Switching to a new version of Android doesn’t always live up to expectations. Many Xiaomi users face slowdowns, interface bugs, or app incompatibility after upgrading to Android 10. If you decide to return to the proven stability of Android 9 Pie, this guide will help you roll back safely and without data loss — with the right preparation.
It’s important to understand that a downgrade firmware isn’t just about “unrefreshing” it requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a customized backup (most of the time) and manual firmware via fastboot or TWRP. In this article, we’ll go through all the steps from preparing the device to solving the typical errors that occur when rolling back on Redmi, Mi and POCO.
We warn you right away: the procedure is fraught with risks. Mistakes can lead to a device "brick" (completely inoperable) If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center. For experienced users, the following step-by-step instructions are provided, taking into account the nuances of Xiaomi firmware.
1. Device preparation: Backup and unlocking of the bootloader
The first step is to save all the important data. The rollback of the firmware completely erases the device's internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed applications. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or physical copying to the PC via MTP.
Pay particular attention to:
- 📱 Contacts and SMS: Export through the Google Contacts or Mi Mover app.
- 📸 Media files: Check the folders DCIM, Downloads, and WhatsApp/Media.
- 🔑 Passwords and tokens: Save your account data (especially Mi Account, as it will be required to unlock it).
- 🎮 Game progress: sync through Google Play Games or manually copy obb files.
You need to unlock the bootloader, and without this step, installing any firmware other than the current one will be impossible, and the procedure takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's policy:
- Attach the device to Mi Account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Activate debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect the smartphone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Don't miss the backup step!
2.Selecting the Right Firmware for Downgrade
Not all Android 9 firmware is compatible with your Xiaomi model, and using an inappropriate file will lead to errors or "bricks."
- 📦 Stable: Recommended for everyday use, and the versions are designated V12.0.1.0.PFACNXM (example for Redmi Note 7).
- 🧪 Developer: contain new features, but may be less stable Marked 21.1.28
- 🌍 Global/China/EU: The region of the firmware must match the region of the device. Installing China ROM on a global model will cause problems with Google's language and services.
Where to download the firmware:
- 🔗 Official website: Miui Download (select the Android 9 version in filters).
- 🔗 Community XDA Developers: Model forums contain modified and optimized builds.
- 🔗 Telegram channels: for example, @miuiru or @xiaomifirmware (check hash amounts of files!).
| Xiaomi model | Code name | The latest stable Android 9 | Firmware reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 7 | lavender | V12.0.2.0.PFGMIXM | Download |
| Mi 9 | cepheus | V12.0.3.0.PFACNXM | Download |
| POCO F1 | beryllium | V12.0.3.0.PEJMIXM | Download |
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi firmware with the suffix CN (China) does not contain Google services. They will require additional GApps stitching to install.
3 Installation of TWRP Recovery (optional but recommended)
Xiaomi's stock reavers don't allow you to install firmware older than the current version. Therefore, a downgrade often requires TWRP, a customized Recovery with advanced features.
- Download the current version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me (file with.img extension).
- Connect the device to the PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
- Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-lavender.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-lavender.img
- After downloading to TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
Important: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek chipset) require additional manipulations to unlock Anti-Rollback. Check on the XDA forums for such restrictions on your device.
Download Android 9 firmware for your model|Download TWRP and fastboot-tools|Backup the current system|Format the data (if required)|Checking the battery charge (minimum 60%)-->
4. Android 9 firmware: a step-by-step process
There are two main methods of installing firmware: via fastboot and via TWRP. The choice depends on the tools available and the device model.
Method 1: Fastboot firmware (recommended for official firmware)
This method is suitable for installing official Stable ROM from Xiaomi:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware archive (should contain the image folder and the flash_all.bat script).
- Connect the device in fastboot mode.
- Run flash_all.bat (Windows) or run in the terminal:./flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
- Wait until it's finished (the process will take 5-10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.
Method 2: Firmware via TWRP (for custom or modified firmware)
If you have installed TWRP, follow these steps:
- Copy the firmware file (.zip) to internal memory or the SD- card.
- Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
- Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🗄️ Dalvik / ART Cache 📄 System 📱 Data (if you want a full reset).
Install
Swipe to Confirm Flash
After successful firmware, the first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.
💡
If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after firmware, try booting into TWRP and flashing the firmware again without formatting Data. Installation of Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (available on XDA) often helps.
5. Solving typical rollback errors
Downgrading firmware is often accompanied by errors, and the following are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Rollback Protection | Protection against rollback on older versions of firmware (relevant for Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T, etc.) | Use modified firmware with ARB bypass or flash through EDL (requires an authorized Xiaomi account). |
| Error 7 in TWRP | Incompatibility of firmware with the device or a damaged file | Check the device model and download the firmware again. Delete the assert string in the installation script (via Notepad++). |
| Hanging on the Mi logo | Conflict between boot and system versions | Switch boot.img separately through fastboot flash boot boot.img or install Disable_Dm-Verity. |
| Mi Account requires authorization after reset | Protection against theft (associated with Mi Account) | Enter the account details. If you forgot your password, restore it through the official website. |
If neither method works, go to the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, which often provide patches for specific models.
What if the device does not turn on after the firmware?
6. Data recovery and system setup after rollback
After a successful rollback on Android 9, you will have to return the data and configure the system.
- 🔄 Backup Restores: If you backed up to TWRP, return it via Restore.
- 📲 Contact portability: import through Google Contacts or.vcf file.
- 📷 Restore media files: copy them back to your PC device.
- 🔒 Re-Attachment Mi Account: Check your account settings in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
Pay attention to the settings that could be reset:
- 🔊 Sound and notifications: Check volume and permissions for applications.
If you have a slack or overheating after a rollback, do:
- Cache reset to TWRP (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache).
- Disabling animations in the developer settings (Settings → For developers → Animation Scale → Off).
- Virus testing (use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
💡
After the downgrade, be sure to update all apps through Google Play – this will help avoid compatibility conflicts with the new (old) version of Android.
7. Alternative ways of downgrading (without unlocking the bootloader)
If unlocking the bootloader seems too difficult, consider alternative methods. They are not suitable for all models, but can save time:
Method 1: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware only)
Some Xiaomi devices allow you to flash the old version through the Mi Flash Tool without unlocking if:
- You use the same firmware (Stable/Developer).
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool.
- Unpack the firmware and connect the device in fastboot mode.
- In the program, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
Method 2: Use custom firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience)
If the official Android 9 firmware is not available for your model, you can install custom build based on AOSP:
- 🔍 Look for firmware for your device on XDA or 4PDA.
- 📥 Download firmware + GApps (if you need Google services).
- 🛠️ Install via TWRP (first firmware, then GApps).
Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi:
- 🟢 Pixel Experience (Pure Android with Pixel features)
- 🔵 LineageOS (stable and lightweight).
- 🟣 Havoc-OS (much customization).
⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may not support all of the device's features (e.g., camera or NFC).Before installing, review user feedback on your model.
8 Frequent Questions and Myths About Downgrade
There's a lot of rumors around the firmware rollback, and we're going to look at some of the most popular questions.
💡
Downgrade will not void Xiaomi's warranty unless you damage the hardware, but the service center may refuse to repair under warranty if the problem is related to unofficial firmware.