James Harper
How To Remove App Updates on Android
If an app is acting weird or just not working right after an update, sometimes the best move is to roll back to the original version. Uninstalling app updates on Android is pretty easy, but yeah, depending on your device, it can be a bit of a hassle. Here’s how to do it without losing your mind.
Prerequisites Before You Start
Before diving in, make sure:
- Your Android version supports this (most do, but some kinda old ones might not).
- You’ve got the necessary permissions—meaning, you can manage apps on your device.
- You know how to navigate through your device’s menu system.
Step 1: Open Settings
After unlocking your phone, find the Settings app, usually a gear icon. On some devices, it’s buried in an app drawer, so good luck finding it if you don’t know where it is.
Step 2: Head Over to Apps & Notifications
In the Settings menu, look for Apps & Notifications. On some models, it might just say Apps. Tap that to get started.
Step 3: See All Installed Apps
Tap on See All Apps or App Info. This pulls up the whole list. If you’re looking for something specific, using the search helps. You’ll need to find the app you want to revert.
Step 4: Pick the App and Access Its Settings
Scroll through or search for the app. Tap on it, and you’ll see options related to that app. This is where the magic begins.
Step 5: Uninstall the Updates
Look for the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner. Tap on them and see if you get an option called Uninstall Updates.
Note: Sometimes, this option is missing—especially with system apps or heavily modified devices. It’s kind of weird, but hey, that’s Android.
Step 6: Confirm and Go Back in Time
A prompt will pop up asking if you really want to uninstall the updates. Hit OK. Then, bam, the app is back to its original factory version. You’ll probably see it taking a second or two to do its thing.
Step 7: Do the Same for Other Apps
Repeat for any other apps you want to roll back. Sometimes, the update might be fine on one app but trash on another. Basically, if it bugs out after an update, this is your quick fix.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
Some stuff to watch out for:
- If you don’t see Uninstall Updates, it might be a system app that can’t be rolled back. That’s normal — Android kind of makes it harder than it needs to be sometimes.
- On certain devices, the option is greyed out or missing altogether. You might need to disable the app or uninstall updates via ADB commands if you’re feeling fancy.
- Remember, resetting apps this way doesn’t delete your personal data—just the updates. But sometimes, features might be missing after the rollback.
Conclusion
Uninstalling updates can be a lifesaver when bugs or issues pop up after an app update. It’s a decent way to troubleshoot without wiping everything out or doing a full reset. Also, you might save some storage space. Because of course, Android has to make it harder than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall updates after uninstalling them?
Yup, you can always go back to the Google Play Store and tap Update. Just know that updates often fix bugs or add features, so it’s worth updating again afterward.
Will uninstalling updates delete my app data?
Nope, your data stays intact. Just the app’s version goes back to the original, which might remove recent features or tweaks — on some setups, that can feel like losing part of your app’s personality.
What if I don’t see the option to uninstall updates?
Good question. Usually for system apps or bloatware, you can’t. You might need to disable the app altogether or use some advanced tools like ADB commands, but that’s a whole other story.
- Found the app in Settings under Apps & Notifications.
- Tapped the three dots and chose Uninstall Updates.
- Confirmed, waited a sec, done.
- Repeat if needed.
Summary
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Android can be weird about it sometimes, but this usually does the trick.