How to roll back the system on Android previous version on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide 2026

Why users are returning to older versions of MIUI and how to do it safely

Firmware updates on Xiaomi smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises, from sudden bugs to a critical performance drop. According to a Mi Community survey of 2023, 37% of users have tried to return to the previous version of MIUI after a failed upgrade. The reasons are diverse, from unstable camera performance on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ to a complete failure of the fingerprint on the POCO F5 after upgrading to MIUI 15.

The process of rollback (downgrade) of the system on Xiaomi is more difficult than installing a new firmware. the manufacturer does not provide an official tool to return to the old version, so users have to use workarounds - from manual firmware via Fastboot to recover backups through TWRP. The main problem: an improper rollback can block the bootloader or lead to a "brick" of the device, if you do not include the version of Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB).

In this guide, we will break down three working methods of downgrade (including the safest one via the Mi Flash Tool), explain how to circumvent the limitations of ARB, and warn against the typical errors that cause 60% of users to lose data when trying to return old firmware. If your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO after the update began to slow down, discharge in 4 hours or overheat, this material will help to return everything to “as it was.”

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Before you start downgrade, be sure to follow 5 steps to avoid data loss or turning your smartphone into a brick. The first and most important is checking the version of ARB (Anti-Rollback Protection). This is Xiaomi protection, which blocks the installation of firmware older than a certain version. For example, if your Xiaomi 13 Ultra has upgraded to MIUI 15.0.4 with ARB 5, then trying to install MIUI 14.0.3 (with ARB 4) will lead to an antiroll check fail error and a possible blink.

You can find out the current version of ARB in two ways:

• 🔍 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC, enter the command adb shell getprop ro.boot.anti and see the number in the answer (e.g. anti-=4 means ARB 4).
• 📄 On the website MIUI Downloads: Select a device model and look at the “Anti” column next to the firmware version.

The second critical point is data backup, and even if you plan to use the OTA-free method, the probability of losing photos, messages and apps is 20% due to version conflicts.

• ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and calendar with Mi Account or Google.
• 📁 Copy files (photos, videos, documents) to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Make a backup of applications through ADB Backup or Swift Backup (root rights required).

I got the version. ARB current firmware|I downloaded the correct version. MIUI (same or newer ARB)|Created a backup of all the data.|Charged the phone at least 60%|Prepared the cable. USB and PC with installed drivers-->

💡

If your device supports TWRP, make a full backup of the data partition before rolling back, which will allow you to restore the system even if you fail to firmware.

The third step is to unlock the bootloader (if it is locked), without which you can't flash the device through the Fastboot.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi resets all data on the device! It also requires a binding to Mi Account (the account must be older than 30 days).If you are not ready for this, use the rollback method through the device. OTA-package (described below).

Method 1: Recoil through OTA-packet (without data resetting)

The best way to get back to the previous version MIUI — full-fledged OTA-a package (file with.zip extension) This method works if:

• 🔄 You are updated by air (Settings) → About phone → System update).
• 📱 The device does not have a locked boot loader (or it is already unlocked).
• 🔒 Version. ARB in the old firmware is not lower than the current.

Instructions:

1. Download the full OTA-package of the desired version from the site MIUI Downloads. Look for files marked Full. OTA (for example, miui_BLOCKOTA_V14.0.3.0.SKUCNXM_20230315.0000.00_12.0_cn_100d4a3a1d.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Open 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 restart and begin the rollback process.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ User data is saved (photos, applications, settings).
• ✅ No PC or special tools required.
• ✅ Minimum risk of a breeze (if the conditions for ARB).

⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, don't panic. Try to go to Recovery. + Power, and then you can do Wipe cache, and if that doesn't work, you'll have to run the device through Fastboot (method 2).

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (the most reliable way)

If OTA-This method is not suitable (for example, due to the difference in the ARB), You'll have to use the firmware on Fastboot. USB It also has Mi Flash Tool, but it guarantees a successful rollback in 95% of cases. POCO, including new ones (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Fastboot: Go to the official website MIUI. Select a device model and download a file marked Fastboot (for example, tissot_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TDMMIXM_20230510.0000.00_12.0_global_8a5a2b7b8a.tgz). Unpack the archive in a folder (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot).
2. Install drivers and Mi Flash Tool: Download the Mi Flash Tool and install. Install drivers for Fastboot (you can either use the Mi Unlock Tool or manually).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power to log into the Fastboot. Connect to your PC via USB.

Switch the device.

• Open the Mi Flash Tool and press Select, specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
• At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset + Lock bootloader).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔌 Use the original cable USB (Cheap cables can interrupt the firmware).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is charged >50%.
• 🖥️ Antivirus protection must be disabled on your PC (it can block the Mi Flash Tool).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after you've firmware, try flashing the same version again in clean all mode. If that doesn't help, it may be damaged. EMMC-chip (repair required).

OTA-packet (without data loss)|Fastboot (Reliable but Reset)|TWRP (power-user)|I haven't decided yet.-->

Method 3: Recoil through TWRP (for advanced users)

If you have custom recovery TWRP installed on your device, you can roll back through it.

• 📱 Devices with unlocked loader and installed TWRP.
• 🔄 Situations when you need to save data (if you use backup data).
• 🛠️ Advanced users ready for manual manipulation.

Instructions:

1. Download the full ZIP-Firmware package (not Fastboot!) from the site MIUI forum XDA Developers.
2. Transfer the file to a memory card or internal memory of the phone.
3. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
4. Backup of the current system (Backup) → Select Partitions → System, Data, Boot).
5. Choose Install, indicate the path to ZIP-Firmware file and confirm installation.
6. Once completed, press Wipe cache/Dalvik and restart.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ You can save data by backing up data before firmware.
• ✅ Suitable for custom firmware installation (for example, LineageOS).
• ✅ Flexibility: You can selectively stitch partitions (system, boot).

Risks:

• ❌ Not all Xiaomi models have a stable version. TWRP (For example, on Xiaomi. 12S Ultra may have problems with data encryption).
• ❌ Firmware error can lead to data loss or a blink.

💡

Use TWRP only if you are sure of compatibility with your model. For new devices (2023-2026), you should choose the Fastboot method.

How to get around Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB)

Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) is a Xiaomi mechanism that blocks firmware installation with an older version of ARB. For example, if your Redmi Note 11 Pro+ upgraded to MIUI 14 with ARB 4, trying to flash MIUI 13 with ARB 3 will lead to an error and a possible blink. However, there are 3 legal ways to get around this limitation:

Method 1: Find a firmware with the same ARB

On MIUI Downloads, there is a column in the firmware table called "Anti." Look for a version where the ARB matches the current one or higher. For example, if you have an ARB 4, you can flash MIUI 14.0.5 (ARB 4) instead of MIUI 15 (ARB 5).

Method 2: Use an "intermediate" firmware

If the version you want has an ARB lower than the current one, find an intermediate firmware with the right ARB and run it first.

1. Current firmware: MIUI 15.0.4 (ARB 5).
2. Target firmware: MIUI 14.0.2 (ARB 3) – cannot be installed directly.
3. Intermediate firmware: MIUI 14.0.5 (ARB 4) → flash it, then target.

Method 3: Disable ARB via EDL (Experience only!)

The method requires special equipment (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable) and Mi Flash Pro. It allows you to flash any version of MIUI, but:

• ⚠️ Risk of a breeze – 30% (if you interrupt the process).
• ⚠️ An unlocked loader is required.
• ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) may not work.

What to do after a rollback: data recovery and system verification

After a successful rollback, take your time to recover the data — first make sure the system is stable.

1. Check the basic functions: 📞 Calls and mobile network (especially on Redmi with two or more SIM-map). 📷 Camera (test all modules: main, wide-angle, macro). 🔋 Charging (plug the charger and check if the current is coming). 👆 Touch screen and fingerprint.
2. Update apps: Open Google Play and update all apps. Check Mi Account and Google Services.
3. Recover the data: ☁️ Sync contacts and notes via Mi Cloud or Google. 📁 Transfer files (photos, videos) back to the device. 🔄 If you were backing up through TWRP or ADB, restore it.

Turn off automatic updates

• Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
• Click on three points → Settings → turn off Auto boot.

If there are problems after the retraction:

• 🔄 Logo getting stuck: Try resetting cache via Recovery (Wipe) → Wipe Cache).
• 📵 No network: check the settings APN Or run the modem module separately.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: perform calibration (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).

⚠️ Note: If banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) have stopped working after a rollback, the reason may be an unlocked bootloader. To return SafetyNet support, install Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi