Have you ever installed an app update only to find out that it’s full of bugs or doesn’t work as well as the previous version? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people have experienced the same frustration. The good news is that there is a way to remove an update from an app and revert to the previous version. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it on both Android and iOS devices.
On Android, the process of removing an app update is relatively simple. First, open the Settings app and tap on “Apps.” From there, select the app that you want to remove the update from and tap on “Uninstall updates.” A confirmation dialog box will appear; tap on “OK” to confirm. The app will now be reverted to the previous version.
If you’re using an iOS device, the process of removing an app update is a bit more complicated. This is because Apple does not allow users to directly remove updates from apps. However, there is a workaround that you can use. First, open the App Store and tap on the “Updates” tab. From there, find the app that you want to remove the update from and tap on the “Update” button. Once the update has been downloaded, tap on the “Cancel” button. The app will now be reverted to the previous version.
Identifying the Obsolete Update
Determining the specific update that is causing issues can be challenging. It typically involves investigating recent app updates and identifying the one that coincides with the onset of problems. Here are three steps to help you narrow down the possible culprit:
1. Check App History
Access the App Store or Google Play Store and navigate to the app’s listing. Locate the “Changelog” or “What’s New” section to view a chronological list of updates. Identify the most recent update that occurred before the problems started. This is likely the one causing the issue.
2. Compare App Versions
If the changelog does not provide sufficient information, compare the current app version with previous versions. You can find the app version in the app’s settings or in the app store listing. If there is a significant difference between the version installed and the one that was trouble-free, it is likely the update that introduced the problems.
3. Consult User Forums and Reviews
Search online for user forums and review platforms related to the app. Other users may have experienced similar issues and identified the specific update responsible. Reading reviews and discussions can help you confirm your suspicions and gather additional insights.
Uninstalling the Update through App Store
Method 1: Using the App Library
1. Tap on the App Library icon on your home screen.
2. Scroll down to the “Recently Added” section and find the app you want to uninstall the update for.
3. Tap and hold on the app icon until a menu appears.
4. Select “Uninstall Update” from the menu.
Method 2: Using the General Settings
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Tap on “iPhone Storage.”
4. Find the app you want to uninstall the update for and tap on it.
5. Tap on “App Version” and then tap on “Uninstall Update.”
Note: If the “Uninstall Update” option is not available, it means that the app does not have any updates installed.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that can help you uninstall app updates. One popular app is App Manager. To use App Manager to uninstall an app update, follow these steps:
1. Download and install App Manager from the App Store.
2. Open App Manager and tap on the “Updates” tab.
3. Find the app you want to uninstall the update for and tap on it.
4. Tap on the “Uninstall Update” button.
Note: It’s important to note that uninstalling an app update will not delete the app itself. It will only remove the latest update that was installed.
| Method | Steps |
| ———– | ———– |
| App Library |
- Tap App Library icon
- Find app in Recently Added
- Tap and hold app icon
- Select Uninstall Update
| – |
| General Settings |
- Open Settings app
- Tap General
- Tap iPhone Storage
- Find app and tap
- Tap App Version
- Tap Uninstall Update
| – |
| Third-Party App |
- Download App Manager
- Open App Manager
- Tap Updates tab
- Find app and tap
- Tap Uninstall Update
| – |
Downgrading the App Version
If the update causes significant problems or introduces unwanted changes, you may want to downgrade to an earlier version of the app. However, this process can be more complex and may not always be possible.
1. Check App Store or Play Store Settings:
Some app stores allow you to view previous app versions and restore them. Check the app’s settings in the app store to see if this option is available.
2. Install an Older APK File:
For Android apps, you can sideload an older version of the app by installing the APK file. You can download APK files from reputable sources like APKMirror.
3. Use a Time Machine Backup (macOS):
If you have a Time Machine backup, you may be able to restore an earlier version of the app from before the problematic update. Navigate to Applications > Time Machine and browse to the app’s folder to find previous versions.
4. Contact the App Developer:
In some cases, the app developer may provide older versions of the app on their website or through customer support. They may have specific instructions on how to downgrade the app and what potential issues to be aware of.
Before downgrading an app, consider the following:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Resolve issues caused by updates | May not be possible for all apps |
| Revert to a preferred version | May introduce new security vulnerabilities |
| Potentially fix performance problems | Could lose any data or features added in the update |
Force-Quitting the App
In macOS, you can force-quit an app by using the following steps:
- Press Command+Option+Esc.
- Select the app you want to quit from the list of running apps.
- Click the Force Quit button.
In Windows, you can force-quit an app by using the following steps:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager from the list of options.
- Select the app you want to quit from the list of running apps.
- Click the End Task button.
In iOS, you can force-quit an app by using the following steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher.
- Swipe up on the app you want to quit.
In Android, you can force-quit an app by using the following steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps.
- Select the app you want to quit.
- Tap the Force Stop button.
Once you have force-quit the app, it will be removed from your device’s memory. You can now reopen the app and it will be restored to its previous state, before the update was installed. However, please note that force-quitting an app may cause you to lose any unsaved data.
| Platform | Steps to Force-Quit |
|---|---|
| macOS | Command+Option+Esc, select app, Force Quit |
| Windows | Ctrl+Alt+Delete, Task Manager, select app, End Task |
| iOS | Swipe up from bottom of screen, swipe up on app |
| Android | Settings app, Apps, select app, Force Stop |
Restoring the App from Backup
Option 1: Using Backup Services
If you have backed up your app using a cloud service or a third-party app manager, you can restore it from the backup. Simply follow these steps:
- Uninstall the app from your device.
- Go to the backup service or app manager.
- Find the backup for the app you want to restore.
- Click on the “Restore” button.
Option 2: Using a Local Backup
If you have a local backup of your app, you can restore it manually. Here’s how:
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Locate the backup file on your computer.
- Copy the backup file to your device’s internal storage.
- Uninstall the app from your device.
- Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
- Tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
- Find the app you want to restore and tap on it.
- Tap on the “Storage” tab.
- Tap on the “Restore” button.
Restore Table
| Backup Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Service | Convenient Automatic backups |
Requires internet connection |
| Local Backup | No internet connection required | Manual process |
How To Remove An Update From An App
With the constant release of updates for mobile apps, it’s important to know how to remove an update in case the latest version introduces unwanted changes or bugs. The process for removing app updates varies depending on your device’s operating system.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove an update from an app on Android and iOS:
Android
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on “Apps & notifications”.
- Select the app you want to remove the update from.
- Tap on the “Uninstall” button.
- Select “OK” to confirm the uninstallation.
- Once the app is uninstalled, you can reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
iOS
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap on “General”.
- Tap on “iPhone Storage”.
- Select the app you want to remove the update from.
- Tap on the “Offload App” button.
- Select “Offload App” to confirm.
- Once the app is offloaded, you can reinstall it from the App Store.
People Also Ask About How To Remove An Update From An App
How do I revert an app update on Android?
To revert an app update on Android, you need to uninstall the app and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
How do I downgrade an app on iOS?
It is not possible to downgrade an app on iOS. However, you can offload the app and then reinstall it from the App Store.
Can I remove an app update without losing data?
Yes, you can remove an app update without losing data. However, it is important to note that if you have made any changes to the app’s data since the update was installed, those changes will be lost.
