OnePlus 9 / 9 Pro: Switch From ColorOS to OxygenOS Without Bootloader Unlock

In this guide, we will show you the steps to switch from ColorOS to OxygenOS on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro devices without unlocking the bootloader. One major reason why OnePlus devices managed to quickly become the fan-favorite could be attributed to its underlying custom OS skin. Beholding a plethora of features and maintaining the overall stability at the same time managed to impress one and all.

In this regard, its Chinese variant runs the HydrogenOS whereas all the other region devices come with the popular OxygenOS. However, with its latest flagship, things have taken a drastic turn. Its flagship devices in China will now run the Oppo’s ColorOS skin instead of the HydrogenOS. As expected, this has infuriated quite a few users. Well, the good news is that you could easily switch to the OxygenOS skin from ColorOS on OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. Let’s check it out how.

OnePlus 9 Pro Switch From ColorOS to OxygenOS

OnePlus 9 / 9 Pro: Switch From ColorOS to OxygenOS Without Bootloader Unlock

Before starting off with the instructions, there are a couple of important points worthy of your attention. These have been mentioned under the below-requirements section, do go through them.

Prerequisites

  • To begin with, take a complete device backup. This is because the below process will wipe off all the data from your device.
  • Moreover, this switch will be carried out via the Downgrade firmware. So make sure to download the correct Downgrade package from the below links. Likewise, we have also attached the original ColorOS file for your device, just in case if anyone needs it [Credits: XDA Senior Member mlgmxyysd].
  • Once you have downloaded the downgrade firmware, transfer it to your device’s Internal Storage.

That’s it, these were all the requirements. You may now proceed with the steps to switch from ColorOS to OxygenOS on OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.

Switch From ColorOS to OxygenOS

  1. Head over to the Settings page on your device.
  2. Then go to System and scroll to the Software Updates section
  3. Tap on the gear icon situated at the top right and choose the Select installation package option.
  4. If you cannot access this option, then it’s because there are pending updates available. So consider either downloading and installing this update or cancel it altogether.
  5. If you are planning to cancel it, then go to Settings > App management and select App list.
  6. Then tap on the overflow icon situated at the top right and select Show System. This shall bring up a list of all the system apps.
    show system apps oneplus
  7. Scroll to the Software Update app and go to its Storage usage section. Tap Clear Data > OK and then turn off your internet.
  8. Anyways, once you have dealt with the pending update, the ‘Select installation package’ option should now be accessible.
  9. So select the downgrade firmware that you had earlier downloaded and hit the Install Now button.
  10. Wait for the process to complete. Once done, you will be notified to restart your device.
  11. Do so and your device will now boot with the newly installed OS skin.

So these were the steps to switch from ColorOS to OxygenOS on OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. If at any point in time you wish to revert to ColorOS, then here’s what needs to be done.

Switch from OxygenOS to ColorOS

  1. As before, get hold of the appropriate downgrade firmware from the above Prerequisites section.
  2. Then go to the Settings menu followed by System.
  3. Select System Updates and tap on the gear icon situated at the top right.
    local-upgrade-oneplus-switch-oxygenos-coloros
  4. Then choose the Local Upgrade option, navigate to the downloaded firmware and select it.
  5. Finally, install the package and wait for the process to complete.
  6. Once done, reboot your device and your task stands complete.

With this, we conclude the guide on how to switch from ColorOS to OxygenOS on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro devices. Furthermore, we have also listed out the instructions to make a switch from OxygenOS to ColorOS.

If you have any queries relating to any of the two methods, do let us know in the comments. Likewise, here are some iPhone Tips and TricksPC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks that you should check out as well.

Comments

  1. Can you help understand by what you mean by downgrade firmware. Let’s I have a Chinese varient OnePlus 9 running Color OS which is new and wants to switch Oxygen OS; on downloading the downgrade do I have to download a previous firmware of Color Os or of Oxygen OS? Or its just downloading the Oxygen OS and install following the process above

  2. Any thoughts on how to do this on Color OS 12 V12.1 LE2120_11_C62 on a OnePlus 9 Pro? Mine came with the latest Color OS installed and none of the downgrade methods have worked so far. ADB attempts have also failed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.