Originally written by Raja, updated by Dibyajyoti Kabi. First published August 28, 2017. Updated October 24, 2026.
To downgrade an Android app without root, download the older APK, connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging on, and run adb install -r -d app.apk. The -r flag keeps the app’s data and -d allows the lower version. For apps that came with your phone, you can simply uninstall updates in Settings.
I’ve rewritten this guide because the old steps pushed the APK to the SD card first, which you don’t need anymore, and newer Android versions added a few catches you should know about before you try it.
Key points
- ADB lets you install an older version over the new one without losing data.
- You don’t need root, only USB debugging and Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
- Preinstalled apps can go back to their factory version with Uninstall updates.
- Some newer phones block downgrades of regular apps. You’ll see INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE if that happens.
- Turn off auto-updates for the app, or the Play Store will update it again.
Why would you downgrade an app?
A new version can remove a feature you used, change the layout, or simply not work well on your phone. Going back to the version you liked fixes that until the developer sorts it out. Just keep in mind that older versions miss security fixes, so don’t stay on them forever.
What do I need before downgrading?
You need a Windows, Mac or Linux PC, a USB cable, ADB, and the APK file of the older version. Get ADB from Google’s SDK Platform Tools page, or use my guide on installing Minimal ADB and Fastboot on Windows.
- Turn on Developer options and USB debugging. My guide on enabling Developer options, USB debugging and OEM unlock shows you how.
- Download the older APK from a trusted source like APKMirror, which checks that files are signed by the original developer.
- Pick the right variant for your phone’s architecture (arm64-v8a on most phones) and Android version.
- Move the APK into the Platform Tools folder on your PC.
How do I downgrade an app with ADB?
Open a terminal in the Platform Tools folder, connect your phone, allow the USB debugging prompt, and run adb install -r -d followed by the APK name. Google’s adb documentation lists -r as reinstall while keeping data, and -d as allow version code downgrade.
- Connect your phone to the PC with a USB cable.
- Open the Platform Tools folder. On Windows 11, right click inside it and pick Open in Terminal. On a Mac, open Terminal and type cd followed by the folder path.
- Run adb devices and tap Allow on your phone when it asks.
- Run adb install -r -d app.apk, swapping app.apk for your file name. On a Mac or Linux, type ./adb instead of adb.
- Wait for Success to show up, then open the app.
If the APK comes as a bundle (an .apkm or .xapk file with several split APKs), use adb install-multiple -r -d with all the split files, or install it with the APKMirror Installer app instead.
What if the downgrade fails?
If you see INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE, your phone’s Android version doesn’t allow that app to be downgraded in place. Back up what you need, uninstall the app, and install the older APK normally. That clears the app’s data, so only do it if you have a backup or nothing to lose.
| Error | What it means | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE | Downgrade blocked for this app | Back up, uninstall, then install the older APK |
| INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE | The APK is signed with a different key | Get the APK from a source that keeps the original signature |
| INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS | Wrong architecture | Download the arm64-v8a or armeabi-v7a variant that fits your phone |
| device unauthorized | You haven’t allowed the PC | Unlock the phone and tap Allow on the prompt |
How do I downgrade a preinstalled app?
For apps that came with your phone, like Chrome, Google or YouTube, open Settings > Apps, pick the app, tap the three dot menu and tap Uninstall updates. The app goes back to the version your phone shipped with, and you don’t need a PC at all.
How do I stop the app from updating again?
Open the app’s page in the Play Store, tap the three dot menu in the top right corner and turn off Enable auto update. The Play Store won’t touch that app until you update it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Will downgrading an app delete my data?
Not with adb install -r -d, which keeps the data. Uninstalling first does delete it, so back up before you go that route.
Is it safe to install old APKs?
It is if the file comes from a trusted site and is signed by the same developer. Old versions also lack newer security fixes, so update again once the problem is fixed.
Can I downgrade an app without a PC?
Only preinstalled apps, through Uninstall updates. For other apps you’d have to uninstall and reinstall the older APK, which wipes the app’s data.
Related guides
- How to install Minimal ADB and Fastboot on Windows
- How to enable Developer options, USB debugging and OEM unlock
- How to enable the Google Dialer floating bubble feature
That’s it. Once the older version is in and auto-update is off, the app stays the way you like it.
If ADB throws an error, leave a comment with the app name, your phone model and the exact error message, and I’ll help you fix it.
Thanks for your guide.
But I get this message in the PowerShell:
error: device ‘(null)’ not found
error: device ‘(null)’ not found
Could your please help me please?
Cool guide mate, but can’t we just install the previous version’s apk? waiting for expert’s answer .
No, Android doesn’t allow you to downgrade an app natively. You’ll always meet a package not installed or invalid package while performing such steps. While you could simply uninstall user apps and sideload the older version, system apps cannot be uninstalled from your device. Your best bet would be to roll back the system apk in app settings and hit ‘restore factory version’ or ‘disable app’ and then try sideloading your desired version. Also, the ADB method mentioned in the article is the cleanest and best way there is. works every time
Tl; DR: No you cannot simply downgrade. Yes, other methods are there but ADB method mentioned above is the best
I was waiting for your answer.Thanks again kanav