Staying on the bleeding edge isn’t always the best option. There could be issues that you didn’t expect. As such, it becomes important to know how to downgrade Android 13 to 12. It’s no secret that significant version updates often involve a blend of delight and apprehension. Android 13 has been released and this new system software aroused the great interest of many Android users while some may prefer to stay on their previous one, Android 12. This article seeks to define the process of degradation from Android 13 and down to Android 12 smartphones, with details on the difficulties involved therein.
Understanding the Challenge: Downgrading Android 13 to 12
There are challenges for users who have recently updated to Android 13 and therefore want it back. The brand-new bootloader updates for these devices introduced with the stable Android 13 update made it difficult to downgrade. Anti-rollback protection featured in the upgraded bootloader is a major obstacle to a conventional installation of an older version of Android.
Despite these hurdles, it is worth mentioning that the process of downgrading from Android 13 to 12 is uncommon and requires a thorough understanding along with technical knowledge. Nevertheless, it is also possible to flash the new bootloader and install Android 12 on top of it as a way out for those who need to roll back their device’s software.
Complicating the Android 13 Bootloader Update
An important element of an Android device is the bootloader, which starts initiating a chain for boots and integrates with the SoC system. With the launch of Android 13, a bootloader update brings an array of low-level components rooted in hardware ultimatum. The update to the bootloader has elements such as anti-rollback protection which makes it quite difficult for any user without risking instability or damage to their devices trying to go back to Android 12.
Despite efforts to crack and adapt the new bootloader to bypass anti-rollback protection, a lack of OEM-signed programmers along with cryptographic keys stands in the way. This limitation limits the flashing of an older bootloader and shows that updating the Android device’s bootloader is a rather complex process.
Step-by-Step Guide: Downgrade Android 13 to 12
Before the downgrade, it is highly recommended to back up all necessary files including apps and media of photos & videos because this process will completely erase device storage. Besides, make sure that the latest ADB and Fastboot binaries are installed on your PC to simplify the downgrade process.
Make sure that both slots of the target device have the same Android 13 bootloader version to prevent possible complications. This step is critical to avoid a hard-bricked situation and guarantee the flawless operation of the downgrading system.
First Steps
1. Download and Modify Factory Image.
2. Get the appropriate Android 12 factory image for download.
3. Unzip the factory image ZIP and find the bootloader.
4. Remove the bootloader image from your extracted folder.
Now, it’s time to modify the flashing script.
• For Windows: Open “flash-all.bat” with Notepad, omit the section related to bootloader flashing, add " --force" in-between "- w" and update arguments of system image installing part, and save changes.
• For Linux and macOS: Open the "flash-all. sh" file using a text editor, delete the bootloader flashing related section, then include --force between -w and update options in the system image flash part and save it back.
Flashing Process
Unlock the bootloader so that you can flash it via Fastboot. The Android should be rebooted to bootloader mode and connected to a computer via the USB cable. Open a terminal on the computer, navigate to the folder of the Android 12 factory image that has been extracted, and use the altered flashing script.
• For Windows: .\flash-all.bat
• For macOS and Linux: ./flash-all.sh
Allow the flashing process to finish, and watch as the device restarts and boots Android 12.
Using Official Developer Support Images
The Android family includes Developer Support Images which are modified Android12 system images. These images depict an upgraded bootloader with novel security patches and a raised anti-rollback counter. But it is worth mentioning that the aforementioned developer builds are not intended for wide use and do not get OTA security updates compared to consumer incarnations.
The Rationales and Drawbacks
Recognizing the risks and considerations involved in degrading back to Android 12 from version 13 is crucial. As a result, the bootloader and firmware coalescence may not be officially backed up; therefore, under-the-hood incompatibility issues might arise alongside no monthly security updates for Android 12. Additionally, remaining on the level Android 12 can negatively affect real-life results and compatibility, revealing difficulties of downgrade appropriateness.
Downgrading from Android 13 to 12 on Android devices is a difficult process that includes many complex factors. Although Android 12 can be loaded up on the updated loader, one should take into account all the cons and risks that might arise. Finally, those planning to downgrade should do so with care and know that reverting to Android 12 has restrictions as well as other consequences. So, now that you know how to downgrade Android 13 to 12, it’s important to be mindful of the many risks involved with the process. Note that it also voids your warranty. Be cautious and don’t forget to take a backup of your important data.
