How to roll back the version of MIUI on the Xiaomi smartphone: 3 working ways

Reverse firmware on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that may be necessary for critical bugs after an update, system slowdown or incompatibility with important applications. Unlike the standard “over the air” update, returning to the previous version of MIUI requires accuracy: improper actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” This instruction covers all current methods of rollback, from official tools to manual manipulations through Fastboot.

It is important to understand the difference between the types of rollback: downgrade (switching to an older but stable version of the same MIUI branch) and full reset (return to factory firmware with loss of data). The first option is suitable for fixing bugs, the second is for serious system failures. We will analyze both scenarios, and also tell you how to save user data and avoid blocking the bootloader.

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

Before any manipulation of Xiaomi firmware, follow the mandatory steps to minimize the risks:

• 📱 Check the device model: the rollback for the Redmi Note 11 and Xiaomi 13 Pro is performed differently. → The phone. → Model.
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader (unblocked): without this, a Fastboot rollback is impossible. the process takes up to 72 hours (requires an account binding Mi).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%, interruption of the process due to discharge is guaranteed to cause failure.
• 💾 Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Pay special attention to MIUI and Android versions: rollback from MIUI 14 to MIUI 12 may require additional drivers. You can find out the current versions in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and Android version. Write down this data – it will be necessary to choose the right firmware.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Fastboot rollback is often blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only the method remains through Recovery or contacting the service center.

2. Method 1: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

This is the most reliable method for unlocked bootloaders, but it requires a Windows PC.The Mi Flash Tool is officially supported by Xiaomi, however, if used improperly, it can result in a loss of IMEI or a network lock.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Install drivers: Download Mi USB Driver and Qualcomm Drivers (for Snapdragon devices).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
4. Select the firmware file in the tool, press Refresh, then Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process.

Method 2: Recovery (without PC)

The method is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader, but has limitations: only official firmware released for your model is available, and this method does not work on devices with Dynamic Partition (for example, Xiaomi 12 and later).

Algorithm of action:

• 📲 Download firmware in.zip format for Recovery from Xiaomi’s website or trusted sources (for example, XDA Developers).
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of the phone’s internal memory.
• 🔄 Reboot to Recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Nutrition.
• 🛠️ In the Recovery menu, select Install. update.zip to System (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3) After a rollback through Recovery, an anti-recoil protection can work, which will lock the phone. In this case, you will need to have a firmware through Fastboot with a full reset.

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after installation, reset via Recovery: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will delete all user data, but return the phone to working condition.

Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (for power users)

ADB Sideload allows you to install firmware through the command line without unlocking the bootloader.It is useful if a standard update through Recovery is not available, but requires ADB skills.

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools from Google and unpack the archive on your PC.
2. Place the update.zip firmware file in the Platform Tools folder.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
4. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the commands: adb devices adb sideload update.zip

It takes 10-20 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart. If there is an adb: failed to read command error, check the integrity of the firmware file or try again with another one. USB-cable.

5.How to avoid blocking after rollback

After a firmware rollback, Xiaomi may lock the device due to a discrepancy in the versions of anti-rollback (Anti-Rollback), which is true for models released after 2019, to minimize the risks:

• 🔍 Check your device’s Anti-Rollback version through the Mi Checker app or in the service menu (#4636##).
• 📉 Just go back to those versions. MIUI, For example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro with Anti-Rollback 3, you can not install firmware older than your model. MIUI 12.5.2.
• 🔧 If the lock has already occurred, use the official Mi Unlock Tool or contact the service center for flashing through the service. EDL.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) After a rollback, the connection or Wi-Fi may disappear, because the modem modules are incompatible. non-hlos.bin and modem.bin via Fastboot:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

If the phone stopped turning on after rolling back (black screen, no button response), try the emergency firmware via EDL. This will require a Qualcomm 9008 box or service center. Self-triggered attempts without experience can permanently bring the device down.

💡

Before rolling back, check for TWRP Recovery for your model. This custom recovery allows you to create full system backups and recover them after a failed rollback.

7. How to save data when rolling back

Firmware rollbacks almost always result in loss of user data, but some of the information can be saved:

• 📁 Photos and videos: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contact and SMS: Export through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🎮 Gaming saves: use Google Play Games or Mi Account accounts.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Write them down manually or use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

A full backup requires root access and a Titanium Backup or Swift Backup app, which allows you to save:

• Application settings
• System data (sounds, wallpaper, network settings)
• User Application Data (e.g., Game Progress)

⚠️ Note: Backups built on one version of Android may not recover on another. For example, backups with Android 13 are not compatible with Android 12 due to changes in data structure.

💡

The only way to save 100% of your data is to create a full backup through TWRP before rolling back, and without root rights, you can only save media files and some of your settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions