How to roll back Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to returning an old version

The situation when, after a planned update MIUI or HyperOS smartphone begins to work unstable, familiar to many owners of Xiaomi. the device can discharge in a few hours, constantly heat up or show errors in the interface, in such cases, the only right decision is to find a way to roll back the update Xiaomi Redmi to the previous, more stable version of the software.

The rollback process is not a standard feature that can be activated with a single button on the menu. Android security and the MIUI shell block the installation of an older version on top of the new one to avoid file system errors. However, there are proven methods to bypass these restrictions to return the device to its previous functionality.

In this guide, we will discuss all available ways to return to the factory firmware or the previous version of the software. It is important to understand that any manipulation of system partitions carries risks. Before starting any actions, you must consciously approach the preparation of the device to avoid losing important data or turning the smartphone into a “brick”.

⚠️ Warning: The rollback process always involves completely removing all data from the internal drive. Back up your contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on your computer in advance.

Before we start taking drastic measures, it is worth assessing the feasibility of rollback. Sometimes the problems with the battery or lag are not caused by the firmware itself, but by the application optimization process, which can last up to 3-5 days after the update, and if more than a week has passed and the situation has not improved, then returning to the old build is a justified step.

Analysis of causes and preparation for downgrade

The first step before starting a procedure is to understand what went wrong, and users often encounter bugs after switching from the global version to the Chinese version or when installing beta. The unstable work can be caused by conflict between the residual files of the old system and the new system libraries.

To successfully perform the operation, you will need a PC with Windows operating system, which is serviceable. USB-cable (preferably original) and stable Internet connection.It is also critical to find the firmware file you plan to return to, and it should only be downloaded from official resources or verified archives, such as XiaomiFirmwareUpdater.

• 🔍 Check the exact model of your device in settings or on the box so you don’t download firmware for another region.
• 💾 Free yourself on the computer at least 10-15 GB free space for unpacking firmware archives.
• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, Because the process of refrigeration is energy-consuming.

Pay special attention to the bootloader version. If your device has a locked Bootloader installed, the rollback methods will be limited to official recovery tools. Unlocking the bootloader opens up more options, but also removes warranty and requires waiting for 7 days (168 hours) after submitting an application on the Mi Unlock service.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the recording process or shut down the computer during firmware.This may cause permanent damage to memory partitions.

Recovery Mode and Wipe Data

The easiest and safest method available to all users without the need to unlock the bootloader is to reset through the recovery menu, but it is worth noting the important nuance that this method does not always allow you to roll back the version in the classic sense, if the new version has a higher Anti-Rollback index.

However, if the protection index allows, the system itself will suggest deleting the data and returning to a clean state. To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone and pinch the key combination Volume Up + Power. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears.

In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will warn you to delete all files. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, followed by automatic reboot.

If the phone is offered to upgrade to the same version that caused the problems after the reset, then a direct rollback through Recovery is impossible without using a computer, in which case a standard reset will only eliminate software conflicts, but will not return the old version of the kernel or system applications.

Mi Flash Tool: Complete Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot

The most reliable way to roll back Xiaomi Redmi to an earlier version is to use the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is designed for service centers and allows you to record the system image completely, ignoring the version checks installed at the moment (provided that anti-Rollback protection does not work).

To start, download and install drivers. ADB The firmware file must be in.zip (Fastboot version), which, after unpacking, contains a folder with many files and a script. flash_all.bat. Important: Firmware folder should not contain Cyrillic alphabets in the way, it is better to place it in the root of the disk, for example, C:\mi_rom\.

Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Connect the device to your PC by pressing the Volume Down button. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android. In Windows Device Manager, the device should be identified as Android Bootloader Interface.

adb devices


fastboot devices

Run Mi Flash on behalf of the administrator. Press Refresh to detect the connected smartphone. Select firmware mode in the bottom corner. Select Clean all option to ensure rollback and clean all data. If you want to completely erase partitions and make the device as new, use Clean all and lock, but only if the firmware is designed specifically for your region.

Press Flash and wait until the process is over. The green status bar and the success label signify a successful rollback. After that, the phone will reboot, and the first download can take up to 10 minutes.