Sometimes, you need to install an earlier version of an app on your phone. Maybe the new one crashes, it may have introduced a new feature or a broken option, or you don't like the latest changes. On your favorite Android phone, rolling an app back is a straightforward process, and we guide you through it.

When reverting to an older build to fix an issue, the first step is to report the problem to the developer. That way, the issue can be addressed in a future update. The most essential apps often have more access to your personal data, so using an outdated version can be a security concern.

You can't sideload Android apps if you are enrolled in Google's Advanced Protection Program. You can uninstall the current version of an app, but you can't re-install an older version manually, the second step in the roll-back process for many apps. If you rely on Google's security protocol, there isn't a simple workaround to revert to an app.

Updated for 2023

This guide has been checked and updated for Android 14. The steps outlined below work the same for Android 10 through Android 14, minus a few visual differences and minor variations in wording between each version.

Step 1: Uninstall the current version of the app

You must uninstall an app before rolling back to an earlier version, but that isn't always possible. Most third-party apps can be easily removed, and system apps might not have that option. In those cases, uninstall the updates to the original app.

System or otherwise, the easiest and most universal way to uninstall an app is via the Settings app. You can uninstall third-party apps or updates via other avenues, like long pressing app icons in some launchers or through the Play Store. This method works on most Android devices. Skip this part if you have a different method you prefer.

Navigating to the Apps section of Settings in Android 13 (it looks similar in earlier versions).

For stock-like versions of Android 8.0 Oreo and later (including Android 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13), go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications), and select the app if it's in the recently opened apps list or select See all apps and find it. In Android 5.0 through 7.1 (including Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop), the list is accessible via Settings > Apps. That workflow can be different for earlier Android versions or manufacturer-specific Android implementations. An option related to apps is usually found on the first screen of the Settings menu, followed by lists of apps sorted by tabs.

The Show system apps option in the App info list for Android 13

You may also need to activate an option to show system apps if the application you want to roll back shipped with your phone. In that case, you can display those apps via the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the complete app list page (though they may also be in a separate tab).

When you find the app you want, tap it to enter the App info screen.

Select Force Stop to ensure the app isn't running while you're messing with it. (This isn't always required, but it's better to be safe than sorry.) It could be helpful when troubleshooting to note the current version by scrolling to the bottom of the App info pane (after tapping Advanced in some Android versions) and taking a screenshot of the current version number or writing it down.

After stopping the app, you'll determine how to uninstall the current version. For third-party apps, select Uninstall next to the Force Stop button. Follow the prompts from there, and the app will be gone.

System apps can't be entirely uninstalled and have a slightly different workflow.

For pre-installed system apps, select the Uninstall updates option in the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. A similar prompt lets you know the factory version will replace the currently installed update, removing all data.

You may be unable to roll back to an earlier version of the app than this factory version.

Step 2: Download and install the app version you want

If you're in Google's Advanced Protection Program, you can't follow the steps described below because you can't sideload apps.

There are security concerns when you install an app outside the Google Play Store or the official app store of your Android phone. Make sure you trust the source. Hackers can insert malicious code into an otherwise legitimate app, so there is a chance an app you download from a third-party source could access your personal and financial data.

Installing older versions of an app might expose your phone to bugs or security flaws that the developer corrected in the current version. Operating system and version incompatibilities could also result in a loss of data. When in doubt, check the app's description in the Play Store or the developer's website to see what changed in the latest update.

After the app is uninstalled, it's time to re-install the version you want. You can use APK Mirror or F-Droid to find older versions of most Android apps.

APK Mirror is easy to navigate.

Head over there and search for the app that you need. If you're rolling back to fix an issue, remember the date you started having a problem. Then, look for a version or two released earlier than that time. Also, consider contacting the developer to report your issue and check in later to determine if it's been fixed.

Some apps have multiple versions for different architectures and display density (DPI). Most modern phones will be arm64. If you can't find the version you need, we can help you find the correct APK version.

