Related: The rollback of Android update to Xiaomi Redmi 8T: all working ways

Android updates to Xiaomi Redmi 8T (codenamed willow) usually bring new features, security fixes and performance optimizations. However, users often face problems after upgrading: the smartphone starts to slow down, discharge faster, overheat or refuse to turn on, in such cases, the only solution is to roll back the firmware – return to the previous stable version of MIUI.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of rolling back updates on Redmi. 8T, You'll learn how to prepare a device, where to download the right firmware, and how to avoid data loss or phone "breakdown" if the procedure fails. process requires attention to detail – an error at any stage can lead to the need for a complete flashing through the EDL-regime.

Before you start, check the current version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the correct file to roll back. Also note that some methods require an unlocked bootloader, which erases all data on the device.

1. Preparation for the rollback of firmware: what to do in advance

Retracting an update isn't just a couple of buttons. Wrong actions can turn your Redmi 8T into a brick. So the first step is to back up all the important data, and even if you plan to use the method without resetting, the risk of losing information remains.

List of mandatory training:

• 📱 Save contacts, photos and files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or external drive. Use apps like Swift Backup to back up. SMS and call logs.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 60 percent, and interrupting the process due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to cause a failure.
• 💻 Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC. Download Mi PC Suite or driver manually from the official website.
• 🔗 Download the right firmware. 8T Only willow-marked files will be suitable. Below we will tell you where to get them.

Pay special attention to the choice of MIUI version. You can not roll back on any firmware, only on the one that was installed earlier. For example, if you had MIUI 12.5 and upgraded to MIUI 13, then you can only roll back 12.5, not 12.0. Trying to install an older version will lead to an anti-rollback error.

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 8T It was purchased with a global firmware (MIUI Global, don’t try to install Chinese (MIUI China) or vice versa. It will disrupt the communication module and may block the communication module. IMEI.

2.Official method: rollback via Recovery (without PC)

The easiest method is to use a built-in recavery fashion, which is suitable if:

• 📲 The phone is turned on and loaded into the system.
• 🔄 You've been updated by air" (OTA), Not through Fastboot.
• 📁 You have a backup of the previous firmware in the device memory.

Instructions:

1. Download the rollback file from Xiaomi's official website. For Redmi 8T, select the Redmi 8T (willow) → Recovery ROM section.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root directory of internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select the update file.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will restart automatically. If there are errors after the rollback (for example, endless download), reset the settings via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).

3.Return through Fastboot: When Recovery doesn't work

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 72 hours due to waiting time). SMS-code from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for Redmi 8T The file will be in.tgz format — unpack it into a folder on disk. C:\ (for example, C:\redmi8t_fastboot).
2. Install ADB and Fastboot tools or use a portable version of Minimal ADB.
3. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Get Redmi on board. 8T PC-only USB-cable (preferably original).
5. Open the command line in the folder with the unpacked firmware (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
6. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
7. Run the firmware command: fastboot flash all Wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings, and if the process is interrupted, repeat the steps or use the Mi Flash Tool (more on it below).

⚠️ Warning: Some users are experiencing fastboot error: error: can't load 'dtbo': No such file or directory.This means that the firmware archive does not have a critical file.Solution: re-download the firmware or use an alternative source (e.g., Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

4.Using the Mi Flash Tool: A Reliable Method for Experienced People

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official Fastboot firmware utility, which automates the process and reduces the risk of errors. It supports all Redmi models, including the 8T.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (Windows version).
2. Unpack Fastboot ROM for Redmi 8T in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\willow).
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described in the previous section).
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Select the firmware method: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for rollback); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (do not choose if you plan to modify the phone further); Save user data – data storage (does not always work when rolling back).

Flash

If the process is hanging on 99% or make a mistake flash_write_failed, try:

• 🔌 Change. USB-port (better to use) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall the driver manually through Device Manager.
• 📥 Download firmware from another source (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on

5. Alternative methods: rollback without data loss

If you don’t want to lose data, you can try a partial rollback via ADB Sideload or custom recavator (TWRP) installation. However, these methods require an unlocked bootloader and are only suitable for power users.

Method 1: ADB Sideload

1. Download the firmware in Recovery ROM format (not Fastboot!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the Recovery (Food + Volume Up).
4. Select Connect with MIAssistant (on some versions – ADB Sideload).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: adb sideload update.zip

Method 2: TWRP (only for unlocked bootloader)

• 📱 Install. TWRP for Redmi 8T via Fastboot:
• 📁 V TWRP Choose Install → point the way update.zip.
• ⚙️ After installation, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

⚠️ Attention: Use TWRP on the Redmi 8T This can lead to problems with data encryption (/data). If after firmware the phone requires a password, and you did not set it, you will have to format the data partition (loss of all data).

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

When you roll back firmware on Redmi 8T, users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods helped, and the phone does not turn on, the last option remains - firmware through the phone. EDL-This method requires special equipment (Deep Flash Cable or soldering) and is only suitable for experienced users or service centers.

7. How to avoid problems with future updates

So that you do not have to roll back the firmware again, follow these recommendations:

• 🔍 Before updating, check reviews about the new version MIUI in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA).
• 📡 Use stable firmware versions, not beta releases (MIUI Stable instead MIUI Developer).
• 🔋 Refresh only when the battery is charged >50% and a stable Internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi).
• 📥 Backup with Mi Cloud or Google Drive before each upgrade.
• ⚙️ If you have lags after the update, try resetting the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache) instead of a full rollback.

You can also turn off automatic MIUI updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Press three points. → Settings.
3. Turn off the option of Automatic Download Updates.

💡

If your Redmi 8T is critical to work, consider installing custom Android firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).They are devoid of many MIUI issues, but require an unlocked bootloader and an experienced approach.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Redmi 8T