How to roll back system updates on Xiaomi: 3 working ways (2026)

Updates to MIUI often bring new features, but sometimes instead of improvements users are faced with bugs: fast battery discharge, overheating, broken sensors or even a “brick” after a failed firmware. If your Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco or Black Shark began to slow down after the update, do not rush to carry it to the service – you can return the old version of the system yourself.

In this article, we will discuss three official methods of rollback: through Recovery, Fastboot and the utility MIUI bootloader. Each method is suitable for different situations, from a light downgrade to the recovery of a “dead” smartphone. Also explain why you can not just remove the update as an application, what risks are there when rollbacks and how to avoid data loss.

⚠️ Important: Before any firmware manipulation, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device. On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), it is locked by default, and you will need official permission from the manufacturer to roll back.

1 Why you can't just uninstall the MIUI update

Many users mistakenly think that the system update is a regular app update that can be undo in the settings.In fact, MIUI replaces the Android kernel and system files, rather than installing on top of the APK.

• 🔄 Recoiling through "Settings" is impossible - in MIUI There is no “return to the previous version” feature, unlike Windows or macOS.
• 🗑️ Removing the update cache (/cache) It will not help – it only cleans temporary files, but does not affect the installed firmware.
• ⚙️ Resetting to factory settings won't bring back the old version MIUI, It will simply reset the current one (you will stay on the same firmware, but without user data).

The only way to really roll back is to reflash the device to the previous version of MIUI.

• 📱 Suitable firmware (stable or development branch).
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot or TWRP (for advanced users).
• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (if the device is new).

2.Preparation for rollback: what to do before firmware

Before you start downgrade, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss or turning your smartphone into a “brick”:

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Check the device model and current version MIUI|Download the correct firmware (only for your model!)|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Unlock the loader (if required)-->

Step 1. Backup

The firmware rollback erases all data from internal memory, including photos, messages and installed applications.

• 📸 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts: sync with your Google or Mi Account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game progress: link accounts to Google Play Games or social networks.

Step 2: Determine the MIUI model and version

You need to download the firmware strictly for your model.

• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5 Stable).
• 🔍 By code: type in the phone application ##4636## → «Phone information».
• 🖥️ On or under the battery (for removable batteries).

⚠️ Note: The firmware for the Redmi Note 11 (spes) will not work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro (veux), even if they look similar!

Step 3: Downloading the firmware

The official MIUI firmware can be taken from these resources:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website (choose Stable or Developer branch).
• 📥 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial but reliable archive).
• 🤖 MIUI bootloader (application for PC, automatically selects firmware).

Look for files with the extension:

• .zip – to be installed via Recovery.
• .tgz or.img is for Fastboot.

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If you can't find firmware for your model, check its code name (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro is sweet). The full list of code names is available on XiaomiUI's website.

3. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• ✅ You do not have a bootloader blocked (on new devices it is blocked by default).
• ✅ You have downloaded the correct firmware in.zip format for your model.
• ✅ The phone turns on and goes into Recovery (if it's a "brick," use Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware (.zip) and rename it to update.zip (required!).
2. Move the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then: Install. update.zip to System One (or "Install Update with" SD-map")
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will be on the old version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, Your device uses a new type of recovery (e.g., a new type of recovery, MIUI 13+). In this case, a rollback through Recovery is impossible - use Fastboot.

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Recovery rollback is the safest way, but only works on older models (until 2021 release).For newer smartphones, use Fastboot.

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If Recovery doesn't work or the phone doesn't turn on, Fastboot is a versatile method. It requires a PC and a little more effort, but it even works on bricks.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.img format.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) into a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
5. In the field of the path to the firmware, specify a folder with unpacked files.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all – clean (recommended); Clean all and lock – clean + lock the bootloader (only if you are sure!); Save user data – an attempt to save data (not always works).

Press Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error Critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is blocked. You need to unlock it officially through the Xiaomi website (you need a Mi Account account and wait 7-30 days).

5. Method 3: Recoil through MIUI bootloader (for beginners)

If the first two methods seem complicated, use the MIUI bootloader utility, which automates the process of downloading and installing firmware.

Advantages:

• 🔍 Automatically finds firmware for your model.
• 📥 Download the required version (including old builds).
• 🛠️ Supports installation via Fastboot and Recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download MIUI bootloader with XDA Developers and install it.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (or just turn it on if you want to use Recovery).
3. In the utility, select your model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
4. In the firmware list, find the version you want (e.g. MIUI 13.0.5) and download it.
5. Click Flash and follow the program's prompts.

MIUI bootloader supports two firmware modes:

• 🔄 Recovery – if the phone is turned on and the bootloader is unlocked.
• ⚡ Fastboot – if the phone is not turned on or the bootloader is locked (unlocking will be required).

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If MIUI bootloader does not have the right firmware version, try manually downloading it from Xiaomi Firmware Updater and downloading it to the program via the Select ROM button.

6 Possible errors and how to correct them

When you roll back firmware, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:

Frequent questions and answers:

• 🔋 The phone will not turn on after rollback → Try to pin the volume up. + 20 seconds of power for forced reboot. If it doesn't work, resweeve.
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and unlocking takes 30 days → Use it. TWRP (Unofficial recovery, if you have it for your model.
• 📱 After the rollback, there's no net. → Install the right firmware for your region (e.g. Global, not China).

7.How to avoid problems after a rollback

Even if the rollback is successful, there may be hidden problems: poor autonomy, application errors, or loss of features.

• 🔄 Make a reset to factory settings after rollback: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 📶 Update communication modules: sometimes after a downgrade disappears 5G Install the latest version of Firmware for your model.
• 🔒 Do not update immediately: after a rollback, wait 1-2 weeks, check the reviews about the new firmware on the forums (4PDA, XDA).
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update (off).

Stability check after rollback:

1. Check the work of sensors: gyroscope, compass, fingerprint scanner.
2. Run a benchmark (such as AnTuTu or Geekbench) to make sure there are no brakes.
3. Test the camera and speakers – sometimes after a rollback, the sound or HDR disappears.
4. Check the battery’s autonomy: If the battery goes down too fast, calibrate it (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

⚠️ Note: If the phone starts to overheat or turn off after rollback, it is likely that the firmware was installed for another modification (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro instead of the Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G). In this case, repeat the process with the correct firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI rollback