Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation when, after arriving, they are not able to fly. OTA-The system starts to run unstable, the battery runs out faster, the interface slows down, and the favorite applications stop functioning correctly, in such cases, the only sensible solution is to return to the previous, more stable version of the operating system. MIUI — This is not just deletion of a file, but a complex procedure for overwriting the system partition, which requires care.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply remove the Update app, but this will not help. For a full return, you need to use special firmware methods that allow you to install an earlier version of the software on top of the new one. It is important to understand that this process will completely destroy all data on your device, so pre-backup is a mandatory step without which you can lose important photos and contacts.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to roll back Xiaomi to an earlier version, using both built-in features and computer utilities. You will learn about the nuances of the bootloader blocker and the difference between global and Chinese firmware. Critically, you can only roll back one version below or through full formatting with the bootloader unlocked.
Risk analysis and device preparation
Before you start to take action, you need to be very clear about the situation, because rolling back the firmware is an interference with the low-level software of your smartphone. If you interrupt the recording process or choose an incompatible file, the device can turn into a brick, which is why backup preparation is at the top of your list of priorities.
The second important aspect is battery power: flashing can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data and the method chosen. If the phone turns off when you write system files, it will be extremely difficult to restore it, often only through paid service tools. Charge the device to at least 80%.
⚠️ Note: You perform all flashing actions at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible malfunctions in the operation of your equipment.
It’s also worth checking if the Bootloader has been unlocked on the current version. If you’ve previously obtained root rights or modified the system, standard rollback methods may not work, which would require using Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complicated scenario.
☑️ Check before rollback
Trying to install global firmware on top of Chinese (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will result in a signature verification error. MIUI security will prevent the installation from being completed, and the phone will remain on the current version.
Finding and downloading the correct version of the firmware
The hardest part for a beginner is finding the exact version of the software you want to return to. Xiaomi’s official website rarely keeps archives of old builds in the open access.
When searching for a file, look for the name encoding. It should be strictly consistent with your device model. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the model code will be different from the regular Note 10. Installing firmware from another model is guaranteed to bring the smartphone down.
You'll need a Recovery version of the firmware that has the.zip extension. Don't confuse it with the Fastboot version, which has the.tgz extension and is designed to be run through a computer. ZIP-archive.
- 📂 Download files only from official servers or trusted sources.
- 🔍 Check the firmware region (RU, Global, CN, EEA).
- 📉 Make sure the version is older than the one that is currently installed.
- 💾 Save the file to the root of internal memory, not to folders.
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Use miui.com in the mobile version via a browser – it is often easier to search for archival versions using a device model than on full portals.
After downloading a file, don’t rename it.The MIUI system scans the memory for files with certain signatures, and changing the name can cause the updater to simply “not see” the installer.
Recoiling method through built-in update menu
It's the easiest and safest way to do this, and it doesn't require a computer, and it works if you roll back one version (like a computer). MIUI 14.0.5 at MIUI 14.0.4) or if you have the bootloader unlocked. ZIP-file in the root directory of the internal memory of the smartphone.
Next, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Select firmware file.” The system will open the file manager where you need to specify the previously downloaded archive.
If the version is suitable for rollback, the phone will suggest rebooting and starting installation. If you try to roll back through multiple versions, the system will give an error "Can't update", in which case you will need a trick to rename the file or use the computer.
Once the checksums are confirmed, it can take a few minutes to check, so don't touch the device at this time, and once the check is done, the checkout will start, and the progress bar will be followed.
Using the computer and recovery mode
If the standard method doesn't work, you can try forced installation through recovery mode. To do this, the phone must be turned off. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, volume buttons (up/down) are used to control the menu, and the power button selects the language (if available) and go to Connect with MIAssistant, or simply select the firmware file if the menu allows.
However, most often, to roll back through Recovery, you need to rename the firmware file. downloaded_rom and put it there. ZIP-file, renaming it in update.zip. Then, in the Recovery menu, select Install. update.zip.
| Action. | Combination/Way | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume Up + Nutrition | Hold it until it vibrates. |
| Entrance to Fastboot | Volume Down + Nutrition | For firmware through PC |
| Data resetting | Wipe Data → Wipe All Data | Removes everything irrevocably. |
| Reboot | Reboot → Reboot to System | First launch is long |
Once installed successfully, the system will suggest restarting. The first launch after rollback will last longer than usual, as the applications are optimized and the system libraries are rebuilt. Be patient.
Unlocking Nuances of Bootloader (Bootloader)
The blocked bootloader is Xiaomi’s main security guard, which prevents uncertified software from being installed and rolled back on older versions with vulnerabilities. If you want to roll back to a version that is significantly older than the current one, the blocker will most likely ban this action.
Unlocking the bootloader requires submitting an application through the official Mi Unlock website, waiting 7 to 168 hours and availability of the application. SIM-This is the only legal way to remove the restrictions.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full Wipe All Data reset for security purposes!
Once unlocked, you can flash the phone with any version of MIUI, including custom recavators (TWRP) and modified firmware. However, this also reduces the overall security of the device and can lead to denial of warranty service at some service centers.
What is Anti-Rollback Protection?
You can check the status of the bootloader by going to Fastboot mode. If the phone screen shows a hare in an orange hat and the words FASTBOOT, look at the color of the text. Orange text usually means unlocked status, black - locked.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
In the rollback process, users often encounter typical problems, one of the most common is the error "Can't verify update," which occurs when you try to install Global firmware on a Chinese device or vice versa, or the version is too old.
Another problem is the endless reboot after installation, which can mean that the files of the old system conflict with the new settings, in which case a full reset via Recovery menu: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data helps.
- 🚫 Mistake 5: Not enough space. Clear the memory before installing.
- 🚫 Error 7: Device mismatch. Check the model.
- 🚫 Error 10: Damaged file. Download firmware again.
If the phone has gone into a cyclical reboot and does not respond to buttons, try pressing the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, you will need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode, which is already a service procedure.
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The main reason for the unsuccessful rollback is an attempt to install firmware for another region or model without first unlocking the bootloader.
Always check the integrity of the downloaded file. If the download is interrupted, the checksums will not match and the installation will be interrupted at the initial stage. Use download managers to ensure the integrity of the archive.