Related: Related: Releasing the update on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 3 proven ways to return the old firmware

Firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems, from sudden bugs to a critical decline in performance. If after the upgrade of MIUI your smartphone began to slow down, quickly discharge or issue errors, a rollback to the previous version may be the only solution.

In this article, we will discuss three official rollback methods (including Fastboot and Recovery recovery) and how to avoid data loss when downgrading – a unique problem for Redmi Note 9, associated with blocking the bootloader after the 2023+ updates. All instructions are adapted to the current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 based on Android 12/13) and take into account the features of global (Global), European (EEA) and Chinese (China) firmware.

Why You Might Need to Reverse the Update

According to statistics from Xiaomi service centers, up to 15% of Redmi Note 9 users face the need to roll back after major updates.

🔋 A sharp reduction in autonomy: new versions MIUI Often optimized for fresh models, which leads to increased power consumption on older chips (Redmi Note 9 has Helio installed). G85).
🐢 Slowdown: background processes MIUI 14+ can take up to 40% CPU even in standby mode, which is critical for 4 GB of RAM.
🚫 Application incompatibility: some banking programs (for example, SberBank Online) refuse to work on custom firmware or new versions of Android.
📱 Loss of features: Global firmware often loses regional settings after updates (for example, support for two different types of software). SIM-maps for specific operators).

Before you start rolling back, check if the problem is temporary. For example, after an update, the system can re-index files within 24 to 48 hours, which leads to lags. It is also worth clearing the application cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

📊 What problem did you face after the update?

Autonomy has declined

The smartphone began to slow down

Applications have stopped working

Another problem.

There was no problem.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Firmware rollback is a process that can lead to data loss or even a "brick" of the device if you do not follow the rules.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 9 with the loader locked (by default), a rollback through the Fastboot is only possible on firmware of the same branch (for example, with the Fastboot). MIUI 14.0.2 at MIUI Attempt to install an older version (e.g. with a MIUI 15. MIUI 13) will cause an anti-rollback error and require the bootloader to be unlocked.

Mandatory preparation steps:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check the current firmware version in Settings → The phone.|Download the correct firmware version for your model (Global/EEA/China)|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Prepare. USB-cable and PC (for methods with Fastboot)

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For backup, use the built-in MIUI tool:

Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
Select data categories (be sure to tick "Applications and their data" and "System settings").
Save a copy for SD-Map or cloud Mi Cloud (if available in your area).

If you plan to use the method with Fastboot, additionally install on your PC:

🖥️ ADB Fastboot tools (download from the official Android website).
🔧 Xiaomi Drivers (can be installed via Mi) PC Suite or manually).
📁 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi portal).

What happens if you don't back up?

Without backup, you will lose: - All photos and videos in internal memory (including the DCIM folder). - Saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth device settings. - Application data (e.g. game progress, Telegram chats, if cloud reservations are not enabled). - SMS and call log (unless synced with Google). - It will be impossible to recover this data after rollback!

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

This method is suitable if you have been updating "over the air" (OTA) and want to return the previous version of MIUI within the same branch (for example, from MIUI 14.0.3 to MIUI 14.0.2). It does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves user data.

Algorithm of action:

Download the full firmware package (file with the extension.zip) for your model from the official website. 9 Global is going to be a file of the view merlin_global_images_V14.0.2.0.SJOMIXM_20230315.0000.00_12.0_global.zip.
Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes), and the success label signifies a successful rollback.

If after the reboot the phone hangs on the Redmi logo, reset the cache:

Go back to Recovery.
Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, version MIUI In this case, use the method with Fastboot (see next section).

💡

Recovery rollback is the safest way, but only works for “small” upgrades within one version of MIUI. Downgrades to another branch (e.g., from MIUI 15 to MIUI 14) will require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (for power users)

This method allows you to install any compatible firmware, including a downgrade to the older MIUI branch. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader and a complete data reset. On the Redmi Note 9, unlocking takes 72 hours after you link your Mi Account to the device.

Step-by-step:

Unlock the bootloader: Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers. Link Mi Account to device in Settings → Mi Account → Device Status. Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC, connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and follow the program instructions. Wait for unlock - 72 hours.
Install firmware via Fastboot: Unpack the downloaded firmware archive (.tgz file) into a folder on your PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and launch the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac). Wait until the process is completed (around) 10–15 The phone will reboot automatically.

If you've run out of power after you've run the firmware, or if you've got an anti-rollback error, you've tried to install a version that's too old.

🔄 Try to run a newer version from the same branch.
📱 If the error persists, use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (full reset).

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
anti-rollback	Attempt to install firmware older than acceptable for your device	Switch a newer version or unlock the bootloader to bypass the restriction
fastboot: error: Failed to boot into fastbootd	Incorrectly installed drivers or cable	Reinstall drivers, try another USB-port (preferably 2.0)
The phone is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool.	Inactive Fastboot Mode or Connection Issues	Reboot your phone in Fastboot (clamp Volume Down + Power), check the cable

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool is a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using the 5.5.224.24 version of the program, which is often more stable than new releases.

Method 3: Recoil through EDL (Emergency Mode)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is the last chance to restore the Redmi Note 9 if other methods fail (e.g., a brick after a failed update (EDL-cable or test point on the board) and knowledge of working with programs like Mi Flash Pro or QFil.

When you need an EDL:

🧱 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
🔄 Hangs on the Redmi logo or flashes a red indicator.
🚫 Fastboot: Error: Failed to load/authenticate boot image.

Instructions for experienced users:

Download the firmware for EDL (usually a file with the.mbn or.elf extension).
Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL: Method 1: Use EDL-cable (closes the contacts) GND and EDL plug-in USB). Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close the test point on the board (requires a soldering iron).

Mi Flash Pro

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL If you're not sure what you're doing, you can call a service center, and you can also see that the firmware is through the device. EDL drop off IMEI, which will then have to be rebuilt separately.

Where to find the EDL test point on the Redmi Note 9?

On the Redmi Note 9 motherboard, the test point is located next to the battery connector. It's two contacts signed as EDL or TP. To activate the mode, you need to close them for 5-10 seconds, holding the power button. 📌 Important: Before disassembling, disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits!

How to avoid problems after a rollback

After a successful firmware rollback, your Redmi Note 9 may be unstable, such as quickly discharge or give out application errors, to minimize the risks:

🔄 Reset the settings to factory (if you didn't do it during firmware). Go to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
🔋 Calibrate the battery: Charge the phone to 100% and keep it on charge for another 2 hours. Unplug and discharge until it is automatically turned off. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.
📱 Update apps via Google Play or Mi App Store – some programs may conflict with the older version MIUI.
🛡️ Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.