How to put an old update on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

After automatic MIUI update, your Xiaomi started to slow down, discharge faster or lost favorite features? You can return the old version of the firmware - but this requires caution. Unlike installing new updates, rolling back to the old version can lead to loss of data, locking the bootloader or even a "brick" of the device if you break the sequence of actions.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for rolling back updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including models from 2020-2026), as well as unique nuances for devices with a locked bootloader.

Why You Might Need to Reverse the Update

Manufacturers rarely admit errors in newer versions of MIUI, but users often encounter:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption, especially after the transition MIUI 14/15 On older smartphones (such as Redmi Note) 9 pro POCO X3 NFC).
• 🐢 Lags and hangs due to unoptimized code for weak processors (Snapdragon series) 6xx/7xx).
• 🚫 Disappearance of functions: removing themes, changing navigation gestures, or limiting customization.
• 📱 Application compatibility issues (e.g., banking or games that require older versions of Android).

However, before rolling back, check:

⚠️ Note: If the problem is due to an update failure (not the firmware itself), try resetting to factory settings first in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Resetting. This keeps you able to go back to the current version. MIUI risk-free.

Battery consumption increased.|The smartphone began to slow down|The necessary functions have disappeared.|The applications are not working.|Other-->

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Firmware rollback is an irreversible process if you don't keep the system in its current state.

Backup data (photos, contacts, SMS) | Download the correct firmware version for your model | Check bootloader status (unlocked/locked) | Charge your phone at least 60% | Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC-->

Key points:

• 📱 Backup: Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root). → Additionally. → Backup and reset will only save system settings, not user data.
• 🔧 Firmware version: Download only stable builds from the official Xiaomi Firmware website. Avoid "custom" firmware from third-party developers - they may contain malicious code.
• 🔒 bootloader: Most Xiaomi devices have it locked. To roll back through Fastboot will need to unlock (instruction below).

To determine the current firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down the full number (e.g. V14.0.5.0.TKMCNXM) – it will be needed to find a compatible old version.

Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

The simplest method, but it only works if:

• ✅ The bootloader is unlocked.
• ✅ You have an official firmware in.zip format for your model.
• ✅ The phone is turned on and can be booted into Recovery Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware (for example, fw_redmi_note10_pro_global_v13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Run Wipe Data in Recovery (erase all data!) This is often due to version incompatibility. MIUI Android.

💡

If Recovery does not have Install update.zip, your firmware uses a new type of Recovery (starting with MIUI 12), in which case use method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (Universal Method)

This method is suitable for most devices, including those that:

• 🔓 The bootloader is locked (but you are ready to unlock it).
• 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
• 🔄 You need to return the firmware to several versions back (for example, with the MIUI 15. MIUI 13).

Procedure:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions (wait time is up to 72 hours for new accounts).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site. Pay attention to the region (Global, China, EEA).
3. Install drivers: For Windows: download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers. For Linux/macOS: use fastboot via the terminal.

Switch the device.

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot reboot

Or use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (erase all data!).

💡

A rollback via Fastboot is the only way to get the device back on track if it doesn't turn on after a failed upgrade, but it does require technical skills and risks voiding the warranty.

Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔄 You want to go back to one version (for example, with a V14.0.6.0 on V14.0.5.0).
• 📦 You have a.zip firmware archive with Xiaomi signature.
• 🖥️ You know how to use it. ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection: Adb devices should display the serial number of the device.
3. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
4. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB.
5. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload name file.zip

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Attention: If, during ADB Sideload will appear Signature verification failed, so the firmware is not designed for your model or region!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems. Consider typical scenarios:

• 🚨 "Invalid sparse file when you run Fastboot: Cause: corrupted firmware file or incompatible version Solution: download the firmware again and check the checksum (MD5).
• 🔄 Hanging on the logo MI After the rollback: Reason: conflict versions MIUI Solution: Run Wipe Data in Recovery or re-sweeten the full Fastboot package.
• 🔒 "This device is locked" in Mi Unlock Tool: Reason: Mi Account is not tied to the device or phone hasn't been online in the last week.Solution: log in to your phone, connect to the Internet and wait 7 days (for new accounts).

If you lose your IMEI or serial number after a rollback, restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool (requires a Qualcomm developer account).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions