A Blast from the Past: Returning to the Android Marshmallow from the Android N?
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Some people might wonder why anyone would want to return to the previous version of Android Marshmallow from the improved Android N. The new version of Android N does provide many positive improvements after all, finally including split-screen multitasking, better notifications, superior control over settings, and even screen zoom and data saving. So what reasons could there be to return when it feels nothing less than revolutionary to Android users?
Before you decide whether or not to return to the previous update, it might be beneficial to see all the new features that have been introduced in the Android N Beta. Despite the fact that Android N is only in the Developer Preview as of now, it already feels like a major update that may be worth exploring further with its new capabilities, including:
- Multitasking that will allow you to run apps side-by-side, resize windows, and provide greater ability to use applications.
- Improved appearance of the application center, along with new blocking abilities.
- Better Quick Settings that include more than one page and an editing ability that puts more control in your hands.
- More streamlined settings displaying information like Data Usage while informing you of when different modes like “Do not disturb” are turned on.
- An efficient Doze Mode, which works to save energy by minimizing operations when the device is idle.
- A Data Saver that restricts background data access as well as app usage.
- An improved file manager, which despite the fact that it was included in Android Marshmallow now includes an ability to move files, share them, and open multiple windows.
- Call blocking and Screening that is easy and accessible from multiple apps.
- The ability to enter information that can be accessed in case of emergency, a refined night mode, faster boot up, and better optimization for more efficient power usage.
Why Go Back to Android Marshmallow?
All of these features seem revolutionary and when compared to previous versions of Android system updates, certainly are. In fact, many of these are well-liked and necessary to most users, but as is common in many first releases, there are some issues that may make users wish to revert back to Marshmallow. Some of the more common issues include:
- The UI disappearing in landscape.
- Google Chrome freezing.
- Android Pay not working.
- Receiving a YouTube link in SMS Messenger crashing Messenger.
- Split screen leaving a ghost image upon closing the app.
- Flickering recordings when they are played back.
- Random restarts when switching between Wi-Fi and LTE data.
Unfortunately, crashes have also been reported and some prompts just don’t appear, possibly leading to more problems than benefits, especially when looking at so many problems. Some users have even described simple problems like being unable to dismiss alarms in the notification panel and random reboots. After a while, the culmination of problems like these would bother anyone, and it might be easier to simply return to Marshmallow. Luckily for Android users then, Google allows you to rollback to Android Marshmallow with some fairly simple steps.
If you have had enough of all the problems, or maybe you would just like to wait until a better version of the Android N appears, it might be better to rollback to Android Marshmallow for the time being.
To start the process, first go to the Android Beta Program webpage to see the devices enrolled in the new program. Click “unenroll.”
Next, a prompt will ask you to confirm. Click “leave Beta” and “ok.”
A notification for a system update will appear after this, which will update the device back to the Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
- Sometimes there might be problems with receiving the notification however, and if that’s the case, you can access it manually through “setting” “about””phone””system updates.”
Another screen will appear showing all the details of the update, but since this should be a familiar system to you, all you need to do is click “download” to start downloading Marshmallow once again.
- When doing this however, it is important to remember that rolling back to the previous version of Marshmallow will wipe all of your data, so you will need to back it up to avoid losing anything you might need.
- The update is also around 570MB on most Nexus devices, meaning that having a secure Wi-Fi connection will be beneficial if you don’t want to use your mobile data.
After the update is downloaded, the device will be restarted and you will have your installation of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
- Remember though that if you flashed Android N manually without enrolling in the Beta Program, then you will also have to manually flash a Marshmallow Build to return to the Android Marshmallow.
Once the installation is complete, your device will take you through multiple steps that will set up the device, such as a Google account or backup and recovery. Finally then, you will see the much more familiar Android Marshmallow installed once again on your device.
Should You Rollback?
Thankfully, the Android Beta Program has made it possible to rollback easily and to install new preview builds without much hassle. This means that if you are facing bugs and problems on your new Android N, it might be more beneficial just to return to a stable build, being the Android Marshmallow. It would save a lot of hassle, and the entire process is incredibly easy to do. If not, Android N definitely has its benefits, and you might find that it is more worth it to keep the newer version. If anything, many users are simply waiting for the modern, but unfortunately buggy version of Android N to be fixed before they download it again. If you do decide to rollback, it doesn’t look like you will be alone, and with any luck; an improved and more efficient Android N will be available soon.
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Littlegeek
Tech Geek Since 1985 - Cheif Geek at biglittlegeek.com since 2014, All around tech lover sharing great tips and advice online since 2004.