How to undo the latest update to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 working ways

After installing the new MIUI update, your Xiaomi Redmi 9 could have bugs: fast battery drain, overheating, lags in the interface or broken functions. The manufacturer does not always quickly fix errors, so many users have to roll back the firmware to the previous stable version. In this article, proven ways to cancel the update without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Firmware rollback is a procedure that requires care. Mistakes can cause data loss or your phone to fail. We'll look at three official methods: Recovery, Fastboot, and factory reset. Each option has its own nuances, so choose the right one based on your experience and current smartphone condition.

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the phone has enough battery power (at least 60%) and prepare a backup of important data.Rollback firmware will delete all user files if you choose the method with a complete system cleanup.

1.Preparation for rollback of the update

Before you start canceling the update, you need to follow several mandatory steps, which minimizes risks and makes it easier to restore the Redmi 9.

First, determine the current version of MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full firmware name (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5 Stable).

Use the built-in Backup app or third-party services like Google Drive to save contacts, photos and documents.

• 📱 Battery charge: at least 60% (better than 80%+)
• 🔌 Cable USB: Original or certified (for Fastboot)
• 💻 Computer: with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed (for Fastboot method)
• 📁 Firmware file: download the exact version MIUI, which was before the update

Third, unlock the bootloader if you haven't done it before. For methods using Fastboot, it's a must. Check the lock status in Settings → Additional → For developers → OEM unlock status. If it says "Blocked," you'll need an official unlock procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.

2. Method 1: Recovery (Save Data)

The safest method for most users is to cancel an update without losing data if you can do so immediately after installing a new firmware, and only if the phone has a file from a previous version of MIUI in its memory.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar section with update.zip).
5. The system will automatically find the file of the previous firmware and prompt you to install it.
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If there is no item c in the Recovery menu update.zip, So the previous firmware version was removed from the memory of the device, and then you'll have to use other methods.

This method only works if:

• 🕒 It has been no more than 24 hours since the update.
• 📁 The previous firmware file was not deleted by the system.
• 🔄 The phone was not restarted after the update.

3. Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (full flashing)

A method for power users who are ready to completely flash the device is suitable if:

• Recovery method didn't work.
• The phone is loaded into the system, but is not stable
• You want to return a specific version of MIUI, not the one you installed before the last update.

This method will require a computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader. Without unlocking the bootloader, you can't reflash the phone through Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the full Fastboot ROM for Redmi 9 from Xiaomi’s official website. Make sure the version matches the one you want to roll back to.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (the way without Cyrillic characters!).
3. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
4. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom of the program, select Clean all mode (complete clean) or Save user data (data storage, but not always stable).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears during Fastboot firmware, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI. In this case, you will have to look for firmware no older than the one that was installed on the phone originally (information can be found on the sticker under the battery or in the service menu).

4. Method 3: Resetting to factory settings

The last method that you should use if the first two didn't work or the phone became completely inoperable. Reset will return the firmware to the factory version, but delete all user data. This method does not guarantee a rollback to the previous version of MIUI - the phone will install the firmware that was on it when you bought it.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes).

If the phone does not boot into the system, reset via Recovery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 may require re-activation of the device via Mi Account after reset.Make sure you remember the username and password, otherwise the phone will remain locked!

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If you've dropped the phone on the Mi logo, don't panic. Wait 10-15 minutes -- the first download after the reset can take a long time. If after 20 minutes nothing has changed, repeat the reset procedure or try flashing the phone through Fastboot.

5. Where to Download the Right Firmware for Redmi 9

Successful rollback of the update depends on how accurately you choose the version of MIUI. Official firmware for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) can be downloaded from the following resources:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website: global firmware portal (select Redmi section) 9 → Global/EEA/Russia Stable)
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater: an unofficial archive with history of all versions
• 📥 4PDA: Redmi 9 (there are modified and custom firmware)

When choosing a firmware, pay attention to:

• Region: Global, EEA (Europe), Russia or India. Install only the one that matches your current firmware!
• Type: Stable or Developer. For everyday use, choose Stable.
• Android Version: The firmware should be compatible with your current version of Android (for example, if you have Android 11, don’t install firmware for Android 10).

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from questionable sources! Fake files may contain viruses or be corrupted, leading to the "bricking" of the phone (MD5) downloaded.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When an update rolls back, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, in which case we recommend contacting Xiaomi service center or trusted masters of smartphone repair.

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The Redmi 9 update rollback is only possible within a single major version of Android. For example, if your phone is upgraded to Android 12, you won't be able to return Android 11 without the risk of locking the bootloader.

7. Alternative solutions: if recoiling is not possible

In some cases, you can't cancel the update due to technical limitations, so you can try other ways to get the phone back running smoothly:

• 🔄 Pushback through ADB Sideload: If Recovery can't see update.zip, But the phone turns on, you can download the firmware through adb sideload. To do this, in Recovery, select Connect with MiAssistant and connect the phone to the computer with the installed one. ADB.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This requires an unlocked bootloader and experience with custom custom devices. ROM.
• 📱 Use Launcher: If the problem is only with the interface, try installing a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher.
• 🔋 Battery calibration: If the battery is quickly down after the upgrade, complete the full discharge/charge cycle (0% → 100% → 0%) 2-3 once.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware deprives you of an official warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the phone.Be sure to check the reviews about a particular firmware on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions