Related: Xiaomi Security Update rollback: A complete guide with risks and solutions

Contents

• Why Users Want to Reverse Security Update
• The Real Risks of Recoiling: What You'll Lose
• Preparation: backup and necessary tools
• 3 ways to roll back: through Recovery, Fastboot and MIUI Downgrade
• Features for different models: Redmi, POCO, Mi
• Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Alternatives to rollback: how to solve the problem without downgrade
• FAQ: poignantly

Security updates on Xiaomi smartphones usually bring vulnerability patches, stability improvements, and new features MIUI. However, it is not uncommon for users to experience slowdowns, app compatibility issues, or even locking down certain features after installing such an update. If you find yourself in a similar situation and are looking for a way to return a previous firmware version, this article is for you.

It’s important to understand that rolling back security updates is not just “unchange” but a full-fledged reflash of the device with potential risks. In some cases, this can lead to a bootloader lock, loss of warranty, or even “bricking” the phone. Before you act, evaluate all the rollback of the update on models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro 2021 release) requires mandatory unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting.

In this guide, we will discuss:

• 🔍 Why a rollback may be more dangerous than it seems (and when to look for alternatives)
• 📥 How to prepare properly so as not to lose data
• 🛠️ 3 working methods of rollback – from the simplest to the most reliable
• ⚠️ Hidden traps for specific Xiaomi models, POCO redmi

Why Users Want to Reverse Security Update

At first glance, it may seem that rolling back the update is an extreme measure that only the most desperate users choose. 4PDA and XDA Developers reveals that up to 15% of Xiaomi owners have at least once faced the need to return the previous version MIUI. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Critical performance drop: Some security updates are optimized for new models, but don't work well on older smartphones. MIUI 14.0.4 on Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) users complained about hanging while multitasking due to changes in memory management.

2. Application problems. Updates are often changed API security that breaks the job:

• 🎮 Emulators (PPSSPP, Dolphin)
• 🔓 Rooting Applications (Magisk, KingRoot)
• 📱 Alternative Launchers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher)
• 💳 Banking applications (due to changes in SafetyNet)

3. Disappearance of functions MIUI. Xiaomi sometimes removes popular features under the pretext of "optimization". MIUI 13.5 the “Second Space” regime for some regions has disappeared, and MIUI 14 changed the logic of the navigation gestures, which caused a wave of discontent.

4. Bugs that don’t get fixed in weeks. There are times when a new update introduces critical errors, such as the lack of sound in calls (relevant to the problem of the problem of the problem). POCO X3 Pro after update V14.0.3.0.TKUMIXM) Spontaneous reboots when connecting to Wi-Fi.

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Before rolling back, check if there is already a hot patch for your problem. → The phone. → Update the system and click on three dots in the upper right corner → "Package updates".

The Real Risks of Recoiling: What You'll Lose

Before we get to the instructions, let's talk honestly about the consequences: rolling back a security update is not a harmless operation, but an interference with system files.

The most dangerous scenario is a rollback on models with a locked bootloader (all Xiaomi devices after 2018).If you try to flash the old version through Fastboot without unlocking, the phone will automatically lock and require binding to your Mi Account.

• 🔒 On some models (Mi 11, Redmi) K40) Unlocking takes up to 30 days of waiting.
• 📱 If the phone was bought with hands, the previous owner may not remember the account details – and the device will become useless.
• 🔧 Even after unlocking, firmware may be required through EDL (This is the level of service repair).

The withdrawal of the security update is justified only if:

1. The problem critically interferes with the use of the phone.
2. You are ready for the possible loss of the guarantee.
3. You have a backup of all the data.
4. You understand that it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader.

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If your model is older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi Note 5 or Mi) A1), The risks of rollback are minimal – on them the bootloader is unlocked by default or easily unlocked without waiting.

Preparation: backup and necessary tools

If you do decide to roll back, the first thing you do is save all the data, and even if it goes smoothly, you can't get your deleted files back after you've done it.

1. Backup

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Export through Settings → Google → Backup or applications like Super Backup.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music and Documents: Check Download folders, DCIM, Documents.
• 🔑 Passwords and settings: save screenshots of important settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices).

Important! Don’t rely on Mi Cloud alone – after a rollback, you may need to reset to factory settings, and the cloud doesn’t always correctly restore data to the old version. MIUI.

2. Necessary tools

Depending on the chosen method of rollback, you will need:

3. Unlock the loader (if required)

For Xiaomi models after 2018 (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F3 and newer) necessarily:

1. Link Mi Account to phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For Developers.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and apply for unlock (can take up to 30 days!).

Backup of all data.|Downloaded the necessary version of the firmware|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Battery charge > 50%|Lockdown disabled. OEM (if the model is old)|Related Mi Account (for new models)-->

3 ways to roll back: through Recovery, Fastboot and MIUI Downgrade

Now, let's get to the practice. The method you choose depends on your model, your bootloader status, and your technical skill level, and we'll go through three basic ways, from the simplest to the most reliable (but complex).

Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 You have customized recovery (for example) installed, TWRP).
• 🔓 The bootloader is already unlocked.
• 📁 You have a full firmware in.zip format for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct version MIUI Xiaomi Firmware Updater (select Stable, not Developer!).
2. Move the firmware file (update.zip) root-catalogue.
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
4. V TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tag Dalvik, Cache, Data (do not touch Internal Storage!).
5. Go back to the main menu, select Install and point the way to the main menu. update.zip.
6. After installation, press Reboot System.

Advantages of the method: does not require a connection to a PC, saves user data (if you do not do Wipe Data).

Disadvantages: works only with an unlocked bootloader and custom Recovery.

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (Universal Way)

This method works on most Xiaomi models, but requires a PC connection.Suitable for devices with a locked bootloader if you're willing to wait for unlock.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (for Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model.
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All mode (delete all data!) or Save User Data (save files, but may cause errors).
6. Press Flash and wait until the end (5-10 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔴 If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't load device" error, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port.
• 🔴 The "Anti-rollback" error means you're trying to flash a version that's too old, so you're looking for firmware that's no older than that. 2-3 months from now.

Method 3: MIUI Downgrade (official method)

The safest, but also the most limited method. Xiaomi sometimes allows you to roll back to the previous version through the standard update menu, but:

• ✅ It only works if the new firmware has been released less than 2 weeks ago.
• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ❌ Not available for all models and regions.

How to check the possibility of a recoil:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Update packages.
3. If you have the option “Roll back” – select it and follow the instructions.

If this option is not available, then the official rollback is impossible – you will have to use Fastboot or Recovery.

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Before rolling back through the Fastboot, be sure to check the firmware version! Installing an too-old version on new models (like the Redmi Note 12) can result in a hard breeze due to the Anti-Rollback mechanism.

Features for different models: Redmi, POCO, Mi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally well tolerated by rollback updates, here are the key features for the popular series:

Special cases:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A-series (e.g. Mi Mi) A2, Mi A3): These models run on pure Android One, not just Android One. MIUI. The rollbacks are done via Fastboot using factory images from Google.
• 📱 POCOPHONE F1: Despite its age, it's still popular, and it has a special firmware based on Pixel Experience that you can install through the Internet. TWRP.
• 📱 Redmi K-series (K20 Pro, K30 Pro: These models often break the Always-on Display after a rollback.

How do you know which firmware fits your model?

1. Check out the current version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.
2. On the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website, enter the model and select the Stable branch.
3. Download firmware marked "Global" (if you have an international version) or "China" (if the phone is for the Chinese market).

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If you are not sure about your phone’s model, enter the code ##4636## and see the information in the Phone Information section.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right instructions, something can go wrong. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

The most dangerous error is "Device is locked" when trying to flash through Fastboot without unlocking.

⚠️ If you see this message, immediately disconnect the phone from the PC. Repeated attempts of firmware without unlocking can lead to a complete lockdown of the bootloader, after which the phone can only be restored through an authorized service center Xiaomi (cost - from 3000 rubles).

How to avoid mistakes:

• 🔹 Always check the phone model and firmware region (Global/China/EEA).
• 🔹 Do not interrupt the firmware process – even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck.
• 🔹 After rollback, reset to factory settings, even if the system boots up.
• 🔹 If you use TWRP, Make sure that the Recovery version is compatible with your model.

What do you do if everything goes wrong?

1. If the phone doesn't turn on, try logging in to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and repeat the firmware.
2. Even if Fastboot doesn’t work, it’s just a matter of EDL Mode (requires special cable and Mi Flash Pro program).
3. In extreme cases, contact the service - but be prepared to provide a purchase check to confirm ownership.

Alternatives to rollback: how to solve the problem without downgrade

Before you risk rolling back an update, try less radical methods. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved without losing warranty and data.

1. Resetting settings to factory

If the phone has started to slow down or glitch after updating, sometimes hard reset helps:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Erase all data."
3. After restarting, set your phone as new.