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Backup Migrate Downgrade

Pete Fotheringham edited this page Jul 12, 2024 · 5 revisions

What is the recommended downgrade strategy without loosing data, downgrade by adb to previous version or copying the release to the phone and using the lineageos updater app?

I don't know of any way to downgrade without formatting / factory resetting and losing your data. I suggest the following:

  1. Use either (or both) of the following to backup your user-installed apps and (some) data
    1. https://github.com/AndDiSa/android_backup_project/ - requires rooted debugging and a LInux machine, real or virtual. Will backup and restore all of your apps, and some data: See this post for guidance on how to use the tool and here for some info on what will and will not get restored
    2. https://github.com/mrrfv/open-android-backup will only backup apps, not their data, but that's the biggest hassle when setting up after a format. Doesn't need root or rooted debugging. Works on Linux, MacOS & Windows (though you may need an 'unstable' bundle on MacOS - see this issue
  2. Use any in-app backup / export / sync functionality provided by the apps you use. e.g.
    1. K-9 has 'export settings,
    2. QKSMS has in-app backup functionality, or you can use SMS Import Export from F-droid for messages, call logs & contacts
    3. Lawnchair launcher has in-app backup
    4. DAVx5 / ICSx5 /NextCloud NOtes & Sync Client allow synching Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Tasks, and files / documents / photos

Then flash the new ROM using adb sideload without formatting your data partition: if you are lucky, the older version may work, but probably you will have to format, reboot and complete first time setup, then restore whatever you need from the backups, exports & syncs you made.

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