Have you upgraded your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone to a new version of MIUI but encountered bugs, battery discharge or an uncomfortable interface? rollback to previous firmware is a solution, but the process requires caution. Unlike a conventional upgrade, a downgrade can lead to data loss, device lockdown or even “bricking” if the sequence of actions is disrupted.
In this article, we’ll use a step-by-step algorithm for Xiaomi devices (including the 2020-2026 models) to help bring back the old version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
- 🔓 How to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked)
- 📥 Where to Download Official Firmware for Downgrade
- ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for Fastboot and Recovery
- ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Warning: the procedure resets all data on the device (photos, messages, applications).If important files are not synced with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, make a backup before starting.
1.Preparation: checking the model and firmware version
The first step is to make sure you are downloading the firmware for your model, and installing an incompatible version will result in a permanent lock on the device.
To find out the exact model:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) and MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5).
- Write down the model code (e.g. 22101316C for Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
Also check the status of the loader:
- 🔒 Locked – you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section 2).
- 🔓 Unlocked – you can immediately start rolling back.
💡
If in Settings → Additionally. → Version. MIUI No “Status of the bootloader” item, so it is blocked.
To check the status manually:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and enter in the command line: fastboot oem device-info If the answer is Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is locked.
2. Unlock the loader (if required)
Without unlocking, a firmware rollback via Fastboot is impossible. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices from the factory, and unlocking it requires:
- 📱 Related Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number!).
- 🖥️ Windows computer (official Mi Unlock Tool does not work on the computer) macOS/Linux).
- ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days) after linking your account to your device.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Log in to Fastboot (power button + volume down) and connect your phone to your PC.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in with the same account as your phone.
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
⚠️ Note: If the "Couldn't unlock" error appears when unlocking, check: 🔌 Cable USB (Use the original from Xiaomi). 🔄 Restart your PC and phone and try again. 📅 Has it been 168 hours since the account was linked.
What happens if you unlock the bootloader on the warranty device?
3. Selection of firmware for rollback
Not all versions of MIUI are downgrade compatible.
- 📅 Choose firmware no older than 2-3 versions from the current one (for example, with the MIUI 14 can roll back on MIUI 13.5, but not on MIUI 12).
- 🔢 Download only stable versions (labeled as Stable, not Developer or Beta).
- 🌍 The firmware region should be the same as the current one (e.g. Global, EEA, China).
Official firmware sources:
| Source | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Community (official) | mi.com | Only stable versions, slow servers |
| Xiaomi Firmware Updater | xiaomifirmwareupdater.com | Quick links, archive of old versions |
| 4PDA (forum) | 4pda.to | Firmware from enthusiasts, possible modifications |
Example of the name of the firmware file:
fw_redmi_note_12_pro_plus_global_V14.0.4.0.TMOMIXM_20231012.0000.00_12.0_global_1234567890.tgzWhere:
- redmi_note_12_pro_plus — model.
- V14.0.4.0.TMOMIXM is the version of MIUI.
- Global is a region.
- 12.0 is the Android version.
💡
Never download firmware from unverified sources! Virus files or damaged archives can make your phone inoperable.
4. rollback via Fastboot (recommended method)
Fastboot is more reliable than Recovery, as it runs through all partitions, including boot and recovery.
- 🖥️ Windows PC (for Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 📦 Unpacked firmware in.tgz format (not.zip!).
Step-by-step:
Download the Mi Flash Tool|Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Disable the antivirus (can block the firmware)|Charge your phone at least to 50%-->
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Install ADB and Fastboot (or Mi Flash Tool).
- Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (power button + volume down).
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error:
- 🔌 0x80070002 — Check the path to the firmware (there should be no Cyrillic).
- 🔧 0x80070057 — Update the Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers.
- ⏳ 99% freeze – turn off your phone, restart your PC and repeat.
5. Recovery rollback (alternative method)
Recovery is simpler, but it doesn’t work on all devices and can lead to a cyclic bootloop if the firmware isn’t compatible.
Instructions:
- Download firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
- Enter Recovery (Power button + Volume up).
- Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Warning: If after a rollback through Recovery, the phone is stuck on the logo MI, You will have to repeat the procedure via Fastboot or reset the settings (Wipe Data in Recovery).
Advantages and disadvantages of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| No PC. | It doesn't work on all models. |
| Save data (sometimes) | High risk of error |
| Faster than Fastboot. | Doesn't run through all sections. |
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
Error 1: The phone does not turn on after the firmware (bootloop)
- 🔄 Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a full cleanup (Clean all).
- 📥 Check that the firmware is suitable for your model and region.
- 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% and try again.
Mistake 2: Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the device
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
- 🔄 Reboot your PC and phone in Fastboot.
Mistake 3: After a rollback, there is no net (IMEI is missing)
- 📶 This means that the modem section is not clicked. Repeat the Flash all except storage tick.
- 🔧 If IMEI not recovered - manual restoration will be required QCN-File (for experienced users only!).
How to recover the IMEI after a failed rollback?
7. Data recovery after rollback
Usually, a firmware rollback erases all data from the device, but some of the information can be recovered:
Recovery methods:
- 📱 Mi Cloud: If sync, contacts, notes and photos were enabled (from Gallery) → Mi Cloud will be restored automatically after logging in to your account.
- 🖥️ Backup on PC: If you did a backup through Mi PC suite ADB, Connect your phone and restore the data.
- 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (only if data has not been overwritten by new firmware).
What can't be restored:
- 📱 Communications from SMS/MMS (If you don’t have a backup in Google Drive).
- 🎮 Game saving (unless linked to a Google Play or Mi Account).
- 📁 Files from internal memory if the firmware was completely cleaned (Clean all).
💡
Before rolling back the firmware, export SMS via the SMS Backup & Restore app (available on Google Play).