How to roll back the update on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 working ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it is not immune to problems after updates. Incorrect firmware can lead to slowdown, overheating, battery discharge in a few hours or even a “brick” (completely inoperable device). If after the update MIUI your Redmi Note 8 began to behave unstable, do not rush to carry it to the service center – in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

In this article, we will discuss three official methods of rollback updates: through Recovery, Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool. Each method is suitable for different scenarios, from mild crashes to critical errors when the phone does not turn on, and you will learn how to save data before reset and what to do if the firmware “flies” after a failed downgrade.

⚠️ Important: Firmware rollback is not the same as factory reset. When you go downgrade, you go back to the previous version. MIUI, This may affect the performance of certain applications and functions (for example, Google Pay may stop working due to changes in security certificates).

1.Preparing for rollback of the update: what to do before the beginning

Before you start rolling back, make sure you follow all the steps you need, and failing to follow these rules can lead to data loss or device breakdown — especially if you’re switching from Android 12 to Android 11 or lower.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when rolling back via Recovery, the phone should not turn off).
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (For methods with Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).
• 📁 Backup of data (photos, contacts, messages) cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) or local copying on PC.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader if you plan to use Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

If you’ve never unlocked Bootloader on the Redmi Note 8, you can do it officially through Xiaomi’s website, but the process takes up to 72 hours (requires a Mi Account binding and waiting). SMS-Without unlocking, only recoil through Recovery is available, but it does not work in all cases.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 is purchased in China (the domestic version), a rollback to global firmware could block the network (IMEI). Check the model in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Global versions are designated as MIUI Global, Chinese, like MIUI China.

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and loaded into the system (albeit with errors).
• 🔄 You've been updated by air" (OTA) You want to go back to the previous version.
• 🔓 Bootloader is locked (no unlock required).

Instructions:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI for Redmi Note 8 (file with the extension.zip) from the official site of Xiaomi. Choose stable firmware, not developer.
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, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will return to the previous version of MIUI.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• It doesn’t work if the phone doesn’t turn on or is getting stuck on the Mi logo.
• You can’t roll back to a version older than the one you originally installed (e.g., from MIUI 14 to MIUI 12).
• If the firmware is damaged, the process can end with E: Footer is wrong.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📵 The phone is not turned on or got stuck on the boot.
• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked.
• 🖥️ You have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

The work will require:

• Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)
• Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (download from the official website).
• ADB and Fastboot drivers (can be installed via Mi PC Suite)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the utility, click Select and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - clean (deletes all data); Clean all and lock - clear + lock Bootloader (recommended if you want to return the warranty); Save user data - an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If you choose Clean all and lock and then want to unlock Bootloader again, you’ll have to wait 72 hours (like the first unlock) and this mode will also reset all Mi Account settings, including account binding.

Method 3: Manual update via ADB Sideload

This is similar to recoiling through Recovery, but the firmware is installed from a computer.

• 📱 The phone is turned on, but can not load the firmware itself.
• 🔄 You need to install a custom or test firmware.
• 🔧 Bootloader unlocked.

What you need:

• ADB and Fastboot (you can download it as part of Google’s Platform Tools).
• Firmware in.zip format (do not unpack!).
• USB-data-couple.

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools and unpack into a folder C:\platform-tools\.
2. Place the firmware file (update.zip) in the same folder.
3. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your phone serial number) adb reboot recovery (the phone will reboot in Recovery) adb sideload update.zip (starts installing firmware).
6. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t show your phone, try reinstalling drivers or using another one. USB-Sometimes it helps to disable the driver signature in Windows (start the command line on behalf of the administrator and perform bcdedit). /set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC).

5. firmware compatibility table for Redmi Note 8

Not all versions of MIUI are compatible, and the following are the up-to-date downgrade data for the Redmi Note 8 (the ginkgo model):

⚠️ Switching from Android 12 to Android 11 or lower can lead to a:

• 🚫 Data loss (even if you have selected Save user data).
• 🔒 Blocking certain functions (e.g. Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD).
• 📵 Mobile network problems (if the firmware is not for your region).

6 What to do if the rollback fails

If after the Redmi Note 8 rollback:

• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo – try to go to Recovery and make Wipe data.
• 📵 Does not catch the network – check if the firmware matches the region (for example, global for the network). EEA or Global).
• 🔋 Fast discharge – Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).
• 🚫 It doesn't turn on at all -- maybe it's a Bootloader that's corrupted. Try flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean all and lock selection.

If the phone has become a hard brick, there are two options:

1. Squeeze through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and Qualcomm boxing).
2. Contact the service center (official repairs will cost 3-5 thousand rubles).

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after rolling back, DO NOT TRY to flash it with custom firmware (like LineageOS) without experience. This can permanently disable the communication module or eMMC memory.

7. How to avoid problems with future updates

So that you do not have to roll back the firmware again, follow these tips:

• 🔍 Before updating, check the reviews on the forums (4PDA, XDA Developers about the new version MIUI For the Redmi Note 8.
• ⏳ Don't upgrade to the first 2-3 Weeks after release – usually during this time, patches for critical bugs are released.
• 📡 Use stable firmware, not development (Developer).
• 🔋 Before upgrading, charge your phone to 100% and connect to charging.
• 📁 Make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

If you still encounter bugs after the update, try:

1. Clear the cache (Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
3. Perform a reset to factory settings (without rolling back firmware).

⚠️ Note: If Google Pay is no longer available after the update, Netflix will be available HD Or banking applications, the problem might be changing security certificates, and then you can only completely flash through Fastboot with a Clean all and lock option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on the Redmi Note 8