How to safely roll back MIUI 12 to MIUI 11 on Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide with nuances

Upgrading to MIUI 12 often brings new features, but many Xiaomi users face slowdowns, bugs or an uncomfortable interface.Returning to MIUI 11 can seem like a daunting task - especially if you've never done smartphone firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all the stages of rollback: from preparing the device to recovering data after installing the old version. You will learn which Xiaomi models support downgrade without loss of functionality, how to get around typical errors (for example, Couldn’t verify device), and what to do if Google services stop working after a rollback. NFC. We will pay special attention to the preservation IMEI Unlocking the bootloader – key points that many miss.

We warn you right away: the procedure irreversibly deletes all data from the device. Even if you make a backup, some settings (for example, linking your Mi Account account to the device) can be reset. So before you start, check if your model is suitable for a downgrade - not all Xiaomi devices officially support a rollback to the old firmware.

1. Compatibility Check: Which Xiaomi Models Can Be Reversed

Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to return to MIUI 11 without the risk of “bricking”. Basic rule: downgrade is possible only within one branch of Android. For example, if your device upgraded from MIUI 11 (based on Android 10) to MIUI 12 (also Android 10), there will be no problems. But if MIUI 12 runs on Android 11, and you try to return to MIUI 11 on Android 10, this will lead to an anti-rollback error and lock the device.

Here is a list of models for which rollback is officially supported (if you follow the Android version):

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 9 SE / Mi 9T (except for Mi 9T Pro)
• 📱 Redmi Note 8 / Note 8 Pro / Note 8T (Only firmware on Android 10)
• 📱 Redmi K20 / K20 Pro (including Indian versions)
• 📱 POCO F1 (requires unlocking the loader)
• 📱 Mi A3 (Only for firmware based on Android One)

For other devices (such as the Mi 10, Redmi Note 9 or newer models), downgrade is only possible through custom firmware (such as LineageOS), but this is beyond the scope of this instruction. To determine your version accurately, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and Android Version.

⚠️ Note: MediaTek processor devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) require a special tool SP Flash Tool instead of the standard Mi Flash. The instructions for them are different - see section 5.

2. Device preparation: Backup and unlocking of the bootloader

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to save all important data. Even if you plan to restore a backup later, some items (such as WhatsApp messages or saved passwords) may be lost.

• 🔄 Mi Cloud: Sync contacts, notes and photos through your Xiaomi account (check that the place is not over).
• 💾 Local Copy: Transfer files to a PC or external drive (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).
• 📱 Annexes: For reservations SMS And use the call logs. SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🔐 IMEI: Take a note or a picture. IMEI (type *#06# as it can be reset after firmware.

The most critical step is to unlock the bootloader, without which installing any firmware (even the official one) will be impossible, taking up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's verification:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the version bar, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the program instructions.

Registered Mi Account|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB|Synchronized data|Battery charge > 60%-->

Once you unlock the bootloader, all the data on the device will be erased, and that's an irreversible process -- even if you change your mind about wiring, it's impossible to recover the information.

3. Choosing the right firmware: where to download and how to check

Using inappropriate firmware is the main reason for "bricking" devices. Never download files from third-party sites (such as 4PDA or XDA) unless you are sure of their authenticity.

• 🌐 Xiaomi official website: miui.com (select Archive section for older versions).
• 🔗 Service MIUI bootloader: xiaomifirmwareupdater.com (filter by model and version of Android).

For a downgrade, only the Fastboot firmware type (not Recovery!) is suitable.

• The name of the model (for example, cepheus for Mi 9).
• Android version (e.g. V11.0.8.0.QFACNXM – here Q stands for Android 10).
• Region (e.g. CN – China, Global – international version).

Check the firmware of your model according to the table:

⚠️ Note: If you download firmware for another region (for example, Chinese instead of global), after installation, Google services or language packs may disappear. TWRP.

4. Step-by-step instruction: rollback through Mi Flash Tool

For firmware you will need a PC with Windows (7/10/11) and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

1. Install drivers: Download Qualcomm drivers (for Snapdragon devices). MTK-driver.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:

Turn off the device. Press the Volume down. + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo (robot with the inscription) FASTBOOT). Connect to the PC.

Start the Mi Flash Tool:

Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz →.tar) into a folder without Cyrillic. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder, and select Clean all.

Start the firmware:

Click Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is a Couldn't verify device, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the original cable).
• 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

5. Features of the firmware of devices on MediaTek (SP Flash Tool)

Smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 8A) do not support Mi Flash Tool. They use the SP Flash Tool utility, which works with.scatter files.

• 🔧 Requires an unlocked bootloader (as in Section 2).
• 📁 The firmware should be in the format MTK (Download from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com, MediaTek filter).
• ⚡ The firmware process takes up to 15 minutes (don't turn off) USB!).

Instructions for SP Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the firmware and find the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt.
2. In the SP Flash Tool, click Choose and specify the path to the scatter file.
3. Select Download Only (not Format All + Download, otherwise you will lose IMEI!).
4. Connect the phone to the PC (no buttons pressed) and the firmware will start automatically.

⚠️ Note: After the firmware is through SP Flash Tool on MediaTek devices is often reset IMEI. To restore it, use the Maui tool. META Or go to the service center.

6. Data recovery and elimination of errors after rollback

After successful firmware, you'll have to configure the device from scratch. Here's what you need to do first:

• 🔄 Restore Backup: Use Mi Cloud or local files (but don’t restore system applications!).
• 🔒 Check it out. IMEI: Dial *#06# – if Null is displayed instead of the number, you will need to restore (see spoiler below).
• 📱 Update Google Services: Go to Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services and Manually Update.
• 🔋 Battery calibration: Fully discharge and charge your phone 2-3 times to correctly display your charge level.

Typical problems after downgrad and their solutions:

7.Alternative methods: rollback via TWRP or EDL

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a blocked bootloader or an anti-rollback error), you can try alternatives. They're more complicated, but sometimes the only ones you can do.

Method 1: Firmware through TWRP

• 🔧 Install a custom Recovery TWRP For your model (instructions on twrp.me).
• 📁 Download the firmware in.zip format (not Fastboot!).
• 🔄 Boot in. TWRP (Hold the volume up + Food, make a Wipe. → Format Data, then go through it. ZIP-file.

Method 2: Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode)

This method requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for example, through the Mi Unlock service) and is used if the device is not turned on.

1. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (close the test points on the board or use adb reboot edl).
2. Sweep through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option.
3. After the firmware, unlock the loader again.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through EDL, try holding the power button for 30 to 60 seconds, and sometimes the device falls asleep after an emergency firmware.

8. Frequent questions and safety recommendations

Downgrade firmware is a process that requires care, and here are the answers to the most common questions users have:

1. Coincidence of the Android version (e.g. Android 10 → Android 10).

2 Unlocked loader.

3. Use of official firmware for your model.-->