Related: Releasing updates to Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC: safe ways to downgrade MIUI

Introduction: Why You Might Need to Remove the Firmware

MIUI updates for Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC (codenamed surya) usually bring new features, security fixes and optimizations. However, not all updates go smoothly: users face slowdowns, overheating, bugs in the interface or even critical battery discharge after installing a new version, in which case a downgrade of the firmware becomes the only solution.

The complexity of the process depends on the current version. MIUI and the bootloader status. For example, if you upgraded from MIUI 12.5 on MIUI 13 and found that the smartphone started to slow down when starting games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), you can return the stable version in several ways. MIUI 12.0.8.0 may block the ability to unlock the bootloader due to Xiaomi’s policy on antirollback.

This article covers all the current methods of rollback, including official and informal tools, taking into account the features of the Poco X3 NFC. We will understand how to avoid the “brick” (turning your phone into a “brick”), save data and choose the best version of MIUI for your tasks.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Before proceeding with a downgrade, follow the mandatory steps to minimize the risks:

🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum of 60% – the process can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge during firmware will lead to a failure.
📱 Make a full data backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or by using Mi PC Suite.Return erases user files!
🔐 Make sure you have access to the Mi Account tied to the device – it will be required to unlock the bootloader.
💻 Prepare a PC with Windows 10/11 (for the Mi Flash Tool or Linux/macOS (for fastboot in the terminal).

Pay special attention to the version of MIUI you plan to roll back on. Check it on forums (such as XDA Developers or 4PDA) for bugs. For example, MIUI 12.0.3.0 is known for problems with Wi-Fi 5 GHz, and MIUI 12.5.1.0 is known for problems with Google Pay.

📊 Which way of recoiling do you prefer?

Through Fastboot.

Through Recovery.

With MIUI bootloader

I don't know, I'll pick it by the instructions.

If you have never unlocked a bootloader on the Poco X3 NFC, the process will take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions. Keep this in mind when planning. Also check if the anti-rollback (ARB) is activated on your current firmware - this can block rollbacks on older versions.

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If you are not sure about the current version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. The first two digits after the name (for example, V12.5.8.0) indicate the major version, the last one indicates the patch.

Method 1: Recoil through MIUI bootloader (without unlocking the bootloader)

The easiest method is to use the official MIUI bootloader app, which allows you to download and install older firmware versions directly to your device.

✅ The current firmware does not block downgrade (no) ARB).
✅ You are not going to the version older than 6 months from the current one.
✅ The bootloader is not unlocked (the method works on the blocked one).

Instructions:

Download MIUI bootloader from Google Play.
Open the app, select the Poco X3 NFC (surya) model.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo POCO, Reset through Recovery (Power) + Vol Up. That's normal downgrade.

☑️ Preparing for rollback through MIUI bootloader

Download the MIUI bootloader appCheck the model (surya)Select a version without ARBCharge your phone >60%Make a data backup

Done: 0 / 5

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (for power users)

If MIUI bootloader is not suitable (for example, due to ARB), you will have to use Fastboot. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and PC, the advantage is the ability to roll back on any version, even if it is older than 6 months.

Steps:

Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account binding is required).
Download the desired firmware in.tgz format from the MIUI Download website (select Poco X3 NFC → Fastboot).
Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC (e.g., C:\MIUI\fastboot).
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when the device is off).
Open the command line in the firmware folder and do: fastboot flash all or to clean up data: fastboot flash all -w

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback check fail occurs after the fastboot flash all command, then you are trying to install a version older than the permissible one. EDL (Emergency mode), which requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
anti-rollback check fail	Trying to roll back to a version with a lower ARB	Choose another firmware or use EDL
device not found	Fastboot drivers not installed	Install Mi Flash Tool or Drivers Manually
flash not allowed in locked state	bootloader locked	Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

What is ARB (Anti-Rollback)?

ARB is Xiaomi's security mechanism that blocks firmware installations older than a particular version. For example, if your Poco X3 NFC upgraded to MIUI 13 with ARB 4, you can't roll back to MIUI 12 with ARB 3. This is done to prevent exploits, but makes it harder to downgrade.

Method 3: Recovery Recoil (TWRP)

If your Poco X3 NFC has customized Recovery (TWRP) installed on it, you can flash the old version of MIUI through it. This method saves data if you don't use Wipe.

Instructions:

Download firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
Move the file to the root of the phone’s memory.
Download to TWRP (Power + Vol Up)
Select Install → specify the downloaded.zip → conduct for confirmation.
After installation, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: If after the scaling of the TWRP The phone won't boot, try flashing vendor and firmware separately:

Download the full firmware package and extract the vendor.img and firmware-update.zip files from it.
In TWRP, run first firmware, then vendor, and only after that - the firmware itself.

💡

TWRP rollback is the only way to save data when downgraded, but requires a customized Recovery pre-installed. Without TWRP, you'll have to use a full-cleaned Fastboot (/data).

How to check the success of the rollback and avoid mistakes

After the firmware rollback, perform the following checks:

📱 Make sure the version MIUI In Settings → The phone is the same as the one installed.
🔄 Restart your phone 2-3 times to help stabilize your system.
📶 Check the mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (sometimes after a downgrade, support for new standards, for example, Wi-Fi 6, disappears).
🔋 Run a battery test (e.g. via AccuBattery) – some versions MIUI have energy consumption bugs.

If new problems arise after a rollback (such as spontaneous reboots or no sound), try:

Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Resetting).
Switch vendor and firmware separately (as described in the TWRP section).
Upgrade to a newer version of MIUI (you may have chosen an unstable build).

If the phone has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, the red light flashes), try restoring it via EDL using the Mi Flash Pro tool. This will require an authorized Xiaomi account (for example, through the Xiaomi Authorized Service Center service).

Frequent questions and problems with rollback

Can I roll back MIUI without losing data?

Yes, but only if you use TWRP or MIUI bootloader (unless you have ARB). If you run through Fastboot with the -w key or through the Mi Flash Tool, the data will be erased. Always backup!

Why is the mobile network not working after the rollback?

This is a typical downgrade problem on versions older than MIUI 12.0.8.0. Solution: Sweat the modem.img file separately from the new firmware via Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img or upgrade to a more recent version of MIUI with a working modem.

How do I know if I have an ARB (Anti-Rollback) on my firmware?

Check the ARB version in boot.img or on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site. For example, for Poco X3 NFC: MIUI 12.5.8.0 and later - ARB 4. MIUI 12.0.3.0-12.5.7.0 - ARB 3. Recoil is possible only within one ARB or to the version with a higher number.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the rollback?

First, try booting into Recovery (Power + Vol Up) and doing Wipe Data. If that doesn't work: Connect your phone to your PC and check if it's detected in Fastboot devices. If you can't see it, try EDL mode (testpoint or authorized account required). Contact Xiaomi's service center to request that you flash your phone through Mi Flash Pro.

Can I roll back the firmware on the Poco X3 NFC with a locked bootloader?

Yes, but only through MIUI bootloader or Recovery (if the firmware is signed by Xiaomi). Fastboot and TWRP require unlocking, except for a rollback to a version that was already installed (for example, from MIUI 13.0.5.0 to 13.0.4.0).

Conclusions: which way to roll back to choose

The choice of method depends on your current firmware, the status of the bootloader and the purpose of the rollback:

🔹 For beginners: Use MIUI bootloader is the safest way to do it without unlocking.
🔹 For experienced users: Fastboot or TWRP They have more control, but they require more knowledge.
🔹 If the phone is “smooth”: I will have to use it. EDL or call on the service.

Remember, rollbacks on versions older than MIUI 12.0.8.0 may result in a lockdown of the bootloader in the future.If you plan to install custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience), it is better to stay on the new version of MIUI and solve problems through patches or resets.

If problems persist after rollback, consider alternatives:

Installation of a custom core (e.g., FrancoKernel) to optimize performance.
Switch to Global ROM if you have China ROM (or vice versa).
Contact Xiaomi for official support for hardware problems.