How to roll back Android on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways (2026)

Updating firmware on Xiaomi is not always smooth: new versions of MIUI can brake, drain the battery or contain critical bugs. In such cases, rollback on the previous stable version becomes the only solution. However, the procedure requires care - wrong actions will lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods of rollback (including official and informal), compare their risks and give checklists for each method, and pay special attention to the nuances for models with locked bootloader and devices on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s new firmware that replaced MIUI in 2026.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Firmware rollback with HyperOS to MIUI It can cause loss of functionality of the camera or module. 5G. Before you start, check the compatibility of your model on the Xiaomi forum. EU.

1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the beginning

The first step is backing up data. Firmware rollback erases all user files, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Next, check the current firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down in full (e.g. V14.0.5.0.TKBCNXM). This information will be needed to select the right firmware for rollback.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, and when discharged during the procedure, the device can turn into a brick".
• 🔗 Cable USB: Use the original from Xiaomi – cheap analogues often cause errors in data transfer.
• 💻 Computer: for Fastboot methods and EDL You will need a PC with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed (depending on your smartphone’s processor).
• 📥 Download the full package (not download the full package) OTA!) official website MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

⚠️ Note: If your device is running on HyperOS, roll back MIUI It is only possible through Fastboot with complete data cleanup (clean all). MIUI HyperOS over Recovery will lead to a download cycle.

2. Method 1: Recoil through MIUI bootloader (the safest)

This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and works only within one firmware branch (for example, with MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but not with HyperOS on MIUI).

Instructions:

1. Download the MIUI bootloader app from Google Play.
2. Open the application, select your model and find the desired firmware version in the Archive section.
3. Press Download and wait for the download to be completed (the file weighs ~2-3 GB).
4. After download, tap the Update button - the device will reboot to Recovery and start installing.

If the Update button is inactive, go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 10 times to activate Developer Mode. Then to Settings → Additional → For developers, turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.

Download MIUI bootloader from Google Play

Check the device model in the settings

Find the archived version of the firmware in the application

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking

Charge up to 60% and connect to Wi-Fi-->

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (universal method)

The Fastboot method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including devices on HyperOS. It requires an unlocked bootloader and complete data cleanup, but guarantees a stable result.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website and unpack).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, follow the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
2. Open the command line in the folder with the unpacked firmware and do:

fastboot flash all -w

The -w flag cleans the user's data, and without it, download errors are possible.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11), use fastboot flash all instead of fastboot:

fastboot update rom_file.zip

Critical information: On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), a rollback from HyperOS to MIUI via Fastboot will result in a loss of support for Dolby Vision.

Method 3: Manual update via Recovery (for experienced)

This method is suitable if you already have firmware files on your phone, but it requires caution - an error in choosing a version will lead to a download cycle. It only works for transitions between versions of MIUI (not HyperOS!).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Place the file in the root folder of internal memory (not in the folder!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).

⚠️ Note: If after installation the phone is stuck on startup the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, force it to turn off (Power) + Volume up for 15 seconds and repeat the procedure. If the problem recurs, go through the Fastboot.

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Before entering Recovery, turn everything off. SIM-cards and memory cards. on some models (e.g. Poco) F4) They can cause conflict when installing firmware.

5. Features of the rollback on different Xiaomi models

The rollback process may vary depending on the series of devices, and the following are key nuances for popular lines:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: Supports rollback through Fastboot without loss IMEI, But you have to unlock the bootloader. 10 Pro (with Snapdragon) 732G) After a rollback, Wi-Fi support may disappear 6.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 Series: When you roll back from HyperOS to MIUI Dolby Atmos support is lost and HDR10+. Recovery requires patches from the developer community.
• 📱 POCO F/X Series: You can roll back through Recovery, but only within one branch (for example, with a MIUI 14.0.3 on 14.0.2). Transition to another branch (e.g., with 14.x on 13.x) requires a Fastboot.
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra/11T Pro: These models are blocked by the manufacturer. EDL, This requires an authorized Xiaomi account (available only to service centers).

For an accurate definition of firmware compatibility, use the table below:

6. How to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi (if not already unlocked)

Without an unlocked bootloader, a rollback via Fastboot or custom firmware installation is not possible.The procedure takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's inspection.

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the developer settings.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions in the program.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (released after 2023), Xiaomi has introduced an additional check - now you need to link your phone to your account 7 days before unlocking.If you just bought a smartphone, wait a week before trying to unlock.

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Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. Make a backup in advance!

7. Frequent errors and how to fix them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and the following are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🚨 Anti-rollback check error: This occurs when you try to install too old firmware. 2-3 updates from the current.
• 🚨 "Invalid sparse file": Problem with the firmware file. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5).
• 🚨 Bootloop: Keep the power down + Loudness up 15 If it doesn't work, go through the Fastboot with the flag. -w.
• 🚨 "Device is locked": bootloader not unlocked. Follow the instructions above.

If the phone doesn't turn on after a botched rollback, try logging in. EDL-mode (emergency firmware):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.
3. Install firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an authorized account).

Important: On HyperOS devices, an attempt to roll back via EDL without authorization will result in a permanent IMEI lock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions