How to Uninstall an Update on Android: Simple Solutions That Work

Ever updated an app or your Android system only to regret it later? You’re not alone. Many Android users wonder how to uninstall an update on Android when a recent update messes up their app experience or slows down their phone.

Here’s the quick answer: On most Android devices, you can’t uninstall a system update completely, but you can revert individual app updates to their factory version and clear update data if your device supports it. Let’s break it down step by step so you can fix your problem today.

Why Would You Want to Uninstall an Update?

There are several practical reasons:

• The app crashes after the update.
• New features are buggy or unnecessary.
• Your phone slows down post-update.
• You prefer the older user interface.

Whatever your reason, it’s possible to roll back app updates, and with advanced steps, you can revert system updates with caution.

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How to Uninstall App Updates on Android

This is the most common need, especially if an app update causes problems.

Steps to Uninstall Updates of System Apps (Pre-installed Apps)

Most built-in apps like YouTube, Chrome, or Gmail can be reverted to their factory version:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps or Applications Manager.
3. Find and tap the app you want to revert.
4. Tap the three dots menu (⋮) at the top right.
5. Select Uninstall updates.

That’s it. The app will go back to its original version that came with your phone.

Note: If you don’t see “Uninstall updates”, the app isn’t a pre-installed system app or your phone doesn’t support reverting updates for it.

How to Uninstall Updates for Downloaded Apps

Unfortunately, you can’t roll back updates on downloaded apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. Your only option is:

• Uninstall the app completely.
• Reinstall it to get the latest version from the Play Store.

Older versions can’t be installed directly from Play Store due to Google’s security policies, but some users download APK files of previous versions from trusted sources. However, it’s risky and not recommended unless you fully trust the APK site.

How to Uninstall Android System Updates

This is a bit trickier and depends on your device brand, model, and Android version. Generally, you cannot officially uninstall a system update once installed without factory resetting or flashing older firmware. Here are your options:

Option 1: Factory Reset Your Phone

A factory reset won’t uninstall the system update but will reset settings and data. If your phone updated to a new Android version (e.g., Android 13 from 12), it remains updated after reset. However, it might solve lags or bugs caused by the update.

To factory reset:

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Confirm and follow the prompts.

Warning: Backup your data before this, as everything will be wiped clean.

Option 2: Flash Older Firmware (Advanced Users Only)

This is for tech-savvy users. Flashing an older firmware manually downgrades your Android version. It involves:

• Unlocking your bootloader.
• Downloading official older firmware for your model.
• Using software like Odin (Samsung) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek phones) to flash it.

Important: This voids warranties, can brick your phone if done incorrectly, and isn’t recommended unless you’re experienced in Android flashing.

Are There Any Apps to Uninstall Android Updates?

No legitimate app on the Play Store can revert system updates. Apps that claim to do so generally require root access, which compromises device security.

Tips Before Uninstalling Updates

Always check app reviews before updating to see if others face similar issues.
Turn off auto-updates for apps you don’t want updated automatically:

1. Go to Play Store.
2. Tap your profile icon > Manage apps & device.
3. Tap the app > three dots at top right.
4. Uncheck Enable auto update.

For system updates, wait a few weeks after release to ensure bugs are fixed before updating.

FAQs About Uninstalling Updates on Android

Can I uninstall a security update on Android?

No, security updates are permanent once installed. You can only flash older firmware, which is risky and not recommended for non-tech users.

How to uninstall an update on Android without factory reset?

For apps, use “Uninstall updates” in App Settings if available. For system updates, you can’t uninstall without flashing older firmware, which requires advanced steps.

Does uninstalling updates delete data?

For apps, uninstalling updates usually keeps your data intact. For system downgrades via flashing, your data will be wiped.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to uninstall an update on Android is essential when updates cause issues instead of improvements. While uninstalling app updates is simple for system apps, rolling back Android system updates is risky and technical.

If it’s an app update, revert via Settings easily. If it’s a system update, think twice before flashing older firmware due to its complexity and risks.