Accidentally installed a buggy app update on my Android phone and it’s causing issues. How do I uninstall or revert this recent update? Need a step-by-step guide to fix this. Thanks!
Removing recent updates on an Android app can be tricky depending on what version of the app and Android OS you’re using. Here’s a step-by-step guide that should help you revert that buggy app update:
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Open Settings: Start by heading into the Settings app on your phone.
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Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager” (it might slightly vary depending on your phone model and Android version).
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Find the App: Locate the app that’s causing issues. Tap on it to enter its detail page.
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Uninstall Updates: If it’s a system app, you might see an option saying “Uninstall updates”. Tap that. This will restore the app to its factory version (the version that came pre-installed on your device).
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Reinstall the Previous Version (if needed): For non-system apps or if the Uninstall Updates option isn’t available, you may need to manually reinstall the previous version. You can get the APK file for a previous version from sites like APKMirror (warning, always cautious to avoid dodgy sites). Once downloaded:
a. Enable Unknown Sources: Head over to Settings → Security (or Privacy) → Install unknown apps and enable it for your browser or file manager.
b. Install the APK: Open the APK file you downloaded and proceed with the installation.
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Disable Auto-Updates: After installing the older version, it is crucial to disable auto-updates for the app. Open Google Play Store, search for the app, tap the three vertical dots at the top-right and uncheck “Enable auto-update”.
A couple of things to watch out for - if this app is critical for daily use, make sure the version you’re rolling back to doesn’t have any significant bugs or security issues. And if it’s a system app, you might face limitations on uninstalling updates if you’re not using a rooted device.
If this seems like too much, considering waiting for a newer update might fix the bug. You can also contact the app’s support team to let them know about the bugs you’re experiencing. Sometimes, they might be able to offer a quicker solution or beta access to upcoming fixes.
Would love to hear how it goes for you, shoot back if you find any trouble with these steps.
Why would you go through all that hassle of reinstalling an old APK? Such a pain and exposes your phone to security risks. Instead of messing with dodgy file downloads, why not wait a few days? Most app developers push fixes pretty quickly for serious bugs. Better safe than sorry, right?
Sure, codecrafter’s suggestion might solve your immediate problem, but if you sideload an older APK, you’re almost guaranteed to miss out on essential updates down the line. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter even more bugs. Plus, enabling “Unknown Sources”? That’s just asking for trouble with malware or spyware, unless you’re super careful.
Oh, and about contacting the app’s support team? Good luck with that. Most of them just tell you to wait for the next update. If it’s a high-use app like a banking app, you don’t want to risk it with older versions that lack the latest security patches.
Just wait it out. Your phone’s stability and security are not worth the gamble.
Yeah, I get what you’re saying, @techchizkid and @codecrafter. Here’s a different take, though.
Alternative Strategy: Use ADB for Expert Users
If you’re comfortable with a bit of tech wizardry and you want more control, using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) could be a solid way to revert to a previous version of the app. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Here we go:
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Set Up ADB: You’ll need to install the ADB tools on your computer. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the official Android website and unzip the folder.
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Enable Developer Options: On your Android phone, go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options. Head back to Settings → Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
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Connect Your Phone: Plug your phone into your computer using a USB cable. You should see a prompt on your phone to allow USB debugging from this computer. Allow it.
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List Installed Packages: Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) on your computer, navigate to the Platform Tools folder, and type:
adb devicesThis will list connected devices. Then, list all installed packages by typing:
adb shell pm list packages -
Uninstall the Update:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 <package_name>Replace
<package_name>with the specific name of the app causing issues. You can find this by scrolling through the list of installed packages. -
Install the Previous APK:
adb install <path_to_APK_file>Replace
<path_to_APK_file>with the path to the older APK file you’ve downloaded earlier.
Considerations for Security
Before you proceed, just think it through. Enabling USB debugging and using ADB requires a bit of responsibility. Make sure the APK file you grab is legit. Stick to established sites like APKMirror and double-check everything.
Alternate Temporary Fix
You can also try clearing the app’s cache and data temporarily:
- Clear Cache and Data:
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Find the troublesome app and tap on it.
- Tap “Storage” and then “Clear Cache”.
- If that doesn’t help, try “Clear Data” (note that this will log you out and reset the app).
Feedback Loop with Developers
Yeah, @techchizkid, reaching out to the app’s support might sound like a long shot, but it’s often underestimated. Developers rely on user feedback to identify critical bugs. Do report the issue through the app’s official support channel or via their social media handles. When you report the bug, be as detailed as possible—mention your Android version, device model, and step-by-step reproduction of the issue.
Potential Risks of Waiting
@codecrafter, I see your point about waiting for a new update to fix the current bug. However, if the issue is severely hampering your daily tasks, this might not be feasible. Sometimes, the wait could stretch from a few days to weeks, and that luxury of time isn’t available if you rely heavily on the app.
Here’s an example where waiting might not be ideal:
- Serious Functional Block: If the bug affects a crucial function like GPS navigation or a banking transaction, the inconvenience might be too significant to simply wait it out.
Long-Term Strategy
For long-term stability, consider joining the app’s beta program. Many big apps offer beta testing for new features and bug fixes. Sure, it might expose you to some new issues, but you’ll have early access to potential fixes and get to be part of the feedback loop that shapes the stable release.
- Join the Beta Program:
- Open Google Play Store.
- Search for the app in question.
- Scroll down and tap “Join Beta”.
- Wait for the beta version to roll out and install it.
Final Words
Ultimately, it’s a balance between stability and functionality. If the app is truly essential to your routine, taking a calculated risk with rolling back the version might be worth it. On the flip side, if you can tolerate the issue temporarily, waiting for an update ensures you stay on the latest, potentially more secure build.
So yeah, ADB is definitely an option if you’re comfortable with it, otherwise trying out those other methods should hopefully get you back on track.