How to safely roll back Android 11 on Android 10 on Xiaomi smartphones

Upgrading to Android 11 on Xiaomi devices doesn’t always go smoothly: some users are facing slowdowns, app compatibility errors, or an uncomfortable MIUI 12+ interface. If you happen to be one of them, rolling back to Android 10 may be the solution. However, this process requires preparation, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of a downgrade, including data backup, driver installation and system recovery via Fastboot or Recovery. Particular attention will be paid to the risks (for example, loss of warranty or device “brick”) and nuances for specific Xiaomi models, such as the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10 or POCO X3.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware rollback is an informal procedure that can result in loss IMEI, In some models, for example, Xiaomi Mi, or sensors that are not working. A3) Downgrade from Android 11 to Android 10 officially banned due to changes in the vendor section.

Before you start, check if your model supports rollbacks. To do this, check thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers) – they often publish lists of compatible firmware and user reviews after a downgrade.

1.Preparation for rollback: backup and model verification

The first step is to save all the data, because rolling back the firmware will result in a complete reset of the device. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contact and SMS — Export through the Google Contacts or Mi Mover app.
• 📸 Photo/video – copy the folders DCIM and Pictures on the computer.
• 🔑 Passwords and Tokens – Save backup codes for two-factor authentication (e.g. Google Authenticator).
• 🎮 Gaming progress – link your gaming accounts to Google Play Games or social media.

Next, check the exact model of your Xiaomi. Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. For example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro can have a modification of joyeuse (global version) or curtana (Indian).

Also write down the current firmware version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). If it contains the letters EEA (Europe), IN (India) or RU (Russia), download the firmware from the same region.

2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without the unlocked bootloader, you can’t install the old firmware. Xiaomi blocks it by default, so you’ll have to apply through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and in the program (should be one account!).
3. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode: turn off the smartphone, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and run the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Xiaomi resets all data on the device, POCO F3) You need to wait 72 hours after linking your account to your device before unlocking.

3. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

For rollback on Android 10, you have two firmware options:

• 🔹 Official. MIUI — Xiaomi stable version, but may contain restrictions (e.g. blocked) boot.img).
• 🔹 Castomy (AOSP, LineageOS – flexible, but requires additional manipulation (e.g. installation) TWRP).

We recommend using official firmware, as it guarantees the performance of all modules (camera, NFC, sensors).

• Official MIUI archive (select the Android 10 version for your model)
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there are old builds here).

Pay attention to the type of firmware:

For most models, Xiaomi is the optimal Fastboot method, as it overwrites all sections, minimizing the risk of errors.

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If you download firmware from a third-party site, be sure to check its hash amount (MD5 or SHA-1) through the HashMyFiles utility.

4. Install firmware through Fastboot

To install firmware through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC (recommended) 7/10 x64).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Firmware archive (unpacked in folder).
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder (for example, C:\miui_ROM).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
5. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the process is stuck in the waiting for device stage, check the drivers or try another one. USB-On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you may need to disable the verification of the bootloader’s signature via the command:

fastboot oem edl

Download the official firmware for your model |Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers |Unpack the firmware to the root of the C:|Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool) | Charge the phone at least 50%-->

5.Recovery from downgrade

After successfully installing Android 10, you will need to:

1. Set up the device again – go through the initial setup (MIUI will offer to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, etc.).
2. Recover data — Move backups of contacts, photos and apps, and you can use Mi Mover or Google Backup to do that.
3. Check the efficiency: 📶 Network and Calls – Make sure you are determined IMEI (Checked through *#06#). 📷 Camera and sensors – test the main and front cameras, as well as the gyroscope/accelerometer. 🔋 Charging – connect the charger and check if the charge is going.

If you have problems after a downgrade (for example, a mobile network is not working or there is no sound), try:

• 🔄 Reflash the device again (possibly the firmware was installed with errors).
• 🔧 Install a patch for modem (see for the 4PDA forecast).
• 📡 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).

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If you lost your IMEI after a downgrade, try to restore it via the engineering menu (#4636###) or the SN Write Tool (requires a Mi Account and unlocked bootloader).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Downgrade from Android 11 to Android 10 can be accompanied by errors.

Error 1: "This package is for 'joyeuse' devices; this is a ''"

🔹 Reason: You are trying to install firmware for another model.

🔹 Solution: Check the exact model name through fastboot getvar product and download the correct firmware.

Error 2: "Anti-rollback check fail"

🔹 Reason: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 9T Pro) Anti-Rollback mechanism is installed, which blocks rollbacks to older versions.

🔹 Solution: Look for modified firmware with anti-Rollback bypass (e.g., on the XDA Developers or stay on Android 11.

Error 3: "Device is locked"

🔹 Reason: The bootloader is not unlocked or blocked after firmware.

🔹 Repeat the unlocking procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool (may require 72 hours to wait).

If neither solution worked, go to the 4PDA or XDA forums, which often publish patches for specific models.

7. Alternative methods of rollback

If the Fastboot method didn’t work, you can try other options:

Method 1: Installation via TWRP

This will require:

1. Install custom recovery TWRP (instructions are on XDA for each model).
2. Download firmware in.zip format (for example, LineageOS 17.1 for Android 10).
3. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Power) and install firmware through Install.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8) TWRP It may not work with the encrypted data partition. TWRP (Format Data option).

Method 2: Recoil through EDL-regime

This is an emergency method that is used if the device is not turned on (brick).

• 🔧 Cable EDL (or-closing-point).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format (see specialized forums).

This method is risky and requires experience – if you make an error, you can finally disable the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions