Owners of Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphones often face a situation when after updating the operating system, the device begins to work unstable, the battery drains faster, interface lags appear, and some familiar functions cease to perform their tasks correctly, in such cases, the only right solution is to return to the previous, more stable version of the software.
The process of downgrade (rollback) is not a trivial action and requires the user to have some technical training: you will have to interact with system partitions of memory, use special utilities on the computer and clearly follow the sequence of operations. Any error can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, to turn the smartphone into a “brick”.
In this guide, we will go through all the steps of the procedure in detail, from unlocking the bootloader to final installing the firmware archive. We will look at methods for both global versions of MIUI and Chinese builds, so you can safely return to work with your gadget.
Preparation for rollback procedure
Before you start manipulating the code, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step can cause the process to stop halfway, leaving the device inoperable. First of all, make sure that the battery is at least 60-70%, as the power consumption during the firmware process can be high.
The second critical step is to create a complete backup of all user data. MIUI Your internal memory will be completely cleaned, save your contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or external drive, and you'll need a high-quality storage system. USB-cable, preferably original, and a Windows-based computer.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any action, be sure to check the exact model of your device.Attempting to flash the firmware from Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro on the regular Mi 8 is guaranteed to bring the smartphone down.
To work, you will need to download special ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as the Mi Flash Tool or similar software for working with the backup. All necessary files should be placed in the root folder of the C disk or other directory with a short path so that the system does not have difficulty finding executable files.
☑️ Tool preparation
Unlocking the bootloader
Xiaomi’s standard security policy prohibits the installation of unofficial backups and modified firmware on devices with a locked bootloader.To gain full control of the system, you need to obtain an official unlock status, a process that takes time and requires the binding of the Mi Account to the device.
To start, activate the developer mode by clicking on the build number in the About Phone section several times. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu, look for Mi Unlock Status and bind the account, and then wait for the wait timer, which is usually 7 to 168 hours, to expire.
After the waiting time, connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume buttons). Launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility, log in and press the unlock button. The device will be rebooted and completely cleared of user data for security reasons.
- 🔓 Unlocking gives the right to install custom Recovery TWRP.
- 📉 The manufacturer's warranty obligations may be cancelled after this procedure.
- 💾 All data on the phone will be permanently deleted at the time of unlocking.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s regular recovery has limited functionality and does not allow you to install firmware of older versions if their version is higher than the current one. To bypass this limitation and perform a downgrade, you need to install a third-party recovery environment, the leader of which is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
The installation process is done via a computer using the command line. Download the current recovery image that is compatible with your model (codename dipper for Mi 8). Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and execute the firmware command to the recovery section.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-dipper.imgAfter successful recording, it is important to prevent automatic booting to the system, since the regular Android can overwrite the modified recovery partition back to the stock one. Immediately after executing the command in the terminal, you need to press the combination of power buttons and increase the volume to enter recovery mode.
⚠️ Note: If you accidentally booted into Android, the installation procedure TWRP You will have to repeat it again, as the system will restore the original boot partition.
On the TWRP menu, first swipe to allow system modifications, which will consolidate the changes and allow you to conduct further operations with the file system, and now your smartphone is ready to install firmware archives.
Selection of firmware method and preparation of files
There are several ways to roll back the MIUI version, and the method you choose depends on the type of firmware you are currently using and the result you want. Basic methods include using an embedded updater, installing it via TWRP, or flashing it through Fastboot on your computer.
For the method, you'll need to download the full firmware archive in ZIP format via TWRP. The file must be placed in the phone's internal memory or on a connected microSD card. Make sure the downloaded version is really lower than the one installed now.
If you plan to use the Fastboot (Mi Flash) method, you need an archive in TGZ format. This method is the most radical, since it completely remarks the partitions of the disk. It is recommended if the smartphone is in a bootloop state (cyclic reboot).
| Method | File type | Difficulty | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Update | ZIP | Low. | Partially. |
| Through TWRP | ZIP | Medium | No (Vipe required) |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash) | TGZ | Tall. | No (full reset) |
| ADB Sideload | ZIP | Tall. | No. |
Where to look for official firmware?
The process of rollback through TWRP Recovery
The most flexible tool to return the old version of the software is the TWRP menu. After logging into the Recovery (power buttons and volume up), you need to go to the Wipe section. This is where you format the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions. This is a prerequisite for preventing file conflicts between the old and new system.
After cleaning the memory, go back to the main menu and select Install. ZIP-A firmware archive and confirm the swipe slider installation, which will take a few minutes to display the log of the operations being performed.
If you are switching from global to Chinese or vice versa, and if you have a serious rollback, you may need to format the Data (Format Data) section through the Wipe -> Format Data -> type the word "yes" to remove encryption that may prevent the new system from booting.
- 🧹 Make sure to do a full Wipe before installing an older version.
- 📂 The firmware file must lie in the internal memory available from the TWRP.
- 🔄 After installation, be sure to reboot the system (Reboot System).
The first boot after a rollback can last up to 10-15 minutes. Don't panic if the screen stays black for a long time or shows a logo - the system adjusts the components.
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The key to a successful rollback is to completely remove the data from the old system before installing the new one to avoid software conflicts.
Solving problems and errors in firmware
Users may encounter a variety of errors during downgrades, and one of the most common is Error 7 when installed via TWRP. It occurs because of checking the Android version in the installation script, and this problem is solved by editing the firmware archive or disabling version check in the TWRP settings.
Another common problem is hanging on the MIUI logo after you have firmware, in which case you need to log back in and re-wipe the System and Data partitions, then reflash the device, sometimes cleaning the formatting cache (Wipe Dalvik Cache).
If your computer stops seeing your phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-connect the device to another port or cable, preferably USB Also make sure that Windows Device Manager does not have devices with exclamation marks, which indicates a driver problem.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless bootloop and doesn’t respond to buttons, you may need to flash through the phone. EDL Emergency Download Mode, which often requires an authorized Mi Account.
In case of critical errors such as "Invalid signature", make sure that the device bootloader is indeed unlocked.The closed bootloader blocks the installation of any modified or older signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I roll back the firmware without unlocking the bootloader?
Will the Widevine L1 fly off after unlocking the bootloader?
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the rollback?
Is it safe to roll back from Android 10 to Android 9?
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Save error screenshots on the TWRP screen or in Mi Flash logs – this will help you find a solution faster on forums if something goes wrong.