Downgrading an Android app might be helpful if the most recent replace introduces bugs or modifications you do not like. Generally, the newer model of an app may not be suitable along with your Android model, so it’s a must to get the older model to make it work.
In fact, you’ll be able to sideload an older model of the app by putting in the APK, however that method, you’d lose your information and settings. And whereas you’ll find some apps for this goal on Google Play, they require root entry which is not everybody’s cup of tea.
So, let us take a look at how you can downgrade an Android app utilizing ADB (Android Debug Bridge) with out dropping your information or settings.
Downgrading an Android App Utilizing ADB With out Shedding Knowledge
Earlier than you start, you need to set up ADB in your laptop and activate USB debugging in your Android cellphone. In case you’re not sure how to try this, try what ADB is and how you can use it for full steering. This may even enable you should you’re utilizing Linux or macOS. We’ll be utilizing Home windows on this information.
So, as soon as every little thing is up and operating, comply with alongside to downgrade the problematic app.
Step 1: Verify the App Model and Obtain the Older APK
First, examine which model of the app you at the moment have put in. Normally, this data is on the market within the app’s About or Settings part.
Now, head to one in every of these websites for secure Android APK downloads—we advocate APKMirror—and obtain an older model of the app within the APK format. Transfer this file to your default ADB folder in your PC to proceed with the ADB instructions.
Step 2: Push the APK File to Your Android Telephone
The adb push command is used to repeat a file out of your laptop to your system. The primary argument within the command is the file you need to copy, and the second is your cellphone’s vacation spot location. That is what it appears to be like like:
adb push xyz.apk /information/native/tmp/
So, this could be the command to repeat the file named “xyz.apk” to your cellphone’s “tmp” folder. You need to change the file title to the one you need to copy.
Now, open the Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Immediate within the ADB folder the place you’ve positioned the APK file. To do that on Home windows 11, right-click within the folder and choose Open in Terminal. For older Home windows variations, maintain Shift and right-click within the folder, and choose Open Command Window Right here from the context menu.
Kind the command, changing the title of the APK with the one you are utilizing. For instance, we wished to repeat a file named “linkedin-4-1-780.apk” to our Android cellphone and used this command to take action:
adb push linkedin-4-1-780.apk /information/native/tmp/
Step 3: Execute the Downgrade by way of an ADB Command
As soon as the APK file is within the desired folder in your cellphone, the subsequent step is to downgrade the app whereas retaining information utilizing the command:
adb shell pm set up -r -d /information/native/tmp/xyz.apk
Once more, you should change “xyz.apk” with the title of your file. So, in our case, we edited the command to:
adb shell pm set up -r -d /information/native/tmp/linkedin-4-1-780.apk
Now, you’ll be able to launch the app and examine its model quantity. It ought to have been downgraded whereas holding your information and settings intact. This is our end result. The newest model is within the screenshot on the left, and the downgraded model is on the precise.
Downgrade Apps With out Shedding Knowledge
Whereas utilizing these ADB instructions, every area and dot issues. So, if it’s a must to kind them for some motive, you have to be additional cautious. Although, we would advocate copying and pasting the instructions as a lot as attainable.
In case you’re having fun with utilizing ADB instructions, you will be shocked to know what else you are able to do with ADB. You should use it to put in or uninstall apps, reboot your system, and extra.