How to Downgrade Android 13 to Android 12
The chances are high that most of the eligible Pixel device users have already installed or trying to install the latest Android 13 OS via the Flash Tool, Sideloading, or Fastboot method. Whereas the non-Pixel device users can opt for the GSI images to flash the vanilla version of Android 13 if they want. However, there is a question arising about the stability and performance as a daily driver on Pixel devices right now which might take some time.
Luckily, here we’ve shared the full in-depth guide to downgrade your device from Android 13 to Android 12 quite easily. You can check out two different methods and follow any of them whatever you prefer. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into it.
Warning
Before we begin with this guide, we would strongly recommend you create a backup of your device data which are stored on the internal storage. You should follow the methods carefully to successfully perform the operation. Keep in mind that GetDroidTips won’t be held responsible for any kind of damage or error that may occur on your device during or after following this guide. Do it at your own risk.
Pre-Requirements
Before jumping into the firmware flashing method, you should follow all the requirements below one by one.
First of all, you’ll have to install Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer using this link. To flash the firmware or other files on Android devices, ADB & Fastboot binary requires to be used on the PC. Once you’ve downloaded the ZIP package from the link above, make sure to extract it to a convenient location on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
In order to proceed, you’ll have to turn on the USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking option on the handset so that your PC can easily detect the device while connected in the Android Debugging or ADB mode. To do so:
- Head over to the Settings menu on your Android handset.
- Go to About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.
- Then go back to the Settings menu again > Tap on System.
- Tap on Advanced > Now, you should see the Developer Options menu.
- Open it and turn on the USB Debugging toggle.
- Once done, make sure to scroll down the page slightly and turn on the OEM Unlocking toggle too.
- Finally, connect your device to the PC via USB cable and head over to the next pre-requisite.
3. Backup Device Data
Make sure to create a data backup of your Android device by following this method if something seems important for you. Otherwise, unlocking the device bootloader method will erase the device data completely.
4. Unlock Bootloader
Next, you’ll have to unlock the device bootloader too. Bootloader comes in a locked status by default via OEMs on their devices so that users can’t flash any third-party unsigned firmware file. In order to flash any third-party firmware file, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader first. Keep in mind that unlocking the device bootloader will wipe out all the data from internal storage. So, perform the above method first and follow how to unlock the bootloader on Android.
4. Use a USB Cable
It’s also recommended to use a USB cable with the PC to easily connect your Android device. You’ll be able to get a strong connection between the handset and the computer so that there won’t be any issues with flashing the firmware file. Make sure to use a stock and compatible USB cable for your device model.
- Head over to the official Android Flash Tool website > Scroll down to your device model.
- Then click on the Flash button next to the suitable Android 12 build that you want to install as a stable one.
- Now, click on the Allow ADB Access option > You’ll get a USB Debugging prompt on your device and click on Allow.
- Make sure that your device is connected with the PC via the USB cable and it’s showing the connected status under the Selected Device section.
- You should verify that the Selected build shows the correct version.
- Next, click on the pencil (edit) icon next to Selected build > Make sure to checkmark the Wipe Device and Force Flash All Partitions options. [If not selected by default.
- On the other side, you can uncheck the Lock Bootloader option or checkmark the Lock Bootloader option after downgrading the firmware version. [According to your preference]
- Once you’ve done it, click on the Install Build button.
- You’ll now get a confirmation dialog box, click on Confirm.
- The Android Flash Tool will now start downloading and flashing the Android 12 build onto your device.
- Make sure to wait for the flashing process to be completed and your device will automatically reboot to Fastboot and FastbootD Modes.
- Once the flashing process is done, you’ll get a successful message.
- You can now unplug your device from the USB cable and simply boot it to the downgraded Android 12 OS. [Mostly the system will boot automatically]
- Enjoy!
Method 2: Downgrade Android 13 to Android 12 via Fastboot
If in case, you’re comfortable with the fastboot flashing method then you can follow the steps below.
- First of all, make sure to download the Android 12 factory image for your device (It’s not the OTA file).
- Let the file be downloaded on your computer completely.
- Once done, extract it inside the ADB platform-tools folder that you’ve already installed before.
- Now, navigate to the ADB platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter to launch the Command Prompt window.
- Then type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device in the Fastboot Mode:
adb reboot bootloader
- Next, make sure to double click on the flash-all batch file > The flashing process will now start. So, let the process go.
- Your device will automatically boot to the Fastboot and FastbootD Modes. So, don’t panic at all.
- Once the flashing process is done, you’ll get a successful message.
- Finally, your device will automatically boot to the downgraded Android 12 OS.
- You’re good to go.
That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.
I want to downgrade a037f