Most of the time, we update a mobile app because it has new features, bugs fixed, and new functionalities, but sometimes, it happens that after updating an app, we find out that the new version of the app has some bugs, is incompatible with your device, or is constantly crashing. This usually happens because the new app update is faulty and contains some bugs that make the app malfunction.
Due to these reasons, many Android users want to switch back to older versions of apps because they want to avoid the headaches of unstable updates. Apart from this, some Android users also want to use older versions of apps to access the classic layout or classic features. Luckily, it is possible to download and use older versions of Android apps on your device, and here is how you can safely download and use older versions of Android apps on your device.
Why Do Users Prefer Older Versions of Android Apps?
Before we discuss how you can download and install older versions of apps, let’s talk about why users prefer to use older versions of Android apps. There are several reasons why users prefer to use older versions of Android apps, including:
- Removed features
- Bugs and instability
- App crashes
- Device incompatibility
- Privacy concerns
Using the older app versions can solve these aforementioned problems, but it is important to know that older versions of apps may have some security vulnerabilities, and you should proceed at your own risk. In addition, always avoid using older versions of apps that handle sensitive data, such as banking or payment apps, to avoid falling into any security pitfalls.
How to Download and Install Older Versions of Android Apps
Here is a step-by-step guide to download and install older versions of Android apps:
Step 1: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
By default, Android has blocked the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store for privacy and security reasons. To install an older version of an app, you will have to enable installation from unknown sources. Here is how to do so:
- Go to Settings > Security (or Privacy on some devices) > Unknown Sources or Install Unknown Apps.
- Enable the setting for your browser or file manager (e.g., Chrome or Files by Google).
Step 2: Download APK from a Reliable APK Repository
Not all APK websites are created equal; therefore, you should download APK files from trusted websites to avoid malware and potential security flaws. It includes secure APK websites like AppCafe.io, which hosts secure older versions of multiple apps, including Facebook Lite, Aptoide, which has a wide selection of apps, and APKMirror. Whenever downloading an APK file, ensure to check the developer’s signature and read user reviews to ensure the file is legitimate.
Step 3: Download the Desired APK Version of the App
After you have chosen a trusted APK source, search for the app that you are looking for and look for the version history. APK websites have multiple versions of apps with their release dates and changelogs so that you can choose the versions that you are looking for (e.g., a stable version before a major update) and download the app APK file to your device.
Step 4: Install the APK File
Once the APK file is downloaded, here is how you can install it:
- First, uninstall the previous version of the app; otherwise, the older version won’t be installed. (Make sure to create a backup of your data and secure your progress to avoid any data loss before you uninstall the app.)
- After you uninstall the app, locate the downloaded APK file on your device through the web browser or file manager.
- Tap on the APK file to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Step 5: Prevent Automatic Updates for Specific Apps
After you have installed an older version of an app, you need to disable automatic updates as well to prevent the app from automatically updating to the latest version. Here is how you can do it:
- Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap on the Manage apps and device option and head over to the Manage section.
- Find the app you want to stop updating and tap the three-dot menu next to it.
- Uncheck the option for Enable auto-update.
By following this simple guide, you can safely enjoy the benefits of older app versions. Make sure that you take the security concerns into consideration before rolling over to an older version of an app.
