How to roll back updates on Xiaomi phone: secure 2026 methods

MIUI updates often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems: the phone starts to slow down, discharge in a few hours or completely stops working properly. If after the update your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO began to behave unstable, a rollback to the previous version of the firmware may be the only solution.

In this guide, we will discuss three official rollback methods (via Recovery, Fastboot, and MIUI bootloader), as well as alternative methods for power users. We will focus on training, from backup to unlocking the bootloader, without which some methods simply won’t work. If you’ve never flashed your phone yourself, start with the Preparation section: it describes critical nuances that will save you from errors.

Important: the rollback procedure is different for devices on Qualcomm and Mediatek, as well as for models with a locked bootloader (most new Xiaomi smartphones block it by default).

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

The first step is to save all the important data. Firmware rollback, especially through Fastboot, almost always results in a complete reset. Even if you choose the method without cleaning the data, the risk of losing it remains.

• 📱 Mi Cloud – sync contacts, notes, photos (check if there is enough space in the cloud).
• 💾 Local backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🖥️ Computer – copy files from internal memory to PC (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp and others.).

The second critical point is to determine the current and target version of the firmware. You can find the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down in its entirety (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5.0.TKMCNXM).

• 🌐 Official website MIUI — Choose a phone model and download Recovery ROM or Fastboot ROM.
• 🔍 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – an independent firmware archive with version history.

⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from questionable forums! Fake files may contain viruses or be collected with errors, which will cause your phone to fail. Use only official sources or trusted communities (e.g., trusted communities, 4PDA).

The third stage is unlocking the bootloader (if it is locked).Most new Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader, and without it unlocking, a rollback through the Fastboot is impossible.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked. Unlocking takes up to 7 days (requires binding Mi Account and waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi).

2. Method 1: Recovery (the easiest method)

This method is suitable for most users, as it does not require unlocking the bootloader and works even on devices with a locked bootloader.

• 📲 The phone is turned on and loaded into the system (albeit with errors).
• 🔄 You are going to roll back to a version that was installed earlier (you can’t jump over multiple versions).
• 📁 You have Recovery. ROM (not Fastboot ROM!) for your model.

Instructions:

1. Download the previous version of Recovery ROM (file with.zip extension) and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Launch the Updater app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
4. Specify the path to update.zip and confirm installation. The phone will reboot to Recovery and begin the rollback process.

⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI If it's 10 minutes or more, don't panic. Give it 30 minutes to boot first. If it's not responding after that time, try pressing the power button for 15 seconds to force it to restart.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require PC and unlock the bootloader.
• ✅ Stores user data (but we recommend backups!).
• ✅ Suitable for beginners.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It does not work on all models (for example, on the POCO F5 You may need a Fastboot).
• ❌ You can’t roll back to a version older than the one originally installed.

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is more reliable, but it's more complicated.

• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (or you are ready to unlock it).
• 💻 Access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📦 You downloaded Fastboot. ROM (archive with the extension.tgz or.zip).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the Fastboot ROM in a folder on the computer (for example, C:\MIUI\). There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and a Fastboot inscription).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Launch it. flash_all.bat (It's going to start a firmware process that will take a lot of time. 5–15 minute.

If the script does not start or gives an error, try to manually execute commands:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Additional command is required to unlock critical partitions: fastboot flashing unlock_critical. Without it, the firmware can end in an anti-rollback error.

The advantages of Fastboot:

• ✅ It works even if the phone doesn’t turn on.
• ✅ You can flash any compatible version (within anti-rollback protection).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the loader.
• ❌ Deletes all data (required backup!).
• ❌ Errors in teams can lead to a brick.

💡

If your phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try flashing only the system partition without userdata, which sometimes helps save data.

Method 3: Recoil via MIUI bootloader (for OTA-enabled firmware)

MIUI bootloader is the official application from Xiaomi, which allows you to download and install previous versions of firmware through OTA (over the air).

• 📲 No PC.
• 🔄 Save data (but it’s better to do a backup!).
• 🔍 Automatically selects compatible versions.

Instructions:

1. Download MIUI bootloader from Google Play.
2. Open the app, select your phone model and find the desired firmware version in the list.
3. Press Download, then Update. The phone will reboot and start installing.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It only works for supported devices. OTA-rollback (model list limited).
• ❌ You can’t roll back to a version older than the one you originally installed (due to anti-rollback).

5. Unlocking the bootloader: a step-by-step guide

If your phone is released after 2018, it most likely has a bootloader locked. Unlocking is required to run through Fastboot and takes up to 7 days.

Step 1. Link your Mi Account to your phone

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Turn on data synchronization and confirm the device’s link to the account.

Step 2: Request permission to unlock

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Launch the utility on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
4. Press Unlock. If you receive a waiting message, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours).

Step 3. Unlock the bootloader

Once the waiting period has expired, repeat the procedure: plug your phone into Fastboot, launch Mi Unlock Tool, and press Unlock. The process will take a few seconds. Successful unlocking is confirmed by the Unlocked inscription at the bottom of the Fastboot screen.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! all data will be deleted. Also some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for HD-The streaming may stop working.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

Error 1: "Cannot receive hello packet" in Fastboot

Reason: Wrong drivers ADB damaged USB-cable:

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Reinstall drivers via Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.

Error 2: "Anti-rollback check fail"

Reason: Attempting to roll back to an older version.

• 📋 Check the version compatibility table for your model on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🔄 Select a newer firmware version (within the allowed range).

Error 3: phone is stuck on startup logo after rollback

Reason: Data conflict or incomplete firmware.

• 🔄 Hold the Loud up. + Power for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
• 📛 If it doesn’t work, swipe your phone over Fastboot with a full cleanup. -w).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after rollback, don't try to flash it again without a diagnosis! First check if it responds to charging (whether the indicator lights up) and if it is detected in Fastboot (fastboot devices command).

7. Alternative methods: EDL and custom firmware

If the official methods have not worked, radical measures remain, and they should be used only as a last resort, because they require deep knowledge and the risk of a breeze is maximum.

Method 1: Firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL allows you to flash your phone even if it doesn't respond to buttons.

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format.

How to log into EDL:

• Turn off the phone.
• Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
• Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

Method 2: Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS)

Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience lets you bypass Xiaomi’s limitations, but:

• ⚠️ Requires an unlocked bootloader.
• ⚠️ It may not support all functions (for example, NFC camera).
• ⚠️ Deprived of guarantees.

Installation instructions are available on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums for your model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions