How to Downgrade Flutter Version

Flutter is a powerful framework that evolves rapidly. However, there are situations where downgrading becomes necessary, such as:

• Compatibility Issues: Some plugins or dependencies might not support the latest Flutter version.
• Project Stability: A stable development environment ensures smoother collaboration in team projects.
• Debugging Issues: The latest Flutter version may introduce changes that cause unexpected bugs.
• Specific SDK Requirements: Older projects may rely on specific versions of the Flutter SDK.

By understanding why and when to downgrade, you can make informed decisions about your development setup.

Also Read :- How to Download Flutter on Windows

How to Downgrade Flutter Version

Flutter provides developers with several ways to manage and switch between SDK versions. Below are the most efficient methods to downgrade Flutter.

Step 1: Identify the Current Version

Before downgrading, check your current Flutter version to know where you’re starting.

Command:

Output Example:

This output confirms the version and the release date.

Also Read :- How to Create a Flutter Project in VS Code

Step 2: Downgrade Using Flutter Commands

The easiest way to switch to a previous version is through the command line. Here’s how:

1. List Available Versions
   While Flutter doesn’t natively provide a list of older versions, you can visit the Flutter GitHub repository to explore tags for earlier releases.
2. Switch to a Specific Version
   Run the following commands to downgrade:

   Command:

   flutter downgrade


   This will revert Flutter to the most recent stable version before your current one.

3. Manually Specify a Version
   If you need a specific version, use flutter version.

   Command:

   flutter version <version_number>


   Replace <version_number> with the desired version (e.g., 2.10.0).

Also Read :- How to Build Flutter Web Applications

Step 3: Use Git to Checkout an Older Version

For more control, you can downgrade Flutter by checking out a specific tag from the Flutter Git repository.

1. Navigate to Your Flutter Directory
   cd <path_to_flutter>

2. Fetch Tags from Git
   git fetch --all

3. List Available Tags
   git tag


   Identify the version you need.

4. Checkout the Version
   git checkout <tag>

5. Update Flutter
   Run the following command to ensure the tools are updated for the selected version:
   flutter doctor


Step 4: Downgrade Using Flutter Version Management (FVM)

Flutter Version Management (FVM) is a third-party tool that allows you to manage multiple versions easily.

Steps:

1. Install FVM using Dart:
   dart pub global activate fvm

2. Install the Desired Flutter Version:
   fvm install <version_number>

3. Use the Version:
   fvm use <version_number>

4. Set the Version Globally or for a Specific Project:
   fvm global <version_number>


Step 5: Update Dependencies

Downgrading your Flutter version may require updating or resolving issues with dependencies. Use the following commands:

• Resolve Dependencies:
  flutter pub get

• Analyze Compatibility Issues:
  flutter pub outdated


Common Challenges and Solutions

Downgrading Flutter isn’t always straightforward. Below are some common issues you might face:

Tips for a Smooth Downgrade

1. Backup Your Project: Always create a backup of your project before downgrading.
2. Use Stable Channels: Stick to stable releases to minimize bugs.
3. Document Changes: Keep track of the Flutter version in your README.md.

Also Read :- How to Build APK in Flutter Command

FAQs About Downgrading Flutter

1. What is the easiest way to downgrade Flutter?
   Use the flutter downgrade command to revert to the previous stable version.
2. Can I downgrade Flutter to any version?
   Yes, by using Git to checkout older tags or managing versions with FVM.
3. Does downgrading affect my existing projects?
   It can, especially if your project depends on features from newer versions.
4. Where can I find older versions of Flutter?
   Older versions are available on Flutter’s GitHub repository under tags.
5. What is Flutter Version Management (FVM)?
   A tool to manage and switch between Flutter versions easily.
6. Do I need to uninstall Flutter to downgrade?
   No, you can downgrade without uninstalling.
7. How do I know which Flutter version is compatible with my project?
   Check your pubspec.yaml file and plugin documentation.
8. Is it possible to run multiple Flutter versions?
   Yes, tools like FVM allow you to manage multiple versions.
9. What is the difference between ‘downgrade’ and ‘switch version’?
   Downgrade refers to reverting, while switching allows for dynamic version changes.
10. How do I resolve dependency conflicts after downgrading?
    Update or modify your pubspec.yaml file and run flutter pub get.
11. What happens to my cache when I downgrade Flutter?
    The cache is usually updated; you can manually clear it using flutter clean.
12. Can I downgrade to a beta or dev channel?
    Yes, by using the flutter channel command.
13. How do I revert to the latest version after downgrading?
    Use the flutter upgrade command.
14. Does downgrading impact Flutter plugins?
    Yes, older versions may not support newer plugins.
15. Is it safe to downgrade Flutter?
    Yes, as long as you follow best practices like backing up your project.
16. How do I confirm the downgraded version?
    Run flutter --version after the downgrade.
17. Are Flutter channels important when downgrading?
    Yes, ensure you’re on the right channel for the desired version.
18. What is the role of flutter doctor after downgrading?
    It diagnoses and fixes toolchain issues.
19. Can I downgrade on Windows, macOS, and Linux?
    Yes, the process is platform-independent.
20. Why do I get errors after downgrading?
    This is often due to incompatible dependencies or project settings.

• Author
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Nishant Sharma

Flutter Developer at Indeses Business Ventures Pvt. Ltd

Experienced Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Mobile Application Development, Firebase, Postman API, Android Studio, and MySQL.

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