Updating your firmware on Xiaomi often solves bug problems or adds new features, but what if the new version of MIUI is worse than the previous one? Returning to the old firmware is not always an easy task, especially if you have never done firmware reflashing. In this article, we will analyze all the proven ways of rollback, from official to alternative, taking into account the nuances for different models of Redmi, POCO and Mi.
Firmware rollbacks can be necessary for a variety of reasons, from bugs in the new version to incompatibility with custom cores or root rights. However, it is important to understand that the procedure has risks, from data loss to device blink, and we will describe each step in detail to minimize these risks.
1. Preparation for the rollback of the firmware: what to do before the start
Before you start rolling back, make sure you have everything you need. The first and most important thing is a data backup. Firmware rollback almost always results in a complete device reset, so save photos, contacts and apps to your computer or to the Mi Cloud (if it works steadily).
The second is to determine the exact model of your smartphone and the current version of MIUI. This can be done in the Settings → About phone menu. Write down or take photos of information about the MIUI version, build number and model code (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G or POCO X3 Pro).
Third, check the bootloader status. Most Xiaomi devices have it locked by default. If you haven't unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool before, Fastboot rollback will be impossible without this procedure. Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new devices, so schedule your time in advance.
- 📱 Save Data: Use Mi Mover, Google Drive, or a physical backup on your PC.
- 🔧 Find out the model: model code can be specified in Settings → The phone. → Model or box.
- 🔓 Check the bootloader: if it is locked, start the unlock procedure here.
- 💻 Prepare your PC: install the Mi Flash Tool drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (China version) ROM), Recoil on Global Firmware (Global) ROM) It may lead to problems with IMEI, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Before the procedure, check the compatibility of versions on the forum Xiaomi.eu.
2. Ways to roll back firmware on Xiaomi: which one to choose?
There are three main methods of firmware rollback on Xiaomi, and the choice depends on your model, bootloader status and technical skills.
| Method | Do you need to unlock the bootloader? | Data loss? | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Recovery. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (full reset) | ⭐⭐ (simple) | Official MIUI firmware without modifications |
| Through Fastboot (Mi Flash) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (full reset) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Any firmware, including custom |
| Through OTA-packet | ❌ No. | ❌ No (partial rollback) | ⭐ (simple) | Only to roll back to the previous official version |
The safest way is to pull back through OTA-package, but it only works if you have updated through the standard Settings menu → Update the system, and the system saved the previous version. OTA-archive with previous firmware and install it manually.
If OTA is not available, Recovery and Fastboot remain. The former is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but resets all data. The latter is more versatile, but requires an unlocked bootloader and the ability to work with the Mi Flash Tool.
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If you've never flashed a smartphone, start with Recovery, which is simpler and safer, although it has limitations on firmware versions.
3. Firmware rollback through Recovery: step-by-step instructions
This method is suitable for returning to the official version of MIUI if you have the same or newer firmware installed. Importantly, the version can only be downgraded within one branch (for example, from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13, but not from Android 13 to Android 12 without additional manipulation).
Download the required firmware from the official Xiaomi website (choose Recovery ROM). The file will have the.zip extension. Don't unpack it!
☑️ Preparing for rollbacks through Recovery
Now, follow the following steps:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO: Sometimes Power + Volume down is used.
Install update.zip to System
Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) when you roll back through Recovery, you may experience an E:Footer is wrong error. In this case, try renaming the firmware file to update.zip or use the Fastboot method.
4. rollback via Fastboot: for power users
This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for installing any firmware, including custom ones. It is more flexible, but also more risky - a firmware error can lead to a device blink.
Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website or trusted resources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater. The file will be in.tgz or.zip format - unpack it into a folder on your computer. You will need the Mi Flash Tool (you can download here).
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (Plug Power + Volume Down when the device is off).
- Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for rollback); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (do not choose if you plan to further manipulations!); Save user data - data storage (does not work when rolling back!).
Flash
Critical error: If an anti-rollback check message appears during the firmware process, it means that you are trying to install a firmware version older than the rollback protection allows. In this case, you can only return the old firmware through modified tools like XiaomiTool. V2 or EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account).
What is an anti-rollback and why does it block rollback?
5. rollback via OTA: the easiest way (if available)
If you have been updated through the standard OTA-Update, the system could have saved the previous firmware version, in which case it would only take a few minutes to roll back.
Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system. Click on the three-point icon (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Select Service Pack. Specify the path to download OTA-The file should be called something like this: miui_XXX_YYY_zzz.zip).
The system will check the package and suggest installing it, and after restarting, the phone will go back to the previous version without losing data (in most cases), but this method does not always work if you want to use it. OTA-The package is incompatible with the current version, the installation will be blocked.
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OTA-rollback is the only way to return a previous firmware without resetting data, but it only works if you have been updated officially and the system has kept a backup.
6. Frequent Firmware rollback errors and how to avoid them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 Can't verify update: This occurs when installed via Recovery if the firmware file is corrupted or has the wrong name. update.zip and check the checksum (MD5).
- 🔌 Phone is not defined in Fastboot: check the drivers (Mi Flash Tool must install them automatically) or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 📱 Hanging on the Mi logo after firmware: it means the firmware is not suitable for your model or damaged. Try flashing another version or using it. EDL-regime.
- 🔒 Bootloader is locked after firmware: if you choose Clean all and lock in the Mi Flash Tool, you will have to repeat the unlock.
If the phone does not turn on after rollback or freezes on the boot, try:
- Press Power + Volume up for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
- Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with the choice of Clean all.
- Use Test Point to enter the test EDL-The regime (requires a soldering iron and experience).
7. What to do after a successful pullback?
After returning to the old firmware, several steps must be taken to ensure that the device works stably:
- Reset to factory settings: even if the data is saved, it is recommended to reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.
- Check for Updates: Turn off automatic updates in Settings → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update.
- Recovery: Transfer saved files back to your phone, but avoid restoring system applications (such as Mi Account or Google Services).
- Check IMEI and Networks: Make sure the IMEI is not reset (checked in *#06#) and the phone catches the network.
If you roll back to get root rights or install custom firmware, wait for the system to fully boot and then proceed to further manipulation. Installing Magisk or TWRP on unstable firmware can exacerbate the problems.
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After rolling back, check the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) and cameras. Sometimes old firmware can conflict with new hardware (for example, after upgrading the camera module in the service center).