Installing from unknown sources is a per-app setting in Android 8.0 and later (up to Android 13).

When you've found the version of the app you need, installing it is sometimes as simple as downloading it from APK Mirror and installing it. Tap the download notification in your notification shade or the pop-up at the top of Chrome to begin the process. Chrome may warn you that you're downloading a file that may harm your device, which you must acknowledge to proceed.

In Android 8.0 Oreo and later, this is treated as a per-app permission. Your phone may ask if you want to change that for a given app, prompting you to enter Settings and toggle the Allow from this source setting before you return to the installation screen and proceed.

On older versions of Android (for pre-Android 8.0 Oreo, consider upgrading for your security if your phone is this old), you must manually enable a separate toggle to install apps from unknown sources. That's usually in Settings > Security, or you can search in the Settings app for "Install apps" or "Install unknown apps."

If the app you need is labeled as an "APK Bundle," you'll need the accompanying APK Mirror app to install it, and the process is a bit more tedious. (Don't blame APK Mirror, blame Google.)

How to install app bundles

To install an app bundle, select Download APK Bundle for the app you need at APK Mirror, and a file is saved locally on your device. Then, install the APK Mirror Installer app on your phone. You can get it from the Play Store or install it from the APK Mirror site. Either is fine, but the Play Store is easier.

After the APK Mirror Installer is installed, open that APK bundle file. You can do that through the notification you may still have from the completed download. You can also navigate to your Download folder in a file browser. If you use Chrome, tap the three-dot menu and tap Downloads.

Opening an app bundle file from APK Mirror.

After opening the APK Mirror installer app, tap Browse files and confirm the media permission by tapping Allow if needed.

When prompted, open the file with the APK Mirror Installer app. You'll see details regarding the app you're installing, like the architecture and DPI you need, but you can ignore most of that. It's there if you need a particular version to suit your device. The default settings are acceptable in most cases. If they aren't, the installation fails, and you can try again.

Installing an app bundle with APK Mirror Installer.

Tap Install app. On recent versions of Android, you're prompted to allow the APK Mirror Installer app as a source for app installations as a toggle (visible above). While you shouldn't activate this setting for most apps, it's okay to do it for APK Mirror. It's there to protect you from apps that might install malware.

In Android 8.0 Oreo and later, this is treated as a per-app permission. Your phone may ask if you want to change that for a given app, prompting you to enter Settings and toggle the Allow from this source setting before you return to the installation screen and proceed.

On older versions of Android (for pre-Android 8.0 Oreo, consider upgrading for your security if your phone is this old), you must turn on a separate toggle to install apps from unknown sources. That's usually in Settings > Security, or you can search in the Settings app for "Install apps" or "Install unknown apps."

After the permission has been granted, go back to the APK Mirror app to continue the installation process.

APK Mirror prepares the installation and then asks if you'd like to install the app. Tap Install to continue, and you're almost done. When the APK Mirror Installer finishes, you're prompted to open the app. APK Mirror Installer warns you if the app installation fails.

Step #3: Deactivate updates, if necessary

When the version of the app you want is installed, your goal has been reached. However, subsequent updates will likely replace the rolled-back version you installed. This can become a security problem if you're stuck on an old version. Turn off automatic updates to ensure the app isn't accidentally replaced.

Turning off auto-updates in the Play Store. (This may look slightly different depending on your phone.)

That setting can be changed for each app in the Play Store. Tap the three-dot overflow menu in the upper-right corner of a given app listing and uncheck Enable auto update.

This could lead to security vulnerabilities. With app updates deactivated, you could miss out on new features or security patches.

If you're rolling back because of a problem, reach out to the developer and report your issue. Then, check in regularly to see if it's been fixed. That way, you won't be stuck with the old version of an app for too long.

Rolling back to an old version of an app isn't all that hard

And that's all there is to it. You now have an earlier build of the app. The process is easy, but don't make a habit of using outdated versions. The Android operating system and Android apps have become more stable, particularly with the refinements in Android 15.