How to uninstall Android update on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

The latest MIUI update on your Xiaomi Redmi 9 has brought more problems than new features? performance decreased, camera bugs or quick battery discharge? You are not alone - many users face similar situations after automatic updates. Fortunately, it is possible to roll back the system to the previous version, and we will detail how to do this safely.

In this article, you will find three proven methods of removing updates: via Recovery Mode, using Fastboot and a full factory reset. Each method is illustrated in detail with the features of Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS).

If you're not sure about your technical skills, we recommend starting with the simplest option, a rollback through Recovery. For experienced users, a method with Fastboot that gives you more control over the process will work, and if the phone has stopped loading at all, you will need a manual to restore using the Mi Flash Tool.

Why you should remove the update

Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve security and add new features, but sometimes updates do more harm than good.Here are the most common problems after installing a new version of MIUI on Redmi 9:

  • 🐒 Slowdown: Systems start to slow down, apps open for a long time, animations twitch, especially on models with 3 GB of RAM.
  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption: the phone is discharged 4-5 clock instead of usual 10-12. Often the background processes of the new version are to blame MIUI.
  • πŸ“Έ Camera problems: Camera app crashes, doesn't save photos or issues an error "Can't connect to the camera".
  • πŸ“Ά Unstable communication: mobile Internet disappears, Wi-Fi is not caught or constantly reconnects to the network.
  • πŸ”„ Cyclical reboot: The phone turns on, shows the Redmi logo, then turns off and repeats the cycle.

According to Xiaomi service centers, about 15% of calls after major MIUI updates are due to software failures, while on Redmi 9, the most common problems arise when you switch from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13/14 due to a change in the energy saving architecture.

⚠️ Warning: Before any firmware manipulation, check if the warranty has expired.A self-change of the software can cause a denial of warranty service.

πŸ“Š What problem did you face after the update?
The phone started to slow down.
The battery goes down fast.
The camera's not working.
Communication problems
Other
Not a problem yet.

Preparation for rollback of the update

Regardless of the method chosen, proper preparation is the key to a successful rollback, and neglecting these steps can lead to a brick (complete failure) of the device.

  1. Create a backup copy: πŸ“± Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup) πŸ–₯️ Or connect your phone to your PC and copy important files manually (photos, videos, documents)
  2. Check the phone model: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version Remember the current firmware version (e.g. V13.0.4.0.SJCMIXM) Make sure your model is Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) and not Redmi 9A/9C/9T.
  3. Charge the phone at least 60%, and if discharged during the procedure, there is a high risk of damage to system files.
  4. Download the required files: For the method via Recovery: archive with previous version of MIUI (.zip format) For Fastboot: full firmware package (.tgz format) and Mi Flash Tool

Backup important data|Check the phone model (lancelot)|Charge the battery. >60%|Download the correct version of the firmware|Install drivers ADB (for Fastboot)-->

Where to get official firmware? Only from the official Xiaomi website. Avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses or modified versions of the software. 9 I'll get a tagged firmware. lancelot_global (for the global version; or lancelot_eea (European).

Recoil methodTools requiredImplementation timeLoss of data
Through Recovery.Firmware archive (.zip), SD-map15-20 minutes.No (with the right choice of options)
Through Fastboot.Mi Flash Tool, firmware (.tgz), USB cable20-30 minutes.Yes (full reset)
Through EDLAuthorized Xiaomi account, EDL cable30-40 minutes.Yes (full reset)

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without data loss)

The safest way to return a previous version of MIUI is to use the built-in Recovery Mode, which is suitable if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is turned on and working (albeit with bugs)
  • πŸ”„ You want to save user data
  • πŸ“ You have an archive with a previous firmware version.

Instructions:

  1. Download the correct version MIUI in.zip format (for example, miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM_...) and place the archive in the root catalog of internal memory or SD-map.
  2. Turn off your phone. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo and the Recovery menu appear.
  3. In the Recovery menu: Select a language (if available) Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar) Specify the path to the downloaded firmware archive Confirm installation

Wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.

If a notification of an installation error appears after the reboot, try:

  • πŸ”„ Rename the archive to update.zip
  • πŸ“ Put it exactly on the SD-map, not into internal memory
  • πŸ”§ Recovery menu select Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe Cache before re-installation

πŸ’‘

If Recovery doesn't have a firmware installation, your menu version is stripped down, and only the Fastboot method will help.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Recovery on Redmi 9 block the installation of old firmware. If you see the error "Can't verify update", you will have to use Fastboot.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (full reset)

If the first method didn’t work or the phone didn’t turn on properly, you’ll have to use Fastboot Mode, which requires a connection to your computer and a complete data reset, but it’s guaranteed to work even on bricks.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers)
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (don’t use cheap Chinese cables – they often don’t transmit data)
  • πŸ“¦ Firmware archive in.tgz format (for example, lancelot_global_images_V12.5.2.0.RJCMIXM_...)
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool (download from official website)

Step-by-step:

  1. Install drivers: Download and install Qualcomm drivers for Redmi 9 (Helio G80 chipset) Connect the phone turned off to your PC by clamping Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface
  2. Prepare the firmware: Uncamp the downloaded.tgz file into a folder without Cyrillic characters on the way Launch Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator Click Select and point the way to the unpacked folder with firmware
  3. Sweep your phone: At the bottom of the program, select Clean All Mode (complete cleaning) Press Refresh – your Redmi 9 should appear in the list of devices Click Flash and wait for completion (usually 5-7 minutes)

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes.

If the Mi Flash Tool is not allowed, then:

  • πŸ”“ You need to unlock the bootloader (official instructions)
  • πŸ”§ Or use the firmware version marked unlocked in the title
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool can't see your phone?
1. Check the cable - try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC) 2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Update driver" β†’ "Perform a search on this computer" β†’ Specify the folder with Qualcomm drivers) 3. Disable the antivirus - it can block the Mi Flash Tool 4. Try running the program in Windows 7 compatibility mode

Method 3: Recovery through EDL (for "bricks")

If the Redmi 9 doesn't turn on after a failed update (black screen, no button response), the last chance is firmware via EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode), which allows you to reflash the phone even when the bootloader is damaged, but requires:

  • πŸ”§ Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices)
  • πŸ”Œ Specialist EDL-The cable (or the ability to make it yourself)
  • πŸ–₯️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm

Instructions:

  1. Download. EDL-Firmware for Redmi 9 (look for files with.mbn or.elf extension).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC EDL-Mode: 1. Turn off the phone 2. Close the contacts on the board (disassembly required) or use EDL-Cable 3. Device Manager should have Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008"
  3. Swipe your phone through Mi Flash Pro: Select the downloaded firmware Specify the COM port to which the phone is connected Press Start and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 20 minutes)

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account, it can lead to blocking IMEI. On the Redmi. 9 2020-2021 This method only works for unlocked downloaders.

πŸ’‘

EDL-If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center, and if you're not doing the right thing, you can actually put your phone out of action.

How to avoid problems with updates in the future

So that you do not have to roll back the firmware again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Check out reviews about the new version MIUI forum-wise (4PDA, XDA) before installation
  • ⏳ Wait. 2-3 weeks after the release of the update - usually during this time critical bugs are detected
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off automatic updates: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Auto-update β†’ Turn it off.
  • πŸ”„ Make backups before each update through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) if the official versions are unstable

On Redmi 9, it is especially important to monitor updates for the Helio G80, which is sensitive to changes in energy saving. If you notice overheating or quick discharge after the update, check the performance settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance
  2. Choose Balanced Mode instead of Performance
  3. Turn off Smart Resolution in the screen settings

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When rolling back updates, Redmi 9 users most often face the following problems:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Can't verify update in RecoveryThe firmware is not designed for your model or region.Download the firmware with the correct code name (lancelot) and region (global/eea)
This package is for "lancelot" devices; this is a ""Damaged or incomplete firmware archiveDownload the firmware, check the MD5 checksum
phone is stuck on startup Redmi logo after firmwareIncompatible version or interrupted processRepeat the firmware through Fastboot with a full clean (clean all)
Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the phoneThere are no drivers or incorrect connection modeInstall drivers manually, try another one USB-port
After the rollback there is no net (IMEI is missing)The modem partition is damaged when firmwareRestore IMEI via Engineer Mode or re-flash modem separately

If the IMEI is missing after the rollback, use this recovery method:

  1. Install Mobile Uncle Tools from Play Market
  2. Open Engineer Mode β†’ Engineer Mode (MTK)
  3. Go to Connectivity β†’ CDS Information β†’ Radio Information
  4. Enter recovery commands IMEI (for each slot separately): AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2"
  5. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I roll back the update without losing data?
Yes, but only through Recovery Mode if the phone turns on. Methods with Fastboot and EDL require a complete reset.Be sure to back up through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup or manually copy important files to your PC before rolling back.
How do I know which version of MIUI was installed before the update?
If the phone is working, check the update history in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Update. If the phone doesn’t turn on, check the version in Fastboot Mode (the Baseband line will be on the screen with the firmware version) or find the phone box β€” it sometimes shows the factory version.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the rollback?
There was probably a firmware error. Try: Replicate firmware through Fastboot with full cleaning (clean all) Use a different firmware version (for example, instead of global try eea) Swipe your phone through EDL (requires disassembly or special cable) If nothing helps, contact the service center.
Can I roll back the Redmi 9 update without a computer?
Yes, but only if the phone is turned on and you have a firmware archive. Use the method through Recovery Mode: Download the desired firmware to the computer. SD-Enter the Recovery (Food) card + Volume up) Select Install update.zip To System, specify the path to the archive SD-Without a computer, you can not flash your phone through Fastboot or EDL.
How to turn off automatic updates on Redmi 9?
To prevent the problem update from being re-installed: Go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System Update Click on the icon βš™οΈ in the upper right corner Select Auto Update and disable the option You can also block updates via ADB Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater