How to Cancel an Update on Xiaomi Redmi Phone: A Complete Guide to Risks and Solutions

Firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones usually improve performance, add new features and close security vulnerabilities. MIUI It works consistently: users experience slowdowns, overheating, fast battery drains, or application incompatibility. If you have already installed a problematic update or it has started downloading without your consent, don’t panic. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to cancel the update, from simple (through settings) to radical (rolling back firmware), taking into account the specifics of different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi). 13C).

It is important to understand that the process of undoing the update depends on the stage at which you are:

• 📥 Update downloads – you can interrupt the download without consequences.
• 🔄 Update is installed – radical measures are required (reset or rollback).
• ✅ Update is already installed – you will have to go back to the previous version manually.

Also note that Xiaomi limits rollbacks on some models with a locked bootloader (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or later).In such cases, you may need to unlock Bootloader, a process that takes up to 720 hours to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi.

1. How to cancel the download of the update MIUI

If the update is just starting to load (the download notification appears in the status bar), it can be easily canceled without risk to the system.

Open the notification bar by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.Look for the notification Update Download MIUI and click on it. In the window that opens, tap the "Cancel" button (or "Pause" if download is suspended). If the button is not, swipe the notification left/right (depending on the version). MIUI) and select "Delete».

If the notification has disappeared but the download continues (e.g. in the background), follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete downloaded update”.
3. Confirm the action by pressing “OK”.

To prevent automatic downloads of updates in the future:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings.
• 🔄 Turn off the option “Automatic booting over Wi-Fi».
• 🚫 You can also disable Automatic Update Check».

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 12) After you cancel downloading, the update file may remain in the device's memory. To completely delete it, use the file manager (for example, "Conductor") and manually find the folder. /cache/ota — remove its contents.

2. How to interrupt the installation of the update (if the process has already begun)

If the update has already started to be installed (the progress bar has appeared on the screen with the inscription "Install Update..."), it is more difficult to interrupt the process.

Scenario 1: The update is set in the background (the phone has not restarted).

• 🔋 Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds) until the screen goes out.
• 🔄 Wait 1-2 minutes and turn the device back on. The system should boot as normal.
• 🗑️ After enabling, immediately delete the downloaded update file through Settings → Updating the system → Three points. → Remove the downloaded.

Scenario 2: The phone has already rebooted and shows the logo MI You have to move fast:

• 🔌 Forced to turn off the phone by pressing the power button + up volume for 20-30 seconds (before vibration).
• 🛑 If after turning on the phone again tries to install the update – go to Recovery mode (power button) + Volume upwards before the menu appears).
• 🔧 From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe & Reset» → «Wipe Cache (this won’t delete your data, only clear the cache).

⚠️ Note: If you interrupt the installation of the update during the unpacking phase (the progress bar hung by 25-50%), the phone can bootloop (infinite restart), in which case you will need a full reset or flash through Fastboot.

3. How to roll back an update if it is already installed

If the update is already installed and you are faced with bugs (for example, the battery quickly goes down, sensors do not work or applications crash), return the previous version. MIUI The choice of method depends on the Redmi model and the status of the bootloader).

The most reliable, but complicated, way is through Fastboot, which is suitable for all models, but requires an unlocked bootloader. The alternative is to roll back through Recovery, but it doesn't work on all devices (for example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro or later, it may not work).

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

This method works if:

• 📱 You have Redmi on base. MIUI 12 or older.
• 🔓 The bootloader is not blocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info – if Device unlocked: true, you can continue to use the bootloader).
• 📁 You have a backup of your previous firmware (or you can download it).

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with the desired version MIUI For your model from the official Xiaomi website (choose Recovery) ROM).
2. Put the file in the root of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!) and rename it to the phone’s internal memory. update.zip.
3. Turn off your phone and go to Recovery (power button) + volume).
4. Select "Install" update.zip To System" and confirm installation.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9T or Redmi 10C) Recovery rollbacks can cause E:footer is wrong.In this case, use Fastboot.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (full reset)

This method is guaranteed to work, but it will delete all the data from the phone.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download only from the official website!).

Step-by-step:

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Install drivers ADB and Fastboot|Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware files)|Charge your phone at least 60%-->

1. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode (power button + volume down).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. In the program, click "Select" and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. Select the “Clean All” mode and click “Flash”.
5. Wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Once firmware is installed, the phone will boot with factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, so back up beforehand through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

If after rollback the phone began to work slower, make a reset to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings. This will help clean up the residual files of the old firmware.

