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Generally speaking this is not reversible. Many phones specifically blow fuses in the device to make sure that attempts to downgrade will fail for security reasons. They don’t want someone stealing the phone and somehow tricking it into downgrading in order to extract its content using a security vulnerability that existed in an earlier version.
With that said, if you can get your hands on the ROM Or at least one of the version you require, you could unlock the device and flash whatever you want. You may not be able to re-lock the boot loader however for the aforementioned reason. If you can that would be a device-specific thing.
It looks like older stock firmwares are available online by unofficial sources. You can decide if you trust those enough to attempt to downgrade.
Reference: https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-bootloader-unlock-for-moto-g-stylus-5g-2023.4620535/
Side comment, I find it more ... interesting? (concerning?) they have "essential apps can't run on 14" which to me is sort of a red flag event for those apps. $0.02 we're up to 15 mainline with 16 coming soon, relying on apps stuck back on 13 never updated would not work for my conscious.
Interesting? OK well you're a stranger on the internet but somehow you think you've stumbled upon a Sherlock Holmes moment. But I'll indulge you. The older Adobe PS Touch that they discontinued basically because it was perfect and they wanted to start peddling subscriptions. It's a fantastic app. On iOS its gone for good but I have an old iPad 2 with it still installed. I have a Galaxy Note 10+/5G with Android 12 and PS Touch runs beautifully. From my research it seems that Android 14 is where it became impossible to install. Therefore I'd prefer to revert one version.
Also none of these devices are my primary device, none are my actual phone. They're various pocket computers for various uses. So the Moto I'd really like to have PS Touch working. So I have no security worries.
I buy, refurbish and sell these kinds of phones and the first thing I usually do after testing all the hardware is remove accounts and wipe/factory reset. I've had hundreds of unsecured devices in my possession but I have no interest in invading the private lives of strangers nor of accessing their personal data. I respect people.
So, nothing nefarious just boring old typical real life situation.
I fear you may have misread my intention in comment; nothing nefarious intended, it's about the "no updates to this app for years" which can equal "security issues unpatched" for the average, regular person. You did not disclaim the above details in your OP, you are NOT a normal user and had I known that I would never have commented.
You can bypass the limitation assuming its not a hardware compatibility issue. Download shizuku and PI(package installer). Setup shizuku with wireless adb and you use PI to install the apk file.
I use this method to install old apks which are blocked by the OS because they use an older SDK and target older android versions.
Hey, do you have any kind of link to somewhere I can find that illustrates thus process? I don't doubt I could wing it if needed but I often run into one stumbling block after another to eventually succeed. If you don't know of any guide that's OK. Thanks for the reply, it is appreciated.
This generally isn't true for the OS, you can almost always flash a lower version.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/08/new-security-measures-make-android-13-for-the-pixel-6-a-one-way-update/
Yes, I thought this a bit ridiculous I've put a variety of ROMs on dozens of different models. There's no self-destruct booby trap st the hardware level. Many are difficult some are impossible to flash, but nothing will break itself. That would be a suicidal business decision.
Pixel 6 is one such a device that does this. I replied with a link to a different comment, but not reproducing here to avoid the perception of spamming links.
Thank you! I'll see what's available on XDA and def. will check the link you posted. Motorola is great with unlocking bootloader. Aside from one or two models that were prepay and not eligible for unlock they've provided the codes for all units I've tried so far. Should be OK.
I’d recommend you consider if you actually need to re-lock the boot loader. It’s a great way to turn a device into a brick. There are a few apps that don’t work with an unlocked boot loader but most will be fine. My bank for example is really annoying and complains. There is a risk that if you try to lock the boot loader after a downgrade your device may simply not start anymore and you’ll lose access to be able to flash or unlock the boot loader again.
It’s not supposed to get stuck like that, but I’m telling you from personal experience that not all vendors are great about handling this situation. Most people never attempt to install third-party firmware, and you’re not really supposed to be able to downgrade.
Good luck!
Yeah I don’t have any intention or need to keep a locked bootloader.
I think you are mixing e-fuses (Samsung) and tamper-evident storage (Pixel). First one is used to lock Knox after rooting, second one to prevent downgrades.