Google surprised everyone last week announced and released Android N, the next version of its mobile operating systems. Users will be happy to know that they can revert to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow from Android N beta thanks to a simple method provided by Google. That said, you’ll want to follow the few steps and suggestions below before continuing.
When Google approved Android N, it released an Android N beta for anyone with a Nexus smartphone or tablet to try. In fact, they’ve made it a bit too easy and now many users want to revert to a stable version of Marshmallow. Android N has tons of great features that are worth trying, but it’s pretty unstable and not recommended for everyday use. All in all, here is how to easily revert to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Overall, the process of reverting from Android N to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is extremely easy and just like downloading and installing any software update. Accept the terms, download the software to your device and let it do all the work. However, there are some precautions users may want to take to prevent further problems. Read on for more details.
As with previous beta tests or developer previews, Google has released factory images so owners of Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player or Pixel C can try Android N. To make things even easier, over-the-air beta updater. This allowed users to sign up for an OTA update and receive it like regular updates without losing any information.
This was a welcomed release, but many owners are now realizing that Android N is not prime-time ready and want to revert to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This can be done using our how-to guide below and the correct factory image, or there is an even easier way available directly from Google. Just “Unsubscribe from beta” and Google will ship the latest stable Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow to your device.
In the same way that users signed up for the beta to try Android N, here’s how you can switch back to Marshmallow. Here’s how to get started and what you need to know.
Instructions and Tips
Just google.com/android/beta and unenroll your device from the beta program. After users “Unregister” from the link above, Google will automatically send the latest version of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow to any compatible Nexus device as a typical over-the-air software update.
Once you’re done checking out all the new features and seeing what all the fuss is about, you might want to go back to the stable software. We don’t blame you, Android N is full of bugs and we expect at least 2-3 more beta updates before we’re ready for the global release date of late this summer. There is one problem though, going back to Android M.
As a result, owners may want to back up their Android device first. So all your photos, videos, apps, text messages and more. Click the link above and backup everything just in case, then unregister your device and be ready for the wireless notification to upgrade from Android N to the latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
However, some users are having trouble returning, so we didn’t recommend all users try Android N first. Some devices get stuck in a boot loop and won’t load, downgrade fails, and other issues are reported. If this happens, owners will not be able to use their Nexus smartphones or tablets and will have to manually sideload Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which is the next issue. To do this, users must first enable “OEM Unlocking” of the device, a setting under developer options. If you haven’t done this and you’re having issues with Android N or downgrade, you won’t be able to turn on your smartphone or tablet to enable the “OEM Unlock” option in the developer options.
The guide above will explain how to open the hidden Developer Options menu on all Nexus smartphones and tablets. Do that, then go to Developer options and enable “OEM Unlocking” just to be safe. That way, if there are any issues reverting to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you won’t be stuck. Either way, unlocking the bootloader will delete all user data. There is no easy way to go back to Android 6.0 Marshmallow from Android N without erasing your entire device.
Developer software and beta testing are not for everyone, and Google received several warnings before allowing users to continue. At the end of the day, users who want to revert to Android 6.0 Marshmallow should back up their device, enable OEM unlock in developer options, and then Android N Beta page to start.
