How to roll back the system on Xiaomi Android smartphones: all ways 2026

Firmware rollbacks on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones can be necessary for many reasons, from bugs in the new version of MIUI to incompatibility with applications or performance decline. However, the process is not as simple as updating – there are risks of a blink (device breakage), data loss and bootloader lock. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of rollback, including official and informal methods, as well as nuances for different models.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not always support downgrade through standard tools. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 14 on Android 13, you can only return MIUI 12.5 on Android 11 through a complete firmware reflash. We will look at options for different scenarios: rollback through Recovery, Fastboot, and using the Mi Flash Tool and custom firmware.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your data (photos, contacts, messages) – rollbacks often result in a full reset. Also check the bootloader status: if it is blocked, you will need to unlock through the official Xiaomi website, which takes up to 72 hours.

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

The first step is to determine the current and target firmware versions. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full build number (e.g. V14.0.3.0.TKMCNXM). The target version can be found on sites like MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Next, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. If you roll back through Fastboot, your phone must be connected to a PC.
• 🔌 Cable USB — Use an original or certified Type-C cable (cheap analogues can interrupt the connection).
• 💻 Drivers - install the Mi USB Driver for the correct operation with Mi Flash Tool.
• 📁 Backup – copy important files to your PC or cloud (rollback erases data in the section) /data).

Pay special attention to the status of the bootloader. To check it, turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need to unlock through the official tool.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including the Mi Account account. Once unlocked, you will have to reconfigure the phone.

2. Method 1: Recovery (for official firmware)

This method is suitable if you want to return to the previous stable version of MIUI, which was installed earlier.

• 📲 The device does not have a locked loader.
• 🔄 The target firmware is compatible with the current one (for example, rollback from the MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but not on MIUI 12).
• 📦 You have a firmware file in.zip format for your model (download only from official sources!).

Instructions:

1. Download the required firmware (for example, miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V13.0.5.0.SKFMIXM_...) and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:

⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data). If that doesn't work, you'll need to use Fastboot to get it back.

Download official update.zip for your model |

File is renamed and is at the root of memory |

Battery charge ≥ 50%|

Data backup |

Know the combination of buttons for entering Recovery-->

Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked but you want to roll back the firmware, the only official way is to use the Mi Flash Tool.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but requires a Windows PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and install it.
2. Download the Fastboot firmware for your model (a file in.tgz or.zip format) from MIUI Downloads.
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
4. Turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The program must identify the device.
6. In the Select field, specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
7. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleanup (recommended for rollbacks). Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock the bootloader (do not choose if you plan to further manipulate!). Save user data – data storage (does not always work when rolling back).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Through Recovery|

via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool) |

Through custom Recovery (TWRP) |

Never rolled back firmware.-->

Method 3: Use of the MIUI Downgrade Tool (unofficial method)

For users who don’t want to mess with Fastboot or Recovery, there is a utility called MIUI Downgrade Tool that automates the rollback process, but has limitations:

• 🔓 It only works on devices with unlocked bootloader.
• 📱 Not all models are compatible (check compatibility). XDA Developers).
• 🚫 It can cause errors if the target firmware is incompatible with the current anti-rollback (backward protection).

How to use:

1. Download and install the utility on the PC.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Choose your model and target version of MIUI from the list.
4. Click Downgrade and follow the instructions.

MIUI Downgrade Tool does not support rollback on versions older than 2 years (for example, from MIUI 14 to MIUI 11).

💡

If Google services stop working after the rollback, install the Open GApps package through custom Recovery (TWRP).

5. Method 4: Recoil through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

For power users, the best option is to use TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which is a customized restore that allows you to install any firmware, including unofficial ones, and make backups.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 📱 Established TWRP For your model (download only from the official website).
• 🔧 Knowledge of teams ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. Download the firmware you need (e.g.,.zip from Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) and transfer it to your phone.
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
4. Return to the main menu, click Install and select the firmware file.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can lead to loss of features like Widevine L1 (no HD on Netflix or not working NFC. Before installing, check the reviews on XDA or 4PDA.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you roll back firmware, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If you've lost the sound after rolling back, or if your sensor or camera isn't working, it's likely that the firmware is incompatible with your hardware.

1. Try flashing another version of MIUI (e.g. Xiaomi.eu instead of global).
2. Check if your Engineer Mode settings are broken (enter ##4636##).
3. If nothing helps, go back to the original firmware via Fastboot.

💡

If after rollback the phone does not turn on (brick), try to flash through EDL-Mode (9008) This will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

7.How to avoid problems when rolling back

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

• 📌 Always check firmware compatibility with your model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max have different firmware!).
• 🔗 Download firmware only from official sources: MIUI Downloads (official). Xiaomi.eu (unofficial but stable). XDA Developers (castomic).
• ⚡ Do not interrupt the firmware process – this can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
• 🔄 After rollback, do a reset (Wipe Data), even if the system booted.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. Self-rollback can deprive you of warranty if the device is warranty service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions