How to roll back Xiaomi to the previous version of the firmware: an expert guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones regularly receive updates that are designed to improve stability, security and add new features. However, in practice, it often happens that the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS brings more problems than benefits. The device can begin to discharge faster, interface artifacts appear or familiar applications malfunction.

In such a situation, the only sensible way to do this is to go back to an earlier, stable build, a process technically called downgrade, which requires careful attention to detail, and to do the wrong thing can lead to a software failure, popularly known as a "brick," where the phone stops responding to commands.

This guide describes proven methods of system rollback for devices of different generations. We will look at both simple ways through the menu of the smartphone itself, and more complex but effective methods using a PC and specialized software.

⚠️ Warning: Be sure to back up your critical data before starting the procedure. The firmware rollback process often involves completely resetting your device, which will result in the removal of all photos, contacts and apps.

Risk analysis and device preparation

Before you start technical actions, you need to clearly understand what you are doing. the operating system Android based on MIUI has built-in mechanisms to protect against rollback versions (Anti-Rollback). If you try to install firmware with a lower protection index than installed in the bootloader, the smartphone can lock forever.

To minimize the risks, you need to check the current status of the device, first of all you are interested in the bootloader version and the status of the Mi Account. If the phone is linked to the cloud, be sure to do the junction, otherwise after flashing, you will encounter an activation lock, which will not be able to remove without a password.

You should also check the original cable. USB and well-functioning USB-Using cheap charging-only cables or damaged connectors can interrupt data transmission at a critical moment, which is fatal for system files.

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Use only the original cable from the kit or a certified analogue with a current of at least 2A for data transmission to avoid communication interruptions during firmware.

It is important to distinguish between firmware types. Global (Global) and Chinese (CN) versions have different recovery sections. Trying to install Chinese firmware on a global device (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will lead to an installation error.

Compatibility check and firmware search

The key to a successful downgrade is finding the right version of the software. You can't just download any old firmware from the Internet. You need to find the build that was installed on your device before or that has a compatible Anti-Rollback index.

You can identify the current version in the settings menu. Go to Settings → About the phone and look at the build number. It usually looks like a set of numbers, such as 12.0.5.0.RKGMIXM. You need to find a version with a lower numerical value in the middle or end, but with the same region code (last letters).

You should only download files from trusted resources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers. Files from questionable file sharing sites can be modified and contain malicious code.

There are two main types of packages to install: Recovery (.zip format) and Fastboot (.tgz format). For the method through the settings menu, you will need Recovery firmware. For the method through the computer, Fastboot archive. You can not confuse them, because they have different structures.

Recovery Menu (No PC)

This method is the easiest and does not require a computer, but it does not work on all models and versions of MIUI. The essence of the method is to manually install the firmware archive through the built-in recovery menu.

Download the right one first. ZIP-So if you have a firmware archive, and you put it in the root of the phone's internal memory, if you don't have enough memory, you can use an external drive, but modern smartphones often don't support it. OTG The file should be called simply, for example, update.zip, Although modern shells recognize the original names.

Then you need to go to Recovery mode. To do this, press the power and volume buttons on the device turned off at the same time. From the menu that appears, select the language (usually available in English and Chinese) and go to the installation point.

If there is a button in the menu with three dots in the corner, click on it and select Choose package, find your archive. If there is no button, the system can automatically find the update.zip file. Once selected, the package check and installation process will begin.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a message "Can't verify update" or "Package is corrupted" after you select a file, you have chosen the wrong firmware version or the file is corrupted during download.

Using the Mi Flash Tool to completely reset

The most reliable and versatile method is to use the Mi Flash Tool utility on your computer, which allows you to completely clear the memory partitions and install a clean system, which eliminates conflicts between old files and the new version.

You'll need a Windows PC, ADB/Fastboot drivers (usually bundled with a utility) and an unpacked Fastboot firmware archive. Importantly, the archive needs to be unpacked, the path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces.

Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode by pressing the power and volume button with the cable connected. The screen will show a characteristic image of a hare repairing an android. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and press the Refresh button.

fastboot devices

If you have a device on the list, you have the drivers installed correctly. You have to go to the firmware folder. At the bottom of the utility window, you have to go to clean all mode. It completely erases the data and partitions that you need to downgrade.

Once you select the mode, press Flash. The process will take 200 to 500 seconds. Don't touch the cable or turn off the computer until the "Success" message appears. The phone will automatically restart to the clean system.

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Clear all mode is mandatory when rolling back versions, since the file structure in the old firmware may differ from the new one, which will cause a cyclic restart (bootloop).

Recoil through ADB teams (For Advanced)

For users who don’t want to use the Mi Flash GUI, there is the ADB command line method, which gives more flexible control over the process and allows you to see detailed error logs in real time.

First, make sure that the computer has Android SDK Platform-Tools installed. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. Open the command line in the tool folder and enter the connection check command:

fastboot devices

You'll need to write a path to the firmware image, but unlike Mi Flash, manually stitching each partition (.img) is long and dangerous for the beginner. flash_all, if the script is available or the recovery image is stitched separately.

If your goal is to simply reset to factory settings without reinstalling the entire system (which sometimes helps with minor bugs), you can use the command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase command permanently deletes data. Make sure you don't confuse partitions, for example, accidentally erase the persist or modem partition, which will result in loss of the partition. IMEI and idle Wi-Fi.

This method requires high concentration. One typo in the command can cause the device to fail. Always double-check the syntax before pressing Enter.

Solving Typical Mistakes in Downgrade

In the process of rollback, users often encounter error codes. The most common is Error: Anti-Rollback check failed. This means that you are trying to install a version with a lower security index than the bootloader allows. There is no software solution for this error, only waiting for a new stable firmware to come out or replacing the board.

Another common problem is hanging on the Mi logo after firmware, which happens when the old system's data conflicts with the new one, only re-entering Recovery and performing a full reset (Wipe Data).

Driver errors in Device Manager (yellow exclamation points) are solved by manually installing Qualcomm drivers or MTK. Sometimes it helps to shift. USB-port or disable antivirus that can block the recording in the memory of the device.

If the phone is unstable after all the manipulations, it makes sense to check the integrity of the storage, because frequent overwriting of large amounts of data could wear memory cells, especially on older devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)