Have you upgraded your Xiaomi Redmi to the latest version of MIUI, but the new firmware is unstable? Battery goes down faster, apps fly out and the interface is less user-friendly? Downgrading the MIUI version may bring back the device's previous performance, but it's a pitfalls process. Unlike a regular update, rollback requires unlocking the bootloader, choosing the right firmware and carefully manipulating system files.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal ways to downgrade MIUI on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular models. You will learn how to avoid the blink (complete device failure), save data and choose a stable version of firmware. Importantly, the procedure is different for devices with locked and unlocked bootloader, as well as for global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China) versions.
Why you might need to downgrade the MIUI version
Smartphone manufacturers rarely advertise the problems of new firmware, but users of Xiaomi Redmi often face:
- ⚡ Increased battery consumption - new versions MIUI Not always optimized for older processors (e.g., the Snapdragon 660 in the Redmi Note 9 Pro).
- 🐢 Slowdown – animations become less smooth, applications open longer due to background processes miui.analytics.
- 🔄 Intrusive updates — MIUI 13/14 Automatically downloads update packs, even if you have disabled this feature.
- 🚫 Removal of functions, for example, in MIUI 14 removed the ability to disable advertising in system applications.
According to the XDA Developers community, up to 30% of Redmi users return to previous versions of MIUI within a month of an update. However, downgrades don’t always solve problems — sometimes it’s not the updates that are to blame, but a contaminated file system or conflicting applications. Before you start rolling back, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).
Preparation for the downgrade: what to do before the rollback
Downgrading MIUI is not just about installing old firmware. Incorrect actions can result in data loss, device lockdown, or even physical damage (such as interrupting the firmware process).
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the device model and current version of MIUI
Download the correct firmware (Global/China/EEA)
Charge your phone at least 60%
Prepare a USB cable and computer (to unlock the bootloader)
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (for Windows)
Disable Mi Account protection (if you plan to unlock)
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Critically, determine the exact model of your Redmi and the current version of MIUI. Go to Settings → About Phone. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro may have versions:
- MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (TKFMIXM) is a global firmware for the international market.
- MIUI China 14.0.4.0 (TKFCNXM) – Chinese version (may not support Google Services)
- MIUI EEA 14.0.3.0 (TKFEUXM) is a European build (with GDPR-compatible settings).
If you install firmware not for your model or region, the device may stop booting! Use only files from the official MIUI Downloads website or verified sources (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most Redmi sold this way), a downgrade is only possible via Fastboot or Recovery, but requires pre-unlocking. Without it, you will get an error "This package is for 'xxx' devices only".
Ways to Downgrade the MIUI Version: Which One to Choose
There are three main downgrade methods, and the choice depends on the status of the bootloader and your experience.
| Method | Unlocking required | Data retained | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Recovery (local package) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (when selecting "Save user data") | ⭐⭐ (middle-class) | Devices with unlocked loader |
| Through Fastboot (MiFlash) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (full reset) | ⭐⭐⭐ (high-pitched) | All models, including the blocked ones |
| Through ADB Sideload | ❌ No, but you need rights. ADB) | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (skilled) | Devices with custom recovery (TWRP) |
For most Redmi users, the best way to do this is through Recovery if the bootloader is already unlocked. If not, you'll have to use Fastboot, but it will require additional action (unlocking takes up to 72 hours!). ADB Sideload is only suitable for those who have already installed custom firmware and have experience with TWRP.
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If your device is guaranteed, unlocking the bootloader will lead to its loss, in which case it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center for a rollback of the firmware in the official way.
Step-by-step: Downgrade through Recovery
This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and allows you to save user data (when choosing the appropriate option).
- Download the firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads. Choose the.zip version for Recovery (not Fastboot!). 11 It's gonna be a file of sorts. miui_SPESGlobal_V13.0.4.0.SGCMIXM_....
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!).
- Start Recovery: Turn off your phone. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears. Choose the language (usually English).
Select "Install update.zip"
Choose update package
Confirm installation
Don't turn off your phone!
Reboot.
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 15 minutes after the reboot, make a forced reboot (press Power for 20 seconds).
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10S) When you downgrade, you can use Recovery to activate anti-rollback, and then you lock the device with the error "Couldn't verify." XDA beforehand.
What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
Downgrade via Fastboot: unlocking and firmware
If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool, a process that takes up to 3 days (due to Xiaomi restrictions) and requires:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (driver ADB/Fastboot).
- 📱 Phone with a tied Mi Account (Xiaomi account).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not contactless charging!).
- ⏳ Time: After the first account is linked to the device, you need to wait 168 hours (7 days).
Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. After you link your account, wait 168 hours.
Step 2. Firmware through Fastboot
- Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz file) for your model.
- Unpack the archive in a folder on a PC (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
- Launch your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices (serial number should be displayed).
- Run the firmware through the MiFlash Tool: Select a folder with the unpacked firmware. Press Refresh → Flash. Wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've flashed through Fastboot, try re-checking the "Clean All" tick in MiFlash, which will delete all the data, but often solves loading problems.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Couldn't verify update" | Anti-rollback protection or incorrect firmware | Check version compatibility on XDA or go through Fastboot |
| "This package is for 'xxx' devices only" | The firmware is not suitable for your model. | Download the correct version (check the model code in Settings → About the phone) |
| "Mi Flash not responding" | Problems with drivers or USB-connection | Reinstall the driver, try another cable/port |
| The phone is stuck on the Mi logo | Failed firmware or data conflict | Run Wipe Data in Recovery or scroll back through Fastboot |
If you get the error "Device is locked" when you try to flash through Fastboot, then the bootloader is not unlocked.
- Check the unlock status in the Mi Unlock Tool.
- If the waiting time (168 hours) has not expired, wait until the end.
- If your account is not tied, do so through your Settings → Xiaomi Account.
Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12), Xiaomi has introduced additional protection – ARB (Anti-Rollback). Trying to lower the version below the permissible will lead to a blink (complete inoperability). Before downgrad, check the current version of ARB in Settings → About Phone → All Specifications → ARB Version and compare with the target firmware.
How to avoid data loss in downgrade
Even if you choose the "Save User Data" method in Recovery, there's no guarantee that everything will stay in place.
- 📱 Backup via Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. Enable sync for Contacts, Messages, Photos. Download backup manually (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).
- 💾 Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and copy folders DCIM (Photos), Download, WhatsApp. Use Xiaomi PC Suite for backup SMS call.
- 🔐 Save passwords: Export passwords from Google Smart Lock (Settings) → Google → Managing a Google Account → Security → Passwords. Take screenshots. QR-Codes for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Warning: If you are downgraded via Fastboot or ADB Sideload, all data will be deleted! If you have not made a backup, it will be impossible to restore photos, messages or settings.
- Applications may require re-entry (for example, WhatsApp, VKontakte).
- Some settings (such as Always-on Display) will reset to factory settings.
- Licenses for paid apps (e.g., Google Play) may require re-activation.
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If you lose photos after a downgrade, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory, and sometimes backups are saved automatically.