Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are based on the Android operating system with the proprietary shell MIUI or HyperOS, which are regularly updated. However, new versions of the software do not always please users: there are often reports of increased power consumption, the appearance of bugs in the interface or a decrease in the performance of gaming applications.
The process of downgrade (rollback) is a technically complex procedure that requires careful understanding of the structure of the file system of the device. Wrong actions can lead to a complete failure of the gadget, turning it into a “brick” that cannot be turned on without professional equipment, which is why before starting any manipulations you need to carefully study the theoretical part and prepare all the necessary tools.
In this article, we will discuss two main ways to return to the old firmware: through the built-in Recovery menu and through the Fastboot mode using the computer. You will learn about the nuances of locking the bootloader, the differences between the global and Chinese versions of the software, and how to secure your data before starting the procedure.
Preparation for rollback procedure
The first and most critical step is to prepare the device and the workplace. You'll need the smartphone itself, USB-a high-quality insulation cable and a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux. Also make sure that the battery is at least 60%, as a sudden power outage during the flashing process is fatal for the system.
The second important thing is choosing the right firmware version, because you can't just take any old build and install it on top of a new one, and the rule of version says that you can only roll back to the smaller version, but you often need to completely reset your data, and you can't go from Chinese (CN) to global (Global) or vice versa without unlocking the bootloader and completely clearing the memory.
⚠️ Before starting the procedure, make sure to back up all important data (photos, contacts, messages) to the cloud service or computer. The rollback process involves a full formatting of the internal drive in 99% of cases.
You will need special drivers to work. ADB and Fastboot, as well as the Mi Flash Tool (for the method via PC) or the firmware file in.zip format (for the method through Recovery). 4PDA or XDA Developers to avoid malicious code.
Unlocking the bootloader and firmware types
Most modern rollback methods, especially through Fastboot, require an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader), which is locked on Xiaomi devices by default to protect user data. The unlock procedure takes from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the region and account status) and requires an application via a special Mi Unlock application.
There are two main types of firmware that affect the possibility of rollback:
- 📦 Recovery ROM — zip service pack that can be installed via the recovery menu or regular updater.
- 💾 Fastboot ROM — complete.tgz image of the system, designed to be installed via computer and cable USB.
It is important to understand the difference between regional versions. Global firmware (Global) has an unlocked bootloader by default only in rare cases, while Chinese versions (China) often require additional manipulation of language packs. If you try to install firmware in another region without first unlocking the bootloader, you will get a signature verification error.
What is Anti-Rollback and why is it dangerous?
Check the current version of the bootloader in the About Phone menu by quickly tapping the MIUI version number 10 times. If you see "Unlocked," the path to experiment is open. If "Locked," you'll have to wait for the unlock timer to expire.
Method 1: Recovery Menu (No PC)
This is a good way to go if you have access to the recovery menu and want to roll back to the next, slightly older version of the system without using a computer.
To start, download the archive with the desired firmware version (.zip) and place it in the root of internal memory or on the back of the file. SD-The file should not be renamed, it is better to use the original name, for example. miui_HMNOTE1WGlobal_V8.0.3.0.... Then go to the Settings menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Click on three dots in the corner and select “Select firmware file».
If the regular updater refuses to install the old version, you will have to use the Recovery mode:
- Turn off your smartphone completely.
- Press the button combination Volume Up + Power before the logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English/Chinese) and click Wipe Data.
- After reset, select Install (or Connect with MIAssistant for PC) and specify the path to the zip archive.
⚠️ Attention! Recovery often requires a pre-reset of all data (Wipe Data) and make sure that the firmware archive is not in the internal memory that will be cleaned, but on the external media or in the cloud if you can download it.
Once the installation is confirmed, the flashing process will begin, which can take 5 to 15 minutes. The phone can reboot several times, the screen can go out and turn on — this is normal behavior. Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems that the device is getting stuck.
☑️ Checklist before firmware through Recovery
Method 2: Full rollback via Fastboot and Mi Flash
The most reliable and clean way to return the old version of the software is using the Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash Tool utility. This method allows you to completely rewrite all memory partitions, eliminating file conflicts and residual debris from previous versions.
To start, install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your device’s processor) and Mi Flash on your computer. Download the firmware archive in.tgz format, unpack it to the disk root (the path should not contain Cyrillic or spaces, for example: C:\Xiaomi\ROM\).
Algorithm of action:
- 🔌 Connect the phone off to the PC by pressing the Volume Down button.The screen should catch fire with the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
- 💻 Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and click the Refresh button. If the drivers are installed correctly, the device serial number will appear in the list.
- 📂 Click "Select" and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- ⚙️ In the lower right corner, select “Clean all” or “Clean all and lock” mode).
Clean all and lock will automatically lock the bootloader after the firmware, which is necessary for banking applications and NFC, but use it only with the original global firmware, otherwise you will get a brick.
Press the "Flash" button and expect to be completed. The green "success" in status signifies successful completion. The device will automatically reboot, and the first boot can last up to 10 minutes.
Comparison of methods and possible errors
The choice between Recovery and Fastboot depends on your goals and the state of the device.Fastboot gives a more guaranteed result, but requires a PC and unlocked bootloader.Recovery is easier for beginners, but often faces limitations from the security system MIUI.
The table below compares the main characteristics of the methods:
| Parameter | Recovery Method | Fastboot Method | OTA Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence of PC | Not required | I'll be sure. | Not required |
| Data retention | Partially (depending on version) | No (full vape) | Yes. |
| Speed. | Average (10-15 min) | High (5-10 min) | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Medium. | Low (with the right software) | Low. |
One common error is “Error: Missmatching image and device.” This means you’re trying to flash firmware designed for another model (e.g., the Redmi Note 9 Pro instead of the Note 9S, although they’re similar, they’re different firmware). Always check the codename of the device, such as curtana, joyeuse, guacamole.
There is also a bug called “Can’t verify update,” which means that the firmware’s digital signature doesn’t match the current status of the bootloader or region, in which case only unlocking the bootloader and using the Fastboot method to clean the data will help.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roll back from Android 13 to Android 11?
Will the warranty fly off after the firmware rollback?
What if your phone is in an endless reboot (Bootloop)?
Where can I find old versions of the firmware?
💡
If the phone is not critical, it is best to wait for the next official security patch that will fix the bugs of the current version.
In conclusion, the world of Xiaomi and Android offers a huge opportunity for customization, but requires responsibility. Make regular backups, follow the community news and do not be afraid to study the technical documentation. Properly executed rollback procedure will return your smartphone to the same speed and stability.