I'm trying to downgrade an app I have while retaining the login data, as I need the old version but cannot login with it.

I tried the method found all over the web where, using adb, I pm install the old version on top of the already-installed new one, with the old version's apk either in the platform-tools folder or using push to /sdcard/ and installing it from within the phone.

Either of those returns an error. Installing from PC returns a system being read-only error, and installing from phone returns a "Cannot install old.apk" error.

Is there a way to downgrade or perhaps installing an app signed differently while retaining data? It's only login data really. Since there's no root access I can't just copy & paste the data folder. Thanks.

Google Pixel 8, running latest GrapheneOS. PC is Lenovo IdeaPad 1i running ZorinOS (based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS).

    axl you can't downgrade an app, the only thing you can do is uninstall the app, then install an older version (I wouldn't advise installing an older version of any app).

    App data would be lost when the app is uninstalled. You might try backing it up somehow. Maybe the app has its own backup/restore features. Maybe you can selectively back up certain data using Seedvault. Not sure since I haven't used Seedvault in a long time, but if you do try, make sure you use D2D (device to device) backups.

    • axl replied to this.

      other8026 Thanks for the reply
      Unfortunately backing up the data is not possible since it's not "data"‌ per se but rather a login token. It would be like upgrading an app without needing to re-login, but in reverse.

      I'm extremely reluctant to root this phone but it looks like it's the only way.

      • de0u replied to this.

        axl I'm extremely reluctant to root this phone but it looks like it's the only way.

        I suspect the GrapheneOS developers will be surprised if it is a possible way.

        • axl replied to this.

          de0u I believe it is possible since others online have reported success with the regular method. I won't comment further on this here; I'm aware it's antithetical to the whole point of GOS, and I'm not that desperate for that app to the point of compromising security for it.

          Still, if anyone figures out a way to do this, please let me know (others seeing this thread will benefit also).