How to roll back Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12 by 11

Owning a Xiaomi smartphone often comes with a constant wait for updates that promise new features and improved security. However, in practice, the release of the new version of the MIUI 12 shell for the popular Redmi Note 7 model (codenamed lavender) can bring not only improvements, but also tangible performance problems. Users often face rapid battery drain, overheating of the Snapdragon 660 processor and the appearance of random lags in the interface that were not on previous versions of the system.

That is why the question of returning to a more stable version of the Android 10 operating system (based on MIUI 11) becomes extremely urgent for owners of this device. The procedure of rollback, or downgrade, requires careful follow-up instructions, as improper actions can lead to the failure of the gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and the process of flashing.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for installing the global firmware of the older version through the standard recovery menu. Without this step, Xiaomi’s security system will simply not allow you to install software with a lower version index than currently installed. This is not just a whim of developers, but a mechanism for protecting user data from unauthorized access.

Risk analysis and equipment preparation

The downgrade process is an interference with low-level smartphone software, which always carries certain risks. The most important consequence to be prepared for is the complete removal of all data from the internal drive of the device. Photos, contacts, correspondence and installed applications will be irretrievably lost if you do not back up in advance.

⚠️ Attention: If during the flashing process there is a power failure or damaged one is used USB-cable, there is a high probability of turning the phone into a “brick”, the recovery of which is possible only in the service center using paid authorized accounts.

To do this successfully, you will need a computer running Windows, as Xiaomi drivers and utilities work best in this environment. It is also critical to use an original or quality certified cable that can transmit data, not just current for charging. Cheap charging-only cables can cause a connection to break at the most critical moment.

Equally important is the battery charge of the smartphone itself: the battery must be charged at least 60-70% to ensure stable operation throughout the process, which can take 15 to 40 minutes depending on the method chosen.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

The first and most difficult step for many users is unlocking the bootloader, which is necessary because standard Recovery firmware does not allow you to install versions of software with a lower build number. First, you need to link your Mi Account account to the device in the settings menu.

Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu. Then go to Advanced Settings → Developer and enable “Debug USB” and “Unlock bootloader.” This is where the current device is linked to your account.

Once you have enabled the necessary options, you will need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer and log in to it under the same account as on your phone. By switching your smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamping the minus volume button when the device is turned off and connecting the cable), you will be able to start the unlocking process.

• 🔑 Download and install drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
• 📱 Link your Mi Account to the Developer Menu».
• ⏳ Obtain a mandatory waiting period (usually 3 to 7 days).
• 💻 Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions on the screen.

Selecting and Finding the Right Firmware

Finding the right software is half the success. For the Redmi Note 7 (lavender), it is important not to confuse the regional versions: Global, Russia (RU), China (CN) or India (IN). Installing the firmware of another region on top of the current one is only possible through the Fastboot mode with the unlocked bootloader, as we talked about earlier.

You need to find the MIUI 11 firmware archive based on Android 10. Official sources may no longer contain direct links to older versions, so you often have to turn to trusted third-party resources such as XiaomiFirmwareUpdater or XDA Developers. It is important to download the Recovery version (.zip extension) for installation through the phone menu or Fastboot version (.tgz) for installation via PC.

When choosing a file, pay attention to the release date and version number. Stable versions are labeled Stable, while beta versions (Weekly or Beta) may contain errors. For everyday use, global stable builds with an index that precedes your current version are best suited.

💡

Use miui.com or specialized forums to search for archival versions. Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1) of the downloaded file to make sure it is intact and free of damage when downloaded.

Below is a table to compare firmware types so you understand what file you need for a particular installation method:

Method of installation through Recovery menu

This is a good way for those who already have a bootloader unlocked, but don't want to use a computer for firmware. First, rename the downloaded firmware file to update.zip and put it in the root of the smartphone's internal memory (not in the folder, but in the main storage). If you use a memory card, put the file there, but the internal drive is more reliable.

Then go to recovery mode. To do this, press the power and volume buttons at the same time. In the menu that appears, select the language (usually only English and Chinese) and go to Install Update. If the system detects a file, it will suggest starting installation.

However, if you are trying to roll back to an older version, the standard menu may give you an error called “Can’t verify update.” In this case, you need to activate the advanced features. Go back to the main Recovery menu and click the menu button (three dots in the corner), where the “Verify update package” option may appear.

If the standard method didn't work, the only option is to use a computer, which is a more reliable way to bypass version checks if you have an unlocked bootloader. Don't try to interrupt the installation process many times, it can damage the boot partition.

Use of the Mi Flash Tool

The most professional and reliable way to roll back is to use the official Mi Flash Tool utility. This method requires unpacking the firmware archive on your computer. Download the Fastboot version of the firmware (.tgz archive), unpack it to the root of the C disk so that the path is short, for example: C:\lavender_global_images_V11.0.3.0.QFGMIXM_20200305.0000.00_10.0_global.

Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clamp down volume and connect the cable). In the utility, press the Refresh button, and the device should be determined in the list. If an error appears instead of the path to the device, check the installed drivers.

At the bottom of the utility window, select firmware mode. Clean all is the best option for a clean rollback, which will completely delete all data and install the new system. The "clean all and lock" option will also re-flash the phone, but also re-block the bootloader, which can be useful for selling the device, but dangerous if you plan further experiments.

The process of firmware through Mi Flash:




1. Press Refresh (update the list of devices).




2. Select a path to the unpacked firmware folder.




3. Select the "clean all" mode.




4. Press Flash.

When you press Flash, you start writing partitions, and the progress bar will fill up, and the log will have commands. 200-300 When it's finished, the phone will automatically restart. The first load can take up to a few seconds. 10 Minutes are normal, the system is set up.

⚠️ Please note: Do not disconnect the cable under any circumstances. USB And don't turn off your computer during the firmware process, and interrupting partition writing during the "Programming" or "NandErase" phase is guaranteed to break the boot sector.

Solving common mistakes

During the downgrade, users often encounter a “Missmatching image and device” error, which means you’re trying to install firmware designed for another model (like the Redmi Note 7 Pro instead of the regular Note 7) or another region without the appropriate rights. Always check the device’s code name: lavender for the Redmi Note 7, ginkgo for the Note 8, and so on.

Another common problem is that you're stuck on the Mi logo after you've firmware, which can mean that the old system is in conflict with the new system, so you need to go into Recovery mode and reset Wipe Data completely, and if that doesn't work, you might have a persist or modem partition that's broken, and you'll need to flash those parts separately through Fastboot.

If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try changing it. USB-port (use ports) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit, replace the cable or reinstall drivers through Device Manager. EDL, But this is a more complex procedure, requiring disassembly of the case to close the contacts.

💡

The most common reason for a downgrade failure is to try to install firmware without first unlocking the bootloader, and the security system will simply prevent you from writing files from the old version on top of the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)