How do I revert to a previous WhatsApp version?

How do I revert to a previous WhatsApp version - briefly?

To revert to a previous WhatsApp version, you can download an older APK file from a reliable source and install it on your device. Alternatively, you can uninstall the current version and then reinstall an earlier version from the Google Play Store or App Store, if available.

How do I revert to a previous WhatsApp version - in detail?

Reverting to a previous version of WhatsApp can be necessary for various reasons, such as encountering bugs in the latest update or preferring specific features from an earlier release. The process involves several steps and may require some technical knowledge. Here is a detailed guide on how to revert to a previous WhatsApp version:

1. Backup Your Data: Before proceeding with the downgrade, it's crucial to back up your WhatsApp data. This ensures that you do not lose any important messages or media files during the process.

   • Open WhatsApp on your device.
   • Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
   • Tap "Backup" to create a backup of your chats, photos, and videos.

2. Uninstall WhatsApp: The next step is to uninstall the current version of WhatsApp from your device.

   • For Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > WhatsApp. Tap "Uninstall."
   • For iOS: Long-press the WhatsApp icon on your home screen until it jiggles, then tap the "X" that appears. Confirm by tapping "Delete."

3. Download Previous Version: To revert to a previous version of WhatsApp, you will need to download an APK file (for Android) or use iTunes/Finder (for iOS).

   • For Android: Visit a trusted website that hosts old versions of APK files, such as APKMirror. Search for the specific version of WhatsApp you wish to install and download it.
   • For iOS: This process is more complex due to Apple's restrictions on downgrading apps. You might need to use iTunes or Finder with a backup from an earlier date that includes the desired version of WhatsApp.

4. Install Previous Version: Once you have downloaded the APK file (for Android), proceed with the installation.

   • For Android: Enable "Unknown sources" in your device settings to allow installation from third-party sources. Go to Settings > Security > Unknown sources, then toggle it on. Locate and tap the downloaded APK file to begin installation.
   • For iOS: This step is more challenging due to Apple's policies. It generally involves restoring your device from a backup created when the desired version of WhatsApp was installed.

5. Restore Your Data: After successfully installing the previous version of WhatsApp, you can restore your data from the backup created earlier.

   • For Android: Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your chats and media from the Google Drive backup.
   • For iOS: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to restore your chats and media from the iCloud backup.
6. Verify Successful Reversion: Once the restoration is complete, open WhatsApp and check for the version number under Settings > Help > App info (for Android) or Settings > About (for iOS). This will confirm that you have reverted to the desired version of WhatsApp.