Modern Xiaomi smartphones, such as the popular Redmi Note 8 Pro, often receive updates to the MIUI operating system, which are designed to improve stability and add new features. However, in practice, users often face a situation when the device starts to run slower, discharge faster or there are critical errors in the interface, in which case the only right decision is to return to the previous, more stable version of the software.
The process of rolling back the firmware requires careful and strict follow-up of instructions, as any interruption of the system files recording can lead to the inoperability of the gadget. You will have to choose between saving data or completely cleaning the device, and determine the installation method, which depends on the current locking of the bootloader. Understanding the risks and preparing all the necessary tools is the foundation of a successful procedure.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can return an older version of MIUI to the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including working through the standard recovery menu and using Fastboot mode from your computer. We will discuss the nuances of bootloader lock, the types of Recovery and Fastboot firmware, and answering frequently asked questions to minimize the likelihood of problems in the process.
Preparation for rollback procedure
Before you start any manipulation of the system partition, you need to make sure that the battery of the device is charged at least 60-70%. The flashing process can take 10 to 40 minutes, and a sudden power outage at a critical time of recording data will damage the boot sector. It is also extremely important to make a full backup of all personal data, since in most cases, rolling back the software version involves a complete reset.
You will need a quality original USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device. Cheap cables often cause a connection to break during the transmission of large amounts of data, which is fatal for the firmware process. USB Driver and the current version of the Mi Flash Tool or Mi Unlock utility, depending on the chosen method.
For Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), there are different regional versions: global (Global), European (EEA), Russian (RU) and Chinese (China). You can not stitch firmware from another model or region on top of the current one without unlocking the bootloader and completely cleaning the data. You should download archives only from official resources or trusted mirrors, such as xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
- 📱 Charge the Redmi Note 8 Pro to at least 70%.
- 💾 Backup your contacts, photos and important documents to the cloud or PC.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
- 🔌 Prepare the original. USB-plug-in.
⚠️ Warning: The firmware rollback process will automatically delete all user data from the device's internal memory.If you haven't backed up in advance, it won't be possible to recover photos and correspondence after the procedure.
Check the exact model of your device in the Settings menu → Make sure you download the archive for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, as the firmware from the regular Redmi Note 8 will not work and can bring your smartphone down. The firmware archive should be unpacked on your computer if you plan to use the Fastboot method, or left in the Fastboot method. ZIP-Recovery format.
Determination of the type of firmware and locking of the loader
The key before starting the procedure is to understand the type of firmware you have installed and the status of the bootloader. Xiaomi smartphones come with a closed bootloader, which prohibits installing modified software or firmware from other regions. If you are trying to roll back from the global version to the Chinese version or vice versa, the standard method through the update menu will not work without first unlocking.
There are two main firmware formats: Recovery (extension.zip) and Fastboot (extension.tgz). For users with a blocked bootloader, only the Recovery method is available, and the firmware version must be strictly the same regionality as the current one, either newer (which contradicts the goal of rollback), or requires special manipulation. Fastboot method allows you to change regions and versions arbitrarily, but requires an unlocked bootloader through the Mi Unlock utility.
To check the status of the bootloader, turn off the phone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android and the inscription FASTBOOT. At the bottom of the screen will be the status: Locked (locked) or Unlocked (unlocked). If the Locked status, your rollback options are limited only by official methods inside the system or Recovery menu without changing the region.
Unlocking the bootloader is a separate procedure that takes 7 to 168 hours to wait after you submit your application in the Mi Unlock Status app. This process also completely cleans the device data. If your bootloader is already unlocked, you have complete freedom of action and can use Fastboot mode to install any version of the software available for your model.
Recovery Menu (No PC)
This is a way for users who have a bootloader locked and want to roll back to an earlier firmware version of the same region. The main limitation of the method is that the MIUI security system will not allow you to install an older version through the standard file selection menu.
Download the right one first. ZIP-Recovery firmware archive for your model and region, put the file at the root of the smartphone's internal memory, and then rename the file to update.zip. If this doesn’t help, sometimes a more complex renaming scheme is required, depending on the specific version. MIUI, But most often the system blocks the installation, informing that the version is older than the current one.
To activate the hidden install menu, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times until "Additional Features Activated" appears. Then click on three dots in the corner of the screen and select Select a firmware file. Find your renamed update.zip file. If the system gives an error, try the double-naming method or use Recovery mode directly.
☑️ Checklist for Recovery Method
If the standard way through the settings does not allow you to select a file, go to Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the phone and press Volume Up and Power. In the menu that appears, select a language (if available) and click Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. After reset, return to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant (if available) or use Safe Mode mode for installation, although on new versions of MIUI, installing older versions through Recovery is often blocked at the bootloader level.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install firmware from another region (e.g. Global on China) via the Recovery menu on the blocked bootloader will result in the error "Can't verify update." Don't try to force the process, it won't work.
Using Fastboot Mode for Complete Flashing
The most reliable and versatile way to roll back firmware on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is to use Fastboot mode and Mi Flash Tool on your computer. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, but allows you to install any version of the software, change the region from China to Global or vice versa, and completely clear all memory partitions, eliminating software errors.
To start, download the firmware archive in Fastboot format (extension.tgz), unpack it into the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short, for example, C:\begonia_global_images. Make sure there are no Cyrillic symbols and spaces on the way. Connect the smartphone off to your PC, clamping Volume Down and Ritaniya until the Fastboot logo appears.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button and the program must identify your device. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All mode (complete data cleanup, the bootloader remains unlocked) or Clean All and Lock (complete bootloader clean and lock). Attention: Choose Clean all and lock only if you are flashing the original global firmware to a global device, otherwise you will get an "error anti-roll" ("brick").
fastboot devicesYou can type this command into the command line to check the connection. If the device is determined, press the Flash button in Mi Flash. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds. Do not turn off the cable or touch the phone until the green "Success" sign appears. Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart, and the first start can take up to 10 minutes.
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .zip | .tgz |
| The need for a PC | No (usually) | Yes (required) |
| Unlocking BL | Not necessarily. | Required. |
| Change of region | Impossible. | Maybe. |
| Loss of data | Yeah (on rollback) | Yeah (always) |
Solving errors and problems in rollback
When you roll back your firmware, you often encounter bugs that may seem fatal but have solutions. One of the most common problems is the "Anti-rollback protection" error. It's a security mechanism that prevents you from installing a version of software that has a lower security index than the current one. If you try to roll back to a version with a lower Anti-rollback index, the device will go into a cyclical reboot or freeze on the logo.
Another common problem is drivers. If your computer can't see your phone in Fastboot or Recovery mode, check Device Manager"QUSB_BULK". In this case, you need to manually update the driver, selecting from the list of Xiaomi or Android Bootloader Interface. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, asports USB 3.0 They may have conflicts with older versions of the.