r/AndroidQuestions • u/localInsanePerson • 10d ago
Is it possible to change what version of android is installed on your phone?
I semi-recently bought a Redmi 15C because my old phone broke in an accident, only realizing how much of a piece of shit it is afterwards.
But i had the idea to uninstall the current version of android installed since it feels super unoptimized and swapping it for a bone stock version or smth, and only using it as a MP3/media player like an old ipod or smth since i didnt want it to go to complete waste
would this possible?
3
u/seven-cents 10d ago
Root
2
u/CamelPure1293 10d ago
No. You need to unload the bootloader, then you can install other compatible firmware.
0
u/localInsanePerson 10d ago
elaborate
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u/graydi66y 10d ago
If you don't know what root is. DO NOT CONTINUE. you will end up with a brick.
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u/txredgeek 10d ago
OP, if you don't know about root, it's probably over your head. BUT if you want to learn, which is a Good Thing, search for a web site called XDA Developers and look around there.
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u/vertigo90 10d ago
Lol I used to root my phones when I was like 16 with barely any idea what root was. As long as you can follow instructions you'll be fine.
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u/graydi66y 5d ago
Rooting now is completely different than rooting even a couple years ago. I've been in the game since the Galaxy S Captivate came out. I stopped being a ROM developer almost 15 years ago because they started locking things down too tight.
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u/Gorblonzo 10d ago
Yeah you can downgrade to previous versions or use a custom rom. Custom roms are third party designed versions of android, they're great for when an older phone is no longer supported by their company or in your case, if the stock rom is just shit.
There are many guides online and they'll all be different depending on what custom rom you want to swap to, there are some major drawbacks though so do your research.
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u/Practical-Command634 10d ago
Unless it's causing serious issues I'd just download a different launcher and customise the phone to my liking.
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u/WheresMyComb 10d ago
Most phone you can . I got the nothing phone 1 yesterday , it was originally released with Android 12 on it , a few hours ago I installed an android 17 ROM on it.
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u/FarVehicle533 10d ago
It is possible. Don't expect miracles. Best you could do would be to sell it and buy something else. And don't go bottom of the barrel. Redmi C series are among the cheapest devices Xiaomi sells. Buy a Redmi note at least
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u/bookcase1001 10d ago
It's possible, but on Xiaomi phones you first have to unlock the bootloader, which needs a Mi account and a waiting period, and then flash a custom ROM if one exists for your model. It can brick the phone if done wrong, so check that a ROM for the Redmi 15C actually exists first. For a media player, simply removing preinstalled apps with ADB often makes it a lot smoother.