Checking Compatibility and Requirements
Before beginning the process of downgrading your OnePlus 9 Pro, it's crucial to ensure that you have the necessary compatibility and meet the requirements. This step is essential to prevent any potential issues during the downgrade process.
First and foremost, verify the model of your OnePlus 9 Pro. Each smartphone model may have specific firmware versions that are compatible with it. To check the model of your device, navigate to "Settings" and select "About phone." Here, you can find detailed information about your device, including the model number.
Next, ensure that your OnePlus 9 Pro has sufficient battery charge. It's recommended to have at least 50% battery to prevent any interruptions during the downgrade process. Additionally, using the original charging cable and adapter can help maintain a stable power supply throughout the process.
Furthermore, make sure to have a reliable internet connection. A stable and high-speed internet connection is essential for downloading the required firmware files and tools. This will help expedite the process and minimize the risk of interruptions due to network issues.
In addition, prepare a computer with a USB port and ensure that it is running a compatible operating system. For most firmware downgrade processes, a Windows-based computer is often recommended. However, it's important to check the specific requirements for the downgrade tools and firmware files that you'll be using.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the potential risks and implications of downgrading your device. While downgrading firmware can address certain issues, it's important to understand that it may also void the warranty and could potentially lead to data loss if not done correctly.
By thoroughly checking the compatibility of your device and ensuring that all necessary requirements are met, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps of backing up data and unlocking the bootloader for a successful downgrade of your OnePlus 9 Pro.
Backing Up Data
Backing up your data is a critical preparatory step before initiating the firmware downgrade process for your OnePlus 9 Pro. This step is essential to safeguard your personal information, settings, and applications, ensuring that they can be restored following the downgrade. By following the outlined procedures, you can effectively preserve your valuable data and minimize the risk of data loss during the firmware downgrade.
1. Utilize OnePlus Switch
One of the most convenient methods to back up your data on the OnePlus 9 Pro is by using the OnePlus Switch application. This built-in feature allows you to seamlessly transfer various types of data, including contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos, audio files, and applications from your device to an external storage location. To initiate the backup process using OnePlus Switch, follow these steps:
- Open the OnePlus Switch application on your device.
- Select the "Backup" option and choose the types of data you wish to include in the backup.
- Connect your OnePlus 9 Pro to a computer using a USB cable or utilize cloud storage to store the backup files.
2. Sync with Google Account
Another effective approach to back up your data is by syncing your OnePlus 9 Pro with your Google account. By doing so, various types of data, such as contacts, calendar events, app data, and Wi-Fi passwords, can be automatically backed up to your Google account. To ensure that your data is synchronized with your Google account, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the "Settings" on your OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Select "System" and then tap on "Backup."
- Enable the "Back up to Google Drive" option and select the types of data you want to include in the backup.
3. Manual Backup of Important Data
In addition to utilizing built-in features, it's advisable to manually back up important data such as photos, videos, documents, and any other files that hold significance to you. You can transfer these files to an external storage device, cloud storage service, or your computer to ensure that they are safely preserved during the firmware downgrade process.
By meticulously backing up your data using the aforementioned methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss and confidently proceed with the subsequent steps in the firmware downgrade process for your OnePlus 9 Pro.
Remember, the backup process is a crucial preparatory step that ensures the safety and accessibility of your data, allowing for a smooth transition through the firmware downgrade and subsequent restoration of your device's functionality and personal content.
Unlocking the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro is a fundamental step in the process of downgrading the firmware. By unlocking the bootloader, you gain the ability to install custom firmware and make essential modifications to the device's software. However, it's important to note that unlocking the bootloader may void the warranty and lead to the erasure of all data on the device. Therefore, it's crucial to proceed with caution and ensure that you have backed up all important data before initiating the bootloader unlocking process.
Here's a step-by-step guide to unlocking the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro:
1. Enable Developer Options
Begin by enabling the Developer Options on your OnePlus 9 Pro. To do this, navigate to the device's "Settings" and select "About phone." Locate the "Build number" and tap on it seven times. You will then see a message confirming that the Developer Options have been enabled.
2. Access Developer Options
Once the Developer Options are enabled, go back to the main "Settings" menu and select "System." Within the "System" menu, choose "Developer options." Here, you will find the necessary settings to unlock the bootloader.
3. Enable OEM Unlocking
Within the Developer Options, locate the "OEM unlocking" setting and enable it. This step is crucial as it allows the bootloader to be unlocked.
4. Power Off the Device
Power off your OnePlus 9 Pro completely. Once the device is powered off, proceed to the next step.
5. Boot into Fastboot Mode
Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. This will boot your device into Fastboot Mode, where you can perform various low-level operations.
6. Connect to Computer
Connect your OnePlus 9 Pro to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure that the necessary USB drivers are installed on your computer to facilitate the connection.
7. Unlock the Bootloader
On your computer, open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where the Android Platform Tools are located. Once in the appropriate directory, enter the command to unlock the bootloader. The specific command may vary based on the tools and operating system you are using.
8. Follow On-Screen Instructions
After entering the command to unlock the bootloader, follow the on-screen instructions on your OnePlus 9 Pro to confirm the bootloader unlock process. This typically involves using the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to confirm the action.
Upon successful completion of these steps, the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro will be unlocked, allowing you to proceed with the next phase of flashing the downgraded firmware. It's important to note that unlocking the bootloader is a significant modification to the device's software, and it should be approached with careful consideration of the associated risks and implications.
Flashing the Downgraded Firmware
Flashing the downgraded firmware on your OnePlus 9 Pro is a pivotal step in the process of reverting to an earlier software version. This procedure involves replacing the existing firmware with an older version to address specific issues or to restore compatibility with certain applications or services. It's important to meticulously follow the steps outlined below to ensure a successful and seamless firmware downgrade.
1. Download the Downgraded Firmware
Begin by obtaining the specific downgraded firmware for your OnePlus 9 Pro. Visit the official OnePlus website or trusted third-party sources to locate and download the appropriate firmware package. Ensure that the firmware version is compatible with your device model and meets the necessary prerequisites for the downgrade process.
2. Enable USB Debugging
On your OnePlus 9 Pro, navigate to the Developer Options within the Settings menu. Enable USB debugging to allow the device to communicate with the computer during the firmware flashing process. This setting is essential for establishing a stable connection and facilitating the transfer of the firmware files.
3. Connect the Device to the Computer
Using a USB cable, establish a connection between your OnePlus 9 Pro and the computer. Ensure that the necessary USB drivers are installed on the computer to enable seamless communication between the device and the operating system.
4. Boot into Fastboot Mode
Power off your OnePlus 9 Pro and then boot it into Fastboot Mode by simultaneously pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons. In Fastboot Mode, the device is ready to receive commands and perform low-level operations, including firmware flashing.
5. Open Command Prompt or Terminal
On your computer, open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where the Android Platform Tools are located. This is where you will execute the commands to initiate the firmware flashing process.
6. Flash the Firmware
Execute the appropriate commands to flash the downgraded firmware onto your OnePlus 9 Pro. The specific commands may vary based on the firmware package and the tools being used. It's crucial to follow the instructions provided with the firmware package and exercise caution during this stage.
7. Verify the Flashing Process
Once the firmware flashing process is initiated, monitor the command prompt or terminal window for any error messages or prompts. It's important to ensure that the firmware is being flashed successfully without encountering any issues.
By meticulously following these steps, you can effectively flash the downgraded firmware on your OnePlus 9 Pro, paving the way for the subsequent phase of re-locking the bootloader and restoring the device to its earlier software version. This process demands careful attention to detail and adherence to the specific instructions provided with the firmware package to achieve a successful firmware downgrade.
Re-Locking the Bootloader
Re-locking the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro is a crucial step following the firmware downgrade process. By re-locking the bootloader, you reinstate the device's security measures and restore its original state, thereby ensuring compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines and potentially reinstating the warranty. It's important to approach the re-locking process meticulously to safeguard the device's integrity and functionality.
1. Verify Firmware Downgrade Success
Before proceeding with re-locking the bootloader, it's essential to confirm the successful completion of the firmware downgrade on your OnePlus 9 Pro. Ensure that the device is operating on the desired earlier software version and that all essential functionalities are restored.
2. Boot into Fastboot Mode
Power off your OnePlus 9 Pro and then boot it into Fastboot Mode by simultaneously pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons. In Fastboot Mode, the device is ready to execute low-level operations, including the re-locking of the bootloader.
3. Connect the Device to the Computer
Using a USB cable, establish a connection between your OnePlus 9 Pro and the computer. Verify that the necessary USB drivers are installed on the computer to facilitate communication with the device.
4. Open Command Prompt or Terminal
On your computer, launch a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where the Android Platform Tools are located. This is where you will execute the commands to re-lock the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro.
5. Initiate Bootloader Re-Locking
Execute the specific commands to re-lock the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro. The command for re-locking the bootloader may vary based on the tools and firmware version. It's crucial to follow the instructions provided with the firmware package and exercise caution during this stage.
6. Confirm Re-Locking Success
Monitor the command prompt or terminal window for any confirmation messages or prompts indicating the successful re-locking of the bootloader. It's important to ensure that the bootloader is re-locked without encountering any issues.
By meticulously following these steps, you can effectively re-lock the bootloader of your OnePlus 9 Pro, ensuring compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines and potentially reinstating the device's warranty. This process demands careful attention to detail and adherence to the specific instructions provided with the firmware package to achieve a successful bootloader re-locking.
Restoring Data
Restoring data is a critical phase following the firmware downgrade process for your OnePlus 9 Pro. This step involves retrieving and reinstating the backed-up data to ensure that your device is fully equipped with the previously saved personal information, settings, and applications. By meticulously following the steps outlined below, you can effectively restore your data and seamlessly transition to utilizing your device with the downgraded firmware.
1. Access Backup Files
Retrieve the backup files that were created prior to initiating the firmware downgrade process. If you utilized the OnePlus Switch application or synced data with your Google account, ensure that the backup files are readily accessible. If you manually backed up important data, locate the external storage device, cloud storage service, or computer where the files were stored.
2. Utilize OnePlus Switch
If you utilized the OnePlus Switch application to back up your data, follow these steps to restore the data:
- Open the OnePlus Switch application on your OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Select the "Restore" option and choose the specific backup file that contains your data.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the restoration process, ensuring that all desired data types are restored to your device.
3. Sync with Google Account
For data synced with your Google account, proceed with the following steps to restore the data:
- Navigate to the "Settings" on your OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Select "System" and then tap on "Backup."
- Enable the "Automatic restore" option to allow your device to automatically restore settings and app data from your Google account.
4. Manual Data Restoration
For data that was manually backed up, such as photos, videos, and documents, follow these steps to restore the data:
- Transfer the backed-up files from the external storage device, cloud storage service, or computer to your OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Utilize the file manager on your device to locate and import the restored data into the appropriate folders or applications.
5. Verify Data Integrity
After restoring the data, thoroughly verify the integrity and accessibility of the restored information, ensuring that all essential data and settings are fully reinstated on your OnePlus 9 Pro. Test the functionality of applications and review your personal content to confirm that the restoration process was successful.
By diligently following these steps, you can effectively restore your data and ensure that your OnePlus 9 Pro is fully equipped with the previously backed-up information, settings, and applications. This meticulous approach to data restoration completes the firmware downgrade process, allowing you to resume using your device with confidence and familiarity.
