Updating the firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones does not always go smoothly: new versions of MIUI can brake, discharge the battery faster or contain critical bugs. If after the upgrade the device began to work worse, return the previous version is real, but with nuances. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of rollback, including official and alternative, and also tell you how to avoid the knock (complete failure) of the phone.
It's important to understand that rolling back firmware is not the same as factory resetting, but it's about replacing the current version of MIUI with an older version, and saving user data (in some cases), and it takes preparation, so check your model's compatibility before you start and choose the right way to do it.
If you've never flashed a smartphone before, you'd better start with the safest method, Recovery. For power users, a Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool rollback is fine, but there's a higher risk of error, and you shouldn't start without a backup anyway.
1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start
The first step is to save all the important data. Firmware rollback, especially through Fastboot, can lead to a complete cleanup of internal memory. Even if you choose the file-saving method, you better be safe.
List of mandatory actions before rollback:
- 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or manually copy files to PC.
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – interrupting the process due to battery discharge can turn the device into a brick".
- 🔍 Find out the exact model of your Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or the other one). POCO X3 Pro is critical to choosing the right firmware.
- 💻 Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC (you can download from the official website or through Mi). PC Suite).
Also check if you have a Bootloader unlocked. If not, most rollback methods will not be available. Unlocking takes up to 7 days (Mi Account binding is required), so plan the process ahead.
2. Method 1: Recovery (the safest)
This method is suitable if you were updated via OTA (over the air) and want to return to the previous version without using a PC. The main condition is that you must have official firmware (not custom), and the phone must turn on.
Instructions:
- Download the desired version of MIUI for your model from en.miui.com (select the Recovery ROM section).
- Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
- Press the Volume Up + Power buttons to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.
⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI If it's longer than 15 minutes, it's not a good firmware for your model.
☑️ Preparation of the file for Recovery
3. Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for experienced)
The Fastboot method is more reliable, but it requires a PC and basic command line knowledge, and here you flash the full system image, so all the data will be erased.
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website (Fastboot ROM section). Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Open the command line (cmd) in the firmware folder and execute the command: fastboot flash all (this will automatically sew all partitions).
- Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot
If the process is interrupted with an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash a version older than the one installed earlier, in which case only the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All tick will help.
What is an anti-rollback?
Method 3: Recoil via Mi Flash Tool (for a blocked Bootloader)
Mi Flash Tool is the official Xiaomi utility that allows you to flash devices even with a locked bootloader.
- 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from the official website!).
Algorithm of action:
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
- Select Clean All (complete clean) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the phone does not turn on after firmware, try flashing it again with the Clean All tick. If this does not help, then the firmware may not be compatible with your model.
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Before using the Mi Flash Tool, disable the antivirus – it can block drivers or the program itself.
Table of compatibility of rollback methods
Not all methods are suitable for each Xiaomi model, and the table below compares methods by key parameters:
| Method | You need a PC? | Are the data stored? | Does it work with a blocked Bootloader? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (partially) | ❌ No. | ⭐ Easy. |
| Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Middle-Average |
| Mi Flash Tool | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (or partially) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. |
| EDL Mode (service) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very difficult. |
For most users, the best choice is Recovery (if the phone is turned on) or Mi Flash Tool (if the bootloader is locked). EDL requires special equipment and is used only in service centers.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🚫 The "anti-rollback" error" → Only those versions. MIUI, which are newer than the factory (check in the settings) → The phone).
- 🔌 Phone is not defined by PC → Install drivers manually through Device Manager or use the original cable.
- 🔄 Hanging on the logo MI → Try to re-sweeten with a full cleanup (Clean All).
- 📱 Touch doesn't work after rollback → It's a bug in some firmware. The solution is to run another version or wait for a patch.
Critical information: If after a botched rollback the phone stopped turning on and did not respond to charging, do not try to stitch it again - this can aggravate the problem. In this case, the only way out is to contact the service center to request to flash through EDL (emergency mode).
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A firmware rollback on Xiaomi is possible, but there are always risks involved. If you are not sure about your actions, you should wait for the official patch or consult specialists.
7. How to check the success of a rollback
Once the process is complete, you need to make sure that the firmware is installed correctly.
- Go to Settings → About the phone and check the version of MIUI.
- Check the operation of the main functions: camera, sensors, mobile communication.
- Make sure there are no spontaneous reboots or overheating.
If everything is stable, the rollback was successful. If you notice bugs (for example, NFC or Wi-Fi does not work), try resetting to factory settings through Settings → Additional → Reset.