Downgrading your from Android 12 (OxygenOS 12) back to Android 11 (OxygenOS 11)
is a popular choice for users who prefer the original OnePlus software identity before the "ColorOS-ification" merge. 🌟 Review: Why Downgrade?
The "exclusive" Android 11 experience is often cited as superior for several reasons: Aesthetic Identity:
OxygenOS 11 maintains the "classic" OnePlus look, whereas Android 12 adopts Oppo’s ColorOS design. Stability: Users report significantly fewer bugs and smoother performance on Android 11. Customization:
Android 11 offers more granular control over individual app icons and status bar personalization, features that were removed or restricted in later versions. Battery Life:
Many users found that Android 12 led to excessive battery drain (SOT as low as 2.5 hours), which was often resolved by rolling back.
The camera UI in Android 11 is preferred by some for its Hasselblad-tuned natural color science, which changed in the ColorOS-based update. ⚠️ Critical Warnings Data Loss: This process wipes all data on your phone.
You will lose access to the latest Android security patches.
While generally safe if followed correctly, any manual flashing carries a small risk of bricking the device. Oneplus 9 Pro | Downgrade to OXYGEN OS 11
Downgrading OnePlus 9 to Android 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
The OnePlus 9 series was launched with Android 11 out of the box, and later received updates to Android 12 and even Android 13. However, there may be reasons why you want to downgrade your OnePlus 9 to Android 11. Perhaps you prefer the older version's interface, or maybe you encountered issues with the newer versions. Whatever the reason, downgrading can be a bit tricky, but we're here to guide you through it. downgrade oneplus 9 to android 11 exclusive
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure you:
Downgrade Process
To downgrade your OnePlus 9 to Android 11, you'll need to follow these steps:
This is the safest method. OnePlus hides these rollback APKs on its community forums, but they expire after a few months. Here is the exclusive way to find a working one.
If you want Android 11’s performance but Android 13’s security patches, there is a little-known custom kernel called Artisan v4.1, built exclusively for OnePlus 9 on Android 11. It backports security fixes. You will need an unlocked bootloader, but it allows you to stay on Android 11 safely in 2025.
Conclusion: The path to downgrade your OnePlus 9 to Android 11 is not for the faint of heart, but using the MSM tool or the hidden local upgrade APK, you can restore the flagship killer experience. Keep this guide bookmarked, as OnePlus continues to purge old rollback files from the internet.
Have you successfully downgraded? Share your experience in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. The author is not responsible for bricked devices, voided warranties (note: unlocking bootloader voids warranty in most regions), or data loss.
To downgrade your to Android 11 (OxygenOS 11), you can follow two primary methods. Both methods will completely wipe all data Downgrading your from Android 12 (OxygenOS 12) back
from your phone, so it is essential to perform a full backup before starting. OnePlus Community Method 1: Local Update (Official Rollback)
This is the standard way to downgrade if your phone is currently functional and running OxygenOS 12. OnePlus Community Download the Rollback Package
: You must download the correct firmware package for your specific region (IN, NA, or Europe) from the official OnePlus Community Install the Local Update APK
: OxygenOS 12 removed the "Local Upgrade" option from settings. You need to download and install the OPLocalUpdate_For_Android12.apk to restore this feature. Prepare the File : Move the downloaded rollback package (.zip) to the root directory of your phone's internal storage (not inside any folder). : Ensure the file extension is strictly . If it ends in , rename it to remove the Execute the Rollback
: Open the newly installed Local Update app, tap the gear icon, select your rollback package, and tap "Install Now". : Once finished, your phone will reboot into Android 11. Method 2: MSM Download Tool (Deep Rollback/Unbrick)
Use this if the local update fails or if your phone is bricked. This method uses the device's low-level EDL (Emergency Download) mode. How to Downgrade OnePlus OxygenOS via MSM Download Tool
To downgrade your OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro from Android 12 back to the stable Android 11 (OxygenOS 11), you must use a specific rollback package. This process will completely wipe your device, so a full backup is essential. 1. Essential Prerequisites
Backup Data: Copy all personal files, photos, and app data to an external storage or cloud service, as the phone will be factory reset.
Battery Level: Ensure your device has at least 50% charge to prevent it from shutting down mid-process.
Correct Package: You must download the rollback firmware that matches your specific region (IN, NA, or EU). 2. Required Files Backup your data : Downgrading will erase all
You need two specific files on your phone's internal storage:
Rollback Firmware: The Android 11 installation file for your region.
Note: If the downloaded file ends in .jar, rename it to end in .zip.
Local Update APK: Since Android 12 hides the "Local Upgrade" option, you must install the OnePlus Local Update Tool APK. 3. Step-by-Step Downgrade Process
Prepare Files: Place the downloaded rollback .zip file in the root directory of your phone's internal storage (not inside any folder).
Install the Tool: Install the "Local Update" APK you downloaded. If it's labeled as a .zip, rename it to .apk first. Initiate Rollback: Open the newly installed Local Update app. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner. Select the Android 11 rollback package from the list.
Confirm Wipe: A warning will appear stating that this will reset your device. Tap Confirm to start the installation.
Reboot: Once the progress bar reaches 100%, tap Restart. The device will boot into recovery, perform a factory reset, and then start up in Android 11. Summary of Regional Rollback Links
Official links are typically found in the OnePlus Community forums: [CLOSED] Roll back - OnePlus Community