How to roll back on the previous version of Android on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones often brings new features, but sometimes users face bugs, performance declines or an uncomfortable interface. In such cases, the logical solution is to roll back on the previous version of MIUI or Android. However, the downgrade procedure has its own features: from blocking the bootloader to the risk of “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to roll back firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from official methods through Recovery to manual stitching through Fastboot. You will learn what tools you need, how to circumvent typical errors (for example, anti-rollback), and what to do if the device stopped booting.

We warn you right away: Firmware rollback is not a two-click "unrefresh" process, it requires preparation, backup data and understanding the possible consequences. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you carefully study each section before taking action.

Why you might need to roll back firmware on Xiaomi

According to service center statistics, up to 15% of requests after MIUI updates are due to a desire to go back to the previous version.

• ⚡ Decreased performance: Newer versions are often optimized for flagships, and budget models (Redmi Note 10, POCO M3) start".
• 🐛 Critical bugs: for example, in MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 11T There was a bug with 30% battery discharge overnight.
• 🎨 Inconvenient interface: the transition to HyperOS in 2026 caused a wave of discontent due to a radically changed design.
• 🔒 Compatibility issues: Some apps (such as banking or custom launchers) may not work on newer versions of Android.
• 📱 Lack of important functions: c MIUI 15 removed the ability to disable advertising in system applications.

It is important to understand that not all problems are solved by rollback. For example, if NFC or 5G stopped working after an update, the reason may be a hardware malfunction, not a firmware. Before downgrad, check the forums (for example, Mi Community) - it may already have been fixed in the next patch.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Unprepared firmware rollbacks can lead to data loss or a brick. Here is a checklist of mandatory actions:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the device model and current version of MIUI

Download the correct firmware version (stable or global)

Ensure battery charge ≥50%

Prepare a USB and PC cable (for Fastboot methods)

Unlock the loader (if required)

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Pay special attention to the firmware versions. Xiaomi has several types of builds:

Critically, if your device supports the function of Anti-Rollback (the list of models is on XiaomiUI), rollback to the version older than the permissible will lead to a breakdown of the module. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Check the current version of Anti-Rollback in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → press 7 once).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi 12/13 series or later, rollback on Android 11 For these models, a safe rollback is only possible within a single major version of Android (for example, with Android). 13 Android 12).

Method 1: Recovery (official method)

The safest way, but it only works if:

• 🔓 The device does not have a locked loader
• 📥 There is an official firmware for your model with a lower version
• 🔄 Current firmware is intact

Step-by-step:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official Mi Download website (select a.zip file for Recovery).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (navigation with volume buttons, confirmation with power button).
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (usually 5-10 minutes).
6. After restarting, reset your settings (Wipe Data) if the system is unstable.

This method saves user data, but can sometimes lead to system application conflicts. If the phone overheats or discharges quickly after a rollback, make a full reset via Wipe All Data in Recovery.

fastboot oem disable-verity

After that, re-install update.zip.-->

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is more reliable, but requires an unlocked bootloader and computer, and is suitable for devices where recoiling via Recovery is impossible (for example, due to Anti-Rollback).

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool
• 🔑 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC (you can download through the Xiaomi Flash Tool).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean All – Clean All and Lock – Clean + Lock bootloader (only if you are sure of firmware!) Save User Data – data storage (may lead to bugs)

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "This package is for **** only", then you have downloaded the firmware not for your model. Check the exact name of the device in Settings → About Phone → Model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro may have the code name sweet).

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Fastboot firmware can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information) or utility MTK Droid Tools.

How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi (required for Fastboot)

Without unlocking the bootloader, firmware via Fastboot is impossible.The process takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy.

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Activate debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Press 7 times → Return to Additional Settings → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Install the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in under the same account.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions of the program. The first attempt to unlock will make an error - that's okay.
5. Wait 168 hours (7 days) and then repeat the procedure and the bootloader will be unlocked.

To speed up the process, some users use bypass methods (for example, through the use of a EDL-regime), but they require in-depth knowledge and can lead to a complete loss of warranty. 4PDA There are topics with current ways to bypass the wait, but we do not recommend them to beginners.

Solving typical errors when rolling back firmware

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone boots after a rollback but is unstable (for example, spontaneously restarts), follow the following steps:

1. Reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. If the problem persists, re-scan the same firmware version (the file may have been corrupted when downloaded).
3. Check the integrity of the system partition via ADB: adb shell e2fsck -f /dev/block/by-name/system

If you still decide to roll back with HyperOS, follow this algorithm:

1. Download the latest version of MIUI 14 (not lower than V14.0.4.0) - this is the minimum compatible version.
2. Use only the Fastboot method with a complete clean (Clean All)
3. After firmware, do not restore data from a backup – set up the phone as new.
4. If the phone is not loading, run the vendor and system separately through the command: fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor.img

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi devices 13T rollback MIUI This is a hardware lock, and you can only fix it by upgrading back to HyperOS.

What to do if the phone does not turn on after rollback ("brick")

The "bricking" of the device is the worst case scenario, but it can be fixed 90 percent of the time.

1. Check the signs of life: Does the charging indicator burn when you connect to the network? Does the phone vibrate when you press the power button long? Is the device in PC Device Manager defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Snapdragon) or MediaTek Preloader?
2. If the phone is identified as QDLoader 9008: Download the firmware in.mbn format for your model. Use the Xiaomi utility EDL Tool for authorized firmware. Enter the command: python mi_edl.py -f firmware.mbn

If the phone is not fixed at all

• Try to pinch Volume up + Volume down + Power for 30 seconds (hardware reset).
• Connect to another PC with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed.
• If nothing helps, contact the service center (indicate that the firmware was damaged during the update).

For devices on MediaTek (for example, Redmi 10A, POCO C40), you can use the SP Flash Tool utility. You will need a firmware in scatter.txt format and a MediaTek DA driver. Detailed instructions are available on Hovatek.

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If the phone is detected in EDL (9008) mode after a failed firmware, the chances of recovery are 95%, the main thing is not to use informal firmware and follow the instructions for your model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi