Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where automatic upgrades to the shell of MIUI 12 bring more problems than new features. Instead of the expected smoothness of operation, the device begins to discharge faster, and intrusive advertising blocks and bugs appear in the system that were not in the previous version. The desire to return stability and the familiar interface leads many to look for a way to roll back the software.
The procedure for removing the update is not a regular feature of Android, so it requires the owner of the gadget a certain technical literacy and caution. Direct rollback of the version through the standard menu "About the phone" is impossible without first unlocking the bootloader Bootloader. This is the main obstacle that the company creates to protect its users, but experienced enthusiasts have long found workarounds.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of returning to the previous firmware version, from tool preparation to stable build installation. You will need to prepare for the loss of all data, since the process of changing the version of the software (even within one branch) involves a complete reset of the device.
Risk analysis and device preparation
Before you start taking active action on the downgrade of the system, you need to clearly understand the consequences of this operation. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and mandatory step, which automatically voids the warranty on the device in most service centers. In addition, the process erases all user data, including contacts, photos and applications, so creating a backup is a critical step.
You will need a stable Internet connection and a computer running Windows. Mobile flashing apps exist, but they are less reliable and more often lead to errors when writing system partitions. It is better to use proven desktop snails and original USB cables, as poor contact can interrupt data transfer and damage the boot sector.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install the firmware of the older version on top of the new one without fully clearing the data (Wipe Data) will result in a cyclic reboot.
Also, consider the regional features of your device. Global firmware cannot be installed over China and vice versa without complex manipulations to change the region. Make sure that you download the build that matches the region of your device to avoid problems with the communication modules and NFC.
Required tools and drivers
To do this successfully, you'll need specialized software that allows you to interact with system partitions on your smartphone at a low level, the Mi Unlock Tool for unlocking the bootloader and the Mi Flash Tool for directly recording the firmware image in the device's memory, without these two components, the process is impossible.
In addition, the system will require the correct ADB and Fastboot drivers. Often Windows automatically installs universal drivers that are not suitable for firmware mode. You need to manually install the Xiaomi USB Driver and Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader drivers so that the computer correctly identifies the phone in Download mode.
☑️ Preparation for flashing
For the Fastboot method, it should have the.tgz extension, not.zip. The.zip archives are designed to be updated through the Recovery menu and are not suitable for forced recording via a computer, which is required for downgrades.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The longest step is waiting for permission to unlock, and Xiaomi has implemented a 168-hour (7-day) standby mechanism after linking a Mi Account to a device, designed to make it harder for hijackers to live and protect user data, but for enthusiasts, it becomes a bureaucratic barrier.
To start, you need to activate the developer mode in your smartphone settings. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI Version seven times. After you have become a developer, go to the menu Additional → For developers and turn on the "Factory Unlock" and "Debugging by USB" items.
You then need to link your account. In the same Developer menu, select Account and Device Link. Then start the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC, log in to your account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode. If the status indicates that the device is connected, you will have to wait for the allotted time.
What to do if the binding does not occur?
After 7 days (168 hours), repeat the connection procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool and press the Unlock button. The process will take no more than a minute, the phone will restart and completely clear.
Finding and Choosing the Right Firmware
The critical point is to find the right version of the operating system, you need a version that preceded the problematic MIUI 12, or an earlier stable build of MIUI 12. Downloading files from questionable forums is dangerous, since modified firmware can contain malicious code or have errors in the compilation of the kernel.
The official source is miui.com or vetted archives like xiaomifirmwareupdater.com. When choosing, consider the version encoding. For example, if your current version is V12.0.3.0, you should roll back to V11.0.x.x or, in extreme cases, to the earlier V12.0.1.0. Installing the newer version on top of the older version is not a downgrade and is easier, but we need to remove the update.
| Type of firmware | File extension | Method of installation | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | .zip | Through the phone menu | Perhaps (but not at downgrade) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Through PC (Mi Flash) | No (always full cleaning) |
| Eu/Global | .zip / .tgz | Depends on the format. | Only when updated |
| China | .zip / .tgz | Depends on the format. | No, no, no, no. No, no. |
Make sure the file name has the correct code name for your device. For example, for the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro it is davinci, and for the Redmi Note 9 Pro it is curtana. If you try to fill in firmware from another device, the phone will go into a hard brick, recoverable only through a paid Mi Account or soldering account.
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Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clear All mode to ensure that all traces of the old system are removed, eliminating file conflicts and application errors.
Firmware process through Fastboot
Once the bootloader is unlocked and the firmware.tgz file is downloaded and unpacked, you can proceed to the process itself, flash_all.bat And other system files, and that's the folder that we're going to put in the software.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Put the smartphone in Fastboot mode (press Volume Down + Power until the rabbit appears in the hat) and connect it to the PC. In the program, press the Refresh button; if the drivers are installed correctly, you will see the serial number of the device in the list.
Click Select and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, select Clean all mode. This is critical: Clear all mode completely erases the userdata and cache partitions, which is necessary when rolling back the version. Save user data mode cannot be used in this case, since the file structure of the new and old systems is incompatible.
⚠️ Note: During the firmware process (green progress lane) it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable. USB It's guaranteed to knock the device out of service, requiring repairs at the service center.
Press Flash and wait. The process can take 200 to 600 seconds. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first launch of a new (old) system can take up to 10-15 minutes, as the applications are optimized and cache created.
Possible errors and their solution
In the downgrade process, users often encounter error codes, one of the most common is Error: 0x80004005 or the message "Can't validate flash all." This usually means that the bootloader is locked or the signature file does not match. Check the unlock status again through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Another common problem is 99 percent or 53 percent getting stuck, which could indicate a problem with the condition. USB-You can use a port or a cable. USB 2.0 (black connector) on the back of the motherboard, avoiding front port housing or USB-Also try another cable, preferably the original one.
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop after firmware, try entering Recovery mode (clamp Volume Up + Power) and running Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. If that doesn't help, you may have chosen an incompatible firmware version and you'll have to repeat the procedure with the correct file.