How to Downgrade Your Firmware on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Downgrade MIUI

Downgrading the firmware version on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is a challenge that users face after unsuccessful MIUI updates. The new OS version can run slower, contain critical bugs or remove familiar features. However, the downgrade process requires caution: improper actions lead to a “brig” (complete failure) of the device or data loss.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of downgrading the firmware, from unlocking the bootloader to installing an older version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery. We will focus on models with anti-rollback protection (Anti-Rollback), where downgrade is possible only to certain versions.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 80)+%) — interruption of the process due to discharge leads to incorrigible consequences.
• 📥 Data backup – Downgrade erases all files, including photos and apps.
• 🔧 Suitable drivers – Windows will require Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers depending on the processor.

1.Why you may need to lower the firmware

The main reasons why users are returning to the old version of MIUI are:

• 🐢 Performance: New versions are often optimized for fresh models, and on older smartphones (Redmi Note 5, Mi 8) begin to slow down.
• 🔄 Removal of functions: For example, in MIUI 14 removed Game Turbo for some devices, and in MIUI 13 - settings DC Dimming.
• 🛑 Critical bugs: In MIUI 12.5 on Poco X3 They complained about the heat, and in MIUI 13 - per battery charge per night.
• 🔒 Opportunity lock: New firmware may restrict processor overclocking or access to engineering menus.

But downgrades aren't always possible. The manufacturer has introduced an anti-rollback, a mechanism that blocks firmware installation older than a particular version. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, you can't roll back below MIUI 12.0.3.0, otherwise the device will turn into a brick.

Preparation: unlocking the loader

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can’t downgrade the firmware. Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes. The unlocking process takes 3 to 7 days (sometimes longer) and requires:

1. Linked Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number).
2. Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website).
3. USB Type-C cable (preferably original) and PC running Windows 7/10/11.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. If a Couldn't unlock message appears, wait 168 hours (7 days) and try again.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, and some features (such as Find Device or Mi Pay) may stop working.

3.Selecting the Right Firmware for Downgrade

Not every old firmware is right for your model.

• 📱 The exact model match: The firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 9S (curtana, even if the devices are identical.
• 🔄 Anti-Rollback Compliance: Check the current version of the anti-rollback in the Settings menu → The phone. → All specifications → Anti-rollback version.
• 🌍 Firmware Region: Install Global only, EEA (Europe or Russia – Chinese versions (China) may not support Google services.

Where to download firmware:

• 🔗 Xiaomi official website – only stable versions.
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – archive of all versions, including beta.
• 🔗 4PDA — custom firmware and modified versions (for experienced users).

⚠️ Note: If you try to install firmware older than Anti-Rollback allows, the device will lock with the error Anti Rollback Check Fail.

4. Ways to lower firmware

There are three main downgrade methods, and the choice depends on the model and the current state of the loader:

4.1. via Fastboot (recommended method)

Suitable for most devices. It requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

Steps:

1. Download the Fastboot firmware (a file with the.tgz or.zip extension) and unpack it.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then pinch Power + Volume down.
4. Connect to your PC, in the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
5. Choose Clean All and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

Download the correct version of the firmware for your model

Install Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm/Mediatek Drivers

Charge your phone to at least 70%

Backup important data

Connect the original USB-cable-->

4.2. Through Recovery (for experienced)

Less reliable, but doesn't require a PC, and it's good for.zip firmware.

Instructions:

1. Download Recovery firmware and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root folder of internal memory.
3. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System and confirm installation.

⚠️ Risk: This method often leads to the error E:Footer is wrong or E:Signature verification failed.

Through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

The most flexible method, but requires the installation of TWRP (unofficial recovery), suitable for enthusiasts, as it allows:

• Install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• Backup the current system before downgrade.
• Bypass some of the limitations of Anti-Rollback (but not all!)

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the TWRP image for your model from twrp.me.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. Enter the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_10-0-sweet.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_10-0-sweet.img (Replace sweet with your model’s code name).
4. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data, then install the firmware through Install.

💡

If, after the firmware is through TWRP phone hangs on the logo MI, Try to drop the cache: in TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

If after the firmware phone:

• 🔄 Obsessed on download: Try resetting cache through Recovery or reflash.
• 📵 Not enabled: Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try logging in to Fastboot (Power) + Loudness down).
• 🔧 Sensor/camera not working: This is a sign of incompatible firmware - install another version.

💡

If the IMEI is lost after a downgrade or the network is not working, then the modem is damaged, and you can restore it through service firmware (for example, NVRAM) or at a service center.

6.What to do after a successful downgrade

Downgrading the firmware is only half the battle, so that the device works steadily.

1. Reset settings through Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This will eliminate possible system file conflicts.
2. Update Google Services: Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services and click Update.
3. Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-update (off)
4. Check the sensors: Run the test using ##6484## (to check the display) or ##4636## (battery information).

If you notice,

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – perform Battery calibration (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).
• 🌡️ Overheating – Check background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📶 Bad Network Signal – Update Settings APN manually (a list for your operator can be found on its website).

7. Alternatives to Downgraid

If downgrading firmware is not possible due to Anti-Rollback or risks, consider alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Reverse Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock option: Restores factory firmware but blocks bootloader back.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• ⚙️ Magisk Modules: Some problems (e.g. remote functions) can be returned using modules such as MIUI Debloater or MIUI Optimizations.
• 📱 Switching to another device: If a downgrade is not possible and the current firmware is not satisfied, consider buying a smartphone with Project Treble support (for example, Poco). F3), Where it is easier to install alternatives.

For models with a locked boot loader and the inability to unlock (for example, some Redmis for the Chinese market), only:

• Contact the Xiaomi service center with a request for a kickback (paid service, ~1500-3000₽).
• Use it. EDL-The mode (emergency firmware mode), but it requires an authorized Xiaomi account and special equipment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi downgrade