How to Downgrade from Android 15 to Android 14

Android enthusiasts are always eager to explore the latest OS updates and the exciting features they bring. However, early releases like Android 15, despite their promises, can sometimes introduce unforeseen bugs and compatibility issues. In such cases, reverting to a more stable version like Android 14 becomes a viable solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through two methods to safely downgrade your device from Android 15 to Android 14, ensuring a seamless transition with minimal risks.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites for downgrading from Android 15 to Android 14

1. Preparation and Setup

Before embarking on the downgrade journey, it’s vital to ensure your device data is securely backed up. This precautionary step minimizes the risk of losing important information during the process. Additionally, make sure you have the Android SDK Platform Tools installed on your computer. These tools are essential for executing commands and managing your Android device from a PC.

2. Enabling Developer Options

To access the necessary settings for downgrading, you’ll need to enable Developer Options on your Android device.

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Scroll down and select “About Phone” or “About Device.”
Find the “Build Number” entry in the list. Tap on it multiple times (usually seven times) consecutively.
You will see a message indicating that Developer Options have been unlocked.
Now, go back to the main Settings menu and scroll down to find “Developer Options.”
Enter the Developer Options menu.
Toggle the switch to enable “USB Debugging.” This allows your device to communicate with your computer via ADB.
Similarly, toggle the switch to enable “OEM Unlocking.” This is necessary for unlocking the device’s bootloader.
Once both options are enabled, you have successfully configured Developer Options for downgrading your device.

3. Unlocking Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader is a critical step in downgrading your Android device. It’s important to note that this process wipes all data from your device and may void its warranty. You can also refer to our guide if you have any of the following devices:

2 Methods to Downgrade from Android 15 to Android 14

Method 1: Utilizing the Android Flash Tool

With the necessary preparations complete, you can now proceed with initiating the downgrade using the Android Flash Tool.

Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable and navigate to the Android Flash Tool website.

Grant ADB access when prompted and select your device from the list of available devices.

Choose the desired Android 14 build and firmware from the options provided by the tool. It’s advisable to select the latest available build for optimal performance and compatibility.

Ensure that essential options like Wipe Device and Force Flash All Partitions are selected. These options help ensure a clean installation of the Android 14 firmware on your device

Once all selections are made, click on the Install Build button to initiate the downgrade process. The tool will download the selected firmware and begin flashing it onto your device.

During the flashing process, your device may automatically reboot into Fastboot and FastbootD Modes. This is a normal part of the process and helps ensure proper installation.

Once the flashing process is complete, you’ll be notified, and your device will automatically boot into the downgraded Android 14 OS.

Method 2: Using Fastboot Script

Get the Android 14 factory image for your device, not the over-the-air (OTA) update.

After downloading, unzip the file and place it in the platform-tools folder.

Open the platform-tools folder and type “CMD” in the address bar, then press Enter to open Command Prompt.

In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command to boot your device into Fastboot Mode.

adb reboot bootloader

Once in Fastboot Mode, double-click on the “flash-all” batch file to start the flashing process.

During the process, your device will automatically switch between Fastboot and FastbootD Modes, which is normal.

After the flashing is done, you’ll receive a notification, and your device will reboot into the operating system (OS).

Sometimes, your device might enter a bootloop while accessing the OS after the downgrade. Let it happen 3-4 times, and it will then take you to the Android Recovery screen.

From there, you’ll need to format data, and your device will boot into the downgraded OS.

Conclusion

Downgrading from Android 15 to Android 14 may become necessary to address compatibility issues and ensure system stability. By following the methods outlined in this guide, users can safely revert to the previous OS version without risking data loss or device malfunction. Whether utilizing the Android Flash Tool or Fastboot Script, meticulous adherence to the provided steps is crucial for a successful downgrade process. If any challenges arise during the procedure, don’t hesitate to seek assistance, and we’ll be here to support you throughout the process.