Related: Releasing updates to Xiaomi 10S: safe ways to downgrade firmware

Why do users want to roll back the update to Xiaomi 10S?

Updates MIUI Often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: from a suddenly dead battery to critical bugs in the interface. 10S with its Snapdragon 870 processor and 5G-module is particularly sensitive to changes in firmware - owners complain of overheating after updates to MIUI 14+, Camera problems or sudden reboots: In 2023-2026, the relevance of rollbacks increased due to Xiaomi’s aggressive policy of removing features (such as Android 11-style pop-up notifications) and forced security updates breaking root access.

Unlike the Redmi Note or POCO, Xiaomi’s flagship models often block downgrades through standard Recovery. This is due to anti-rollback protection, which can turn a smartphone into a brick if you don’t follow the rules. In this article, we’ll discuss three officially supported rollbacks for Xiaomi 10S (codenamed thyme), as well as workarounds for power users.

Before you start, answer two questions:

1. Which version of MIUI do you want to install? (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5 on MIUI 13.0.8)
2. Are you ready for a possible data loss? (even when backing up some settings will reset).

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Unprepared downgrade is a direct path to soft-brick (when the device does not boot but reacts to the PC connection).To avoid this, follow the steps below in strict sequence:

1. Check the current version of MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full number (e.g. V14.0.5.0.TKHCNXM). The last characters (CNXM, EUXM) indicate the firmware region – this is critical for choosing the correct rollback file.
2. Unlock the bootloader (unlocked): Without the unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to flash the device through Fastboot. Check the status by command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false, you will need official unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (linking to the Mi Account is mandatory!).
3. Backup: Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Important: MIUI backup doesn’t recover data after downgrade! For contacts, photos and apps, use Google Account or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).

Critical warning: If your Xiaomi 10S was purchased in China (CN version) and you have flashed global firmware (EU/Global), a rollback to the Chinese version may block IMEI and 5G modules.

Download the correct version of the firmware for the region|Check the battery charge (minimum) 60%)|Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Disable antivirus (can block firmware files)|Prepare. USB-cable (original, without damage)

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Method 1: Recoil through MIUI Downgrade Tool (official method)

The safest option is to use the built-in tool from Xiaomi, which appeared in MIUI 12.5+. It automatically checks version compatibility and blocks dangerous transitions.

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI from the official MIUI Downloads website. Choose files marked Recovery (not Fastboot!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select Update File.
4. Select update.zip and confirm installation. The device will reboot to Recovery and start the process.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work if the current version MIUI It is newer than the one you are rolling back (anti-rollback locking).
• 🚫 Not available for firmware marked Stable Beta or Developer.
• 🚫 Can reset network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and some system applications.

Method 2: Recovery (for power users)

If the official tool is not available, you can flash the old version through stock Recovery. This method requires exact adherence to the steps, otherwise you risk E: Footers is wrong or E: Signature verification failed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Recovery ROM for your region from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater (select only stable versions!).
2. Connect Xiaomi 10S to your PC and transfer the.zip file to the memory root.
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then: Install update.zip to System One Confirm the selection and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).
5. After installation, select Reboot to System.

Possible errors and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone boots in a bootloop after rollback, don't try to flash the same version again! this will make the problem worse. Instead, use Fastboot for clean installation (Method 3).

Method 3: Recoil through Fastboot (for advanced)

Fastboot is the most reliable, but also the riskiest method, and involves completely flashing the device, including boot, recovery, and system partitions, and requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot installed.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
• 📁 Fastboot ROM Xiaomi 10S (Download only from the official website)
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, Platform Tools

Firmware process:

1. Unpack the archive from Fastboot ROM in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi10S_Fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to your PC and check for detection by command: fastboot devices must display a serial number.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
5. Choose Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset) + Lock the bootloader. Press Flash.

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock will block the bootloader, making it impossible to re-unblock for 72 hours, only use it if you are sure you will no longer be stitching the device.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, try using the alternative utility XiaoMiTool V2.

Solving problems after rollback

Even a successful downgrade can bring surprises, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

1. Loss of network or IMEI

If the mobile Internet is missing after the rollback or the device does not see SIM-map:

• Check if the firmware region matches the device region (e.g. EUXM for Europe).
• Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img (files are taken from the firmware folder).
• If IMEI is reset to 0, restore it via Engineering Mode (#4636##) or SN Write Tool (requires authorization).

2. Hanging on the Mi screensaver

If the phone does not load beyond the logo:

• Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
• If it doesn’t work, reset it with Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data).
• In extreme cases, re-run the same version of MIUI through Fastboot.

3. Application errors (e.g. Google Services)

After the downgrade, certificates or application data can fly:

• Reinstall Google Play Services via APKMirror.
• Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
• If errors remain, run GApps separately (for custom firmware).

💡

After rollback to a version older than 6 months, you may need to manually reset the date and time (via Settings → Additional → Date and Time), otherwise Google services will not work.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)