Google Pixel phones can’t downgrade from Android 13

• If you have a Google Pixel phones, you can’t downgrade to older versions of Android after installing Android 13.
• The anti-rollback protection stops bad people from using a security hole to install an older version of Android.
• It’s unclear if downgrading after updating may destroy your phone.

Android 13 was just released for Google Pixel smartphones, and you can install it by simply checking for updates.

If you have a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 6a, you can’t roll back to Android 12 after updating. This indicates Android 13 is permanent.

The warning appears on the Android 13 factory images page: “The Android 13 update for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Pixel 6a contains a bootloader update that increments the anti-rollback version. After flashing an Android 13 build on these devices you will not be able to flash older Android 12 builds.”

Xiaomi has used similar anti-rollback measures in the past.

Xiaomi enabled anti-rollback protection via a software update on the Redmi Note 5.

Users didn’t know they had to be careful, so when they tried to downgrade, they broke their phones.

If you don’t flash between system images, you’re fine. If you like to switch between versions, hold off.

It’s unclear if downgrading after updating to Android 13 may destroy your phone, so it’s best to wait and see. If you have an older Google Pixel, don’t worry.

It’s unclear why only Pixel phones are supported. All three gadgets are powered by Google Tensor, so it may be unique to Tensor and why Google is using it.

The anti-rollback protection in Verified Boot stops bad people from using a security hole to install an older version of Android.

Also Read

Oppo may soon rival Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Oppo is going to go head-to-head with Samsung with foldable phones. Oppo...