Steps to Downgrade a Lumia 520 Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows Phone 8.0

It is important to note that downgrading Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows Phone 8.0 can carry risks, including brickage of the device. Proceed at your own discretion and responsibility. This guide is provided for educational purposes. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional or skip this process entirely.

Pre-Downgrade Checklist

Before attempting to downgrade your Lumia 520 from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows Phone 8.0, ensure you have the following:

A backup of your data, as the process may require a factory reset. A reliable Windows Device Recovery Tool (WDRT) version that supports Windows Phone 8.0. The Windows Phone 8.0 firmware update file (FFU). A compatible PC with administrative privileges. Access to the internet and OpenCommand (if you are working on a 32-bit system).

How to Downgrade Your Lumia 520

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to manually downgrade your Lumia 520 from WP8.1 to WP8.0:

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

Ensure your PC meets the requirements for running the Windows Device Recovery Tool. Download the latest version of the WDRT if you do not have it installed already. Extract the WDRT files to your PC for easy access.

Step 2: Connect Your Phone to Your PC

Connect your Lumia 520 to your PC. Ensure that your phone is in USB Debugging mode. Follow the prompts on the phone to align the USB port correctly.

Step 3: Set Up the Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. The commands below are specific to 64-bit Windows. If you are using a 32-bit system, use the appropriate paths and commands.

64-BIT Windows
cd C:Program Files x86Microsoft Care SuiteWindows Device Recovery Tool

Step 4: Enter Recovery Mode

Run the following commands to enter the recovery mode:

thor2 -mode rnd -bootflashapp

Your Lumia 520 will display a large Nokia logo.

Step 5: Perform the Factory Reset and Update

Enter the following commands to perform the factory reset and update to Windows Phone 8.0:

thor2 -mode uefiflash -ffufile [FFU] -do_full_nvi_update -do_factory_reset -productcodeupdate 059S0P5

[FFU] is the directory to your FFU file that you downloaded. Do not disconnect your phone to avoid brickage! The phone will factory reset after the flashing process.

Step 6: Reboot Your Phone

Your phone will reboot or show the green screen when the process is complete. If it does not reboot automatically, you can manually initiate a reboot.

Post-Downgrade Steps

After the downgrade process is complete, follow these steps to ensure everything is working as expected:

Check the version of Windows Phone installed on your device. Restore your backed-up data and apps. Update your app store to ensure it is compatible with the new version. Review the supported features and ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Downgrading your Lumia 520 from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows Phone 8.0 is a risky process, but with the right preparation and steps, you can achieve the desired outcome. However, proceed with caution and at your own risk. If you encounter any issues, seek assistance from professional support resources.