How to cancel the update to Android Xiaomi: the full guide

MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems, from sudden bugs to critical performance declines. If your device started to slow down after the update, discharge faster or demonstrate unstable work, canceling the update may be the only solution. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to roll back firmware, including official and alternative methods.

It's important to understand that the procedure for undoing an upgrade depends on several factors: the version of the MIUI, the smartphone model, and even the firmware region. For example, on devices with an unlocked bootloader, methods are available that are not available for locked devices. We will look at each scenario in detail, from simple reset via Recovery to manual stitching through Fastboot.

Before you start canceling an update, make sure the problem is really firmware-related. Sometimes conflicting apps or filled memory cause similar symptoms. Diagnose: check for space in Settings → Memory, delete newly installed programs, and restart the device. If the problem persists, start rolling back.

1.Official rollback via Recovery Mode

The safest way to undo the update is to use the built-in Recovery mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi 2020-2026 models, if the update was installed via OTA (over the air).

To log into Recovery Mode, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
• 🔘 Press the power buttons simultaneously + Loud up and hold on 10-15 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 In the recovery menu, select the language (usually available in English and Chinese).
• 🔧 Go to the Wipe Data section → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: This method only works if the previous version MIUI preserved in section /cache. If the update is manually installed via Fastboot or MIUI Updater with cache clearing - rollback through Recovery may not be available.

Once rebooted, the device will return to factory settings, but with the previous version of MIUI, which was installed before the update. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, so save it to your computer or to the Mi Cloud in advance.

2.Cancel the update via Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader, you can manually flash the previous version of MIUI using the official Mi Flash Tool utility.This method is suitable for power users and requires a PC connection. The advantage is the ability to choose any stable firmware from the Xiaomi archive.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI from the official website of Xiaomi (select the Archive section for older versions).
2. Unpack the firmware file in a folder on your computer (.tgz or.zip format).
3. Install Mi Phone Manager and Mi Flash Tool drivers (you can download from the support page).
4. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Power + Volume down.
5. Connect the device to your PC via USB and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then select Clean All (full clean) or Save User Data (save data, but not recommended).
7. Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

🔹 Important nuance: When you run through Fastboot, the device must have an unlocked bootloader. If you haven't unlocked it before, you can do it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new models. Read more about unlocking in our guide.

3.Cancel the update via ADB Sideload (without data loss)

If you don’t want to lose data, but the update has led to critical errors, you can try to roll back through ADB Sideload.This method allows you to install the previous version of MIUI without completely resetting, but requires an unlocked bootloader and command line skills.

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI (.zip format) and place it in the platform-tools folder (where ADB is installed).
2. Transfer the smartphone to Recovery mode (Power buttons + Volume up).
3. From the recovery menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload on newer versions).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
5. Enter the command: adb sideload name file.zip Replace the name file.zip with the real name of the firmware archive.
6. Wait for the installation to be completed (the progress bar will appear on the phone screen).

⚠️ Note: Not all firmware supports installation through ADB If the process is interrupted with an E:unknown command error, your model is not compatible with this method.

Once installed successfully, the device will restart with the previous version of MIUI, but all user data (photos, apps) will remain in place. however, we recommend backing up beforehand through Settings → Additional → Backup.

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If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after a rollback through ADB Sideload, press the power button for 20 seconds to force the reboot. If the problem recurs, reset via Recovery.

4. disable automatic MIUI updates

To avoid unwanted updates, disable their automatic installation, and this will not cancel the update already installed, but will prevent it from reappearing, and this can be done in two ways:

Method 1. Through system settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in the upper right corner.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 Automatic download of updates 🔄 Install updates automatically

Method 2. via ADB (for advanced users):

If system settings reset after restarting (this happens on some firmware), disable updates via the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater

To return the possibility of updates, do:

adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

🔹 Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) disable updates through ADB This may cause a Google Play service to crash, in which case use the first method or install a third-party launcher that blocks update notifications.

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help or you are afraid to independently manipulate the firmware, contact the official Xiaomi service center. This is the most reliable, but also the longest way to cancel the update. The service is paid (from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model), but guarantees the safety of the device.

What to do before visiting the service:

• 📋 Write it down. IMEI Phone (can be found in the settings) → The phone. → All the features or on the box).
• 🔄 Backup your data (even if the phone doesn’t turn on, the service can retrieve the information).
• 📄 Take a check or warranty card with you (if the device is warranty, the rollback can be free of charge).
• 🔌 Charge your phone at least 30% (the service may require you to turn on the device for diagnosis).

⚠️ Note: Some informal service centers offer "rolling back firmware" for 500-800 rupees, but often install pirated or modified versions MIUI. This can lead to the blocking of Mi Account or problems with the user. OTA-Check the certificates of the center on the official support site of Xiaomi.

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Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS countries can be found through the map on the website mi.com/ru/service. Always check the cost of repairs by phone before your visit.

6. Alternative methods: custom firmware and Magisk

If the rollback to standard MIUI didn't solve the problem or you want more options to manage updates, consider installing custom firmware. Popular options for Xiaomi:

• 🔧 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• 📱 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI Advertising free and with extended settings.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
3. Swipe the firmware and, if necessary, the Magisk core for root rights.

🔹 Warning: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can lead to a blink (breakdown) of the device.On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Anti-Rollback protection can work, blocking rollbacks to older versions. Before you run the firmware, check the compatibility of your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

If you decide on custom firmware, we recommend starting with Xiaomi.eu – it is as close to the standard MIUI as possible, but without most of the disadvantages (advertising, unnecessary applications, regional restrictions), you can install it through TWRP without losing data, if you follow the instructions:

1. Download firmware from https://xiaomi.eu/


2. Move the archive to the phone.




3. Load to TWRP (Loudness up + Power)




4. Select "Install" → specify the firmware file




5. Confirm installation (swipe for confirmation)




6. Once installed, run "Wipe Dalvik/Cache"




7.Reboot to the system

Frequently asked questions