How to roll back an update on Xiaomi: all working ways in 2026

MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones don’t always go smoothly. The new firmware version can bring bugs, reduce performance or remove familiar features. If the device gets worse after the upgrade, do not despair: a rollback to the previous version is possible. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of rolling back the update, from official to technically complex, taking into account the features of the models of 2020-2026.

It’s important to understand that the rollback process depends on the type of upgrade (stable/beta), the MIUI version, the smartphone model, and even the firmware region. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, the algorithm will differ from the Redmi Note 10 to MIUI 12.5. We’ll look at universal methods, but some steps will require adaptation to your device.

Before you start, answer two questions: why do you want to roll back (bugs, lags, battery life?) and which version of MIUI you think is stable, which will help you choose the best method and avoid repeated problems.

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

Retraction of the update is an interference with the system files of the smartphone. Without preparation, you risk getting a brick (a broken device) or losing data.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the smartphone model and current version of MIUI

Download the right firmware for your model

Charge your phone at least 60%

Prepare a USB cable and a computer (for methods with Fastboot/ADB)

Disable the Mi Account lock (if any)

Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (for some methods)-->

Pay special attention to the firmware version. You can find it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down the full name (e.g. V14.0.5.0.TKBCNXM). The last characters indicate the region:

• 🌍 CN — Chinese firmware (often without Google services)
• 🇪🇺 EU — European (official or custom)
• 🇷🇺 RU — Russian (with pre-installed services)
• 🌐 Global – International (most universal)

A rollback to firmware with another region can lead to a mobile network or a lack of language! For example, if you had MIUI EU and you were sewing MIUI CN, you would have to re-unblock the bootloader and install Google services manually.

Also check the bootloader status, which is locked by default on most new Xiaomi models.

1. Link the device to the Mi Account.
2. Wait 7-15 days (depending on the model).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the engineering menu (#4636##).

2. Method 1: Recovery (the safest method)

If you upgraded through OTA (over the air) and want to return to the previous version, the first way is to use stock Recovery.It is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO,Released models after 2018, but requires an official firmware in.zip format.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the correct version MIUI from the official Xiaomi Firmware website or trusted forums (for example, XDA The file name must match your model (e.g., the developer name, tucana_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RFDMIXM_20210317.0000.00_10.0_global_1d1a429b0d.tgz For the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Turn off your smartphone. Press the button combination to log in to Recovery: 📱 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up 🔧 For older devices (until 2019): Power + Loudness up + Loudness down

Install update.zip to System

Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes).

After the reboot, the device will be on the previous version of MIUI. All data will be saved, but some settings may be reset.

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If Recovery doesn’t have Install update.zip, you have custom Recovery (like TWRP). In this case, select Install → specify the path to update.zip → swipe to confirm.

This method only works if:

• 🔄 You're being updated through OTA, They didn't manually install the firmware.
• 📦 You have official recovery (not yet) TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔒 Bootloader is locked (if unlocked, you may need to flash it over Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4) Recovery rollbacks may block the possibility of further OTA-In this case, you'll have to go through the Fastboot.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If you can’t roll back through Recovery (for example, due to custom Recovery or corrupted system files), use Fastboot. This method requires a computer, a USB cable and an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔧 Recovery after a failed update.
• 🔄 Moving to an older version MIUI (downgrade).
• 🚀 Eliminate critical errors (bootloop, no download).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from official sources!).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal (for Windows) Linux/macOS).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder on your computer. flash_all.bat (for Windows) or script for other OS.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power + Volume buttons down for 10 seconds The screen will see a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer. Make sure the drivers are installed (if Windows doesn't recognize the device, install Mi USB Driver).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select the firmware mode: 🔄 Clean all – complete cleaning (deletes all data!). 🔧 Clean all and lock - cleaning + Locking bootloader (for safety). 📦 Save user data – saving user data (not always working).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to launch the first one -- don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Snapdragon chipset 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Pro) firmware via Fastboot may result in an anti-rollback error, in which case a special patch or firmware will be required through the EDL.

Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If you have a bootloader unlocked but don’t want to use Fastboot, try ADB Sideload, which allows you to flash update.zip through your computer even if Recovery doesn’t work.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works on most Xiaomi models (including the ones that are used by Xiaomi). POCO redmi).
• 📡 Does not require complete data cleaning (if the firmware is compatible).
• 🖥️ Suitable for Linux/macOS (There is no need for the Mi Flash Tool).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer (you can download from the Android site).
2. Download the desired firmware in update.zip format and place it in the folder with adb.
3. Turn the phone into Recovery mode (as in Method 1), then select Connect with MiAssistant (or ADB Sideload in custom Recovery).
4. Connect the phone to your computer and execute the command at the terminal: adb sideload update.zip
5. Wait for the process to be completed (there will be a progress bar on the phone screen).

If the process is frozen by 47% or 100%, do not panic - this is normal for some firmware.

5. Method 4: Recoil via Mi Flash Pro (official tool)

For owners of Xiaomi devices 2022-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60), the company has released an official tool - Mi Flash Pro. It allows you to flash devices without unlocking the bootloader in some cases, but has limitations:

• 🔒 It only works with official firmware.
• 📅 Requires authorization to Mi Account (linked to the device).
• 🔄 Does not support downgrade on versions older than 1-2 years.

How to use Mi Flash Pro:

1. Download the program from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be tied to your phone!).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in Method 2).
4. Select the device model and the desired version of MIUI from the list.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

Mi Flash Pro automatically checks for firmware compatibility with your model and region, which reduces the risk of errors. However, devices with MediaTek (such as Redmi 10C) may require additional authorization through the Mi Unlock Tool.

6 Risks and Possible Problems in Recoiling

Rejection is not a harmless procedure, but here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

The most serious error is a brick, which occurs when:

• 🔌 Interrupt the firmware through Fastboot/ADB.
• 📥 Install firmware from another model.
• 🔧 Try to flash a blocked bootloader.

If the phone doesn't even turn on in the Fastboot, the only way out is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) firmware, which requires:

• 🖥️ Special cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash or QFil programs (for Qualcomm).
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL on devices from 2023 to 2026 (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Without it, the phone could be a brick forever".

7. How to avoid problems with future updates

To avoid having to roll back the update, follow these rules:

• 🔍 Before updating, check the reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA, XDA) newer MIUI for your model.
• ⏳ Do not update in the first 2-3 weeks after release – wait for bugfixes.
• 📥 Backups before each update (via Settings) → System and device → Backup).
• 🔧 Use the tool. MIUI bootloader to download full firmware instead OTA.

If you like to experiment but are afraid of losing data:

• 📱 Install custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox) and backup through it.
• 🔄 Use dual firmware (if your model supports, for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro).
• 📦 Try custom firmware on the base MIUI (for example, MIUI EU, Xiaomi.eu).

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Before any update, check the Android version in firmware. For example, if your Redmi Note 11 runs Android 12 and the new MIUI requires Android 13, the update could result in a reset of all data!

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi