Downgrade Verizon Galaxy S5 from Android Lollipop to KitKat

Probably every Android user is now eagerly waiting for the Lollipop to dance on their device but in some cases, the situation is quite opposite. Android Lollipop is quite a big changeover from KitKat with all the newly added features, brand new material design interface, ART run-time and much more to add to the list. However, few of the Android users are dawdling over the Internet in search of downgrading methods to get rid of Lollipop. Common reasons are unstable interface after an update, buggy features, and surprisingly I’ve also heard that Lollipop is quite messy.

Whatever may be the reason, the user always has the choice to revert back to the previous Android version. Today we are going to walk you through the process of downgrading your Verizon Galaxy S5 from Android Lollipop to KitKat. The process is fairly simple and if you’re familiar with Odin firmware flashing tool, it’s a cake walk. So, without any further ado, follow our quick guide on how to downgrade Verizon Galaxy S5 to Android KitKat.

WARNING

This Guide is intended only for the Verizon Galaxy S5, not for any other variant or device of Samsung. Be extra cautious when you choose the firmware builds as flashing wrong firmwares might result in a bricked device. You alone are responsible for any consequences that might occur during the process, we shall not be held responsible for any damage to your device.

PREPARE YOUR DEVICE

• Charge your Galaxy S5 above 60% battery level to avoid shutdowns during the process.
• Enable USB Debugging: Link
• Install Required USB Drivers: Link
• Backup your device storage, Contacts, SMS etc. using Google Sync service or any third-party app.
• Download the Odin flashing tool and extract the downloaded zip to your PC, so now you have Odin3.09 folder: Odin3 v3.09.zip 

Downgrade Verizon Galaxy S5 from Android Lollipop to KitKat

If you’re new to Odin tool and firmware flashing, do follow our detailed guide from below link:

Install Stock Firmware on Samsung Galaxy Devices Using Odin – Detailed Guide

1. Download the latest KitKat firmware from the SamMobile database
2. Extract both the firmware and the Odin files in a same directory on your PC.
3. Double-click on Odin3 3.09.exe to start the program.
4. Boot into the download mode. To do this:
   • Power off your phone first.
   • Press and hold  Volume Down + Power + Home together until you see Warning screen with Android logo.
   • Press Volume Up to acknowledge the warning and boot into download mode
5. Connect your device to the PC using an USB cable and make sure the device is detected.
6. In Odin, click AP button and select the firmware file with .tar.md5 extension
7. Make sure Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are enabled in Odin. Do not select the Re-Partitionoption unless you use the PIT file for your device.
8. Finally, hit the start button and wait until the firmware is flashed. Once completed, the device will reboot automatically.
9. Disconnect the device from PC and wait until the device restarts.

That’s it. Once rebooted, you’ll see the Android KitKat setup screen on your device. 

Fixing Bootloop after Flashing the Firmware

In case your Galaxy S5 gets into a bootloop after installing the firmware, perform the steps given here:

How to Perform Data Factory Reset on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Also Read:

Install Rooted Lollipop on AT&T Galaxy S5 SM-G900A and Enable WiFi Tethering