Google has officially released the stable Android 15 update for Pixel devices, bringing a host of upgrades and enhancements over Android 14. This new update is stable, solid, and packed with improvements. However, not everyone is enjoying the new features, and some users are looking for ways to downgrade Pixel phones from Android 15 to Android 14.
Whether it’s due to personal preference or more serious issues, such as reports of bricked devices after enabling Private Space on some Pixel 6 phones (as mentioned by Android Police), downgrading might be a consideration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of downgrading your Pixel phone from Android 15 back to Android 14 safely.
Why Downgrade from Android 15?
While Android 15 brings exciting new features, some users may still want to downgrade. Reasons include:
- Familiarity: Some users may prefer the older interface and features of Android 14.
- App Compatibility: Not all apps may run smoothly on the new version of Android 15, causing disruptions.
- Reported Issues: According to AndroidPolice, some Pixel 6 devices are reportedly being bricked after enabling Private Space with Android 15.
- Performance: If your phone feels sluggish or experiences battery drain, you might consider reverting to a version that worked better for you.
If you’ve decided that downgrading is the best option, here’s how to revert Pixel phones to Android 14.
How to Downgrade Pixel Phones from Android 15 to Android 14
Important Notes:
- Download the latest ADB and fastboot tool from the Android SDK Platform-Tools package.
- Back up your data. Downgrading will wipe all data on your phone, so make sure to back up your important files, contacts, and apps before proceeding.
- This process voids your warranty and may cause issues if not done correctly. Proceed with caution.
Step 1: Unlock Your Bootloader
To begin downgrading, you will first need to unlock the bootloader on your Pixel device.
1. Enable Developer Options:
Go to Settings > About phone > Tap on the Build number 7 times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
2. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging:
Go to Settings > System > Developer options > Enable OEM unlocking.
Also, enable USB debugging from the same menu.
3. Connect your Pixel to your PC:
Plug your phone into your computer via a USB cable.
4. Open ADB on Your Computer:
You’ll need the Android SDK tools installed on your PC. Once installed, open a command prompt and type:
adb devices
to check if your device is connected.
5. Reboot your device into Bootloader Mode:
Run the following command to boot your device into fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloader
6. Unlock the Bootloader:
Use the following command to unlock the bootloader:
fastboot flashing unlock
A confirmation will appear on your Pixel’s screen. Use the volume keys to select “Yes” and confirm with the power button. This will wipe all data on your phone.
Step 2: Download the Android 14 Factory Image
Visit the official Google Factory Images for Pixel Devices page and download the Android 14 factory image for your specific Pixel device.
Make sure the version you download corresponds to your exact model, as flashing the wrong version could lead to device failure.
Step 3: Flash Android 14 on Your Pixel Device
1. Extract the Downloaded Factory Image:
Unzip the downloaded Android 14 factory image on your PC.
2. Boot your Pixel into Fastboot Mode:
If not already in fastboot mode, use the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
3. Flash the Android 14 Image:
Open the folder where you unzipped the factory image.
Run the following command to begin flashing the image:
flash-all.bat
The script will automatically flash the Android 14 system image onto your Pixel. The process may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Step 4: Lock the Bootloader Again (Optional but Recommended)
After successfully flashing Android 14, it’s recommended to re-lock the bootloader to keep your device secure.
1. Boot into Fastboot Mode Again:
adb reboot bootloader
2. Lock the Bootloader:
fastboot flashing lock
Use the volume keys to confirm locking the bootloader, and press the power button to select it.
Step 5: Reboot and Set Up Your Phone
After locking the bootloader, your Pixel will reboot and you’ll be back on Android 14. You’ll need to go through the initial setup process and restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
You can also use the Android Flash Tool to rollback your Pixel device to Android 14.
Final Thoughts: Revert Pixel Phones Back to Android 14
While Android 15 brings many improvements, not everyone is happy with the update, and some are facing issues like bricking when enabling certain features, as reported on the Pixel 6 devices. If you are experiencing problems or simply prefer the older version, downgrading to Android 14 is a viable option. Just be sure to follow the steps carefully, as the process involves risks, including voiding your warranty.
If you’re hesitant about doing this yourself, it might be a good idea to seek help from a professional or Google support. Stay safe and always ensure you’ve backed up your data!
FAQs:
1. Will downgrading void my warranty? Yes, unlocking the bootloader to downgrade will void your warranty.
2. Can I downgrade without losing my data? No, downgrading involves a full device wipe, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
3. What if my device gets bricked during the downgrade? You may be able to recover by using Google’s official factory images, but if the issue persists, you might need professional assistance.
