How to roll back the update on the Xiaomi smartphone: all working ways

MIUI updates on Xiaomi smartphones often bring new features, security fixes and optimizations, but sometimes instead of improvements, users face bugs, slowdowns or app incompatibility.If after the update your Redmi, POCO or Mi began to slow down, overheat or behave unstable - a rollback to the previous version of the firmware may be the only solution.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to roll back updates on Xiaomi devices, including official methods through Recovery and Fastboot, as well as alternative options for locked bootloaders.

Before you get started, make sure the issue is really about the upgrade: check it in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode), reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) and clear the cache through Recovery. If that doesn't help, read on.

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

Firmware rollback is a process that can cause all data to be lost on the device, and even if you choose a method without completely resetting, the risk of error remains, so the first step is to save important information.

List of mandatory actions before rollback:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud (for contacts, SMS, Photos and videos on PC.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60% – interrupting the process due to battery discharge can turn the device into a brick".
• 💻 Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC: download Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB/Fastboot manually.
• 🔍 Find out the model and the current version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down this data – you will need it to choose the right firmware.

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command line:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, Fastboot rollback is impossible without unlocking.The only option is to use Recovery, but it doesn't work on all models and versions. MIUI.

Method 2: Recovery (official method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in Recovery menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi devices if:

• 📲 You have an official firmware installed. MIUI (non-custom).
• 🔓 The bootloader can be blocked (but not on all models).
• 📥 There is enough space on the device to load the firmware.

Instructions are Step-by-step:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi website. Choose your model and version of NIKEL (global) or INGRES (for Russia). The file should have the.zip extension and weigh ~2-3 GB.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then: Install update.zip to System One → Confirm the choice
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If after the reboot there was a notification of the new version MIUI — Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T) Recovery rollbacks can block a device requiring you to enter your Mi Account password. Make sure you remember the account details associated with the phone! 3. Method 2: Fastboot is more reliable, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a command line: 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (see section) 1). 🖥️ You have a PC with installed ADB/Fastboot driver. 📦 You downloaded the full firmware in.tgz or.zip format (not update.zip!). Step-by-step: Download the firmware archive for your model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater or official source.Look for files marked Fastboot.Unpack the archive into a folder on your PC (e.g., file on your PC, C:\miui_fastboot). Inside should be an image folder with.img files. Turn off the phone and log in to Fastboot (clip Volume Down) + Power. Connect it to a PC. Open the command line. + R → enter cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\miui_fastboot Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear) - continue. Run the firmware: fastboot flash all Or for new devices (with split slots) A/B): fastboot flash all -w Flag. -w It erases the user's data. 5-15 When it's done, it'll restart if there's an error. FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed' - means the bootloader is locked and you need to unlock it. What to do if Fastboot gives a "Missing" error system.img"This error occurs if there is no file in the firmware archive. system.img (It is relevant for new models with dynamic partitions: 1. Download the firmware marked "Full" ROM" (Not "Incremental"). 2. Use an alternative script for firmware, for example, flash_all_except_storage.bat (It saves data but does not guarantee stability). 3. For Android devices 12+ Try the fastboot update command rom.zip Xiaomi model supports rollback through Recovery Requires unlocking for Fastboot Features Xiaomi 13/13 Pro ❌ No. ✅ Yes, you need firmware marked "Stable Fastboot" Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ✅ Yes (MIUI 14 below) ✅ There may be errors in the retracement of MIUI 13 POCO F5 ⚠️ Partially. ✅ Yes, after the rollback may require a link to Mi Account Xiaomi 12T ❌ No. ✅ Yes Supports only Fastboot firmware with a full reset 4. Method 3: Recoil through Mi Flash Tool (alternative to Fastboot) Mi Flash Tool - the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware devices in Fastboot mode. It simplifies the process, but has the same limitations: you need an unlocked bootloader and full firmware in.tgz format. How to use: Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters on the way (for example, download and install the Mi Flash Tool, C:\miui_rom). Log in to Fastboot on your phone and connect it to your PC. In Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder. The device should be determined automatically. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (recommended). Clean all and lock - reset + Lock the bootloader (beware!) Save user data (may cause errors). Press Flash and wait until it's finished (green tick status). 13+ (MIUI 14+) Save user data often results in a cyclical reboot. Choose Clean all, even if you don't want to lose data. 1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager. 2. Use the original USB-cable (non-third-party). 3. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator. 4. Switch the port USB on the back panel of the PC (for stationary computers).--> 5. Method 4: Recoil through custom Recovery (TWRP) If the official methods do not work (for example, on older models like Redmi). 4X or Mi A2), You can use custom recovery — TWRP. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires: 🔓 Unlocked loader. 📱 Established TWRP (instructions are available on the official website). 📦 Firmware in.zip format (you can use custom builds, for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). Step-by-step instruction: Download the desired firmware (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater or XDA Move the.zip file to the memory card or internal memory of the phone. Turn off the phone and enter TWRP (Hold the volume up + Food. TWRP select: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Mark Dalvik, Cache, System → Swipe to Wipe Return to the main menu, click Install, select a firmware file and confirm installation. Once complete, click Reboot System. ⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware through TWRP It can cause loss of warranty and problems with Mi Account (e.g. locking the device when reset). L1 for HD-Streaming may stop working. 6. Risks and possible problems when rolling back firmware is not harmless. Even if all instructions are followed, there may be failures. Consider the main risks and ways to minimize them: 1. Data loss 📉 When using Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode, all data on the device will be erased! 🔄 Even if you choose to save data, after a rollback, there may be errors in the operation of applications. 2. Brick (turning into a brick") 🧱 The most common reason is an interrupted firmware process (power outage, errors) USB-connection). 🔌 If the phone doesn't turn on after rolling back, try logging into the Fastboot and repeating the firmware. If it doesn't work, you'll need to. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account). 3. Blocking Mi Accounts 🔒 In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40) After the rollback, you may be asked to enter Mi Account data, even if you remember it. 📧 Solution: Link the device to your account in advance and make sure you have access to the account. email/SMS repair. 4. Loss of functionality 🎮 Custom firmware may not work: Google Pay (due to lack of certification), Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix, camera (requires separate modes). 📡 There may also be problems with the mobile network (especially on firmware for other regions). 1. Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and repeat the firmware. 2. If it doesn’t work, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option. 3. In extreme cases, contact the service center with a request to flash the device through EDL (cost ~1500-3000 ruble.).--> 7. How to avoid problems after rollback Successful rollback is only half the battle. To keep the device running smoothly, follow a few extra steps: 1. Post-reset setting 🔄 After the first turn on, do not restore data from the backup immediately. First, check the phone's performance "clean. 📱 Install a minimum set of applications and watch for performance 1-2 day-day. 2. Disabling Automatic Updates ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto Update and Disable This Option. 🚫 You can also block updates through ADB command: adb shell pm hide com.android.updater To return updates, use: adb shell pm unhide com.android.updater 3. Stability check 🔋 Watch battery life: if the discharge occurs too quickly, perform calibration (discharge to 0% → charge to 100% non-interrupted). 🌡️ Control the temperature of the processor using applications such as CPU Monitor: Overheating may indicate incompatibility of firmware with iron. 4. Alternative solutions 🛠️ If the rollback doesn’t help, try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings). 📦 Install Google Camera or other modes if the camera is worse than stock firmware. FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi Can you roll back an update without losing data? Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's risky. update.zip) Data may be saved, but errors often occur. Save user data is unstable on new versions of Fastboot. MIUI (Android 12+). We recommend you back up and be ready to reset completely. Why does the phone ask for Mi Account password after rollback? This is the theft protection that is activated when you reset or firmware on some models (for example, for example, the phone will be able to use the Mi Account password, POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Solution: Enter the account that was linked to the phone before the rollback. If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website. If your account is not yours (phone purchased by hand) – contact the previous owner or service center with proof of purchase. ⚠️ Note: Attempts to bypass protection through EDL Or third-party tools can cause the device to be completely locked! MIUI If you didn't write the version before the update, try: View the update history in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Update history, check the folder. /data/ota_package Use the firmware archive, select your model and see the available versions. If nothing works, choose the penultimate stable version for your model (for example, if now). MIUI 14.0.5, roll back 14.0.4). Can you roll back the update on Xiaomi with the bootloader locked? Yes, but only through Recovery, and not on all models. Xiaomi officially allows rollbacks without unlocking only for certain devices (e.g. Redmi Note). 9 or Mi 10T). New models (released after) 2022 This method is often blocked. Alternatives: Contact the service center (cost of rollback) ~1000-2000 Use of rub. EDL-mode (requires an authorized account and special equipment) What to do if after a rollback the mobile network or Wi-Fi does not work? MIUI Solutions: Check the firmware version: Make sure you download Global (NIKEL) Russia (INGRES) Build it, not Chinese (for example, V14.0.1.0.TKHCNXM — This is the Chinese version. Reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings. Install the correct APNs: Mobile Internet may require manual access points (you can take the settings from your carrier's website). Re-flash the modem module: In TWRP or Fastboot, separate file modem.img from the correct firmware. If the problem persists, try flashing another version of MIUI or contact the service.