Modern Xiaomi smartphones often receive updates that are designed to improve stability and add new features. However, in practice, users of the Redmi Note 8t model often face the opposite situation: after an update, the system starts to run slower, the battery runs faster or critical errors appear.
The rollback procedure, or downgrade, requires careful and accurate follow-up of all steps, as interference with system files can cause the device to fail. The main difficulty is the locks that Xiaomi implements to protect users from installing older versions of software with security vulnerabilities, which is why the standard method of updating “over the air” will not work here, and you will need to use more advanced tools.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of the risks. If you run your firmware incorrectly, it can turn your phone into a brick that requires complex repairs at the service center. However, if you follow the proven algorithms and use the original files, the chances of a successful return to the working version of the system are very high.
Preparing for downgrad and collecting the necessary files
The first and most important step is to get the work place ready and find the right software. You'll need a Windows computer that's working. USB-cable and, of course, the smartphone Redmi Note 8t. It is critical to download the exact version of firmware you want to return to. The file should have the.zip extension and be designed for Recovery mode, not Fastboot.
You can find the desired build on official forums or specialized resources such as 4PDA or Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Pay attention to the region of the device: if you have a global version (Global), then you should search for firmware with the MI marking. Using firmware for China (CN) on a global device can lead to problems with communication frequencies and the absence of some languages.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations begin, be sure to create a full backup of all important data. During the rollback process, the phone’s memory will be completely cleared, and it will be impossible to restore photos or contacts without a backup.
You'll also need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer to allow the system to correctly recognize the device in different modes of operation. Without these components, interaction between the PC and the smartphone will be impossible. Make sure that the phone's battery is at least 60%, so that the process does not interrupt due to discharge at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Unlock the bootloader and Fastboot mode
One of the main obstacles when downgrading the MIUI version is a locked bootloader. Standard system tools will not install an older version of the software — the installer will give an error of compatibility. So a successful downgrade requires an unlocked Bootloader in most cases. This is an official procedure from Xiaomi, but it takes time to wait (usually from 7 to 168 hours) after submitting an application.
If the bootloader is already unlocked, the transition to Fastboot mode is accomplished by simply simultaneously pressing the volume down button and the power button when the phone is turned off. The screen will show a picture of a hare repairing an android, indicating a successful entry into low-level diagnostics mode, which is where the interaction with the Mi Flash Tool utility occurs if you decide to use the full flashing method.
There's also Recovery mode, which is triggered by pressing the volume and power button, which is what we're going to need to install the.zip archive manually if the firmware version allows you to do this without completely cleaning through the PC. However, if the difference between the installed and the target version is large, the security system can prevent installation, and then the Fastboot and the computer can not do.
Recovery method through Recovery Mode
This is a good way to do things when the difference between MIUI versions is small, or if you roll back within the same update branch. First, copy the downloaded.zip firmware file to the root of the phone's internal memory. Don't put it in folders, otherwise the system may not see it. Then turn off the smartphone and go to Recovery mode, pressing the volume buttons up and power.
In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (up/down) and confirm the power button. You need to select Wipe Data to clean the device completely. This is a must, because the data structures in different versions may differ, and without cleaning, errors will occur. After cleaning, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
The installation process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. The progress bar will be displayed on the screen. At this time, it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the power or remove the cable if it is connected. Once the installation is complete, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on after the reset can last longer than usual - this is normal, the system adjusts files.
⚠️ Note: If you select a firmware file in Recovery and you see a message "Can't verify update" or "Zip file signature verification failed", then installing this version on the current version is prohibited by security policies.
Using the Mi Flash Tool for full flashing
When the soft method through Recovery does not work, the Mi Flash Tool comes to the rescue. This tool is designed for professionals, but it is also understandable for beginners with due care. To work, you will need a firmware in.tgz (Fastboot) format, which you need to unpack into the root folder of the disk, preferably the path is short, for example, C:\rom.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Connect your Fastboot phone to your computer. Press the Refresh button to allow the program to detect the device. There are three options in the lower right corner of the program window: clean all, save user data and clean all and lock. For a downgrade, the safest and most correct choice is clean all, which completely cleans the data but leaves the bootloader unlocked.
The path to firmware files: C:\rom\willow_global_images_V12.0.3.0.QFDMIXM_20200909.0000.00_10.0_globalWhen you select the mode, press Flash. You start writing memory sectors. Progress is shown as a percentage. Don't touch the cable or turn off the computer. If there's an error in the process, try replacing it. USB-A successful completion will be marked with a green status and automatic reboot of the phone.
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is in error?
Solving Common Mistakes in Recoiling
Downgrades often involve common problems, and one of the most common is the Anti-rollback bug, which is a security mechanism that prevents you from installing a version of Android below the one you already have on your device. If you try to roll back Android (like 10 to 9), you will be rejected, and in the worst case, the phone will go into a bootloom. You can only roll back within one version of Android or higher.
Another problem is that you're stuck on the MI logo after you've firmware, which can mean file conflict or a recording error, and then you can do it again, and you can do it again, and you can do it again, and you can check the integrity of the downloaded firmware file, and it's probably an error, and the checksum doesn't match.
| Mistake. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Can't verify update | Blocking the bootloader or a large variation of versions | Use the Mi Flash Tool via Fastboot |
| Waiting for device | Not installed drivers or bad cable | Install drivers, replace USB-port/cable |
| Anti-rollback check failed | Trying to roll back the Android version | You can’t go back, you need to look for a version higher than the current one. |
| Error: -2 (Zip file signature) | Damaged firmware file | Download the archive, check the checksum |
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Use it. USB-Port 2.0 (black) rather than 3.0 (blue) on the back of the PC. older Xiaomi devices are often more stable with ports USB 2.0 during firmware.
System configuration after successful return
Once the phone has successfully booted, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new device, and you'll have to reconfigure the language, the time and the Wi-Fi connection. Since the data has been deleted, the system will be clean. It's a great way to not recover all the garbage from the backup, but to reconfigure the phone by installing only the necessary applications.
It is recommended to immediately go to the settings and disable automatic system updates so that the phone does not download the problematic version again.The way to do this is: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 10 times) → Menu (three dots) → Update Options → Disable Auto Update. It is also worth removing unnecessary preinstalled apps if they interfere.
Check the core modules: the camera, the sound, the touch screen and the communication modules. Make sure the battery is charging normally. If the problems persist after rollback, it may not be the software, but the hardware, such as the wear of the battery or the display plume.
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Clean installation of a system after a firmware rollback often solves more performance issues than just upgrading to a new version, as it removes accumulated system debris.