How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working ways (with video)

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi usually goes smoothly, but sometimes the new version of MIUI brings more problems than benefits. Users face interface bugs, deterioration of autonomy, overheating or even complete inoperability of the device. In such cases, a rollback to the previous stable version becomes the only solution. However, the procedure has nuances: wrong actions can lead to a “brick” (turning a smartphone into a “brick”), loss of warranty or locking the bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss the three official methods of rolling back firmware on Redmi (including the Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10, POCO X5 and others), and how to avoid typical errors. Importantly, the procedure requires an unlocked bootloader on most devices older than 2021. If you have never worked with a Fastboot or ADB, we recommend you to carefully study each step or consult a specialist.

Firmware rollback isn't always a reversible process, like if you installed a global version. MIUI On a device with originally Chinese firmware, it can be difficult to return the original system without losing data. L1 viewable HD-Videos may not work properly until they are re-authorized.

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

Before you start rolling back, make sure your device meets key requirements.Without preparation, you risk getting a smartphone that doesn't turn on or constantly reboots.

First, check the status of the bootloader. Most Xiaomi Redmi has it locked by default after 2019. To find out the status, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power and look at the screen: if there is a sign at the bottom that says Locked, the bootloader is locked. Unlocking will require a Mi Account tied to the device and official permission from Xiaomi (the process takes up to 72 hours).

Second, download the correct firmware version. Use only official files from the sites:

• 🔗 Official archives MIUI — Choose a version for your model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G veux).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – There are older firmware versions, but check the hash files for compliance with the original.

The third critical point is backup. Firmware rollback almost always results in a reset. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Swift Backup to save:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS call-book
• 📷 Photos and videos (especially from internal memory)
• 🎮 Save games (if they are not synced to the cloud)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords (Export through Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Exports of the network)

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If you have root access unlocked, use the TWRP Backup app to create a complete system image, which will allow you to restore the device to its original state even after a failed rollback.

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

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

• ✅ You have a stock firmware installed. MIUI (riverless).
• ✅ You are rolling back to a version that is no more than 2 builds older than the current one (for example, with a MIUI 14.0.5 at 14.0.3).
• ✅ The bootloader is unlocked (if the device is new).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware file in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (usually 5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, reset the data to Settings → Additional → Restore and reset.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on anti-Rollback devices (e.g. Redmi) K50, POCO F4). Attempting to roll back on such models will lead to a brik!
• ❌ Does not support the transition between different regions (e.g., from Global to China).

SHOWS official update.zip|The file is renamed and lies at the root of the memory|Battery charge > 50%|Backup of important data is made|Uploader status checked-->

3. Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models, including those with a locked bootloader (but requires unlocking before the procedure), the main advantage is the ability to install any version of MIUI, even if it is much older than the current one, but the process is more complex and requires a Windows PC.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters!).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version here).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a bunny with the inscription Fastboot will appear on the screen).
2. Connect the device to a PC. The device should appear in Device Manager Android Bootloader Interface.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset + Lock bootloader).
5. Press Refresh, then Flash, and it takes 3-7 minutes.
6. Once complete, the phone will restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.

Important nuances:

• 🔄 Clean all and lock will block the bootloader, and if you need custom firmware again, you'll have to unlock it again.
• 🚫 If the PC is stuck in the waiting for device phase, check the cable connection.
• ⚠️ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after the rollback may disappear IMEI. You can restore it via Engineer Mode (code #36446337##).

Through Recovery (no PC)| Through Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)| Through custom Recovery (TWRP)| Never tried |Other way-->

Method 3: Recoil through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires the installation of an unofficial recycler (TWRP).

• ✅ The ability to roll back on any version (including custom firmware such as LineageOS).
• ✅ Save data when properly configured.
• ✅ Bypassing Anti-Rollback restrictions (but the risk of a breeze remains!).

First, install the TWRP:

1. Unlock the bootloader (instructions here).
2. Download the TWRP image for your model from twrp.me.
3. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Now you can roll back the firmware:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format and place it on the internal memory or flash drive.
2. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
3. Click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you need a full reset).
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the firmware file.
5. After installation, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: On devices with dynamic partitions (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 and newer) before the firmware through TWRP You need to turn off the markup check. TWRP Follow the command: adb shell twrp disable_verity Otherwise, the system won't boot!

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Critical information: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), a rollback through the Fastboot often results in a loss of IMEI. It can only be restored using an engineering menu or box (e.g., UFi Box).

Another common problem is that you have to reboot after you roll back, and that's because the kernel and the vendor partitions are incompatible.

• 🔄 Slice the stock core (boot.img) Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img
• 🔄 Or do a full reset via the Mi Flash Tool with a clean all and lock checkbox.

6. How to check the success of the rollback

After the firmware rolls back, you need to make sure the system is working correctly.

Version 1 of MIUI and Android:

• Go to Settings. → The phone.
• Check the build number against what you installed (e.g. V14.0.3.0.SKCCNXM).

Functions of key functions:

• 📶 Network: Check mobile internet and calls (dial *#06# to see) IMEI).
• 🔋 Charging: Connect the charger – the phone must determine the charging current.
• 🎵 Sound: Turn on music through speakers and headphones.
• 📷 Camera: Take a photo on the main and front cameras.

Stability of the system:

• Check the processor temperature in AIDA64 (should not exceed 45°C in idle).
• Run AnTuTu Benchmark – if the test is error-free, the firmware is installed correctly.

If you notice the following problems after the rollback, then something went wrong:

• ❌ The phone doesn't detect. SIM-map → run the modem files.
• ❌ Permanent lags → Reset through Recovery.
• ❌ Google Pay is not working. → Check SafetyNet status in Magisk (if root is installed).

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If the phone is unstable after rollback, never try to "fix" this with patches or modifications.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)