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HowTo: How to revert to an earlier Sailfish OS version [answered]

asked 2014-07-17 13:31:31 +0200

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updated 2019-06-03 05:10:38 +0200

olf gravatar image

Sailfish OS 1.0.8 is a step back regarding usability:

  • Continuous system shut-downs (i.e. system shuts down for no apparent reason, battery charged >90%, restart using the button to the right, re-shutdown briefly after entering lock-screen code and SIM PIN).
  • Internet connection selector (WLAN/mobile) is continuously overlaying the current app, when refused to connect it reappears within seconds.
  • My favorite navigation app is most of the time off track or lagging by 100 ... 200 m.

... and now holiday/travel season is starting with limited internet access abroad.

Therefore I would like to return to Sailfish OS 1.0.7 -- but how is this possible? Would a total system reset (last entry in Settings list) allow me to select Sailfish OS 1.0.7 as destination version? (For me, 1.0.7 has been the most stable and usable version so far – although the contrast/readability issue has not been solved so far, but also not in 1.0.8.)

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The question has been closed for the following reason "the question is answered, an answer was accepted" by eric
close date 2014-07-17 16:04:11.360129

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Never try to downgrade Sailfish OS to an earlier version with the "version --dup" command! This may lead to an inconsistent state of the software system, i.e. break your device.

The only applicable ways of downgrading are:
- factory reset (Settings > Reset device)
- reflashing (in case of Sailfish X).

jovirkku ( 2019-11-11 09:58:47 +0200 )edit

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answered 2014-07-17 14:35:05 +0200

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updated 2019-06-04 00:29:00 +0200

olf gravatar image

Edit (2019-06-03): This old answer from 2014 is still basically valid.
Its fundamental point is to never downgrade "across" a "stop release", because that will most likely make your SailfishOS installation unusable.
In general, even downgrading to a slightly minor version (not "across" a stop release, e.g. from 2.2.1.18 to 2.2.0.29) may result in a multitude of issues, hence downgrading is not recommended.
The proper way to downgrade is to execute a "factory reset" followed by upgrading to the intended release.

More info: https://jolla.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201836347#6

See also Downgrade Sailfish OS and subsequent comments.


Ok, the almost answer was given here. But there, the starting point was defined as Sailfish OS 1.0.2.5, which would mean you loose all data and settings.

The following steps worked for me, application (including Android apps) and data (mainly) remained intact, however I had to re-configure the e-mail account. No warranty given. You downgrade on your own risk!

You should not downgrade to a version below 1.0.2.5. If you are upgrading from a version below that, observe the Exceptions stated on this helpdesk page on updates (towards the end of the page).

  1. Make sure to have internet access (WLAN recommended).
  2. Ensure you have developer mode access: https://together.jolla.com/question/32459/howto-access-command-line-with-root-privileges/.
  3. Start Terminal.
  4. Get root access:
    – Enter devel-su and <Enter>.
    – When requested: Enter your password (according to step 2) and <Enter>.
    Now you have root access. (I am not sure, whether root access is required, but I would expect so.)
  5. Enter ssu re 1.0.7.16 and <Enter>.
    Instead of "1.0.7.16" write any other version you want to downgrade to – however I have tested it with downgrading from 1.0.8.19 to 1.0.7.16 only.
    Terminal message: "The device is now in release mode!"
  6. Enter version --dup and <Enter>.
    The downgrade starts.
  7. Wait until a message like "reboot device" and the Terminal prompt appears.
  8. Enter exit and <Enter>.
    This exits the root access mode.
  9. Enter exit and <Enter>.
    This exits Terminal.
    In my case, the system version (menu |- Settings | System | Product information -|) showed the requested version number now.
  10. Reboot: Press the start button to the right until device starts to shut down. When shut down press that button again until device starts to boot.
  11. Test your system.
  12. Disable "Remote connection" which had to be enabled during step 2.
    Remote connection allows to SSH your device e.g. via WLAN and is a potential security risk, in particular if you selected a rather weak password. However, in order to get root access, you need remote connection enabled, otherwise you cannot set a password for root access -- which I regard as a potential security hole in the Sailfish OS concept: It should not be necessary to allow remote connections to get root access.

Good luck.

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Is not the starting point after reset 1.0.0.5? Dependent on shipment?

found_Irish ( 2014-07-18 00:55:22 +0200 )edit

When following the procedure above for downgrading, you do not have to reset to 1.0.0.5/1.0.2.5 or whatsoever: Starting point is your current Sailfish OS version. However, the linked source of my information was for upgrading and specified 1.0.2.5 as starting point, i.e. after reset you first have to upgrade up to 1.0.2.5 and then could start upgrading using the ssu command.

jgr ( 2014-07-18 11:29:10 +0200 )edit

Does this procedure affect Mitäkuuluu messages, groups, or profiles?

FinnishSushi ( 2014-07-26 03:38:55 +0200 )edit

Thank you very much!!! Downgrade worked for me as described and without data or settings lost ;) Let's hope the next update will fix the major problems of version 1.8

pvcn ( 2014-09-14 23:44:34 +0200 )edit

Will this still work if someone wants to downgrade from Sailfish 2.0 (1.1.9.28 or newer) to the 1.1.7.28?

huuhaa ( 2015-09-10 16:19:44 +0200 )edit

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Asked: 2014-07-17 13:31:31 +0200

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Last updated: Jun 04 '19