Firmware rollback on Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: safe ways and step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE

return to the previous version of the firmware

all working methods of rollback

Mi 9 SE

grus

The firmware rollback on Xiaomi is different from similar processes on other brands. Here the status of the bootloader (unblocked / blocked), the version is important. MIUI (global, Chinese, EEA) For example, trying to install Chinese firmware on a global version of a phone without first unlocking it will lead to an anti-rollback error.>. We will dwell on each step in detail so that you can choose the best path – from a simple reset via Recovery to a complete flashing through Fastboot.

Warning: the procedure requires care. On the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE, you can’t roll back to the MIUI version older than 10.3.2.0 without the risk of locking the device due to the Anti-Rollback 3 mechanism. This means that if your phone has upgraded to MIUI 12+ and you want to return to MIUI 9, this will lead to a “brick.” All the instructions below take this limitation into account.

1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start

The first step is to save data. Firmware rollback is almost always accompanied by a full reset (wipe), so you can not do without a backup. Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Titanium Backup.

• 📱 Contact and SMS — Export through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📷 Photo/video – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 🔑 App Passwords – Write down or use the password manager.
• 🎮 Game Save – Many games (such as Genshin Impact) link progress to an account, but some store data locally.

Next, check the current version of MIUI and the status of the bootloader.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and write down a number (e.g. 12.5.3.0.RFBCNXM).
2. Install the Fastboot/ADB app from Google Play and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has the line Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, you will have to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock tool, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for the account to be linked to the device.

Also prepare:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (Fastboot is best avoided macOS/Linux because of driver problems).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cables – cheap cables can interrupt data transmission.
• 🔋 Battery charge ≥ 60% – rollbacks can take up to 30 minutes.

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• You have been updated through OTA (Settings → System Update).
• Previous firmware version saved in the phone memory (file with.zip extension in folder) downloaded_rom).
• The bootloader is not necessarily unlocked (but if it is blocked, not all options are available).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the desired MIUI version for Mi 9 SE (grus) from the official website en.miui.com. Choose only stable versions (not beta!). For example, for a rollback from MIUI 12 to MIUI 11, V11.0.8.0.QFBCNXM will suit.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Choose a language (if available: 🔄 Install update.zip to System One (if the bootloader is unlocked). 🛠️ Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (required to avoid errors!).

After the reboot, the phone will start with the previous version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after rollback, then you chose the version that violates Anti-Rollback. In this case, only the firmware through Fastboot will help (see the next section).

The firmware file has been renamed to update.zip|

The file is in the root of the memory (not in folders) |

Battery charged ≥ 50%|

Backup of important data is made

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3. Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (from PC)

This is a more reliable method, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer.

• 🔙 Reverse to a version that is not in downloaded_rom.
• 🛠️ Recovery after the "brick" (if the phone is not turned on).
• 🔒 Installation of firmware with another region (for example, from Chinese to global).

Tools required:

• Official firmware for Mi 9 SE in.tgz format (e.g, grus_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QFBMIXM_20201020.0000.00_10.0_global_4d5d1a5b7f.tgz).
• ADB and Fastboot (unpack in C:\platform-tools).
• Mi Flash Tool (for convenience) or command line.

Instructions:

1. To use the Mi Flash Tool: Open the program, select the folder with the unpacked firmware. Press Refresh - your Mi 9 SE should appear. Choose Clean all mode or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after the firmware). Press Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

Mi Flash

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If you see an anti-rollback check fail error, you are trying to install an older version of your device, in which case you will have to look for firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback number (ARB). For Mi 9. SE minimal ARB — 3.

4. How to unlock the bootloader on Mi 9 SE

If the bootloader is locked, you will need the official Mi Unlock tool.The process takes up to 30 days due to Xiaomi's policy, but it's impossible to get around it (without the risk of "brick").

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Log in Settings → Mi Account. Activate Sync and Device Search.

Mi Unlock Tool

OEM Unlock

USB debugging

Settings → For developers

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock

Couldn’t unlock. Wait for 168/72/0 hours

After unlocking, you can flash any version of MIUI (with Anti-Rollback in mind).

1. delete the Mi Account from your phone and add it again.

2. Use another computer (sometimes IP change helps).

3. wait 24 hours and try again.

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5. firmware compatibility table for Mi 9 SE

To avoid rollback errors, check the compatibility of MIUI versions with your device. Below are the current data for the Mi 9 SE (grus):

If your current MIUI is newer than your target, be sure to check the Anti-Rollback number, which can be found in the vbmeta.img firmware file or on sites like the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

6. Solving common errors

When rolling back firmware users Mi 9 SE most often face the following problems:

Error: This package is for 'grus' devices; this is a'

• Reason: You downloaded the firmware not for Mi 9 SE (codename grus).
• Solution: Check the file name -- it should contain grus, grus_global_images_V12.0.1.0....

E1001: Failed to verify device in Mi Flash

• Reason: Wrong drivers or conflict with antivirus.
• Solution: Disable antivirus (especially Avast or Kaspersky). Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Mi Flash Interface).

The phone does not turn on after firmware (black screen)

• Reason: Incompatible version of MIUI or interrupted process.
• Solution: Repeat the firmware on Fastboot with another version. If it doesn't work, swipe vbmeta.img with the flag --disable-verity: fastboot --disable-verity flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

💡

If the phone is stuck with the Mi screensaver after the rollback, try resetting via Recovery (Wipe Data). If that doesn't work, re-sweep the same version of MIUI through Fastboot with the Clean all option.

7. Alternative methods: custom firmware

If the official versions of MIUI don’t work, consider custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which lacks the Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps) and often lasts longer than stock ones.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 More smooth work (especially on older versions) MIUI).
• 🔒 Lack of advertising in system applications.
• 📱 Support for new versions of Android (for example, Android 13 for Mi 9) SE).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of official guarantee.
• 📸 Camera issues are possible (not all custom firmware supports 48MP Sony sensor) IMX586).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (due to unoptimized core).

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 4).
2. Install custom Recovery (e.g. OrangeFox or TWRP): fastboot flash recovery orangefox-recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
3. Download firmware (like LineageOS 20) and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, System, Data, Cache).
5. Install firmware and GApps, then restart.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+), As well as some camera features (like Super Night Mode) check the forum reviews before installing. XDA Developers.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)