back to top
Menu
How To

How to Downgrade from Android 15 Beta to Android 14 Stable on Pixel Devices

By Sandeep Gautam
Follow Us
placeholder text

Topics

While beta versions of Android often come with exciting new features, they can also introduce bugs that affect daily use. If you need to revert your Pixel device to a more stable version of Android, here’s how to do it. But remember, downgrading from a beta version will delete your data, so make sure to back up your phone before you begin!

Understanding the Downgrade Process

To revert your Pixel phone to a non-beta version of Android, you’ll need to start from scratch. This means wiping your device, reinstalling Android 14 as the previous stable release, and potentially relocking the bootloader if it was previously unlocked.

You have two options for downgrading:

  1. Using the Android Flash Tool: This web-based tool is user-friendly, works over the Internet, and requires minimal hassle, making it ideal if you want a straightforward process.
  2. Using ADB and Fastboot: If you’re comfortable with command-line tools and prefer more control, ADB and Fastboot allow you to manually flash the Android 14 factory image. This method is more involved but offers a higher degree of customization.

Prerequisites for Downgrading

Before starting the downgrade process, ensure the following:

  • Backup Your Data: Downgrading will erase all data on your device, so a backup is essential.
  • Download Flash Tool: If you’re using the Android Flash Tool, you’ll need to install Google Chrome.
  • Set Up ADB and Fastboot: For manual flashing, ensure ADB and Fastboot are installed on your computer.
  • Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone and tap the build number seven times to enable Developer Options.

How to Downgrade Using the Android Flash Tool

Enable USB Debugging

  • First, let’s get your Pixel device ready for the downgrade.
  • Open Settings on your Pixel device and navigate to System > Developer Options.
  • Scroll down and enable USB Debugging. Confirm any prompts that pop up.

Connect Your Pixel Phone to the Android Flash Tool

  • Next, connect your Pixel device to your computer using a USB cable.
  • Open Chrome and head to flash.android.com.
  • Click Get Started and allow pop-ups when prompted.
  • Then, click Allow ADB access when the Android Flash Tool asks for it.
  • If your device isn’t detected, click Add new device and select your Pixel phone.
  • Once connected, the tool will show your Pixel device as “Connected.”

Install Android 14 with Android Flash Tool

  • In the Android Flash Tool, click on Back to Public under the Public Releases section.
  • The tool will display the available stable Android 14 build for your device.
  • Select Install Build and confirm any warnings.
  • Accept the terms and let the process begin.
  • The phone will reboot into Bootloader mode, where you’ll need to unlock the bootloader by selecting Unlock the Bootloader.
  • After unlocking, the Android Flash Tool will automatically install Android 14.
  • Once installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to lock the bootloader.
  • Press the power button to restart your phone, and you’re all set!

Manually Flash Android 14 Using ADB and Fastboot

If you’re looking for more control over the downgrade process, manually flashing Android 14 with ADB and Fastboot is the way to go.

Set Up ADB and Fastboot

  • Download and install ADB and Fastboot from the official Android developer website.
  • Then, download the Android 14 factory image for your Pixel device from Google’s Factory Images page.
  • Extract the factory image ZIP file into the platform-tools folder of ADB.

Unlock the Bootloader

Connect your Pixel phone to your computer. Open a command prompt or terminal in the platform-tools folder, and run the following command to reboot into bootloader mode:

   adb reboot bootloader
  • Once in bootloader mode, unlock the bootloader by running:
   fastboot flashing unlock
  • On your phone, use the volume buttons to select Unlock the bootloader and confirm with the power button.

Flash Android 14 Image

  • After unlocking the bootloader, your phone will restart. Don’t set up your device yet—just enable USB Debugging again.
  • Reboot into the bootloader using the same adb reboot bootloader command.
  • Once the device is in bootloader mode, run the following:
   fastboot flash-all
  1. The flashing process will begin, and once completed, your Pixel device will restart into Android 14.

Locking the Bootloader and Finalizing Setup

After successfully installing Android 14, it is important to lock the bootloader for security reasons.

  • Reboot into the bootloader by running:
   adb reboot bootloader
  • Lock the bootloader by running:
   fastboot flashing lock
  • Confirm on your device by pressing the power button.
  • Restart your Pixel phone and proceed with the initial setup.

How to Opt-Out of the Android Beta Program

So, you’ve downgraded back to Android 14, but your phone might still scan for those Android 15 Beta updates unless you take action. Here’s how you can opt-out and keep things stable.

Opting Out of the Android Beta Program

  1. Visit the Android Beta Program Page: Head over to the Android Beta Program page.
  2. Sign In: Use the same Google account you used to enroll in the beta program.
  3. Find Your Pixel Device: Look for your Pixel device on the list and click Opt-out.

By opting out, your device will no longer receive beta updates, ensuring you stay on stable Android builds.

By following this guide, you can seamlessly downgrade from Android 15 Beta to the stable Android 14 build using either the Android Flash Tool or ADB and Fastboot. This will help ensure your Pixel device remains stable and bug-free.