some other brands, and
