Help Uninstall updates

[markdoc]

I don't think I'm the only one who has updated an app and after using it, wished they could go back to the previous version. I know I can't do it with the app manager on my phone. I was wondering if there is either an app for a non-rooted phone (just dreaming) or if someone can tell me where the installed apk files are on an HTC One M8. I found what I think are pre-installed apk's in "System\priv-app\" and some manually installed in "System\app\". I have searched for "apk" files but can't find most of the apps. I'm not that familiar with Linux, so is there a different extension I can search for?
Thank you in advance,

 

[vosg]

You can back up your apk files with this little tool:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newpower.apkmanager

It places the backed up apk files in the APKSHARE folder on your internal storage.

There are several other apps that do the same thing, just search the Google Play store for "apk backup". Root is usually not required.

 

[markdoc]

Thanks vosg, I really didn't think an app existed. I tried it and it worked great. I just wish it told me where each file is on my phone so I can learn something. But hey, I'm happy that it works. Now if an update screws up, I can uninstall it and reinstall the previous (saved) version.

 

[Thom]

The great app ... ES File Explorer File Manager ... has the capability of baking up apps. You tell it what apps to backup (all is an option) and it writes them to /backups/apps. You can then rename/move/copy them from there to wherever you want. The ES File Explorer display shows what apps are backed up and what apps aren't.

... Thom

 

[markdoc]

Thanks Thom. I have ES but when I search for "apk" files, it comes up short. The list is missing a lot if apps.

 

[Thom]

ES - home page - select APK icon (top right)

Select them all and then select backup. It will create the folder and they will all be listed in green.

... Thom