4. How to block automatic updates forever

If you don't want Xiaomi to impose updates again, you can turn off checking them completely.The methods vary depending on the version. MIUI:

For MIUI 12-14:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 «Automatic verification of updates» 📥 «Automatic booting via Wi-Fi» 📶 «Downloading via mobile network (if any)

For older versions (MIUI 11 and below):

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-command to disable the update service: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater This command will disable the system application "Software Update" before the next reboot.
• 🔄 To turn off permanently, add a command to boot via Tasker or MacroDroid.

Radical method (for advanced users only):

• 🛡️ Delete the file. /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk through a Root-Right or TWRP.
• ⚠️ This can lead to unstable system operation if something is done wrong.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K60) disable updates through ADB In this case, return the settings with the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.updater

5. Risks and consequences of cancellation of the update

Before you cancel or roll back the update, assess the possible negative consequences:

Security vulnerabilities

Old versions MIUI They may contain unopened holes that are exploited by viruses or hackers. MIUI 12.5 was a vulnerability that allowed attackers to access files via Bluetooth, and if you roll back on the old firmware, the risk of malware infection would increase.

Incompatibility of applications

Some programs (like banking apps or games) require an up-to-date version of Android. MIUI 11 (Android 9), some applications may stop working or give an error "Device not supported».

3. Loss of function

New versions MIUI They add useful chips that will disappear after a rollback:

• 📸 Improved camera (in) MIUI 14 ProMode mode for manual settings appeared).
• 🔋 Battery optimization (in older versions, the phone can run out faster).
• 🎮 Turbo mode (in) MIUI 13 added 120Hz support in games).

4. Problems with Google services

On some Redmi models (especially with a Mediatek processor) after a rollback may stop working:

• 📍 Google Play Services (Google Play Services has stopped»).
• 🔑 Widevine L1 (No video will be played on Netflix or Disney+ into HD).
• 📱 Push notifications (messages from messengers will arrive with a delay).

To minimize the risks, before rolling back:

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check the compatibility of the application with the old version MIUI|Charge your phone at least 70 times%|Download the correct version of the firmware for your model|Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account (at the time of firmware)-->

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you cancel or roll back an update, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "Cannot verify update" (in Recovery)

This error occurs if:

• 📁 Firmware file is damaged or not completely downloaded.
• 🔧 You are trying to install firmware from another model.
• 🔓 The bootloader is locked, and the firmware is not official.

Decision:

1. Download the firmware again from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Check that the file name matches the model (e.g, ingres_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TKUCNXM_... For the Redmi Note 11).
3. If the bootloader is locked, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Error 2: The phone is stuck on the logo MI (bootloop)

If after a rollback the phone does not boot and constantly restarts:

• 🔌 Try to go to Recovery (Power button) + Volume up and make a wipe cache.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t help, reset to factory settings (Wipe Data in Recovery).
• 🖥️ If this does not work, then run your phone through Fastboot (instructions in section 3).

Error 3: "Mi Account Locked" After Reset

Xiaomi phones with a linked Mi Account may have a password request after reset, if you forget it:

• 🔑 Try to recover your password through account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 If the recovery is not working, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.
• ⚠️ Don’t use Mi Account bypass software – it can lock your phone permanently.

Mistake 4: “Invalid IMEI» post-fix

If it's gone after the kickback IMEI (phone doesn't catch the net):

• 📡 Check it out. IMEI *#06# - if it is missing (empty or null), you will need to restore.
• 🔧 Use the tool. SN Write Tool (Qualcomm processor only) or MauiMeta (Mediatek only).
• ⚠️ Recovery IMEI requires a backup NVRAM — If not, contact the service center.

💡

If after the update, the phone stopped seeing SIM-map, first check if it has fallen IMEI. Don’t try to flash the modem separately – this can make the problem worse.

7. Alternative solutions: what to do if recoiling is impossible

If none of these methods worked (for example, the bootloader is locked and it takes too long to unlock), consider alternatives:

1.Install custom firmware

On phones with an unlocked bootloader, you can put custom software, for example:

• 📱 LineageOS is pure Android without the unnecessary Xiaomi apps.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• 🎯 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI Advertising free and with extended settings.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock Bootloader with Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
3. Download the firmware from the XDA Developers forum.
4. Flow through TWRP, pre-wire.

2.Use patches to fix bugs

If the problem is a specific bug (for example, the battery goes down quickly), you can try:

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).
• 📵 Disable unnecessary services through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show all the processes.
• 🛠️ Install a patch through Magisk (e.g., the Disable Flag Secure module for screenshots in banking applications).

3. Contact the service center

If the phone is updated after:

• 🔥 Overheating (temperature above 50)°C to the plain).
• 🔋 Discharges in 2-3 hours (with normal use).
• 📵 Not catching the net (even after recovery) IMEI).

It is better to take it to the official Xiaomi service. In Russia and the CIS, these are Mi Service centers or partner workshops. The cost of diagnostics is from 500 rubles, repairs under warranty (if it is valid) are free.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions