How to roll back a system update on Xiaomi devices: the full guide 2026

MIUI and Android updates on Xiaomi devices typically improve performance, add new features and close security vulnerabilities. However, sometimes fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits, from sudden lags and overheating to the complete failure of your smartphone or TV. If you encounter bugs after an upgrade, don't panic. The system rollback to the previous stable version is possible in several ways, and we will discuss each of them in detail.

In this article, you will find current rollback methods for all types of Xiaomi devices (smartphones, tablets, Mi TV), including official and informal methods. We will also explain what risks exist when downgrading a firmware, how to avoid a “brick” (device breakage) and what to do if standard methods do not work. Importantly, the procedure requires care – errors in the firmware stage can lead to data loss or failure of the gadget.

Why you might need to roll back a MIUI update

Before you start downgrade, make sure the problem is really firmware-related, and here are the typical symptoms that warrant a pullback:

• 🐢 Critical performance drop: smartphone slows down, apps take a long time to open, animations twitch - despite resetting settings.
• 🔥 Overheating and fast battery discharge: after updating, the device heats up without loading, and the battery goes down in a few hours.
• 🚫 Failing functions: sensors fail (NFC, gyroscope, camera or speakers not working, sound is lost.
• 📵 Communication problems: mobile network disappears, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth does not catch, errors occur when calling.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: The device is constantly rebooted or stuck on the logo MI.

If any of these points are familiar, the probability of the upgrade being blamed is 80-90%, but before rolling back, try a less radical measure:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
2. Clear the cache of the system (Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Remove updates for problematic apps (e.g. Google Play Services or MIUI System).

⚠️ Attention: Rolling back firmware on Xiaomi with the bootloader unlocked can result in the device being locked through an antirollback (downgrade protection mechanism!

Preparation for rollback: what to do in advance

Incorrect preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices. Follow this checklist to minimize the risks:

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Check the battery level (minimum 60%)

Install the Mi Flash Tool or ADB drivers

Create a backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Turn off Mi Account protection (if you plan to reset completely)

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First and foremost, determine the exact device model and current version of MIUI.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Write down data from Model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) and MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).
3. Check the build number (for example, SKQ1.211006.001) – it will come in handy for finding firmware.

Download the official firmware from one of the verified sources:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website (select Archive section for older versions).
• 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial archive with firmware for all regions).
• 🔧 XDA Developers (for custom firmware and patches).

Official stable MIUI

Official Beta of MIUI

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know which one's right.-->

Pay attention to the type of firmware:

Method 1: Recoil through the built-in updater (the safest)

Unless Xiaomi has blocked the downgrade option via Updater, this is the easiest way to do it, and it doesn’t require a computer.It’s suitable for smartphones and Mi TVs with an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Download the full OTA-previous version MIUI (file extension).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
3. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once you restart, the device will be on the previous version of MIUI.

• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (for some models).
• 📥 Officially available OTA-down-raid.
• 🔄 No active anti-rollback (checked through fastboot getvar anti).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) A rollback via Updater can cause an error called "Can't verify update." In this case, use Fastboot.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced users)

If Updater is not possible, you will need to use the Mi Flash Tool. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader. On devices with a locked bootloader, firmware via Fastboot will result in the error "Flash is not allowed in Lock State".

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install: Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi). ADB and Fastboot (for command line).

Fastboot

C:\MIUI\

Fastboot

Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds

fastboot devices

The serial number of the device should appear.

Mi Flash Tool

Clean all

Clean all and lock

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Anti-rollback devices (e.g., Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4 GT) will require an additional patch, which can be found on XDA Developers for "anti-rollback bypass."

Method 3: Recoil through TWRP (Save Data)

If you have a custom TWRP recap on your device, you can roll back the firmware without losing data.This method only works for unlocked devices and requires TWRP pre-installing.

Instructions:

1. Download Recovery firmware (.zip file) for your model.
2. Reboot to TWRP: adb reboot recovery or a combination of buttons (usually Power + Volume up).
3. In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to the firmware.
4. Scroll down and swipe to confirm Flash.
5. After installation, press Wipe cache/dalvik and restart.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Saving user data (photos, files, some settings).
• ✅ Possibility of installing custom cores or mods.
• ✅ It works even with a damaged system partition.

⚠️ Note: Some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Series) TWRP It encrypts the data, and if you forget the password, you lose access to the files!

Method 4: Recoil for Xiaomi TV (Mi TV, Mi Box)

Xiaomi’s rollback procedure on TVs and set-top boxes is different from smartphones. There’s no Fastboot here, but there are alternative ways through ADB or Recovery.

For Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and Mi TV 4/5 Series:

1. Download the firmware for your XDA model.
2. Connect the device to your PC via USB-OTG (Mi TV Stick requires an adapter).
3. Activate ADB Debugging in Settings → About Device → Android Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → For Developers → Debugging by ADB).
4. Install firmware via ADB Sideload: adb sideload [name file.zip]

For Mi TV (TVs):

• 📺 Use it. USB-Remove the name and rename it to the update.zip. Put the file in the root USB-storage (FAT32). Insert the flash drive into the TV and go to Settings → Update → Local Update.

UART

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Before you install Mi TV, turn off Auto Update in your settings, otherwise the system will automatically update again!

What to do if the rollback does not help or the device is “bricked”

If after rollback problems remain or the device stopped turning on, follow this algorithm:

1. Diagnostics: 🔴 Black screen without reaction → Problem with loader or power. 🟡 Hanging on the logo MI → System partition damaged. 🟢 Cyclical reboot → Firmware and core conflict.
2. Solutions: For black screen: check battery power (plug in for 30 minutes), try Fastboot (Power + Volume Down). To hang on the logo: swipe the full Fastboot image with a clean all and lock check. For cyclic reboot: install the boot boot boot core or swipe and vendor separately through Fastboot.
3. Extreme measures: 🔧 EDL-Mode (Emergency Firmware via Qualcomm 9008) Requires an authorized Xiaomi account or boxing. 💻 JTAG (for soldering iron recovery only for experienced users.

If the device does not respond to any manipulation, contact the service center Xiaomi. Save the purchase check – repair warranty is possible even after a failed firmware (if there is no physical damage).

💡

90% of the backbone bricks are due to ignoring the anti-rollback or the wrong firmware. Always check the file's compatibility with your model!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi