Related: Related: Releasing the update on Xiaomi Poco X3: 3 working methods and their pitfalls

Updates to MIUI on Xiaomi Poco X3 (model M2007J20CG) often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: from sudden lags to critical battery discharge in a few hours. If after the update the smartphone began to slow down, overheat or refused to turn on — a rollback to the previous version of the firmware may be the only solution.

In this article, we will analyze three officially supported methods of rollback (including hidden MIUI functions), analyze the risks of each and give checklists for preparation. Separately, we will focus on typical errors - for example, why an IMEI can disappear after a rollback via Fastboot or why the Poco X3 fixes itself on the MI logo. All instructions are tested on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware and are relevant for the global (EEA/Global) and Indian (IN) versions of the device.

1. When the rollback of the update is justified (and when it is not)

Before you start the procedure, assess whether the problem is really due to the firmware. Here are the symptoms for which rollback will help:

• 🔋 The battery sits down in 2-3 hours during normal use (after upgrading to the battery). MIUI 13+ This is a frequent complaint due to background optimization).
• 🐢 Strong lags in the interface, although before the update they were not (especially on animations and when opening Settings).
• 📱 The smartphone spontaneously restarts or turns off at 30-40% charge.
• 🎮 Games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) have become “slow” on the same graphics settings.
• 📶 Network problems: disappearing 4G, Does not catch 5GHz Wi-Fi or constantly loses» SIM-map.

Here are the cases where pulling back won’t solve the problem (and even make it worse):

• 💥 Hardware malfunctions: bloated battery, damaged motherboard after falling, moisture intrusion.
• 🔌 Charging problems (not original cable/power supply, contaminated port) USB-C).
• 🛠️ Failures after self-disassembly of the smartphone (for example, a fallen off screen plume).
• 📲 Viruses or “left” applications that consume resources (check in Settings) → Battery → Use of the).

⚠️ Attention: If your Poco X3 already on MIUI 14 And you want to roll back on MIUI 12.5, Note: Some features (like Super Wallpapers or Game Turbo) 5.0) There's also a high risk of data loss in the section. /data, Even if you do a backup.

Before rolling back, be sure to check the version of the current firmware in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down or take a picture - this will help you choose the right file for rollback.

2.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the procedure

Incorrect preparation is the main reason for the poco X3 to “brick” and follow this checklist to minimize the risks:

Backup all data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Prepare original USB-cable (not a cheap replacement)

Disable the Mi Account lock (if any)

Close all background programs on the PC (antivirus, task manager)

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Let's take a closer look at each item:

Data backup

Firmware rollback will erase all user data (unless you use the method through Recovery with data storage).

• 📱 Local backup: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization (Make sure contacts, notes are included, SMS).
• 💻 Manual transfer: copy folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp on PC.

Important: Backup via Mi Cloud does not save:

• Established APK-Files (only list of apps from Play Market).
• Settings for some games (e.g. progression to Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile)
• Files in the root folder (/sdcard).

2.2 Selecting the right firmware

Download the firmware only from official sources:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose the Poco version X3 NFC POCO X3 Pro, if you have one).
• 📥 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there is an archive of old versions).

Pay attention to the device code:

⚠️ Note: If you download the firmware for Poco X3 Pro (vayu) and try to install it on Poco X3 NFC (Surya, the phone will turn into a brick. Check the code name in Settings → The phone. → Model! 2.3. You will need PC tools: 🖥️ ADB Fastboot: Download Google’s Platform Tools. 🔌 Drivers: Use Mi for Xiaomi USB Driver. 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool: Needed to roll back via Fastboot (download here). Connection check: After installing drivers, connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down) + Power) and enter in the command line: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), the drivers are installed correctly. 💡If your PC doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit) or disable driver signatures in Windows. 3. Method 1: Recovery rollback (without data loss) This is the safest method, but only works if: 📲 You have a stable version installed. MIUI (beta). 🔄 You are backing up to a firmware that was on your phone before (for example, with a 13.0.5 on 12.5.8). 🔓 Blocked bootloader - if it is unlocked, this method will not work. Instruction: Download the firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, download the firmware file with the.zip extension, surya_global_images_V12.5.8.0.RJGMIXM_20220315.0000.00_11.0_global.zip). Rename him in update.zip And move it to the root of the phone's internal memory (not the folder!) and turn off the phone and press Volume up. + Meals to log into Recovery. Select language, then: 🔧 Install update.zip System One (or System if one partition). ✅ Confirm the choice. Wait until it's done (5–10 minutes) and restart. Pros of the method: ✅ User data (photos, applications) are saved). ✅ No PC. ✅ Minimal risk of "bricking." Cons: ❌ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (starting 13.0.4 may be blocked). ❌ You can’t go back to the version that was originally older than the one you had. ⚠️ Warning: If after a rollback through Recovery, the phone is fixated on the logo MI, Try resetting your Wipe Data settings in the same Recovery menu. If that doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot. What do you do if Recovery can't see? update.zip? 1. Check that the file is named. update.zip (symbolless). 2. Make sure it lies at the root of the memory, not in the Download folder. 3. Try another firmware file (possibly downloaded with an error). 4. If Recovery says “Can’t verify update” it means the firmware isn’t designed for your model or region. 4. Method 2: Fastboot rollback (most reliable) This method is suitable for any case, including: 🔒 Locked loader. 📉 Reverse any older version (even if it hasn’t been installed before). 🚨 Recovery after a failed update (for example, if the phone doesn't turn on). Important: This method erases all data on the phone! It also requires a PC with the Mi Flash Tool installed and drivers installed. 4.1. Download the Fastboot firmware (a file with the.tgz or.zip extension, which contains the image file folder inside). Unpack the archive into the folder C:\miui_fastboot (Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down). + Power. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool: 📂 Click Select and specify the folder with unpacked firmware. 🔄 Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back). 🖱️ Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5–15 After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically. Possible errors and solutions: Error Reason Solution Couldn't load device drivers Not installed Fastboot drivers. Install Mi USB Driver and reconnect the phone. Flash is not done. Firmware files are damaged or not for this model. Download the firmware again and check the code name (surya/vayu). Anti-rollback check fail Trying to roll back to too old version (below) MIUI 12.0.3). Choose a newer firmware or use it. EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account). ⚠️ Note: If you have lost your Fastboot IMEI If the network is not working, then the modem or nvram partitions have been damaged. They can only be restored through EDL (It requires a special cable and a program Mi Flash Pro). 💡Use Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool only if you are sure you won't unlock the bootloader again. Otherwise, choose Clean all - this will save the ability to install custom firmware. 5. Method 3: Recoil through MIUI bootloader (for unlocked bootloader) If you have an unlocked bootloader, you can use the utility MIUI bootloader + TWRP. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires working with custom recaveri. 5.1. 📱 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info – must be true). 🖥️ Established TWRP POCO X3 (download). 📦 Firmware in.zip format (modified builds from xiaomi.eu can be used). 5.2. Instructions Download and install TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_surya.img fastboot reboot recovery in the TWRP Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select Partitions → System/Data). Transfer the firmware file to the phone (via MTP into TWRP or SD-In the map. TWRP Choose Install → Select a file → Swipe to confirm. After installation, run the Wipe → Format Data (required!) and reboot: ✅ You can install custom firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu without advertising). ✅ Flexibility in the selection of versions (up to the MIUI 11, If you find a compatible build, there's a risk: ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked). ❌ Possible bugs (such as a broken Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD). ❌ The risk of “bricking” in case of an error in TWRP. 💡If the bank application does not work after installing custom firmware (for example, Sberbank or Tinkoff), install the Magisk module with SafetyNet Fix to pass the Google certification. 6. Typical problems after a rollback and their solution Even if the rollback was successful, problems may occur. Here are the most common ways to eliminate them: 6.1. the phone does not turn on or is fixated on the logo Reasons: Incompatible firmware (for example, for Poco). X3 Pro on Poco X3 NFC). Damaged firmware files (under-pumped archive) Wipe Data not executed after rolling back via Fastboot Solutions: Try to go to Recovery (volume up) + Power, and make Wipe Data. If it doesn't work, swipe your phone over Fastboot again (see Method 2). EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account). 6.2. Missing. IMEI or the network is not working This is due to damage to the modem or nvram partitions when rolling back. IMEI You can go like this: Download the original firmware for your model and unpack it. In the image folder, find the files. nvram.img and modem.img. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img Reboot your phone if you want. IMEI If you have not recovered, try manually entering it through the engineering menu (##4636## → Phone information → Select a network). 6.3. The battery is discharged quickly after a rollback This is a normal phenomenon in the first 2–3 The system re-indexes the files and optimizes the background processes: 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% breaklessly. 🛠️ Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings. 📊 Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Use. If a process consumes >10%, delete or limit it. 6.4. Google Services or Play Market are not working This is due to the lack of Google Apps in some firmware (especially Chinese).Solution: Download the Open GApps package (version) ARM64 → 11.0 → Pico for Android 11. Install it through TWRP (If the bootloader is unlocked. or run the firmware with already sewn GApps (for example, from xiaomi.eu). 7. How to avoid problems with future updates To avoid having to roll back the firmware, follow these rules: 🔍 Check out reviews about the new version MIUI In the forums (Mi Community, 4PDA) before updating. 📅 Wait 1-2 weeks after the stable version release – critical bugs are usually detected during this time. 🔋 Upgrade through Recovery, not over the air (OTA) — so less risk of failure. 🔄 Backup before each update (at least through the Mi Cloud). 🚫 Do not upgrade to beta unless you are ready for bugs. MIUI 13+ Poco X3 Many users are faced with the “phantom notification” bug (the indicator is constantly flashing, although there are no notifications), this is solved by resetting the settings or rolling back on the system. MIUI 12.5.8 If you still decide to upgrade but are afraid of the consequences, use the delayed update function: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner. → Update settings: Turn off Automatic Download via Mobile Network and Update Notices. 💡If after the update, the smartphone began to overheat, check the load on the processor in the application CPU Monitor. Often the MiuiDaemon or Android System background processes are to blame – they can be limited through Settings. → Annexes → Application management. 8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ❓ Can I roll back the firmware on Poco? X3 Yes, but only through Recovery (see Method 1). MIUI And it requires that the firmware be installed earlier, and if the phone doesn't turn on, you can't do without a PC. ❓ Why did the photos disappear after the rollback? Did you use the method through Fastboot or TWRP You can only recover photos from the backup (if you took one), and programs like DiskDigger or Recuva won't help, because the data is overwritten. ❓ How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on my Poco X3? Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If there is a line Device unlocked: true in the answer, the bootloader is unlocked. ❓ Can I roll back with MIUI 14 on MIUI 12.5? Technically yes, but with reservations: On Poco X3 NFC (surya) can be rolled back to MIUI 12.0.3 And above. X3 Pro (vayu) - before MIUI 12.0.4. If you try to install an older version, you will see an error Anti-rollback check fail. EDL-Mode and Authorized Xiaomi Account. ❓ What to do if the phone does not see after the rollback SIM-This is a typical problem when you damage a modem partition. modem.img and nvram.img from the original firmware (see section) 6.2). Check if the lot is dirty.