Google Pixel 6 Pro or 6a, you can downgrade your Android 13 build to Android 12 if you have serious problems or don’t like it.
This method hasn’t changed much since the Google Pixel series launched in 2016, so it may be familiar to long-time Android users, but not to newcomers. The Android Flash Tool makes flashing Pixel factory images easier than ever.
You’ll need to perform a few things and be mindful of some limitations before reverting to a stable Android 12 build.
After installing Android 13 stable, the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a CANNOT be downgraded. This OTA update upgrades the anti-rollback bootloader. Once you update a Pixel 6 series phone to the stable build, you can’t go back to Android 12. This guide is for Android 13 Beta users. Most users won’t mind, but Android 12 to 13 is a one-time upgrade. This tutorial targets Pixel 4/4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a.
Second, back up your data first. This method wipes your smartphone numerous times, thus you WILL lose data. We’ve added Android Flash Tool instructions for Chrome.
Here’s the complete video tutorial as well. If you don’t want to read just click on it.
Google Pixel Android downgrade Pre-Requirements
Before flashing firmware, follow the steps below.
1. Install Android SDK Tools
First, download Android SDK Platform Tools here. ADB & Fastboot binaries must be used on a PC to flash Android firmware and data. Once you’ve downloaded the ZIP file from the URL above, extract it.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock
- Turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on the phone so your PC can detect it in Android Debugging or ADB mode. So
- Open Android’s Settings menu.
- Tap Build Number seven times in About Phone.
- Tap System in Settings.
- Advanced > Developer Options should appear.
- Turn on USB Debugging.
- After that, scroll down and enable OEM Unlocking.
- Finally, connect your gadget to the PC via USB wire and continue.
3. Backup data
If something is crucial, use this way to back up your Android device. Unlocking the device bootloader erases all data.
4. Unlock bootloader
Next, unlock the bootloader. OEMs lock bootloaders by default so customers can’t flash unsigned third-party firmware. Unlock the bootloader to flash third-party firmware. Unlocking the bootloader erases all internal data. Follow the above approach to unlock Android’s bootloader.
5. Connect USB
To connect your Android handset to your PC, utilise a USB cord. You’ll have a strong connection between the phone and computer to flash the firmware file. Use a device-specific USB cable.
Method 1: Downgrade using Android Flash Tool
- Android Flash Tool webpage > Select your device.
- Then click the Flash button next to the stable Android 12 build.
- Allow ADB Access > Allow USB Debugging on your device.
- Make sure your gadget is connected via USB and appears linked under Selected Device.
- Verify the Selected build version.
- Next, click on Selected build > Edit. Check Wipe Device and Force Flash All Partitions. [ Unless defaulted.
- After downgrading firmware, you can uncheck or check Lock Bootloader. [Your choice]
- Click Install Build thereafter.
- When prompted, click Confirm.
- The Android Flash Tool will flash Android 12 onto your smartphone.
- Wait for the flashing procedure to finish, then reboot into Fastboot and FastbootD Modes.
- You’ll get a success message after flashing.
- Now you can unplug your device and boot to Android 12 downgrade. [Systems usually boot automatically]
- Enjoy!
Method 2: Downgrade through Fastboot
Using fastboot flashing, perform the steps below.
- First, download Android 12’s factory image (not the OTA file).
- Download the file entirely.
- Once complete, extract it into the ADB platform-tools folder.
- Launch Command Prompt by navigating to the ADB platform-tools folder, typing CMD, and pressing Enter.
- Type the following command in CMD to boot into Fastboot Mode:
- adb bootloader
- Double-click the flash-all batch file. Start flashing. So, proceed.
- Your device boots to Fastboot and FastbootD automatically. Don’t worry.
- You’ll get a success message after flashing.
- Finally, your cellphone will boot to Android 12 downgrade.
Let us know if you have any query.
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