Android version rollback. How to roll back Android to a previous version. Recovering file names

Every year Google releases a new version of its own operating system for mobile devices – Android. It is the most common and ahead of its direct competitor from Apple - iOS system. Its popularity among users is due to the greater freedom of action that this shell provides and the many settings that are not available to fans of Apple devices. But sometimes situations arise when it becomes necessary to roll back to an older firmware version. This is especially true in cases where the user initially did not uncheck the automatic system update settings item. But not everyone knows how to return old firmware on Android.

Need for updates

Before we talk about how to return the old firmware to Android, it is worth mentioning why Google releases periodic updates. This includes not only global changes in the form of a completely new version of the OS, but also various patches or patches.

Their main purpose is:

correcting identified bugs in the system;
reduction in energy consumption (With each new update, Android becomes less energy-intensive, which allows you to get more time battery life without increasing battery capacity);
resolving hardware problems (this includes camera, sound, multimedia capabilities).

But not every user enjoys innovations. Some after next update They dream of returning the old version of the firmware.

This may be due to a violation stable operation device, especially if a new version of the system is released that has not been fully tested on all supported devices. Innovations may also include additions in the form of services that cannot be removed.

It should be immediately noted that when deciding how to return the old firmware on Android, you must take into account that, unlike, for example, Windows, a smartphone or tablet does not have a default rollback function. Therefore, when returning to previous version The OS should be prepared to lose all data.

How to return old firmware on Android using a factory reset

The easiest way to “undo” the received system update is to roll back to factory settings. After carrying out these manipulations, the user receives a phone whose internal contents will be similar to the one he recently purchased.

To roll back using this method, you need to go to the desired menu item:

Getting the old firmware version via Hard Reset

The second way is how you can roll back to more earlier version firmware, is the use of standard Recovery menu. To gain access to these settings hidden from the inexperienced user, you need to press a certain key combination.

The most common way to do this is to press the power button and the volume key (up or down) at the same time. Some devices use triple clicking with the addition of a Camera button.

After hitting Recovery mode required:

After this, the device will reboot, as a result of which the user will receive “ new phone from the box".

Reflashing the device

Another way to return the old version on Android is to flash your smartphone. To do this, first of all you need to download required version software. This can be done on specialized forums. After downloading, you need to transfer the archive to a memory card, since it is from it that the firmware process will be carried out.

Often the best way Restore Android is to factory reset. This way you can solve most problems with the device freezing and various glitches. If the gadget turns on and is able to boot on its own, then the easiest way to clean the system to its original state and delete all user data is through the settings menu.

Performing a Hard Reset from a running system

This feature is already included initially in the interface of any Android device, so there are no third party utilities for full reset Device settings, if it turns on, are not required:

Go to the device settings, sometimes the folder is called “Settings”;
Here go to the data archiving and settings reset section;
Make sure that the data archiving and auto-recovery items are checked, then you can easily restore current parameters gadget after it resets its settings;
In “Personal Data”, click on the data reset line.

After this, all that remains is to read the system warning that all installed applications and the user account will be deleted from the device’s memory. Confirm your intention, after which the gadget will reboot and you will have a completely “clean” smartphone or Android tablet in your hands. He will be cleansed of all personal information and malicious applications.

You can also restore your Android device to its factory settings using a computer using proprietary program gadget manufacturer. You just need to connect it to your PC, find the “Restore” item and start the process, following the instructions of the program.

Entering the Recovery menu

In the same way as in any system, you can perform a data reset procedure, the possibilities Recovery consoles embedded in any Android device, even if it does not turn on. The only difference is for gadgets different manufacturers- implementation of the procedure for entering this mode. Let's imagine approximate algorithm steps to login Recovery Mode, and also describe how it can restore the system.

For Samsung devices:

simultaneously hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons;
After the logo appears, release the Power button while still holding Volume Down until the list appears on the display Recovery commands Mode.

If the algorithm described above does not work, then simply hold down three buttons at once - Power, Volume Up and Home until you enter reset mode.

Please note that the device must be disconnected from USB and charging, so it is better to recharge your device before carrying out hard procedures reset.

pinch Power buttons and the volume control rocker in the middle for a few seconds;
then once - on Volume Down or Volume Up.

If the method does not work, press Power until the device vibrates, then press Volume Up several times at once.

For Nexus devices, ASUS, etc., the method of pressing the Power and Volume Down keys simultaneously is usually suitable.

