How to uninstall the new Android update on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

The latest MIUI update has brought more problems than new features? Battery goes down in an hour, apps fly out and the interface brakes like a 2012 smartphone?You're not alone - according to Xiaomi Community statistics, one in five users encounter bugs after major updates. Fortunately, you can roll back the update to Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO in a number of ways - from simple resetting through settings to manually stitching the old version through Fastboot.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current rollback methods, including hidden MIUI features that work even without root rights. Importantly, not all methods are suitable for new HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) – they will require additional steps. If you are not sure about your model, check it in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

We warn you beforehand that rolling back an update is always a risk, and at worst, you could get a brick if you interrupt the process or choose an incompatible firmware, but if you follow the instructions below and back up the data, you have a 95% or higher chance of success.

1.Can you roll back the update on Xiaomi without losing data?

The short answer is no, but there are nuances: a full firmware rollback always requires a user data reset, which is a technical limitation of Android.

• 📱 Partial rollback through hidden menu MIUI Downgrade (works on older versions) MIUI 12-13). Allows you to go back to a previous build without being completely cleaned, but removes apps installed after the update.
• 🔄 Recovery from backup after rollback.If you backed up in Settings → Additionally. → Backup, part of the data (contacts, SMS, settings can be returned.
• 📁 Manual file saving: Move photos, videos and documents to your PC or cloud before rolling back — they won't be affected.

On new HyperOS devices (2026), partial rollback is blocked — you have to reset everything. But the good news is that if the update was installed less than a day ago, the system can save the cache of the previous version.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 and later) rollback via Fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader.This erases all data and resets the warranty!

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

The simplest method, which works on 80% of Xiaomi devices (except the newest ones), is suitable if:

• 📲 The update was installed less than 3 days ago.
• 🔋 Battery charged at 50% or higher
• 📥 You have access to the file of the previous firmware (you can download it on the official website)

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware archive (.zip) for your model. The file name should contain the version, for example: miui_BLOCKOTA_V13.0.5.0.SKFMIXM_2104123456_11.0.zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Mi logo comes up is the launch of Recovery.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (navigation with volume buttons, choice - power button).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).

Download the correct firmware version for your model |Rename the file to update.zip| Charge the phone at least 50% | Make a backup of important data | Make sure the file lies at the root of the memory-->

If you have a "Can't load Android system" error after the reboot, it means that the firmware is not compatible with your model. Try another file or method from Section 4.

3. Method 2: Hidden menu MIUI Downgrade (only for the MIUI 12-13)

This method works on 2020-2022 devices (Redmi Note 10, Xiaomi Mi 11, POCO X3, etc.), but is hidden from users.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About the Phone. → Version. MIUI.
3. Click on the line "MIUI version" 7 times in a row until the message "You became a developer!" appears.
4. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
5. Activate the "May allow downgrade" switch.
6. Restart your phone. Once turned on, go to Settings → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select the Service Pack.
7. Specify the path to the old firmware file (.zip) and confirm the installation.

This method does not reset data, but deletes applications installed after the update, and it may not work if:

• 🔒 Device with locked boot loader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info)
• 📱 Model newer than 2022 (on HyperOS this method is disabled)
• 🔄 You are trying to roll back more than 2 versions (e.g., with a MIUI 14 on MIUI 12)

Method 3: Recoil via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the most reliable method, but requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with the computer. ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for all models, including new ones (Xiaomi) 14, Redmi Note 13), but erase all data.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer. The path to the folder must not contain Cyrillic.
2. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Install the drivers if the system requests them.
4. For Windows: 1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool 2. Open the program, press Select and specify the folder with firmware 3. Press Refresh - your device 4 should appear in the list. Select Clean all (full clean) and press Flash
5. For Linux/macOS: 1. Open the terminal in the Firmware 2 folder. Follow the commands: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (2026), Fastboot rollbacks can block IMEI, If the firmware is incompatible with the hardware version, check compatibility on the forum before the procedure. XDA Developers.

5. Method 4: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t see the update.zip file in Recovery, but you have access to ADB, try this method.It works even on locked devices (without unlocking the bootloader), but requires a computer.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware (.zip) and place it in a folder with ADB (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn on the phone Debugging by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times Press → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the terminal: Adb devices should appear your device.
4. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
5. In Recovery, select Apply update from ADB.
6. In the terminal, type: adb sideload name file.zip

It takes 5-15 minutes, and if you see a "Signature verification failed" error, it means that the firmware is not designed for your model or is corrupted.

1. Change. USB-Cable (use the original from Xiaomi).

2. Install Google USB Driver drivers.

3. Switch the connection mode on the phone from "Charging" to "Transfer of files".-->

Method 5: Recovery through Mi Assistant (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn’t turn on after a botched rollback (hangs on the logo or flashes a red indicator), don’t panic. Most likely, it’s a soft brick that can be fixed with the Mi Assistant, the official tool from Xiaomi.

What to do:

1. Download Mi PC Suite and install it on your computer.
2. Connect the phone to the PC (hold the Volume button down when connected).
3. Start Mi Assistant and select System Restore.
4. The software will automatically pick up the firmware for your model. Follow the instructions on the screen.

This method works even on devices with a locked bootloader, but:

• 🔄 Restores the freshest stable firmware, not the one that was before the update.
• 📵 Erase all data without the possibility of recovery.
• ⏳ It can take up to 30 minutes (don’t turn off the cable!).

7.How to avoid update issues in the future

To avoid bumps after updates, follow these tips:

• 🔍 Check out the reviews for the new firmware on XDA or MIUI Forum before installation.
• ⏳ Wait. 1-2 weeks after the release of the major update - usually during this time patches with fixes are released.
• 📥 Turn off automatic update download: Settings → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Downloading.
• 🔄 Backup before each update via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
• 🛡 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), If you want to be able to pull back without losing data.

Important: On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and later), disabling automatic updates may result in some features being blocked (e.g. Mi Pay or sync with Mi Band).In this case, use mobile traffic restriction to download updates: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Background Limitation.

💡

If critical bugs appear after the update (for example, the camera does not work or if the update is not valid). SIM-map), do not try to roll back yourself - contact the Xiaomi service center. within 14 days after the release of the new firmware, a rollback guarantee is free.

Frequently asked questions