How to roll back Xiaomi firmware and return the previous version of MIUI: the full guide

Updating MIUI firmware doesn’t always go smoothly: new versions can slow down, drain the battery faster or contain critical bugs. If your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO has become worse after the upgrade, there is a way out: roll back the firmware (downgrade) to the previous stable version. However, this process requires caution: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the working ways to roll back MIUI, from official methods through Recovery to manually stitching through Fastboot. You’ll learn what tools you’ll need, how to avoid errors and what to do if something goes wrong. And the only reliable way to get back the old firmware on models with a locked bootloader (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) where standard methods don’t work.

Why you might need to roll back MIUI firmware

According to statistics from service centers, up to 15% of Xiaomi users experience problems after updating MIUI.

• 🐢 Performance: New version "lays down," apps take a long time to open, animations twitch.
• 🔋 Battery: Autonomy has fallen on 20-30% Due to optimizations in the background processes.
• 🐞 Critical bugs: camera is not working, no sound in calls or touch screen is glitching.
• 🔒 Blocking features: Xiaomi has removed useful features (eg Game Turbo or Second Space).
• 📱 Incompatibility: Some apps (banking, gaming) have stopped running.

Before you start rolling back, check to see if factory resets (Settings → Phone → Reset) will solve the problem. In 30% of cases, this helps without risking damage to the device. If not, read on.

Preparation for rollback: what to do in advance

Firmware rollback is not just the press of a button; an unprepared device can be easily bricked, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K50 and later).

1. Backup. Backup erases all data! Use Mi Cloud (if it works) or transfer files to your PC. SMS and calls will be suitable for SMS Backup & Restore.

2. Determine MIUI Version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full number (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM). Also check the device model in Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. 2201123G for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).

⚠️ Note: Firmware for Global, China and EEA version MIUI Installation of the wrong firmware will lead to an anti-rollback error and lock the device.

3. Firmware download. Official firmware is only taken from websites:

• 🌍 Official MIUI Downloads (for global versions).
• 🇨🇳 Miui.com (for Chinese firmware).
• 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).

Look for files with the extension:

• .zip – to be installed via Recovery.
• .tgz or.tar – for firmware via Fastboot.

Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

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

• ✅ You have an unlocked bootloader (check by the command fastboot oem device-info - look for the line Device unlocked: true).
• ✅ You will be relegated to a version no older than 3 months (otherwise anti-rollback protection will work).
• ✅ You have custom recovery (for example, a custom recovery, TWRP) stock-stock MIUI Recovery with Installation Support ZIP.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root folder of the phone (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In MIUI Recovery, select Install update.zip. In TWRP, click Install → select file → swipe for confirmation.
5. After installation, select the Reboot system.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, the firmware is incompatible with your model. Immediately reflash the device via Fastboot (see Method 2).

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If the error "Signature verification failed" appears in Recovery, disable signature verification in the TWRP settings ("Mount" → tick "Disable signature verification").

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (Universal Method)

This method works even on devices with a locked bootloader, but requires a connection to a PC.

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS with adb and fastboot installed).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.tar format.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Flash, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
5. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete clean (recommended); Clean all and lock – clean + lock the bootloader (only if you return the official firmware!); Save user data – data storage (not always working).

Flash

Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (for power users)

If you don't have a PC but you have custom recovery (like TWRP), you can flash the firmware through ADB Sideload, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

What you need:

• 📱 Phone in Recovery mode (TWRP).
• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 📦 Firmware in.zip format.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging and connect the phone to the PC.
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. In TWRP, select Advanced → ADB Sideload.
4. On PC, open the command line and type: adb sideload path to firmware.zip For example: adb sideload C:\MIUI\update.zip
5. Wait until the end (the progress will be displayed on the phone screen).
6. After installation, select Reboot System.

⚠️ Attention: If, during ADB Sideload process is suspended on 47% or 99% — Don't turn off the cable. 10-15 If nothing happens, restart your phone to Fastboot and run through the Mi Flash Tool.

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ADB Sideload is the only way to flash firmware without completely clearing the data (if you choose the "Keep Data" option in TWRP).

Special cases: how to roll back MIUI on locked devices

Since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: on new models (Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5), the bootloader is blocked automatically after firmware is installed, which means that standard rollback methods will not work – you will have to use workarounds.

Option 1: Official Downgrade via Mi Flash (only for some models).

Some firmware (e.g., for the Redmi Note 10 Pro) allows you to roll back to the previous version via the Mi Flash Tool in Clean all and lock mode.

• You are rolling back to a version released no later than 6 months ago.
• Your model supports offline updates (checked in Settings → Software Update → Three Points → Select Service Pack).

Option 2: Use EDL-The mode (for advanced users).

If the loader is blocked and the rollback is urgently needed, you can flash the device into the EDL-Emergency Download Mode with Mi Flash Pro or QFil, however, this requires:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models).
• 💻 Knowledge of working with Qualcomm or Mediatek firmware.
• 🚨 Understanding the risks (possible total loss) IMEI!).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems with MIUI rollbacks, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Tips for a successful pullback:

• 🔄 Always check. MD5-hash of the downloaded firmware (must coincide with the official).
• 🔌 Use the back. USB-PC port (front may not provide enough power).
• ⏳ Do not interrupt the firmware process – even if nothing seems to be happening.
• 📡 After rollback, do a reset (Wipe data in Recovery) to avoid conflicts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions