Xiaomi’s firmware rollback from MIUI 13 to MIUI 12: secure methods and step-by-step instructions

Upgrading to MIUI 13 doesn’t always live up to expectations: some users are faced with slowdowns, bugs or application incompatibility. A rollback to MIUI 12 can restore stability, but the process requires preparation – wrong actions lead to a device “brick” or data loss. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of downgrad, including official and alternative methods, as well as nuances for different models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer doesn't always support reverse transition between firmware versions, which means that some features (like an updated camera or gestures) may not work properly, but if you're ready to experiment, let's get started.

Before you start, check if you have a bootloader unlocked. Without that, most rollback methods are not available. Also, back up the data, the process will reset the device to factory settings.

Why do users return from MIUI 13 to MIUI 12?

Performance is the main reason for the rollback, and many people say that MIUI 13 consumes more RAM, especially on budget models like the Redmi Note 10 or the POCO X3 NFC. The second most popular factor is interface bugs: animations freeze, notification problems or auto-brightness.

App compatibility is equally important. Some banking programs or games (such as Genshin Impact) may conflict with the new shell version. Finally, some users simply don't like the design changes - many of the controls were more intuitive in MIUI 12.

• 📉 Performance: lags, slowing, overheating on weak chipsets (Snapdragon) 660/662).
• 🐛 Bugs: Bluetooth problems, GPS, fast-charging or proximity sensor.
• 🎨 Design: Inconvenient arrangement of elements in Control Panel or Settings.
• 🔒 Security: conflicts with corporate policies (e.g. Knox on work phones).

Before making a decision, make sure that the problem is in the firmware. Sometimes similar symptoms cause a filled storage or conflicting applications. Try clearing the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache and restart the device.

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If you are not sure about the cause of the lags, install the CPU Monitor app from Google Play - it will show the processor boot in real time and help to identify "voracious" processes.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Downgrade firmware is not just an installation of the old version, it affects system partitions, so it requires careful preparation.

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the device model and MIUI version in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the battery is > 60%

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (for computer methods)

Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)

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Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. download files only from official sources:

• 🌐 Official website MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA Russia).
• 📁 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – archive with historical versions.

Critically, the firmware version should match your model and region. 10 Pro (sweet) is only suitable for firmware with a mark sweet_global. Installing an incompatible version will result in an anti-rollback error or complete device failure.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (version) CN), rollback to global firmware can block modules NFC or 5G. Check the marking on the box or in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

The most reliable method is to use a custom Recovery (like TWRP), which is suitable for most models, but requires pre-unlocking the bootloader. If you haven't, skip this section and go to method 2.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with MIUI 12 firmware in.zip format (not.tgz!).
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device and press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, Data (Do not touch System!).
5. Return to the main menu, click Install and select the downloaded.zip file.
6. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

The first launch after a rollback can take 10-15 minutes, and if the device has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 20 minutes, then the firmware is incompatible with your model or damaged.

Method 2: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

If the bootloader is unlocked but the TWRP is unavailable or unstable, use the Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi's official utility, which is suitable for most models, but requires a Windows computer.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with MIUI 12 firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI12).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
4. Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The program must identify the phone.
5. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all mode (NOT Clean all and lock!).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, then your current version is a problem. MIUI It's newer than the one you're trying to roll back on, and then you'll only get the firmware through. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, making it impossible to further manipulate the firmware without re-unlocking (which takes up to 720 hours of waiting.

Method 3: Recoil without unlocking the bootloader (limited features)

If the bootloader is locked, there are few rollback options left. Xiaomi officially does not support a downgrade without unlocking, but there are workarounds for some models:

• 🔄 Through OTA-Package: Sometimes in the update settings (Settings) → The phone. → System update) rollback option appears. It's rare, but check the Three Dots menu → Select a Service Package.
• 📱 Reset to factory settings: If the device was previously MIUI 12, reset via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset can bring back the old version (but it only works if the firmware hasn’t been updated through Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Some Xiaomi service centers agree to roll back firmware under warranty if the user complains of critical bugs.

For Android One models (e.g. Mi A2/A3), rollback is possible through Google Flash Tool, but this will result in loss of all data and OEM unlock requirements in the developer settings.

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Without unlocking the bootloader rollback MIUI 12 is only possible if the manufacturer provides OTA-Downgrade package. 90 percent of the time, it's not available, you'll have to unlock the bootloader.

Solving problems after rollback

Even a successful rollback can lead to problems, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If biometric sensors (fingerprint or facial recognition) stop working after the rollback, try:

1. Delete all saved fingerprints in Settings → Passwords and security.
2. Reset the device.
3. Add the print again.

To restore Widevine L1 (if Full HD is missing from Netflix or Disney+), sometimes it helps to firmware the original vendor section through Fastboot:

fastboot flash vendor vendor.img

Xiaomi models for which rollback is especially risky

Some devices have hardware limitations that make downgrades highly undesirable, and this group includes:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12X — risk of loss of 5G pullback.
• 📱 Redmi K40/POCO F3 — Possible problems with 120 Hz display.
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra: High probability of anti-rollback error.
• 📱 POCO M3 Pro 5G — fumble-up camera operation after downgrade.

For these models, it is recommended to test custom firmware based on MIUI 12 (for example, MIUI EU or Xiaomi.eu), which are often free of official build bugs and support rollback without loss of functionality.

If you own one of these models, be sure to check the reviews on the forums before rolling back:

• 🌍 XDA Developers (partition of your model).
• 🌍 4PDA (device-name).

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For Xiaomi’s flagship 11/12 series, rollbacks often result in loss of key features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI rollback