Recovery Mode Features

It provides the user with several options at once, even if the tablet does not turn on. The most accessible thing for any user is a complete reset of settings and deleting all user files. This way you can solve problems with unstable work gadget, for example, as a result of a virus:

Use the volume rocker to highlight a menu item wipe data/factory reset;
Activate this feature by pressing Power;
Once the reset is complete, which usually takes no more than a few seconds, activate the Reboot System Now command in the same way.

The device will reboot, and it will fully restore functionality. Is it true, custom applications, files and settings will be deleted. Therefore, if the device turns on, make a backup of it.

Making a backup from the recovery console

In order to be able to restore its functionality after resetting the device, it would be useful to do full backup devices. It is enabled in the Recovery console:

Using the volume rockers and the Power button, select and activate the line Backup and Restore.
In the menu that opens, open the Backup item in the same way.

The process of creating an archive takes about 10 minutes. To restore the system from the created archive, in the Backup section and Restore select Restore. But keep in mind that full system backup can be done this way only if you have Root rights.

Android recovery without Root access

Few ordinary users want to solve problems with obtaining Root access to their device. Therefore, let’s consider the Safe Backup application, with which you can back up various data if the smartphone/tablet is turned on - contacts, alarms, calendars, bookmarks, photos, videos, application installation archives, etc.

Sooner or later there comes a time when, for some reason, you need to return to 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 build of the operating system. In any case, you need to be fully armed and know how to undo changes made to the software.

Possible problems after updating Android

Android updates do not always improve the life of the device owner

Not to say that an Android upgrade will completely ruin the life of the device owner, but it is guaranteed to cause moments of headache.

After the update, some shortcuts periodically disappear from the desktop, and along with them, programs.

In other cases, after modifying the system, the user discovers new ones that are not at all compulsory programs, which cannot be deleted.

Options for returning old firmware

Backup

There are many applications that are designed to create backup copies data of your Android gadget, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. But we will look at the example of one of the first and most universal programs For Reserve copy and recovery - Titanium Backup.

Titanium Backup has long gained fame as the most effective program for backups

First, let's figure out why you need to use special software at all, because Android natively has backup capabilities. For example, when you change your phone or after a full reset to factory settings, just log into your Google account and your contact data will be restored. However, do not forget that in this case all applications and games are lost. Wi-Fi settings and other networks, system settings etc. And this is a very significant problem if dozens of those same applications are installed - since restoration can take an prohibitively long time.

So, to create a backup, we need Root rights on the device and the Titanium Backup program itself. Root rights are required to access system files and folders in which the settings and data we are interested in are stored. Next, install the Titanium Backup program. Don't forget to allow 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 decision. Don’t rush to click everything - the program is quite powerful, and with full access to the system inexperienced user can do a lot of things. Adhere to the principle: “never use functions unless you are sure what they do.”

To create a backup, you will need a memory card installed in the appropriate slot with a sufficient amount of free space, since the backup will be made specifically to it. On the main work screen, select the “Backups” tab. Press the “Menu” button on the phone and select “Processing” at the bottom of the screen. In the menu that opens, select “Back up all user software and system data” and click “Start” next to it. The program will prompt you to select all applications for backup. We are interested in a complete copy of the system, so we don’t change anything. After this, I start the process of creating a backup. The process may take different quantities time, depending on the quantity installed programs. Now in the “TitaniumBackup” folder on your memory card you can see a large number of files with backup copies, it is advisable to copy them to a computer or other device - you never know, suddenly microSD card will fail. It is also possible to configure automatic creation backups in the “Schedules” menu.

When the time comes and you need to restore the contents of your Android device, you can do this in several ways. Firstly, you can restore both applications and settings. Through the “Processing” menu item, 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”. Don't forget that sometimes you need to reboot your device before the changes take effect. In any case, Titanium Backup offers great amount options for creating and restoring backups, so you can always return your Android gadget to the initial 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 similar.

Other rollback methods

Reset to menu

The path to the treasured option depends on the type and model of your device:

phones on Android versions 2.3: Settings > Privacy >
Android phones version 4: Settings > Device memory > Reset to factory settings;
tablets on Android version 4: Settings > Backup & reset > Reset settings.

Hard reset

The path to a hard reset starts with Android menu system recovery

Go to the menu " Android system recovery" (). First you will need to turn off your smartphone or tablet, and then use the key combination, which again differs depending on the device manufacturer:

a more or less universal option is to 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 (the most interesting) - hold down the volume down key, then briefly press the power button. Once you see the recovery menu on the screen, you can temporarily leave the volume down button alone. Find the “Clear storage” item, select it by pressing the power button and confirm the action by clicking on volume down.

