How to roll back the update to Xiaomi Redmi and return the previous version of MIUI

MIUI firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often bring new features, bug fixes and security improvements. However, users often face problems after an upgrade: the device starts to slow down, discharge faster or loses its usual settings. If you are in a similar situation and want to return the previous version of the firmware, this guide will help you to make a rollback safely and without loss of data (or with minimal risks).

It's important to understand that rollback is not just "installing the old version on top of the new one." It's a full-fledged flashing of the device that requires preparation, backup and sometimes even unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we'll look at all the formal and informal ways, including rollbacks via Recovery, Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool. You'll also learn how to avoid common errors and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after rollback.

We warn you in advance: the procedure can cancel the warranty (if you use informal methods) and if you do not act correctly, lead to a device brilliance. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the Xiaomi service center.

Why do users want to roll back the MIUI update?

According to surveys on thematic forums, up to 30% of Redmi owners have tried to return an old firmware version at least once, the main reasons for dissatisfaction with the updates are:

• 🐢 Productivity: The new version MIUI works slower, lags appear when opening applications or scrolling through the menu.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Battery life is reduced by 15–40% (Especially relevant for Redmi Note models 8/9/10).
• 📱 Interface: Changed design, lost the usual gestures or settings (for example, adjusting the brightness in the curtain notifications).
• 🚫 Errors: Critical bugs – from inability to connect to Wi-Fi to spontaneous reboots.
• 🔒 Blocking: some functions (e.g. Root or ADB) They stopped working after the update.

Most complaints are about the switch from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13/14, as well as security updates that “break” customization, for example, after the update to Android 13 on Redmi Note 11, many users lost the ability to use themes from third-party developers.

Before you start rolling back, check if your problem is temporary.

1. Reset settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (without deleting data).
2. Clean the app cache manually or through Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
3. Disabling Automatic Updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

Preparation for rollback: what to do before the firmware

Firmware rollback is an irreversible process if you don't back up. Without a backup, you risk losing:

• 📁 Photos, videos and documents (unless they are synced to the cloud).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (if you do not use Google Account).
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and credentials (if not saved in Mi Account).

Minimum set of actions before rollback:

1. Sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google: go to Settings → Accounts → Sync and enable backup for all important data.

Also make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 100%).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi was purchased in China or has regional firmware (e.g. China) ROM), Recoil on the Global Version (Global) ROM) Check firmware compatibility on the forum Xiaomi.eu.

Method 1: Recovery (official method)

The safest way to return an old firmware is to use built-in Recovery, which is suitable if:

• 📲 You do not have a bootloader blocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - if Device unlocked: true, you can continue to use the bootloader).
• 📦 You downloaded the official firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.
• 🔄 You are going to have to go back to the version that was already installed (you can’t go over it). MIUI 14 on MIUI 10).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware (.zip format) and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have an option), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
6. After rebooting, reset settings to Settings → Additional → Restore and reset.

If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, So your version of Recovery doesn't support this method. 2).

⚠️ Note: After a rollback through Recovery, you may see a "Mi Account locked" error. To unlock the device, you will need to enter data from the associated Mi Account. If you do not remember the password, restore it to firmware!

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (if not, read the section "How to unlock the bootloader").
• 🖥️ You are ready to use a PC with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📦 You have full firmware in.tgz or.img format (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Tools required:

• 💻 PC Windows/Linux and administrator rights.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive and Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (Rabbit Screen).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device must be determined.
5. In the field of the path, specify a folder with unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete clean (recommended) Save user data - save data (risk of errors above).

Flash

After the reboot, set up the phone as new.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't load device" error, check: Are Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed (depending on your Redmi processor), is the antivirus disabled (it can block fastboot). USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Fastboot erases all data, including internal memory, and if you need to save files, backup in advance!

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is 99% hanging, don't turn off the phone! wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process is completed with a delay.

Method 3: Use of informal firmware (castomy ROMs)

If the official methods don’t help or you want to install an alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), you can use custom ROM.

• 🛠️ Advanced users who are prepared for risks.
• 📱 Redmi Owners with Unblocked bootloader.
• 🔄 Those who want an older/newer version of Android than Xiaomi offers.

Popular custom firmware for Redmi:

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (instructions in the next section).
2. Install custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP) via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Download firmware (.zip format) and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install firmware and GApps via Install.
6. Reboot and set up the system.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain errors, may not support certain features (e.g., VoLTE or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD). Before installing, check the reviews on the forum XDA.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to flash the device through Fastboot or install custom firmware. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process can take up to 72 hours (due to account verification).

Requirements:

• 📱 Phone with version MIUI 2 years old (older models may not work).
• 🔑 Linked Mi Account (required with a confirmed phone number).
• 💻 PC with Mi Unlock Tool installed (download).

Step-by-step:

1. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on: OEM Unlock. Debugging over USB.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Loudness down + Nutrition

Fastboot

Connect the device to the PC – the program must determine it.

Unlock

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• Is Mi Account Linked to Phone (Settings → Accounts)
• Has this account been used to unlock another device in the past 30 days?
• Has the Mi Unlock Tool been updated to the latest version?

💡

Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone!

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the rollback?

If Redmi doesn't respond to the power button or if it's stuck on the logo, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored.

Reasons for the brik and solutions:

If the phone doesn’t respond at all:

1. Connect it to charging for 1 hour (even if there is no indication).
2. Try logging into Fastboot or Recovery with a combination of buttons.
3. If the screen is black, use the hardware method: Turn off the phone from the PC. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 20 to 30 seconds. Connect to the PC, sometimes it wakes up the device.

If nothing helps, contact the service center with a check about the purchase (guarantee case).

⚠️ Note: If you have been stitching through unofficial firmware and your phone is “bricked”, Xiaomi’s warranty does not apply. the service may require a recovery fee (from 1,500 to 5,000). ₽).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi Redmi