How to safely roll back an update on Xiaomi phone: all methods 2026

MIUI updates often bring new features, but sometimes cause problems, such as bugs, brakes, battery drainage, or app incompatibility. If Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco start to perform worse after the upgrade, a rollback to the previous firmware version can be the solution.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of rollback (via Recovery, Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool), talk about pitfalls and give a checklist for a safe downgrade.

⚠️ Critical warning: Xiaomi’s rollback of the firmware, broken down into Dynamic Partitions (post-2021 models), requires special firmware. Using standard packages will lead to an anti-rollback error and locking the device.

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

Before rolling back the update, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from data loss and irreversible errors.

First, back up all your important data. Firmware rollback erases internal memory, including photos, contacts, and messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos, or physical copying on your PC. Especially for File-Based Encryption (FBE) devices, you can't decrypt files once you reset.

Second, check the current MIUI and phone model. Go to Settings → About the phone. Write down:

• 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G or POCO F4)
• 🔢 Version MIUI (format: V14.0.5.0.TKCCNXM)
• 🔒 bootloader status (unlocked/locked) can be found by the fastboot oem device-info command at the terminal.

The third step is to download the correct firmware. Use only official packages from the sites:

• 🌐 Official portal MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA china)
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source with archived versions)

Important:

older than the current one, but not lower than that which was installed in the factory

anti-rollback

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Recovery mode. Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and if you downloaded the firmware in.zip format for Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Downloaded firmware file (for example, miui_BLOCKOTA_V13.0.1.0.SKFMIXM_210613.zip) Move to the root folder of internal memory (not in the folder!).
2. Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language, then: Install update.zip to System → specify the downloaded file → confirm.
4. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work on models with Dynamic Partitions (produces E: Footer is wrong)
• ❌ Not suitable for firmware with a downgrade version of Android (for example, from 13 to 12)
• ❌ Requires unlocked bootloader (E: Signature verification failed will appear on locked devices)

Download firmware in.zip format for Recovery|Transfer the file to the root of the memory |Check the battery (>50%) |Make sure the bootloader is unlocked-->

⚠️ Warning: If after rollback the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes - forcibly restart it (Power) + Volume down for 10 seconds.If the problem recurs, try the method via Fastboot.

3. Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (from PC)

The Fastboot method is more reliable, but requires a computer and commands, and is suitable for most models, including those that do not support rollback through Recovery.

What you need:

• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (download here)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot
• 🛠️ Tools: Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal (for Windows) Linux/Mac)

Instructions for Windows (via Mi Flash Tool):

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to a PC. The Mi Flash Tool will display a device (e.g., COM3).
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Commands for Linux/Mac (terminal):

# Going to the folder with firmware


cd ~/Downloads/fastboot_rom




Checking the device connection



fastboot devices




Unlocking the bootloader (if blocked)



fastboot oem unlock




Installation of firmware



fastboot flash all -w

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not turn on after firmware, and an anti-rollback error appears in the Mi Flash Tool, then you are trying to install a version older than the permissible one. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Method 3: Recoil through EDL (for locked devices)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode – the last chance to bring the phone back to life if other methods have not worked, used for devices with a locked bootloader or after a failed rollback.

Features of the method:

• ✅ It even works on bricks (phones that don’t turn on)
• ❌ Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models)
• ❌ Risk of damage IMEI Modem module with incorrect firmware

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (.mbn or.elf format) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (download here).
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The screen should remain black.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Device Manager should have Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. Use the Mi Flash Tool (EDL mode) or QFil for firmware.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Flash is not allowed in Lock State", try using the XiaoMiTool V2 utility. It automatically unlocks the bootloader during the firmware process (it does not work on all models).

5 Risks and problems with rolling back firmware

Rejecting an update on Xiaomi is not a harmless procedure, but here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:

1.The anti-rollback error

• 🔹 It occurs when you try to install a version. MIUI older than the one on the phone originally.
• 🔹 Solution: Find firmware marked Anti-Rollback Removed (available on forums) XDA or 4PDA).

2.Loss of IMEI or network

• 🔹 Often occurs when you are running through EDL on models with Qualcomm Snapdragon.
• 🔹 Solution: Restore IMEI assisted QCN-file (instruction here).

3. Infinite Boot (bootloop)

• 🔹 The phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo and does not load any further.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a clean all and lock tick.

This package is for "xxx" devices; this is a "yyy"

• 🔹 So you didn't download the firmware for your model.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the device codename in Fastboot with the fastboot getvar product team.

💡

If the phone stopped seeing after the phone rolled back SIM-The map is likely damaged by the modem partition.Restore it through the firmware only modem partitions in Fastboot.

6.How to avoid problems after a rollback

Now you need to check the system and prevent future errors.

Checklist after rollback:

• 🔋 Check battery power (if the level is below 30%, charge your phone before setting up).
• 📶 Make sure there is a network (call or check the mobile internet).
• 🔒 Turn it on. OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → For developers.
• 🔄 Update apps via Google Play (older versions may conflict with siphoned-off ones) MIUI).
• 📁 Recover data from backup (do not copy system files!).

Tips for stable work:

• 🚫 Don't update through OTA Within a week, let the system stabilize.
• 🔄 If there are bugs, do a reset through Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 🛡️ Install Magisk for root rights if modifications are needed (but be aware of the risk of losing the warranty).

⚠️ Warning: If after a rollback the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, check the background processes in Settings → Battery, sometimes old versions. MIUI The solution is to disable auto-run for unnecessary programs.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)