Updating firmware on Xiaomi smartphones usually goes smoothly, but sometimes the new version of MIUI brings more problems than benefits. Redmi 9C NFC users (codename angelicanfc) face bugs, slowdowns or app incompatibility. In such cases, rolling back firmware becomes the only solution. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick.
This article will help bring back the old version of MIUI without the risk of losing data or damaging the device. We will look at two official methods - through Recovery and Fastboot, and also understand how to avoid typical errors. Importantly, before you start, check the phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model. Make sure that you have a Redmi 9C NFC, and not a Redmi 9C without the NFC module - firmware for these devices is incompatible!
Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start
Firmware rollback is not just an old version installation; it is a process that can erase all data on a device if not prepared in advance. The first thing to do is to back up. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).
Then check the battery power, which should be at least 70%, and interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to serious failures.
- 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality)
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (for the Fastboot method)
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Xiaomi website)
- 📁 Firmware for Redmi 9C NFC (The version should be below the current version)
Where to get firmware? Official MIUI versions for angelicanfc are available on Xiaomi Firmware or Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Only download files marked Stable - they've been tested. Avoid custom firmware (like LineageOS) if you're unsure of your skills.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Redmi 9C (without NFC) redmi 9C NFC They have different code names (angelica and angelicanfc), and if you install the wrong version, it will cause the device to fail permanently!
Method 1: Recovery (without computer)
The easiest way to return an old firmware is to use the built-in Recovery mode, which is suitable if:
- 🔄 The phone is turned on and loaded into the system.
- 📲 You have access to Settings and File Manager
- 📁 The firmware is downloaded in.zip format and placed in the root memory directory
Instructions:
- Rename the firmware file to update.zip (important!)
- Move it to the root folder of internal memory (not in the Download or MIUI! folder).
- Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select the language, then go to Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
- After the reboot, the phone will be on the old version of MIUI.
Download firmware in.zip|Rename the file in update.zip|Put the file in the root of memory|Charge the phone to 70%+|Prepare a backup copy-->
If you've got your phone stuck on the Redmi logo after you've restarted, don't panic. Wait 15 to 20 minutes -- the first boot after you roll back can take a long time. If the screen stays black for longer than 30 minutes, try the Fastboot method.
⚠️ Note: In some versions of Recovery, Install update.zip This means that your phone is locked to manually install firmware, in which case unlock Bootloader (see section below) or use Fastboot.
Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (with computer)
If Recovery doesn't work or the phone doesn't work, Fastboot will help, which takes a computer longer and more time, but more reliability.
Steps:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it.
- Unpack the archive with firmware (should be in.tgz or.zip format) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
- Connect your phone to your computer with a cable.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All and press Flash.
- Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI.
- 🔍 Check the current version of the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- 📥 Download firmware with a version no lower than the one in the error (for example, if the error reads anti 12.0.3, take version 12.0.3 or later).
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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the phone, install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. You can download the driver on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums.
Unlocking Bootloader: When it is necessary
If you see this MIUI version cannot be installed on this device when you try to roll back, then the phone has blocked Bootloader. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all new devices for security, but this prevents you from installing firmware manually.
To unlock the Bootloader:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For Developers (if no option, activate Developer Mode by clicking 7 times on the MIUI Version).
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi’s validation).
Once unlocked, retry the rollback attempt via Fastboot or Recovery. Note: unlock resets the phone to factory settings!
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-rollback check | Attempt to install a version of MIUI older than the permissible | Download firmware with a version not lower than the current (see Settings → About the phone) |
| This package is for "angelicanfc" devices | Firmware for another model (for example, for Redmi 9C without NFC) | Download firmware specifically for angelicanfc |
| The phone will not turn on after rollback | Interrupted installation process or incompatible firmware | Repeat the rollback through Fastboot with full cleanup (Clean all) |
| Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the phone | There are no drivers or incorrect connection mode | Install Qualcomm drivers, check the Fastboot mode |
If the phone is unstable after rollback (spontaneous restarts, application errors), reset to factory settings: Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Resetting. This will help avoid conflicts between old and new system files.
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Before rolling back the firmware, always check the compatibility of the version with your phone model. Installing the firmware for Redmi 9C on Redmi 9C NFC will lead to permanent damage to the device!
Data recovery after rollback
If you haven't backed up before the rollback, it's hard to get your data back, but it's possible. Here's what you can try:
- 📱 Photo and video: Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your phone’s internal memory (requires a PC connection in mode) MTP).
- 📞 Contacts: If they have been synced to your Google or Mi Account, restore them through the relevant services.
- 💬 Messages: Applications like SMS Backup & Restore may be restored SMS Automatic backups (if they were created earlier).
For future cases, set up automatic backup in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud → Backup. Xiaomi offers 5GB of free cloud storage – enough for contacts, messages and media pieces.
⚠️ Note: After rolling back via Fastboot, the phone’s internal memory is formatted into a file system F2FS or ext4. Data recovery programs only work with FAT32 Or exFAT. If your phone doesn't recognize it as a drive, use it. ADB For file extraction: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Redmi_Backup\
Alternative methods: custom firmware and tools
If the official methods didn’t work, you might want to consider installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but it requires:
- 🔓 Unlocked Bootloader (see section above).
- 🛠️ Established TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery).
- 📚 Knowledge of working with ADB and Fastboot.
The Redmi 9C NFC has unofficial MIUI builds from the XDA-Developers community, which are often free of official firmware bugs, but may contain bugs. Only download them from trusted sources!
Instructions for installing TWRP:
- Download the TWRP image for angelicanfc from the official website.
- Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Then reboot to TWRP: fastboot boot twrp.img
Once you have TWRP installed, you can flash custom firmware and modifications, but remember, this will void the warranty and can cause the phone to malfunction.
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Custom firmware offers more customization options, but requires deep knowledge. For most users, a formal rollback via Fastboot or Recovery is the safest option.