Today, I am going to tell you the solution to a problem that almost everyone has encountered at some point, especially when an app gets a new update and it is not as smooth as before, or a feature that you used to use every day is gone.
How to Downgrade an Android App Version
This has happened to me myself, and I have used the old version myself, so I am going to tell you the complete method in easy Urdu based on my personal experience, how to downgrade an Android app?
I remember well that once I installed the new update of WhatsApp, and I did not like the new style of emojis at all. I wanted that old version to come back, but only the new version was available on the Play Store. Then I manually installed the old version myself, and Alhamdulillah everything became the way I liked it.
So, if you are also fed up with the new version of an app or want the old feel, then this article is going to be very useful for you.
How to Downgrade an Android App Version
🤔 First of all, understand – What is a Downgrade?
Downgrade means rolling back an app or software from a newer version to an older version. It often happens that a new update is full of bugs, or an important feature is removed. In such a case, you want the older version to come back so that the app works as it did before.
But the Play Store will always give you only the latest version, so we have to do this manually — that is, we will have to install the older version in the form of an APK file ourselves.
🔐 A Few Important Things Before Downgrading
It is very important to understand a few things before this process; otherwise, you may get an “App Not Installed” error or the app’s data may be lost. Below, I am sharing all the points that were helpful for me:
- First of all, it is necessary to uninstall the existing app; otherwise, the new (i.e., old) version will not be installed.
- Your data may be lost, such as chat history in WhatsApp, so always make a backup.
- Turn off Play Store auto-update, or it will automatically install the new version again.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide – How to Install an Old Version of an App?
Now I will tell you all the steps you need to follow one by one. If you follow these instructions correctly, you will not face any problems.
📥 Step 1: Download the Old APK
First of all, you need the version you want to go back to. Below are some trusted websites from which you can download safe APK files:
- APKMirror – Verified versions, a website for my personal use.
- APKPure – Easy interface and safe files.
- Uptodown – Gets old versions of every app, too.
Just search for the app name and version, like “Instagram 280.0 APK”, and download it.
🧹 Step 2: Uninstall the Current App
When you have the old version, the first thing to do is uninstall the new version.
- Go to Settings > Apps on your phone and open that app
- Click on Uninstall
- If the data is important (like WhatsApp), then take a backup beforehand
🔓 Step 3: Allow Unknown Sources
Since we are installing the app from outside the Play Store, the phone will have to allow it to install APKs from Unknown Sources.
- Go to Settings > Security > Install Unknown Apps
- Allow the app (browser or file manager) from which you want to install the APK
- Or when you open the APK, allow it in the pop-up that appears
⚙️ Step 4: Install the APK
Now go to File Manager and open the APK file that you downloaded, and click on Install. The app will be installed in a short while.
After that, you will be able to use the same old version that you liked before.
⛔ Step 5: Don’t Forget to Turn Off Auto-Update
If you don’t turn off Auto Update, the Play Store will update the app again. To avoid this:
- Open the Play Store
- Search for the app you have downgraded
- Click on the top-right three dots (3 dots)
- Uncheck Auto-Update
📌 Important Points – What to Keep in Mind While Downgrading an App
Now I will give you some golden tips in the light of my experience, keeping them in mind will make your process easier:
- Always download APK from trusted websites; otherwise, there is a risk of a virus.
- If your data is stored in the app, then be sure to take a backup before uninstalling, especially WhatsApp, notes, or games.
- System apps like Google Services cannot be downgraded without root — this can only be done on third-party apps.
- It is mandatory to turn off auto update from the Play Store, otherwise all the hard work will be wasted.
🤔 FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can every app be downgraded?
Yes, almost every third-party app can be downgraded like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. Yes, downgrading system apps is not easy and requires root access.
Will downgrading delete my data?
It can. If you uninstall that app’s data can also be deleted, especially the local storage one. That’s why it’s important to take a backup.
What if the wrong APK is installed?
No problem. Just uninstall it and install the correct APK. But try to always download files from verified sources to avoid malware.
Will I have to root my phone for this process?
No, absolutely not. As long as you are installing third-party apps, root is not required. Root is only required when you want to downgrade system-level apps.
✅ Final Verdict – Is Downgrading an App a Good Decision?
Look, if you’re annoyed by a new update, or it removes features you like, using an older version can be a great decision. I’ve downgraded apps many times myself, and it’s always been beneficial.
Just remember this:
- Always download from verified APK sources
- Make sure to take a backup before installation
- Turn off auto-update to avoid re-updating
I personally think every Android user should know this method, because not everyone is always happy with the new version. And if you get confused in any step, ya error aaye — then feel free to let me know in the comments.