Not every player wants the newest build. A server may still run last year's version, a favorite add-on may break after an update, or an older phone may struggle with the terrain generation that came in 1.18. Going back to an earlier release solves all of these.
Below is every major Bedrock update with its release date and headline features, so you can pick the right one. After the list you will find how to downgrade without losing your worlds, how to stop the game from updating itself, and which version suits which kind of device.
Minecraft Old Versions List
Search by number or update name, then tap Download for the version you need.
Tricky Trials June 2024
Trial chambers, the Breeze, the mace weapon, crafter block and trial spawners.
Trails & Tales June 2023
Cherry grove biome, camels, sniffers, archaeology, armor trims and hanging signs.
The Wild Update June 2022
Deep dark, ancient cities, the Warden, mangrove swamps, frogs and the Allay.
Caves & Cliffs Part II November 2021
Taller worlds, huge caves, new mountain biomes and reworked terrain generation.
Caves & Cliffs Part I June 2021
Axolotls, goats, glow squid, copper, amethyst geodes and the spyglass.
Nether Update June 2020
New Nether biomes, piglins, striders, bastions and netherite gear.
Village & Pillage November 2019
Redesigned villages, villager jobs, pillager raids and new workstation blocks.
Update Aquatic Phase 2 March 2019
Sea turtles, the trident's full set of enchantments and phantoms.
Better Together September 2017
Cross-play across mobile, console and Windows. The Pocket Edition name is retired.
Why Players Go Back to Old Versions
Matching a Server
Custom servers do not always update on day one. If a server still runs an older build, you need the same version to connect.
Add-On Compatibility
Some add-ons and maps were made for a specific version and break when Mojang changes how entities or blocks work. Rolling back lets you keep using them.
Older or Low-End Phones
The 1.18 update doubled world height and made caves much bigger. Phones with 2 GB of RAM or less often run pre-1.18 versions far more smoothly.
Classic Terrain and Seeds
World generation changed a lot over the years. A seed shared in 2019 produces a different map today, so players who want that exact world need the version it came from.
Nostalgia and Challenges
Some players enjoy the game the way they first played it, before newer mobs and mechanics arrived. Others set challenges like beating the game on a specific old version.
Which Version Should You Pick?
| Your Situation | Suggested Version | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Phone with 2 GB RAM or less | 1.16 | Full Nether content without the heavier 1.18 terrain |
| Phone with 3 to 4 GB RAM | 1.19 or 1.20 | Modern features with lighter load than the latest release |
| Joining a specific server | Whatever the server runs | Versions must match exactly to connect |
| Old add-on or map | The version it was built for | Check the creator's page for the target version |
| Old-style caves and mountains | 1.17 or earlier | Last versions with the classic world height |
| Everything current | Latest Minecraft APK | Newest content and online play |
How to Downgrade Without Losing Worlds
- Back up your worlds. In Minecraft, tap the pencil icon next to each world, scroll down and choose Export World. Save the .mcworld files to Downloads or Google Drive.
- Uninstall the current version. Long-press the Minecraft icon, tap App info, then Uninstall.
- Download the old version from the list above.
- Allow installs from your browser under Settings, Apps, Special app access, Install unknown apps.
- Install the APK from your Downloads folder.
- Import a copy of your world by opening the .mcworld file. Keep the original backup untouched in case the older version cannot read it.
How to Stop Auto-Updates
If Minecraft was ever installed from Google Play, the store may update it again overnight. To prevent that:
- Open Google Play and search for Minecraft.
- Open its page and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Untick Enable auto update.
You can also turn off auto-updates for all apps under Play Store settings, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps.
What Stops Working on Old Versions
- Realms only accepts the current release, so older versions cannot join.
- Featured servers in the Servers tab update quickly and will reject outdated clients.
- Friends on newer versions cannot join your world, and you cannot join theirs.
- Recent Marketplace packs may require a newer version to load.
- Old builds do not receive bug or security fixes.
Single player, local Wi-Fi games with friends on the same version, and custom servers running that version all work normally.
Old Versions of Java Edition
Java Edition players do not need separate downloads. Every past release is built into the official launcher:
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Java Edition.
- Go to Installations and click New Installation.
- Pick any version from the dropdown and give it a name.
- To see alpha and beta builds from 2009 to 2011, open launcher Settings and tick Show historical versions.
- Use a separate game directory for old versions so they do not touch your main saves.
More on the PC original is on our Java Edition page.
Pros and Cons
👍 Pros
- Runs better on older and low-RAM phones
- Keeps outdated add-ons and maps working
- Lets you join servers that have not updated
- Recreates classic seeds and terrain
👎 Cons
- No Realms or featured servers
- Worlds from newer versions may not load
- No new mobs, blocks or bug fixes
- Downgrading requires an uninstall
Final Thoughts
An older Minecraft version is the right tool when you need to match a server, keep an add-on working or get smooth play on an aging phone. Pick the version from the list that fits your case, back up every world before you uninstall, and switch off Play Store auto-updates so the game stays on the build you chose. When you are ready to catch up, the latest Minecraft APK is always on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Android say App not installed when I try an old version?
Android blocks installing an older version on top of a newer one. Back up your worlds, uninstall the current game, then install the older APK.
Will my worlds work in an older version?
Worlds created or opened in a newer version often fail to load or lose blocks in an older one. Keep a backup and use a copy of the world when you downgrade.
Can I play online with an old version?
Realms and featured servers require the current version. Old versions work for single player, local Wi-Fi games with players on the same version, and custom servers that run that version.
How do I stop Minecraft from updating itself?
Open the Minecraft page in Google Play, tap the three-dot menu and untick Enable auto update.
Which old version is best for a low-end phone?
Versions before 1.18 generate smaller terrain and run lighter on phones with 2 GB of RAM or less. Version 1.16 is a common choice for older devices.
How do I play old versions of Java Edition?
In the Minecraft Launcher, open Installations, click New Installation and choose any version from the list. Tick Historical versions in settings to see alpha and beta builds.