Have you upgraded your Xiaomi to the latest version of MIUI, but the new firmware is running slower, draining the battery faster or just not like the interface?Retracement to the previous version is a real task, but requires caution. Unlike a conventional upgrade, a downgrade can lead to a device lock, data loss or even a "brick" (complete system failure) if you do something wrong.
In this article, we'll look at all the working ways to roll back MIUI for 2026, from official methods to manually stitching through Fastboot. You'll learn how to prepare a smartphone, where to download the right firmware, and what to do if the phone stops turning on after a downgrade. And also unique nuances for models with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, which the manufacturer does not advertise.
Why would you need to pull back MIUI?
Newer firmware versions don't always mean better, but here are the most common reasons why users are returning to the old MIUI:
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the new version may be optimized worse, especially on older models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T).
- 🐢 Lags and slowdowns – fresh animations and features require more resources, which is noticeable on budget smartphones.
- 🚫 Remote functions, such as in MIUI 14 removed the ability to disable advertising in system applications.
- 🔒 Problems unlocking bootloader – after updating some devices lose the ability to unlock bootloader.
- 📱 Incompatibility with custom firmware - new versions MIUI may break up TWRP magisk.
According to service centers, up to 15% of requests after major MIUI updates are related to the desire to return the old firmware, and 30% of users experience problems with self-downgrade, from data loss to complete failure of the device.
Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start
Before proceeding with a downgrade, follow the mandatory steps to minimize the risks:
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi device was purchased in China (the domestic version), a rollback to global firmware could result in permanent lockdown. IMEI. Check the model in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — if there are letters at the end CN, Use only Chinese firmware.
- 📱 Make a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud.Warning: After a downgrade, recovering data from the backup of the new version may not work!
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (unlocked). Without this, a rollback through the Fastboot is impossible. Instructions: section below.
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – interruption of the process due to battery discharge can “brick” the device.
- 💻 Install drivers for your model on PC. Download from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool.
If you are using TWRP or other custom recovery, make sure they are compatible with the version of MIUI you plan to roll back on. For example, TWRP for MIUI 13 may not work with MIUI 12.5.
☑️ Checklist before rollback MIUI
How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (a mandatory step)
Without an unlocked bootloader, a Fastboot rollback is not possible.The procedure takes 3 to 7 days due to the Xiaomi account verification.
Instructions:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the “Kernel Version” line to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool on PC, log in to your account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
- Follow the instructions of the program. You usually need to wait 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) are discharged after unlocking the loader DRM-The keys that stop Widevine working L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+). They can be restored only through the official service.
If you already have a bootloader unlocked, skip this step. You can check the status with the ADB team:
fastboot oem device-infoSearch for Device unlocked: true.
Ways to roll back MIUI: which one to choose?
There are 3 basic downgrade methods of firmware on Xiaomi, depending on the device model, the status of the bootloader and your experience:
| Method | Unlocking required | Data retained | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Recovery. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (sometimes) | ⭐⭐ | Official firmware, if available |
| Through Fastboot. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (full reset) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Any firmware, including custom |
| Through TWRP | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (unless formatted) /data) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced users, custom firmware |
The most reliable way is Fastboot, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and erases all data. Recovery is only suitable for official firmware and is not always available. TWRP is flexible but risky - an error can lead to a breeze.
💡
If your Xiaomi model is on a MediaTek processor (Helio G95, Dimensity), a rollback via Fastboot may require an additional auth.ini file.
Step-by-step: rollback via Fastboot (recommended method)
This method works for all Xiaomi models, but requires an unlocked bootloader.Follow the instructions carefully - an error at any stage can lead to a blink.
Step 1. Download the correct firmware
- 🌐 Official firmware is taken from the site MIUI Download.
- 🔍 Choose the exact model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G — It's veux, not pissarro!).
- 📦 Download Fastboot firmware (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
- ⚠️ Do not use firmware from third sites - the risk of catching a virus or unofficial build.
Step 2: Install the Mi Flash Tool
Download the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool from the official website. Install it on your PC, run it on behalf of the administrator.
Step 3. Sweep through the device.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, choose clean all (full reset) or clean all and lock (reset + lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until the end (5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: If after firmware, the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes, don't turn it off. + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot. If it doesn't work, repeat the firmware with the choice of clean all and lock.
💡
If the Mi Flash Tool is a "can't find" error 'flash_all.bat'", Check that you downloaded Fastboot firmware, not Recovery. flash_all.bat hand-folder.
Recovery Recoil: When It's Possible
Some Xiaomi models allow you to roll back through standard Recovery, but this method only works if:
- ✅ You are going to get back to the official firmware (not caste).
- ✅ Version. MIUI not older than 2 years (for example, with MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but not on MIUI 12).
- ✅ The device does not have recoil protection (relevant to the POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T Pro and newer).
Instructions:
- Download Recovery firmware (.zip file) for your model.
- Put it in the root of the phone’s internal memory and rename it to update.zip.
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
If Recovery doesn't have Install update.zip, then your model doesn't support this method. Try Fastboot.
What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
Solving problems after rollback
Even if the firmware is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a clean all and lock choice |
| Constant reboots (bootloop) | Data conflict between MIUI versions | Recovery via Recovery (Wipe Data) |
| No network (IMEI missing) | The modem or EFS partition is damaged | Restore your IMEI through the SN Writer Tool (requires an authorized account) |
| Not working on touchscreen. | Incompatibility of firmware with the kernel version | Scroll down the correct version or return to the new MIUI |
If Google services stop working after rollback, install them manually:
- Download Google Installer (for example, from here).
- Install APK and follow the instructions.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) post-backward MIUI It may be a loss of support 5G. This is due to the update of modems in new firmware, the solution is to return to the current version or flash a custom modem.