Here is the standard method for Android users (iOS is practically impossible due to app signing changes).
For the modding community, is the most stable base for creating "Super Hybrid" mods. Why? pvz 2 china 2.9.6
Once you are in, never turn the internet back on . If the game detects a time mismatch or a server handshake, it will force you to update to the latest bloated version. Here is the standard method for Android users