Reverse Xiaomi firmware to the old version MIUI: brickless

Reverse firmware on Xiaomi smartphones – a procedure that may be required for critical bugs of the new version MIUI, But downgrades, or downgrades to older software, come with risks ranging from data loss to a complete failure of the device, the so-called “brick.” Unlike a standard update, where the system itself checks compatibility, when rolling back, the user has to manually control every step: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the correct version of the firmware.

The main difficulty lies in the policy of Xiaomi: the company actively blocks the possibility of downgrade through standard tools (for example, About the phone). → Update MIUI), So users don't go back to old versions with vulnerabilities, but there are workarounds, and we'll go through them in detail, given the nuances for different models, from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra. The procedure requires an unlocked bootloader, which automatically resets all data on the device.

Why you might need to roll back firmware

Reasons for Downhraid MIUI There are two categories: technical problems and subjective preferences, and the first is critical errors that interfere with the normal functioning of the smartphone:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after update (bootloop) – the device gets stuck on the logo MI or constantly restart.
• 📉 The sharp decline in autonomy: a new version MIUI can mismanage the power consumption of the processor (for example, on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi) 13T).
• 🎮 Lags in games due to changes in drivers GPU (typical for firmware based on Android 13+).
• 🔌 Charging problems: the device does not recognize the cable or charges only when it is off.

In the second case, users return to the old version because of:

• 🎨 Inconvenient interface: for example, in MIUI 14 removed the usual menu of quick settings.
• 🔒 Root rights restrictions: New versions can block Magisk or Xposed.
• 📱 Incompatibility with custom kernels (for example, for POCO F3 After upgrading to Android 12).

Before proceeding with the downgrade, check whether the problem can be solved in alternative ways:

• Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
• Install beta version MIUI programmatically MIUI bootloader – sometimes bugs are fixed in intermediate builds.
• Turn off optimization. MIUI for a specific application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Optimizing the battery).

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If the problem occurs after upgrading to Android 13+, Try to disable the function MIUI Optimization through ADB-command:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Downgrade firmware is not just installing the old version on top of the new one. On Xiaomi devices with a locked bootloader, a rollback attempt without unlocking will result in a "Couldn't verify device" error and a brick, so it takes up to 70% of the time to prepare the procedure. Here's a checklist of mandatory actions:

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

Check the device model and current version of MIUI

Download the correct firmware (Fastboot or Recovery)

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Charge your phone at least 60%

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1. Data backup

Unlocking the bootloader and installing firmware via Fastboot or Recovery completely erases the device's internal memory.

• 📁 Media files (photos, videos) – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contact and SMS — Export through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🎮 Save Games – Use built-in cloud-based storage features (such as in Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🔑 Passwords and application data – sync through Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden.

2. Verification of the MIUI model and version

Wrong firmware is the main cause of bricks.

• The code name of the device (not to be confused with the trade name!) For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro can be sweet (global version) or sweetin (India).
• Current version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down the full number (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5.0.TKFMIXM).
• Firmware region: EEA (Europe), Global, China, India. You can't install the firmware of another region without unlocking the bootloader.

3. Downloading firmware

Xiaomi’s official firmware is available on the following websites:

• 🌍 Official portal MIUI — Only stable versions.
• 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – archive of all versions, including beta.
• 📦 SourceForge – Alternative Mirror.

Choose the firmware according to the rules:

⚠️ Note: If you are rolling back from Android 13 to Android 12 (or below), be sure to download the full Fastboot firmware. Installation via Recovery will lead to bootloop in this case.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

The Xiaomi bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before a downgrade, which takes 72 hours to 1 week because of the company's policy: once you've linked your account to your device, you have to wait for confirmation. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Linking the Mi Account to the device

Without a tied Mi Account, unlocking is impossible.

1. Register for a Mi Account (if not) at account.xiaomi.com.
2. On your phone, go to Settings. → Mi Account and log in.
3. Enable data synchronization and confirm developer rights (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status).
4. Link the device to your account through SMS or email (a notification of successful linking will be received).

Installation of the Mi Unlock Tool

Download the official utility from the site en.miui.com/unlock (Windows version. Make sure that:

• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB/Fastboot (You can download it through Android Studio).
• 📱 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Original cable is used (cheap cables may not transmit data in Fastboot mode).

Run the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account as your phone, and follow the instructions. The utility will show a waiting timer (usually 168 hours), and don't try to get around the wait, which will lead to account lockdown.

1. Use another PC (sometimes the lock is tied to the IP).

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Mi Flash" for device in Fastboot mode).-->

3. Unlock the loader

After the timer has expired:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action. The phone will reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4 GT) After unlocking, the recoil protection may work, in which case you will have to install the firmware no older than the one on the device originally (check the date of the first firmware in Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Assembly date).

