Learn to roll back system apps to the factory version via App Info or Play Store, when to do it, and cautions for WebView/Play services — with Samsung and Xiaomi/HyperOS paths.
Quick take: To roll a system app back to its factory version, open the app’s App info page and choose ⋮ → Uninstall updates. On many devices, you can also do this from the Play Store by tapping Uninstall (which removes updates only, not the base app). You can update again anytime.
Method A — From App Info (works on most OEMs)
Settings → Apps → See all apps → [System app] (e.g., Android System WebView, Google Play Services, Phone, Contacts).
Tap the ⋮ menu (top-right) → Uninstall updates.
Confirm: Should we replace this app with the factory version? → OK.
When to use: After a problematic update causes crashes, battery drain, or bugs in dependent apps.
Method B — From the Play Store
Open Play Store → search and open the system app.
If the app is part of the system image, the button may read 'Uninstall' — this removes updates only (the base app remains).
Reopen the app page and tap 'Update' whenever you want to get the latest version again.
Brand-specific paths
Samsung (One UI 6/7):
Settings → Apps → [System app] → (⋮) Uninstall updates, or App details in store → Uninstall to roll back.Xiaomi / HyperOS (recent MIUI):
Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [System app] → Uninstall updates.
(Wordings vary slightly by region/model.)
Notes & cautions
This doesn’t remove the app — it reverts to the version that shipped with your phone.
Dependencies: Rolling back components like Android System WebView or Google Play services can affect other apps.
Auto-update: If Play Store auto-updates are enabled, the app may update again soon. Disable auto-update for this app if you want to stay on the factory version.
Troubleshooting
No “Uninstall updates” option?
Some carrier/OEM builds lock it down; try using the Play Store route instead.
The app might be core/privileged; only updates via system update are allowed.
Button greyed out or blocked?
The device may be work-managed (MDM/EMM) or under parental controls. Admins can restrict rollbacks.
App still misbehaves after rollback?
Clear cache/data (App info → Storage & cache).
Restart the device.
Update to the latest version again — the bug may have been fixed.
FAQs
Will I lose my data?
Uninstalling updates typically does not wipe app data, but some system components may behave differently. Back up critical data and consider clearing the cache if issues persist.
Can I reinstall updates later?
Yes. Open the app in the Google Play Store and tap "Update" or enable auto-updates.
Is this the same as Disable?
No. Disable turns the app off entirely. Uninstall updates only removes the updates and leaves the base system version intact.