Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation when, after installing a new operating system update, the device begins to work unstable, the battery runs out faster, the usual functions disappear, and the interface becomes less responsive. At such moments, the only sensible solution is to return to a more stable build, with which the gadget worked flawlessly.
The process of downgrading, or rolling back, is technically more complex than a regular update, and requires careful attention to detail. You will not only need to download the desired firmware file, but also possibly unlock the bootloader, which will entail the complete deletion of all data. Ignoring the rules for transitioning between versions can lead to software errors.
In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to return to the old version of MIUI or HyperOS, explain the difference between global and Chinese builds, and also describe the procedure in detail through Recovery mode.
Why you should pull back and what are the risks
The desire to return the previous version of the firmware is often dictated by specific technical problems. Xiaomi developers periodically release updates that optimize the operation of some components at the expense of others. For example, after an update, the quality of photography may deteriorate or the NFC module for contactless payment will stop working correctly.
However, before starting the procedure, you need to be aware of the potential dangers. Downgrade is a risky operation, especially if you are trying to roll back to a version of Android much older than the current one (for example, from Android 13 to Android 11).
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install firmware with a lower version of Android on top of the current one without fully clearing the data (Wipe All) leads to a cyclic reboot in 99% of cases).
There is also a risk of losing warranty if you decide to unlock the bootloader in the process, although rolling back through the standard Recovery menu to a closed bootloader is usually safe.
However, if the current version of the system causes critical failures, rollback is the only way to return comfort to use without going to the service center.
Preparation: What to do before the procedure
The success of a software rollback operation depends on the quality of the preparation. The first and most important step is to create a full backup of all data. Since the rollback process often requires a complete reset, all your photos, contacts, instant messenger correspondence and installed applications will be permanently deleted.
Use Xiaomi’s built-in backup tool or third-party tools like Mi PC Suite (for older models) or manually copy to your computer. Also make sure your battery level is at least 60-70%. Interrupting the firmware writing process due to battery drain is a direct route to the device’s non-functional state.
☑️ Checklist before downride
You will also need quality USB-If you plan to use a computer to transfer files, find and download the desired firmware file in advance, you should only search for it on official resources or trusted portals, such as: MIUI bootloader or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
Pay attention to the region of the device. If you have a global version of the smartphone (Global), you can not install Chinese firmware (CN) without first unlocking the bootloader and flashing through Fastboot. To roll back through Recovery, the firmware file must strictly correspond to the region of your device.
Choosing the Right Version of the Firmware for a Recoil
The hardest part is finding the right file. Firmware for Xiaomi is divided into two main types of installation: Recovery and Fastboot. To roll back without unlocked bootloader (which is easier and safer for the average user), you need a file with the.zip extension, designed to be installed via Recovery.
It's important to follow the version rule. You can't roll back on any random version. Usually, the system only allows you to roll back one version or any earlier version, but with the mandatory data cleanup. If you try to install a version that is newer than the current one, the system will give an error "Can't verify update."
How to Read the Firmware Version Number
Below is a table that helps you understand the labeling of firmware files:
| Type of firmware | File extension | Method of installation | Should I unlock? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery (Stable) | .zip | Through the Recovery menu | No (if the region is the same) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Through PC and Mi Flash Tool | Yes (unlocked BL required) |
| Recovery (Beta) | .zip | Through the Recovery menu | Access to beta tests is required |
When searching for a file, look for a release date. If you want to roll back from a March version, look for a stable build dating from January or February of the same year. Using stripped-down versions (Lite) or specific builds for other regions can cause communication modules to fail.
Method 1: Recoil through the Recovery menu (without PC)
This is the most affordable method, because it doesn't require a computer or a driver, and it's done directly on the smartphone, and first, put the downloaded firmware file (.zip archive) in the root of the device's internal memory, and don't put it in folders, or the system won't see it.
Once the file is uploaded, go to the phone's settings. Find About Phone and click several times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version) bar to activate the additional menu. A three-dot icon will appear in the upper right corner of the screen.
Click on these three dots and select Choose update package. The system will open the file manager. Find your firmware archive and confirm the selection. The phone will check the integrity of the file.
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If the system says that the file is corrupted or cannot be installed, try renaming the file by removing the extra characters, or moving it to the root of the memory instead of the Download folder.
If you're successful, you'll see a confirmation window. Press Update. The device will restart and start the installation process. The screen can go out and light up -- that's okay. It takes 5 to 15 minutes.
Once the installation is complete, the phone will turn on as new and you will need to re-set the initial setup and restore the data from the backup.
Method 2: Using Recovery Mode for Manual Reset
In some cases, the standard update menu may not see the file or refuse to install it, citing verification errors, then you can try forced login to Recovery mode.
Press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to keep the volume, and you will be taken to the main Recovery menu.
Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down) and power buttons, so you have to find Wipe Data and confirm the reset, which is a must before manually installing the old firmware if the automatic method doesn't work.
⚠️ Note: Connect with MIAssistant is designed to connect to a PC. Do not choose it unless you plan to browse through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool.
After resetting, select Reboot and then Reboot to Recovery again to get to the clean menu. Next, select Install Update (or similar item depending on the Recovery version) and specify the path to the firmware file in internal memory. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to complete.
Frequent errors and methods of their solution
During a downgrade, users often encounter a message that says, “Can’t verify update,” which means that the digital signature of the file is not the same as expected, most often when trying to install Chinese firmware on a global device or vice versa.
Another common problem is hanging on the logo after installation. If the phone doesn't boot for more than 10-15 minutes, try logging back in to Recovery and doing a full reset (Wipe All Data). If that doesn't help, maybe the Android version is too old for the current bootloader and will require firmware via Fastboot with unlocked BL.
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A verification error almost always indicates a firmware region incompatibility (Global vs China) or an attempt to install a newer version over the old one without resetting.
Also worth mentioning is the Mi Account issue. After the rollback and reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from the Mi Account that was previously tied. Make sure you remember the login details, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
If you did everything right, but the phone is not stable, it may not be the firmware version, but the accumulated “junk” or application conflict, in which case a complete reset to factory settings already on the new (or old) version of the system helps.