How to make a rollback on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways (with unlocking the bootloader)

Have you upgraded your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO firmware, but the new software is worse than the old one? Or did the phone brake, run down quickly after the upgrade, and the camera makes the pictures worse? The rollback to the previous version of MIUI is a solution, but the process requires caution. In this article, we will discuss all official and informal methods of rollback, including unlocking the bootloader, working with Fastboot and Recovery, and recovering from unsuccessful manipulations.

Before you start, consider that a firmware rollback on Xiaomi is not just a click on the “Go Back” button. The manufacturer restricts such operations so that users do not install outdated (and potentially vulnerable) versions of the software. So you will need to unlock the bootloader, use special tools and sometimes even risk data. We will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the least risky path for your model.

Important: The procedure is different for Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek devices, and for phones with a locked and unlocked bootloader. If you are not sure about your chipset model, check it through the CPU-Z app or in settings (Settings → About Phone → Kernel Version).

1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the beginning

The first step is to save all the important data. Firmware rollback almost always results in a complete reset (unless you use the Recovery method with data storage).

  • 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or use Mi Mover to transfer data to PC.
  • 🔐 Write down logins / passwords from your Mi Account, Google, banking applications and social networks - after resetting them you will need to enter them again.
  • 📁 Copy files from internal memory to a computer or cloud (photos, videos, documents) and in some cases, rollbacks even erase the folder. DCIM.
  • 🔧 Check the version. MIUI In Settings → Write down the current and target version (e.g., with the phone). MIUI 14.0.5 at 13.0.12).

Also prepare the tools:

  • 💻 Windows PC 10/11 (for Fastboot methods) or Mac/Linux (for ADB).
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
  • 📦 Firmware archive (official or custom) for your model.
  • 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, Platform Tools (from Google), XiaomiTool V2 (advanced).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is purchased in China (market version) CN), rollback (Global/EEA) can block the network (IMEI). Check the region of the device in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (must have Global/EEA/RU, Not China).

📊 What Xiaomi model do you want to roll back?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO F3/F4/F5
Xiaomi 11/12/13 series
Another model

2.Official rollback via Recovery (no unlock)

The safest method is to use In-built Recovery, which is suitable if:

  • 🔄 You were updated "over the air» (OTA) You want to go back to the previous version.
  • 🔓 The bootloader is not unlocked (the method works on locked devices).
  • 📦 You have an official firmware in.zip format for your model.

Instructions:

  1. Download the desired version of MIUI from en.miui.com (select Recovery ROM).
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
  3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  4. Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
  5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

✅ Pros of the method: does not require unlocking, saves data (unless you choose Wipe Data).

❌ Cons: It does not work on all models (for example, on the POCO F5 Fastboot may be required, but sometimes errors such as E:Footer is wrong occur.

What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
If the file is not identified, check: - Correct name (update.zip, Archive integrity (pump from official website). - Support your model (some new devices block rollback through Recovery). - Try moving the file to SD-card (if there is a slot).

3. rollback via Fastboot (with bootloader unlock)

If the Recovery method doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot mode, which is universal, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader

  1. Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
  2. Activate Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone), then enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
  3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and unlock the bootloader (it may take 7-15 days to wait!).

Step 2. Install firmware via Fastboot

  1. Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz or.zip file) for your model from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  4. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
  5. Select Clean All mode (full reset) or Save user data (save data, but may cause errors).
  6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek chipset (such as the Redmi Note 11), an additional auth file is required for Fastboot firmware (can be obtained via the Fastboot Firmware). MTK Without it, the Mi Flash Tool will give you an error. SLA Auth Error.

Battery charge > 50%|Cable USB Original (not cheap forgery)|Xiaomi drivers installed on PC|Backup copy of data created|bootloader unlocked (checked through fastboot oem device-info)-->

4. rollback to custom firmware (for advanced)

If official methods have not helped or you want to install modified firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience, LineageOS), follow this instruction.

What you need:

  • 📱 Custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
  • 📦 Firmware in.zip format (for example, with a XDA Developers).
  • 🔧 ADB and Fastboot on PC.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
  2. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select Partitions).
  3. Select the custom firmware (Install → Select a zip file).
  4. Clean the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache).
  5. Reboot (Reboot → System)

On dynamic partition devices (Dynamic Partitions, for example, Xiaomi) 12/13 series) before firmware custom software must disable the check avb2.0, Otherwise, the phone won't boot. TWRP execute:

fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may disrupt Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+), and block banking applications (due to lack of Google certification) before installing, check firmware reviews on forums.

5.Recovery after a failed rollback

If the phone doesn’t turn on after rollback, hovers on the MI logo or gives a Bootloop error, try the following steps:

Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
Hanging on the MI logo.Incompatible firmware or interrupted installationRepeat the firmware through Fastboot with a full clean (Clean all)
No Command Error in RecoveryRecovery section damagedScroll down the original Recovery via Fastboot:
Phone is not defined by PCProblems with drivers or cableInstall Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers or try another cable/port
SLA Auth Error (MediaTek)There is no authorization fileGet an auth file via MTK Bypass Tool or use SP Flash Tool

If your phone doesn’t respond to buttons at all, try Emergency Mode (EDL):

  1. Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.
  2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
  3. Use the Mi Flash Tool to run your firmware in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account).

1. Dial ##4636##.

2. Go to Phone Information → Select Set preferred network type → LTE/WCDMA auto.

3.If IMEI You're out, use Maui. META (for MediaTek or QCN Rebuilder (for Snapdragon).-->

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

  • 🚫 E:Signature verification failed → The firmware is not official or corrupted. Download the file again from a verified source.
  • 🚫 This package is for "xxx" devices; this is a "yyy" → The firmware is not for your model. Check the device code (fastboot getvar product).
  • 🚫 Phone overheats after rollback → Reset your settings to factory (Wipe Data in Recovery).
  • 🚫 No network after firmware → Check if he's dropped off. IMEI (See the advice above) or run the modem (NVRAM) separately.

If you see an Anti-rollback check fail error, it means you're trying to install a firmware that's too old. Xiaomi blocks rollbacks on versions older than a certain Anti-Rollback Index number.

  1. Find a firmware with the same or newer index.
  2. Edit the file flash_all.sh in the firmware archive by deleting the line with the anti check (for experienced ones only!).

💡

Before rolling back, always check the firmware compatibility with your model by device code (for example, toco for POCO F3). The mismatch can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability).

7. Alternative methods: without unlocking the bootloader

If unlocking the bootloader is not available (for example, due to waiting 168 hours), you can try workarounds:

  • 🔄 Recoil through Mi PC Suite (only for some models): Install Mi PC Suite from the official website. Connect the phone, select the Update → System Restore. Follow the instructions (the method does not work on all devices).
  • 📡 TestPoint (for MediaTek): On some devices (Redmi) 9A/9C) can enter EDL-Unauthorized mode by locking the TestPoint contacts on the board!