Use Older Versions of Android Apps Without Updating

Run and use any older versions of Android Apps without force or mandatory updating the app. Use this simple trick without root permissions.

Many times you may have faced the problem of app asking for a mandatory update to run. But you may not wish to update the app thinking to lose some of the app experience or features. The apps like WhatsApp, Netflix, Hike, WeChat, COC etc ask for a force update to run. This basically happens because the app makes some changes which have an effect on all. For example, if WhatsApp has an update for some emoji smiles, then the one who hasn’t updated the app will not be shown the emojis. This causing communication problem, this is why some apps ask you to make mandatory updates.

You can skip this updates and use older versions of Android Apps without any compulsion just using a simple trick which actually is a form of a setting change. No root permissions are required.

Note – You can try APKMirror.com to download an older version of the App on your device but after installation, if the App forces you to update to the latest version from Play Store than go for the method below.

Steps to Run Older Apps Without Update

Step 1: Download and install the older version of the App on your Device.

Step 2: Download the APK Editor app from Google Play Store.

Step 3: Open Google Play Store and search for the app. Click on Read more and scroll down to check App version.

Example: App version in Play Store

Example: App version in Play Store

Step 4: Now open APK Editor App and click on ”Select APK from APP”.

APK Editor App

APK Editor App

Step 5: Now look for the app and click on “common edit”.

Step 6: Here change the Version name with the latest one you noticed in Google Play Store.

Step 7: Apply the changes in APK Editor App.

Step 8: Uninstall the pre-installed App and install the modified App from APK Editor. Holla! You have just nailed it.

What if the App Version says “Varies with the device”?

Version Varies with Device

Version Varies with Device

  • First, download the latest version of your preferred App.
  • Go to Android Settings and look for the option Apps/App Manager.
  • Check for the App, open it and look for App version.
  • Note the App version and proceed forward with the steps above.

Once done you can use an older version of the App on your Android Smartphone without any update and enjoy the App experience and features. I have also provided a video demo of the same.

How to Use Older Versions of Android Apps Without Updating?

Conclusion: With the method above you can download and install an older version of the App on Android without force updates. The method may not work on all the Apps which need real-time internet access but still, you can give it a try.

I hope the post was helpful. Do comment below for any of the assistance or queries. Have a nice day Cheers!

If you've any thoughts on Use Older Versions of Android Apps Without Updating, then feel free to drop in below comment box. Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!

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Nikhil Azza
Nikhil is a Tech Blogger who sometimes loves to write real-life lore. He has been writing content for the past 8 years, with over 1K+ articles written on Android, Mac, iOS, Social Media, Cloud Storage, Software, and General Tech. Know More

106 Responses

  1. shahzaib says:

    method is not working on clash of clans

  2. mohd imran says:

    Method is not working for paltalk.. New version start from 7 & old version working well up to 6

  3. Soumya says:

    I go through the above process, When I open coc it shows update the latest version and it takes to play store and there there is no update just uninstall and open is there.

  4. Romana says:

    Not working for my jio app version 3.2.43. Plx tell me how can i use my jio app version 3.2.43 without update pop ups.

  5. Bernard says:

    I get a return of null exception pointer when trying to save the editted app, what can I do?

  6. Alim says:

    It not work with clash of clans

  7. O says:

    Any idea if this will work for an older version of Hangouts? I want to prevent the “you must update” nagging screen that prevents you from using an older version of hangouts. I tried the steps you gave, but when trying to open the new/modified Hangouts it force-closes every time. I think it’s the fact that the signature key is being changed. Any work around to this?

  8. Darren says:

    Not working for fildo. 🙁

  9. Z 39 says:

    It doesn’t work with ‘Chapters: Interactive stories. 🙁
    How can I stop it from taking me to google play saying I must update the version?? Help me please

  10. Nashir says:

    hi im trying for airasiabig app but still need update

  11. vijay says:

    for angry birds match not working which i have followed the exact steps..

  12. Ismail says:

    Not working for Modern Combat 5: Blackout. Please help!!!

  13. shogun says:

    Not working for unkilled. Cant change ver number and version code. Tried to change obb data too.

  14. lordryoko says:

    I tried it with a few games and it works. It also didn’t work for some. I m guessing that if it is a major update that is required, then this trick won’t work. I also figured that some updates were to prevent cheating so the file structure (format?) may change, so again this method won’t work for that. Thanks dude, you have showed me a very cool trick especially for modded games.

  15. SHARAD TOLWALA says:

    sir I tried with DBS app but the still update notifications is coming up again and showing that you have tampered the app. why?
    help me I want to use old version of DBS digibank ver. 1.7.4 because of some good options in it.

    • Nikhil says:

      Banking Apps run on real-time data. So, it would be not possible.

  16. LFTricks says:

    doesnt work for eternium v1.2.96 and v.1.2.99 🙁

  17. Davide says:

    Hi,
    What if he says: current version too low please update.
    Is there a way to boost the old version?

  18. Captain America says:

    Does it work for avengers academy

  19. brendy says:

    it says app not installed… i want older version of fruit ninja

  20. shakthi says:

    i need for the uber driver app, i did all setup as you said but it showing you must upgrade the app

  21. Don says:

    For hotstar it’s not working

  22. NKH says:

    Thanks so much…i love it!

  23. Cole says:

    It’s not Working for Bingo Blitz 🙁

  24. Blitzy says:

    cannot bypass the “this version has expired” popup – how can that be removed?

  25. m says:

    I do this I then I open my clash then it want to update this opinion doesn’t work help me the new update is stopin during the new clash help me plz ???? If u find the answer send to my Gmail

  26. sajid says:

    Dear i wanT change version of app. BuT common edit options is noT showing after click the APK editor app. Igot 3 options Decode all file, Decode partial files and 3rd option is for cancell. so why i can noT see common edit option. kindly help me i need urgently to change version. Thanks

  27. Hussain othman says:

    Thanks for this
    I am disabled some thing i need some one to learn me l have background just i need some help if you can please sent me e mail
    Appreciated

  28. Sonali says:

    When I open the apk editor it does not show the option “common edit”

  29. Des says:

    Doesn’t work for Smule

  30. br says:

    App opens but keeps reading retry no feed

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