Installation of old firmware: methods and nuances

After unlocking the bootloader, you can start installing the old version. MIUI. There are three main methods, and the choice depends on the device model and the target firmware. Let's consider each of them with the help of typical errors.

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (recommended)

This is the most reliable method for most devices, and you'll need to:

• 🖥️ PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (Fastboot).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the utility, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader again after installation).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is 99 percent dead or you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install a firmware that's too old.

• Check out the list of anti-recoil versions for your model.
• Select a firmware with a later build date (but older than the current one).

Method 2: Installation with Recovery (TWRP)

This method is suitable for users who have already installed custom Recovery TWRP. The advantage is that you can back up before you install it:

• ⚠️ Not all versions. TWRP support new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro may not be stable build).
• ⚠️ When rolling back from Android 13 to Android 12 through Recovery, bootloop is likely.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip (Recovery) format and place it on the external one. SD-map or root of internal memory.
2. Enter TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. Backup of the current system (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
4. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
5. Once completed, run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then restart.

⚠️ Note: If, after installation, through TWRP phone stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic. Try: Go into the TWRP and repeat Format Data. Install the kernel from the target firmware (see on the XDA Developers).

Method 3: Recoil through OTA (not recommended)

Install the old firmware "over the air" (via Settings) → Update MIUI) It's impossible -- the system blocks the downgrade, but there's a workaround for some models:

1. Download the full OTA-The package of the desired version with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Go into the stock Recovery (Loudness up) + Nutrition).
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

The success of this method depends on the model and version. MIUI. On new devices (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), it works 10% of the time.

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If after the rollback through OTA The phone asks for the password from the Mi Account, and you don't remember it, don't enter it randomly. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours. Instead, use password recovery via email or SMS.

Solving Typical Mistakes in Recoiling

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. "Couldn't verify device" or "Anti-rollback" error

This error appears if you are trying to install firmware older than the recoil protection (Anti-Rollback) allows, ARB). Each Xiaomi model has its own level. ARB, and the rollback below it is blocked at the hardware level.

How to check the level ARB:

• Find your model in the database.
• Compare the current version MIUI with the recoiling limits. POCO X3 Pro (codename vayu) Minimum version — MIUI 12.5.3.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Choose a firmware with a higher number ARB (for example, instead MIUI 12.0.1 set up MIUI 12.0.5).
• 🔧 If the required version is below ARB, Try a patched firmware with the check turned off (see for the XDA).
• 🛠️ For advanced users: edit the file flash_all.bat in the firmware folder, removing the lines with verification ARB.

2. Bootloop (cyclic reboot)

If after installing the firmware, the phone is constantly restarted, the reasons may be as follows:

Error "This package is for "xxx" devices"

This error means you are trying to install firmware not for your model, such as firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) on the Redmi Note 10 Pro. 5G (camellian).

Decision:

• 🔍 Clarify the code name of the device (see section "Preparation").
• 📥 Download firmware specifically for your code (e.g. sweetin for the Indian version).
• 🌍 If you don’t have the right firmware for your region, you can try the global version (Global), but this can lead to problems with your local area. LTE and Wi-Fi.

4. Loss of IMEI or serial number

If it's gone after the kickback IMEI or serial number (checked in *#06#), which means that the modem or nvram partitions have been damaged:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model (preferably the same version as it was originally).
2. Unpack it and find the files. nvram.img and modem.img.
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI If you have not recovered, do not try to enter it manually through the engineering menu (#4636##.) This can lead to a permanent lock of the communication module.

What to do after a successful recoil

If the downgrade went smoothly, there are a few important steps left to get the phone back to working order.

1.Initial setting

After installing the old firmware, the device will be as new as you need:

• 🌍 Select the language and region (make sure it matches the firmware region).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (if there is no network, check your settings) APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (if you don’t do it right away, some features will be blocked).

Data recovery

You can return the data from the backup made before rollback:

• 📁 Photos and videos: copy back from the cloud or PC.
• 📞 Contacts: sync through Google Account or import from.vcf file.
• 🎮 Apps: Restore from Google Play (My Apps and Games menu) → Library).

If you have used Titanium Backup or Swift Backup, recover your data only after checking compatibility with the new (old) version of Android.

3. Checking of performance

Make sure all functions are working correctly:

Locking the loader (optional)

If you do not plan to experiment with firmware further, it is recommended to lock the bootloader again for security:

1. Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select Clean All and Lock mode.
4. Swipe the same firmware that is installed now (this will block the bootloader).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is locked, you won't be able to install custom firmware or Recovery without re-waiting for 168 hours. MIUI You're fine with it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware rollback