How To Undo Update App?

Table of Contents

How To Undo Update App?: Reverting to Previous App Versions

Want to revert back to an older version of an app? This article provides a definitive guide on how to undo update app on Android and iOS devices, enabling you to restore previous functionality or performance.

Introduction: The Need to Revert App Updates

App updates are generally intended to improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs. However, sometimes an update can introduce new problems, such as:

Unwanted changes to the user interface.
Compatibility issues with your device.
Reduced performance and increased battery drain.
Introduction of new bugs.

In such cases, knowing how to undo update app becomes essential. This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieve this on both Android and iOS platforms, covering various methods and considerations.

Undoing App Updates on Android

Android offers several methods to revert to older app versions. These methods vary in complexity and may require different levels of technical knowledge.

Uninstalling Updates (Simplest Method): This is the easiest approach, but only works for pre-installed (system) apps. For downloaded apps, this will uninstall the app completely.
Using APK Files (Intermediate): Downloading and installing an older version of the app from a trusted APK repository. This requires enabling “Install from Unknown Sources.”
Using a Backup (Advanced): If you have a backup of your device or specific apps, you can restore the previous version from that backup.

Uninstalling Updates for System Apps:

Go to Settings -> Apps or Applications.
Find the app you want to revert.
Tap on the app to open its information page.
Tap on the three dots (usually located in the top right corner).
Select Uninstall updates.
Confirm your choice.

Installing Older Versions Using APK Files:

Uninstall the current version of the app (if it’s not a pre-installed app).
Go to Settings -> Security or Privacy.
Enable Install from Unknown Sources. This allows you to install apps from outside the Google Play Store. Be cautious and only download APKs from trusted sources.
Find a reputable APK repository (e.g., APKMirror, Uptodown).
Search for the desired app and find the specific version you want to install.
Download the APK file.
Open the downloaded APK file and follow the installation instructions.

Restoring from a Backup:

If you’ve created a backup using the Android system, Google Drive, or a third-party app, you can restore your device to the state it was in at the time of the backup. Note that this will revert all changes since the backup, not just the app update. This process varies depending on your device and backup method. Consult your device’s manual or the backup app’s documentation.

Undoing App Updates on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Unfortunately, iOS makes it considerably more difficult to directly revert to older app versions. Apple does not officially support downgrading apps through the App Store. However, there are limited options:

Using iTunes Backups (Limited): If you have an older iTunes backup (created before the app update), you might be able to restore your device to that backup. This will erase all data created after the backup date. This method is less reliable nowadays, because of changes to iTunes and iOS updates.
Contacting the App Developer: In rare cases, app developers may offer a way to access older versions, but this is very uncommon.

Using iTunes Backups (If Applicable):

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
Select your device.
Click on Restore Backup.
Choose the backup that was created before the app update you want to undo. Remember that this process will erase all data created since that backup.

Risks and Considerations

Before attempting to undo an app update, consider the following risks and considerations:

Security Risks: Older versions of apps may contain security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. Using older versions can expose your device to security risks.
Compatibility Issues: Older apps may not be fully compatible with newer versions of your operating system.
Data Loss: Restoring from a backup can result in data loss if you haven’t backed up your device recently.
Trustworthiness of APK Sources: Always download APK files from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Automatic Updates: After reverting to an older version, disable automatic updates for the app to prevent it from updating again. You can do this in the Google Play Store or App Store settings.

Disabling Automatic App Updates

Preventing automatic updates can avoid unwanted updates in the future.

On Android (Google Play Store):

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
Go to Settings -> Network Preferences -> Auto-update apps.
Choose Don’t auto-update apps or Over Wi-Fi only.
To disable updates for a specific app, open the app’s page in the Play Store, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and uncheck “Enable auto update.”

On iOS (App Store):

Go to Settings -> App Store.
Toggle the App Updates option to off.

Summary of How To Undo Update App? Methods

Method	Android	iOS	Difficulty	Data Loss Risk
Uninstall Updates	Yes (System Apps Only)	No Direct Method	Easy	Low
APK Files	Yes	No Direct Method	Medium	Low
Restore Backup	Yes	Potentially, via iTunes; Data loss possible	Advanced	High
Developer Support	Unlikely	Unlikely	N/A	Low

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to install APK files from third-party sources?

Downloading APK files from untrusted sources can be dangerous, as they may contain malware or viruses. Always use reputable sources like APKMirror or Uptodown and verify the publisher before installing.

Will uninstalling updates for a system app delete my data?

Uninstalling updates for a system app typically will not delete your data. However, it’s always wise to back up important data before making any significant changes to your device.

Why is it so difficult to downgrade apps on iOS?

Apple prioritizes security and stability and wants users to have the latest versions of apps with the newest security patches. Allowing downgrades could introduce vulnerabilities.

How do I know which APK version to download?

Finding the exact version you need can be challenging. Check online forums or communities related to the app. Consider backing up your apps before updating so you can easily see the original version.

What happens if I uninstall an app and then reinstall it? Will I get the latest version?

Yes, reinstalling an app from the Google Play Store or App Store will usually give you the latest available version.

I restored from a backup, but the app is still the latest version. What happened?

If the app automatically updated after restoring from your backup, you’ll need to disable automatic updates for the app as quickly as possible after the restore.

Can I downgrade an app without root access on Android?

Yes, you can downgrade apps using APK files without root access. Root access is not required for this method.

Is it possible to downgrade in-app purchases along with the app?

No, in-app purchases are usually tied to your account and not directly linked to the app version. They won’t automatically revert when you downgrade.

What if the developer doesn’t allow me to downgrade?

In most cases, if the developer doesn’t provide an official method for downgrading, there’s no guaranteed way to revert to an older version. You’ll need to explore alternative methods at your own risk.

After I downgraded the app, the Play Store keeps automatically updating it. How can I stop that?

Go to the Google Play Store, find the app, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and uncheck “Enable auto-update“. This will prevent the Play Store from automatically updating that specific app.

Are there any apps that specifically help with downgrading other apps?

While some apps promise to help with downgrading, their effectiveness and safety can be questionable. It’s usually better to rely on manual methods using trusted APK sources or backups.

What’s the best way to avoid unwanted app updates in the future?

The best way is to disable automatic app updates altogether and manually update apps when you’re ready. This gives you more control over when and what gets updated on your device.