Odin is the easiest way to downgrade your device, and we’ll show you how it’s done in the following guide. Warning: Make sure to backup the files on your Galaxy S5 before you get started, and ensure that you download the right firmware.
Method 1: Odin (PC)
If you’re looking for a free option to downgrade easily, Odin is one of the best out there. Make sure to download Odin to your PC before you get started. You’ll also need to find and download the firmware you want to downgrade to. Here’s a list with download links. (Extract the files and save them somewhere memorable, such as your desktop.) You can use Google and a range of apps, (as well as your PC) to backup your important files and contacts. When you’re ready to get started…
Step 1:
Turn off your device, and reboot the S5 into Download Mode.
Step 2:
(Press and hold the Power, Home and Volume Down buttons to access Download Mode.)
Step 3:
Press Volume Up to continue.
Step 4:
Start Odin on your PC.
Step 5:
Connect the S5 via USB, and you should see the ID:COM box turn blue. (If not, download and install the latest Samsung drivers to your device.)
Step 6:
The only boxes that should be ticked in Odin are Auto Reboot and Reset Time.
Step 7:
Tick the AP box, and open the tar file found in the firmware that you unzipped earlier.
Step 8:
Click the Start button found at the bottom of the Odin screen.
Step 9:
Once complete, you’ll see a green Pass message in the top left hand corner.
Step 10:
Your device will eventually reboot, and it’ll be downgraded once it’s complete.
Conclusion
Sometimes a downgrade is just necessary. If your device is constantly crashing, or you’re having other issues, it’s always worth a try. You can also check our guides for the Galaxy S5. You should now be able to downgrade the S5 fairly quickly using the Odin method. If you came here looking for the S6, we also have a guide for that. If we’ve missed an easy way to downgrade the Galaxy S5, or you have questions about one of the steps on this list, let us know in the comments below, or you can contact us via Facebook or Twitter. Featured Image Credit
