How to roll back Android from 10 to 9 on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern MIUI shells running on Android 10 often cause users to feel mixed feelings. On the one hand, these are new features and improved security, on the other – increased consumption of RAM, the appearance of bugs in the interface and incompatibility with some familiar applications. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face a situation where after automatic updates the system begins to work unstable, discharges faster or simply ceases to like visually.

The process of returning to the previous version of the operating system, in this case on Android 9 Pie, is technically more complicated than a regular update. You will have to face bootloader locks, check MIUI versions and risk total data loss. However, if you are ready for careful preparation and careful execution of instructions, the result is worth it. The device will become responsive again and the familiar interface will return to its place.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to downgrade the firmware version, from standard methods through the recovery menu to advanced tools for working with Fastboot. We will discuss in detail which models are most at risk, how to properly prepare the computer and where to find secure files for installation. It is important to understand that any manipulation of system software requires care.

Risk analysis and device preparation

Before you start any action, you need to realize that downgrade is a high-risk operation. The main obstacle you will encounter is the Anti-Rollback protection mechanism. This is a special protection introduced by Xiaomi that prohibits installing an older version of the firmware if the security index in the new version is higher. Trying to bypass this mechanism on some models can lead to the "bricking" of the device when it ceases to respond to commands.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to check the Anti-Rollback index for your particular model.Installing firmware with a lower protection index on high-index devices can irreversibly block the bootloader.

The second critical point is the complete cleanup of internal memory, and when you move from a newer version of Android to an older version of the file and partition structure changes, formatting data is inevitable, all your photos, contacts, instant messengers and installed applications will be deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard means, so creating a backup is not just a recommendation, but a requirement.

Also, consider the state of the battery. The firmware process, especially if it goes through a Fastboot or EDL, should not be interrupted. If the charge falls below the critical level at the time of writing system partitions, the phone can turn into a useless piece of plastic and glass. Charge the device to at least 60-70% before starting any manipulation.

To work you will need a computer with Windows operating system, serviceable USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue) and a stable Internet connection for downloading drivers. Make sure that there is enough free space on disk C, since unpacked firmware images can take up a significant amount of space.

Required tools and drivers

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation of the software environment on your personal computer. Standard Windows tools may not be enough to correctly recognize the smartphone in boot mode, you will need to install a specialized set of drivers that will allow the system to communicate with the device at a low level.

First of all, download and install ADB and Fastboot. These are the basic tools from Google that you need to send commands to your smartphone. Without these gates, you can't work in Fastboot mode. Next, you'll need Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, depending on the processor installed in your Xiaomi. Snapdragon processors usually require a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader package, and for MediaTek, VCOM drivers.

The main tool for the firmware will be the Mi Flash Tool, the official tool from Xiaomi developers that allows you to download system images to the memory of the phone. The interface of the program may seem difficult to a beginner, but we need only basic functions for our task. Xiaomi may also be required. ADB/Fastboot Tools to unlock the bootloader if it is not already executed.

Don’t forget to enable USB debugging mode on the smartphone itself. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version field until you notice that you’ve become a developer. Then on the Additional → For developers, activate the USB Debugging Switch.

Finding and Choosing the Right Firmware

Finding the right version of software is a separate task that requires care. You need not just any firmware based on Android 9, but one that officially came out for your model and has a version index lower than the current one. Using firmware from another model or region (for example, Global instead of China or vice versa) without first unlocking the bootloader and changing the region will lead to an error in installation.

There are two main types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. To roll back the version, we absolutely need Fastboot files. They have the extension.tgz and weigh much more than the Recovery version. Inside the Fastboot archive, there is a full set of system images (boot, system, recovery, userdata, etc.), which allows you to completely rewrite partitions of the device.

The official website miui.com or authoritative archives like xiaomifirmwareupdater.com are the safest options. When choosing, look at the model code (for example, globa for the global version, ru for the Russian version) and the Android version. The file title usually indicates a version, for example, V11.0.3.0.QGLMIXM - here the letter Q stands for Android 10 and P for Android 9. We need to find the version with the letter P.

⚠️ Warning: Never use firmware labeled "Beta" or "Developer" unless you're an experienced user.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

In most cases, you will need an unlocked bootloader to roll back from Android 10 to 9. Standard MIUI tools do not allow you to install an older version of the system on top of a new one without superuser rights or special bootloader status. If your bootloader is locked, the signature verification system will prevent you from completing the firmware of the old version.

The unlocking process requires you to apply through the Mi Unlock app on your computer, and you’ll need to link your Mi Account to your device and wait for the deadline (usually 7 to 168 hours), which Xiaomi has introduced to protect users’ data, but for enthusiasts, this becomes a must.

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader itself causes a complete data reset. So if you haven't made a backup yet, do it right now. Once unlocked, the phone will boot into the clean system and you'll have to reconfigure it before you start downgrading via Fastboot.

There are exceptions when a downgrade is possible with a locked bootloader, but only if you move between versions of the same branch (for example, from the newer stable to the older stable) and the Anti-Rollback index allows this. However, when changing the major version of Android (from 10 to 9), blocking is almost always an obstacle.

Instructions for rollback via Fastboot

This is the basic method that works 95% of the time. It requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and using the Mi Flash utility. Make sure you download the Fastboot ROM archive for Android 9 and unblock it to the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short and contains no Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\xiaomi\rom).

Turn your smartphone off completely, then press the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until you see an image of a hare repairing an android or a Fastboot. Connect your phone with a cable to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Windows Device Manager under Android Devices or Other Devices.

Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button, and the program must identify your device by showing its serial number in the list. If something else is written instead of the number or the device is not identified, reinstall the drivers. Then press the "Select" button and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.

⚠️ Note: In the lower right corner of Mi Flash, be sure to select the "Clean all" option. The "Clean all and lock" option will block the bootloader back, which can lead to download errors if the regions versions do not match perfectly. The option "Save user data" at downgrade does not work and can cause a cyclic reboot.

Once you select Clear All, press Flash. It starts a firmware process that takes 200 to 600 seconds. It's strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the power. When you complete the process, the phone automatically restarts. The first boot can last up to 10 minutes, which is normal, the system is set up.

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If the process has been stuck at a certain percentage (e.g. 98%) for a long time, don't panic. Sometimes it takes a long time to write a userdata partition. Wait 10-15 minutes before interrupting the process.

Solving problems and mistakes

Users often experience errors during downgrades, and one of the most common is Error: Anti-rollback check failed, which means you’re trying to install firmware with a lower security index than the current bootloader allows, in which case you can’t roll back without using paid service tools (EDLs with authorized accounts), which are usually only available at service centers.

Another common problem is that the phone goes to Bootloop after firmware is installed, which can happen if you choose the wrong firmware type (e.g. China over Global) or don’t complete a data cleanup. + Powering and executing the Wipe All Data command.

If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try the following:

• 🔌 Replace. USB-cable is known to be in good working order and connect it to the port USB 2.0 (black connector) not USB 3.0.
• 💻 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager, pointing the path to the folder with Mi Flash drivers.
• 🔋 Make sure your phone’s battery is above 50%, as some ports may not be activated in low-charge mode.

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The main reason for errors in downgrade is a discrepancy between the firmware region and the device region, or an attempt to violate the Anti-Rollback policy.

Alternative methods and recovery

There's a method of rolling back the Recovery menu without using a PC, but it only works in specific cases. If you have root rights and a custom recovery (like TWRP) installed, you can try backing up the current system and then rolling back the old system that you made earlier, but for the average user, it's too complicated and risky.

Another option is to use the "Second Space" function or app cloning, if your goal is to just run an old version of a particular application that doesn't work on Android 10. APK-file the old version of the application and install it by disabling automatic updates to Google Play for that particular software.

If the phone is not turned on and is not included in Fastboot mode, then EDL (Emergency Download Mode) remains. To log in, you often need to disassemble the phone and close special contacts on the board (Test Point), firmware in this mode is only possible through an authorized service center account, since Xiaomi servers check the download rights.