Xiaomi rollback to old firmware: 3 proven ways (2026)

Have you updated your firmware on Xiaomi, but the new version of MIUI is unstable? Does the battery go down faster, apps fly out and the interface become less user-friendly? A rollback to the previous version is a real solution, but the process requires caution. Unlike a conventional update, a rollback can lead to data loss, device lockdown or even a "brick" (complete failure) if the sequence of actions is disrupted.

In this article, three working rollback methods (via Recovery, Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool) are relevant for 2020-2026 models, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. We will discuss how to choose the right firmware version, unlock the bootloader (if required) and avoid typical errors. Importantly, after a rollback on some devices, antirollback protection may work, in which case you will need to bypass through EDL- mode.

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

The first step is to save important data. Firmware rollback almost always results in a reset and in some cases, a full formatting of internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or a physical backup on your PC to back up:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (export through Settings) → Google → Backup)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to computer or cloud)
• 🎵 Music, documents, downloads (check Download and DCIM folders)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (use Google Smart Lock or Password Manager)

Next, check the device model and the current version of MIUI, which is critical because the firmware is strictly code-named.

• 📱 In Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI (e.g., V14.0.5.0.TMCRUXM)
• 🔧 Through ADB: connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.device (example of response: toco for Xiaomi 12 Pro)

⚠️ Warning: If your device was purchased in China (China ROM), a rollback to the global version (Global ROM) may block the network (IMEI). Check the firmware region in Settings → About Phone → The MIUI version must match the original.

The final stage of preparation is to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked), without this, a rollback via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool is impossible.

adb reboot bootloader

If the screen says Device unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked. If Device locked, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions in the next section).

2. Unlock the loader (if required)

The Xiaomi bootloader is blocked by default to protect against unauthorized changes, and to unlock it, you need a Mi Account tied to the device and the official Mi Unlock Tool software. The process takes 7 to 30 days (due to Xiaomi's policy).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings) and activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
3. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and link it to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud Services → Find device.
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (adb reboot bootloader command) and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. If you receive a message about the need to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data (including internal memory) will be deleted from the device.

If the unlock fails:

• 🔄 Try another USB- cable or port (better use the original cable and port USB 2.0).
• 📱 Make sure the phone is enabled with Developer Mode and Unlock OEM.
• 🌐 Use VPN with China (sometimes helps with Xiaomi server errors).

3. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

The simplest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The device is not locked (the bootloader is unlocked or never locked).
• 🔄 You roll back to the version that was installed earlier (no anti-rollback).
• 📁 You have an official ZIP- firmware file for your model.

Instructions:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website (link). Choose Recovery ROM (not Fastboot!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Go to Recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power.
4. From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (on some devices, the option may be called Apply update from SD card).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the MI logo:

• 🔄 Try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe data → Wipe all data).
• 📱 If it doesn't work, repeat the process with another firmware version.

⚠️ Warning: On some devices (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 Pro), a rollback via Recovery may result in an Anti-rollback check fail error.

Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (from PC)

This method is suitable for most devices, including those that do not work Recovery.You will need a PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and the official Fastboot ROM.

Steps:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website. The file will be in.tgz format - unpack it.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot (adb reboot bootloader) mode.
3. In the folder with the unpacked firmware, run the file flash_all.bat (for Windows) or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the script gives you an error:

For devices with a locked bootloader, this method is not suitable – unlock it first (Section 2).

fastboot flash system system.img

(substitute system.img to the actual file name from the firmware folder).-->

5. Method 3: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official firmware utility for devices, and it supports all models, but requires an unlocked bootloader and the right firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Download Fastboot ROM for your model and unpack it.
3. Connect your phone to Fastboot (adb reboot bootloader) mode.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete clean (recommended when rolling back); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (do not use!); Save user data - save data (may lead to errors).

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002 error:

• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📥 Download the firmware again (maybe the file is corrupted).
• 🖥️ Try a different PC or version of Windows (sometimes Windows 10 helps instead of 11).

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader after you have firmware. Use it only if you are sure you won't change the firmware anymore!

💡

The Mi Flash Tool is the most reliable way to roll back, but requires an unlocked bootloader and the right firmware. Always use Clean all mode to avoid conflicts.

6. Solving errors after rollback

Even if the pullback is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the root rights or custom recovery (TWRP) are missing after the rollback:

• 🔄 Reinstall Magisk or TWRP via Fastboot.
• 📱 Check the compatibility of the Magisk version with your firmware.

To restore the IMEI (if it has dropped):

1. Download the original QCN- file for your model (see the 4PDA or XDA forums).
2. Use tools like QPST or Maui META to recover.
3. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

7 How to Avoid Anti-Rollback (Anti-Rollback)

Anti-Rollback is a Xiaomi protection mechanism that blocks the rollback of MIUI versions older than a certain date, for example, if your device has upgraded to MIUI 14 and you are trying to install MIUI 13, an error may occur:

Anti-rollback check fail!

To circumvent this limitation:

• 🔍 Check the current version of your device's Anti-Rollback, which you can find out through ADB: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental or in the build.prop file (section ro.vendor.build.security_patch).
• 📅 Select a firmware with a data patch no older than the current one. For example, if you have a patch from 2023-10-01, roll back to the version with the patch 2023-09-01 or later.
• 🔧 If you want to roll back to an older version, use EDL- mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

List of anti-rollback devices and their limitations:

If you are not sure about the version of the anti-rollback, check the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums using your device’s codename.

8. Alternative methods: EDL and custom firmware

If standard methods did not help (for example, due to antirollback), two options remain:

1 Firmware through EDL- Mode

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader.

• 🔌 Specialist EDL-cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

The process is complex and risky – recommended only for experienced users or in service centers.

Installation of custom firmware

If the official rollback is not possible, you can install custom firmware based on LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid.

• 🔄 There are no anti-rollback restrictions.
• 📱 More recent versions of Android.
• 🛡️ There is no extra bloatware from Xiaomi.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of official support and guarantees.
• 📶 There may be problems with the camera, NFC or network (depending on the firmware).

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader (Section 2).
2. Install TWRP or other custom Recovery.
3. Download the firmware from XDA-Developers.
4. Flow through Recovery.

💡

EDL and custom firmware are extreme measures, and if you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center to avoid turning your phone into a brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi rollback