Related: Xiaomi firmware rollback to the previous version: safe ways and pitfalls

Firmware rollback on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that is used when critical bugs of the new version of MIUI, performance decline or incompatibility with key applications. Unlike a standard update, downgrade requires accuracy: improper actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or data loss. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of rollback — from official to alternative — and also explain why some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) can block a downgrade through Anti-Rollback.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t always support rollbacks to older versions of MIUI through standard tools. After the release of Android 13 and the latest chipsets (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000+), the company has tightened its security policy, which means that devices in 2022-2026 may need to unlock the bootloader or use informal firmware. Before you start, check if your model falls under the limitations of Anti-Rollback – this will be discussed in one section.

If you decide to roll back, be patient: the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the method chosen. And remember: a downgrade from Android 14 to Android 13 or below often requires a full reset (wipe) and can void the warranty.

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

Before you start downgrading, follow the mandatory steps - they will save time and reduce risks.

First, back up all the data. Firmware rollback almost always leads to resets, and in some cases, to formatting internal memory. Use Mi Cloud (if it runs on current firmware) or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

📱 Contact and SMS (Export to a.vcf file or through a Google Account)
📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (save the list of networks in a text file)
🎮 Save Games (use cloud-based gaming app services)

Second, check the current version of MIUI and Android. This will help you find a compatible firmware for rollback. Path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full name (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (TKUMIXM)) and build number (V14.0.5.0.TKUMIXM).

Third, charge the phone at least 60%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can lead to a soft breeze (the device turns on but does not load beyond the logo). If the battery is worn out (capacity below 80%), connect the phone to charge throughout the procedure.

Make sure the model is not on the Anti-Rollback list|Download the correct version of the firmware (Global/EEA/China)|Charge the phone. ≥60%|Prepare the cable. USB (preferably original)|Disable Mi Account Protection (if required)|Download drivers and Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot method)-->

2.Official method: rollback via Recovery (for supported models)

The safest method is to use the regular Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices where Xiaomi has not blocked the downgrade software, for example, you can roll the Redmi Note 10 Pro from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13, if both versions are based on the same Android (for example, Android 12).

Instructions:

Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose a file marked Recovery ROM (extension.zip).
Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power until the Mi logo appears, then release the device and boot into Recovery Mode.
In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:

Install update.zip to System One (or System Two)


→ Confirm the selection




→ Wait until completion (10-15 minutes)




→ Reboot to System One

If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 10 minutes after the reboot, perform a hard reset (press Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds).

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If Recovery doesn't have update.zip installation, your model doesn't support this method. Try Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

3. rollback via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This is a versatile method, but requires a PC and an unlocked bootloader, suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60.

Step-by-step:

Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait) SMS-code).
Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website. The file will be in.tgz or.zip format.
Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
Install Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers.
Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
Connect your phone to your PC and run MiFlash.exe.

Click "Select" → specify the folder with unpacked firmware


→ Select "Clean all" (full reset)




→ Press "Flash"




→ Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes)

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “Flash is not done” error

The error is often due to: (1) Incorrect firmware (e.g., trying to flash Global on a Chinese model). (2) Anti-Rollback locks (check the list of incompatible models below). (3) Driver problems (try installing them manually through Device Manager). Solution: download another firmware version or use an alternative method (EDL).

4. Anti-Rollback: Why some Xiaomi can't roll back

Since 2019, Xiaomi has implemented an Anti-Rollback (ARB) mechanism that blocks rollbacks on older firmware versions, including most flagships and new mid-range models.

📱 Xiaomi 12/13/14 series MIUI 14 on MIUI 13
📱 Redmi K50 Pro / POCO F4 GT Android 13 on Android 12
📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ from any firmware older than 2023

Trying to bypass ARB via Fastboot or Recovery leads to errors like:

anti_version down grade not allow


or




Flash is not done. Reboot the device manually

The restriction can only be circumvented through EDL-Emergency Download Mode (Emergency Download Mode:

🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models)
🔧 Special cable or test point on the board
🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm

Yes, and that's a problem | Yes, but I found a workaround | No, I rolled back no problem | I don't know, I didn't check-->

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI or loss of the serial number of the device, this method is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

5. Alternative methods: TWRP and custom firmware

If the official methods don't work, you'll have to have the informal firmware option.

Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
Download compatible firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ported MIUI).
Complete wipe (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data)

Advantages of the method:

✅ Anti-Rollback Restrictions
✅ Option to choose the Android version (for example, rollback from Android 14 to Android 11)
✅ Additional functions (root, Magisk core)

Disadvantages:

❌ Loss of official support OTA-update
❌ Risk of unstable work (camera bugs, NFC mobile)
❌ Possible problems with Widevine L1 (Netflix HD won't work)

Instructions for installing TWRP:

Unlock the bootloader (as in the Fastboot method).
Download the TWRP image for your model from twrp.me.
Fastboot the recavers:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-xiaomi.img


fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X4 Pro) after installation TWRP It can trigger automatic recovery of stock recovery, so to avoid this, right after the firmware is installed. TWRP Fastboot Flash Recovery Command twrp.img repeatedly.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and the table below shows the typical errors and how to fix them.

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
This package is for "XXX" devices; this is a "YYY".	The firmware is not suitable for your model.	Download the correct version (check the device code in Settings → About Phone → Model)
E: Unknown command [log] in Recovery	The damaged file update.zip	Download the firmware and check the checksum (MD5)
phone is stuck on startup Mi Logo after pullback	Conflict of versions of bootloader	Fastboot Firmware with Clean All and Lock Check
Mi Flash: Flash is not done. Reboot the device manually	Anti-Rollback or the wrong version of MIUI	Try to sew a new firmware, then roll back to the target.
IMEI loss after pullback	Damage to the modem partition	Restore the IMEI through a QCN or service center

If none of the methods worked, and the phone does not turn on, there is an option with a service center. In official centers Xiaomi can restore firmware through EDL (even on blocked models), but this is a paid service (from 1500 to 5000 rubles depending on the model).

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Before visiting the service center, delete your Mi Account (if the phone is turned on) – this will speed up the repair process and reduce the cost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of Xiaomi firmware

Can you roll back Xiaomi without losing data?

No, 99 percent of the time, a rollback results in a complete reset, and the only exception is a rollback through Recovery on some older models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), but there are also potential glitches. Always back up!

How do I know if my model supports Anti-Rollback?

Check the list on XiaomiUI. If your model isn't there, try rolling back through Recovery. anti_version down grade not allow — ARB active.

What if the mobile network does not work after the rollback?

This is a typical downgrade problem with a different modem. Solutions: Sweep the modem file from the old firmware separately through Fastboot. Reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset. If nothing helps, go back to the new firmware.

Can Xiaomi roll back from Android 14 to Android 12?

Technically yes, but: Most models 2022-2026, this is locked through Anti-Rollback. You will need to unlock the bootloader and firmware through EDL. There are likely problems with the camera, sensors and wireless modules. We recommend rolling back a maximum of 1-2 versions of Android back (for example, from Android 14 to Android 13).

How to return official updates after rollback?

If you are going to retrace Fastboot or Recovery, OTA-updates should work automatically. If not: Check if the updates in Settings are disabled → The phone. → Update system. Install the latest version of Mi Update from the Mi App Store. If you used custom firmware, go back to stock. MIUI via Fastboot.