For more confident navigation through the “Android system recovery” menu, it would be useful to remind you of the button assignments: highlight is to move 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 the hard and the 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 old version Android is not as scary as many people think. Follow our instructions and don’t forget to make backups.

Disable auto-update of the VKontakte application in Google Play;
Delete new version VK;
Restore old client In contact with.

Disabling VK auto-update on Google Play:

Run Play Store, go to “Options” by clicking on the corresponding icon (Alternatively, the icon with three horizontal stripes next to the inscription “Google Play”);
Select "Settings" and uncheck "Auto-update apps" (in some versions of the application you need to check the box "Never").

After these steps, the VK application installed from Google Play will no longer be able to update automatically, and you will be able to use the familiar old version of VK for Android without worrying that the client interface may change at any time due to next program update.

Uninstalling a new version of VK:

Go to "Settings", then to "Applications", then select the new VKontakte application that disappointed you and delete it from your Android device.

Restoring the old VK client for Android:

Download and install the previous version official client social network VK for Android (you can find it by going to).

All. You have returned to your smartphone or tablet the familiar version of the VK application with an interface convenient for you, and it will not go anywhere again without your consent. Automatic updates there is no need to be afraid of the client of the social network VKontakte - you have blocked this opportunity.

The new version of the VKontakte application allowed us to once again verify that not all changes intended to improve and increase the usability of the application lead to these improvements. The tastes, habits and needs of users are purely individual. Fortunately, you can almost always find a way to return to the old proven version of the program and continue communicating on a social network (in in this case) under normal conditions.

Information from 10/04/2017 : As a result of a change in VKontakte's audio recording policy in older versions of the client no longer available. Official response from VKontakte technical support on this matter.

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/android.png" alt="android" width="300" height="206"> !} Sometimes it’s useful to know how to roll back Android firmware to previous version. This operating system receives updates regularly. For example, Android 4.4.4 KitKat could have been upgraded to version 5.0.1 Lollipop at one time.

Thanks to updates, the system becomes more secure, since developers are always striving to find and fix vulnerabilities. Moreover, after Android improvements gets a new one GUI, as a result of which it acquires a more stylish and modern appearance.

Why do you need a rollback?

Changes sometimes concern not only functionality and visual design. Some applications that were actually usable in the previous version of the system may not be supported after installing the update, which is why the user begins to think about how to uninstall the new version of Android.

If you are concerned that upgrading to a different operating system may remove support specific application, which I actively used old system, then it would be wiser to wait until it appears official update for this program. If the user has updated the system, but for some subjective reasons is dissatisfied with the improvement and wants to return to the previous version, then he needs to perform a system rollback and remove the new software environment.

Next we will tell you how to return the old version of Android after updating. The Nexus 5 phone will be used as an example since it is officially supported by Google, he has own file Factory image and bootloader, which can be unlocked when restoring an older version. When performing this operation, the user will face the risk of losing important data being deleted.

The user must act at his own risk. Performance next steps may cause damage mobile device without the possibility of recovery after unsuccessful firmware.

Read also: How to remove kinguser from Android is very simple

Preparing to perform a rollback

Nexus devices are very convenient for performing rollbacks. All you need to do is save your personal files, go to the developer page on Google and download any factory image ever released for the device. Then you should flash it via ADB data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14722200366071-300x225.jpg" alt="nexus" width="300" height="225" srcset="" data-srcset="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14722200366071-300x225..jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"> !} (Android Debugging Bridge).

IN in this example using a Nexus 5 phone installed system Android 5.0, which should be replaced by version 4.4.4 (you need to find this firmware on Android and download it to save it in an accessible location). If you need to roll back another device, you should search for suitable images for it using search engine Google.

So, how to restore the firmware on Android? In addition to the Factory image, you should download a few more files to your PC. Will need Android app SDK required for flashing the firmware. In addition to the SDK manager, you also need a standalone SDK file. To use this software you will need the latest Java environment. During the SDK installation process, you will need to specify where Java is installed.

After installation is complete, go to the SDK manager to select Tools, Platform-tools, Android Support Library, Google USB Driver and install them. Now you need to go to where the Nexus 5 Factory image was previously saved. You should extract the contents of this file to the Platform-tools folder. From this moment, you can assume that all preconditions have been met and begin the procedure of rolling back the mobile device.

Process of reverting to a previous version

It is necessary to perform the following steps sequentially:

go to the settings of your mobile device, scroll down the page and find the section with the build number;
Click on the build number until a notification appears that developer mode has been successfully enabled;
will appear in the settings new section“Developer options”, there you need to scroll down and enable “USB Debugging”;
connect your device to your computer using USB cable and make sure the computer recognizes it.