How to return the old version of MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to downgrade firmware

Why users want to roll back firmware on Xiaomi Redmi and when it really is necessary

MIUI updates often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises, from sudden bugs to a critical drop in performance. Xiaomi Redmi owners often find that the new version of the firmware “brakes” the smartphone, drains the battery in a few hours or breaks the camera.

But a downgrade to a firmware isn't just a push on the "Return" button; it requires preparation, unlocking the bootloader, and following the instructions exactly. A mistake at any stage can turn your Redmi into a "brick." In this article, we'll look at three official rollbacks (via Fastboot, Recovery, and MIUI bootloader) and how to get around common bugs like Anti-Rollback or a locked bootloader.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t always support downgrade out of the box. Some models (like the Redmi Note 12 on MIUI 14+) have Anti-Rollback protection that blocks the installation of old firmware. But even in these cases, there are workarounds – read about them in the bug section.

Preparation for rollback: what to do before the procedure

Before you start downgrading, make sure you follow all the critical steps, and neglect of preparation is the main reason for the bricking of the devices, and let's start with the most important thing:

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone at least 60 percent. Breaking the process due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to cause a failure.
• 📱 Make a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup: Firmware rollback erases all data, including photos and messages.
• 🔓 Find out the status of the bootloader. If it is blocked (which happens on 90% of devices), it will have to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📡 Download the correct firmware. A mistake in choosing a version (for example, global instead of Chinese) will make the smartphone inoperable.

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. You can find it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down the full number (for example, V14.0.5.0.TMUCNXM) - it will be necessary to find a compatible firmware. Use only official sources:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI (for global versions)
• 🇨🇳 Chinese portal MIUI (for CN-firmware)
• 🛠️ Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative archive with version history)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is purchased in China, but will be stitched globally MIUI (Or vice versa, a rollback to the native version can block the network. Check compatibility through Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Make sure the smartphone model supports downgrade|Download the firmware from the official website|Check the version. MIUI (CN/Global)|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Backup important data|Unlock the loader (if required)|Prepare the cable. USB PC-->

Method 1: Recoil through Fastboot (the most reliable method)

Fastboot is suitable for most Redmi models, including newer series like the Note 13 or Redmi K70, which requires an unlocked bootloader and PC, but gives maximum control over the process.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (if you haven't already), which takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi restrictions.
2. Download the Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website. The file name must contain fastboot (e.g., fastboot, whyred_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RDGMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global_0f3b5f3a0b.tgz).
3. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off your smartphone. 2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
5. Run the installation via command line (on behalf of the administrator): cd C:\path to folder with firmware fastboot flash all The process will take 5-10 minutes.

If you've got your smartphone stuck on the MI logo after you restart, don't panic, it's normal for the first time you run it after you've run it, wait 10 to 15 minutes, if the screen stays black longer, repeat the procedure, or check the firmware compatibility.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek chipset (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Note 11 Pro) instead of fastboot flash all use the command fastboot update name file.zip. Otherwise, the firmware will end in error.

Method 2: Recovery (without PC but with limitations)

If you don't have access to your computer, you can try rolling back the firmware through stock Recovery, which only works for some models (like the Redmi Note 9 or Redmi 8) and requires that:

• 🔓 The bootloader has already been unlocked;
• 📱 The firmware was in.zip format for Recovery;
• 🔄 Version. MIUI No anti-Rollback protection.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for Recovery (the file will be called, for example, miui_HMNote9Global_V12.0.1.0.QFOMIXM_20210112.0000.00_10.0_global.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. Wait for the installation and reboot to finish.

If Recovery doesn’t have Install update.zip, then your model doesn’t support it, and then you only have Fastboot or MIUI bootloader (more on that below).

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If after a rollback through Recovery, the phone is fixated on booting, try resetting the settings via Wipe Data in the same Recovery. This will delete all data, but return the functionality.

Method 3: Recoil via MIUI bootloader (for advanced users)

The official MIUI bootloader tool allows you to download and install firmware directly from the system interface, but with serious restrictions. First, it is available only on Chinese versions of MIUI. Second, it does not allow you to choose an arbitrary version - only those that are approved by Xiaomi for your model.

If your Redmi is stitched CN-version MIUI, Follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Install MIUI bootloader (Chinese Mi Account required).
4. In the application, select your model and download the desired version of the firmware.
5. After downloading, click Update - the system will install the firmware itself and restart.

An important nuance: MIUI bootloader does not bypass anti-Rollback protection. If you try to install a version older than the one that was originally on the phone, you get the Couldn't verify update package error. In this case, only the Fastboot with manual removal of protection remains (instructions in the next section).

How to bypass Anti-Rollback and other rollback errors

Anti-Rollback (ARB) protection is the main headache of Xiaomi's downgrade, blocking firmware installation older than a particular version, even through Fastboot. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13, you can't roll back to MIUI 12 without bypassing the ARB. Here's how to do it:

Method 1: Change the anti.rb file (for experienced)

This method requires you to edit the firmware before you install it.

• 🖥️ PC fitted 7-Zip;
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot;
• 📝 Text editor (for example, Notepad)++).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware.tgz → get a folder with files.
2. Open the file. images\anti.rb text-edit.
3. Replace all the digits in the file with 0 (for example, the line anti=3 will become anti=0).
4. Save the file and pack the folder back into.tgz.
5. Install the modified firmware via Fastboot (as in Method 1).

Method 2: Magisk patching (for root users)

If you already have root rights, you can bypass ARB with the Magisk module:

1. Install Magisk and activate root.
2. Download the Disable Anti-Rollback module.
3. Install the module via Magisk and restart.
4. You can now install any firmware through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: Bypassing the Anti-Rollback can cause unstable operation of the communication module or camera. K60) After this kind of backtracking, it stops working. 5G. Before the procedure, check the reviews on XDA-Developers for your model.

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If after bypassing the Anti-Rollback phone stopped seeing SIM-card, return the original anti.rb file and repeat the firmware. In some cases, installing a patch helps IMS Fix via Magisk.

What to do after a successful firmware rollback

Even if the rollback is unmistakable, the smartphone can be unstable for the first few days.

• 🔄 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Reset settings. This will delete the residual files of the old firmware.
• 🔒 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.
• 📱 Check the key features: Communication modules (calls, mobile internet, Wi-Fi); Camera (especially night and video) 4K); Fingerprint sensor; Charging (fast and wireless if supported).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times in a row.

If you notice that the battery is running out faster after a rollback, that's normal -- it takes 3-5 days for the system to optimize.

• Clear the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache)
• Disable background activity of applications;
• Install Battery Calibration patch through Magisk.

Xiaomi often blocks the possibility of rollbacks to older versions due to security vulnerabilities. If your model is released after 2022, there is a good chance that the downgrade will lead to a loss of warranty. Before the procedure, check the warranty status in Settings → About Phone → Device Status.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi Redmi