How to Remove Update on Xiaomi: Full Guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where automatic system updates bring more problems than benefits. Instead of the expected improvement in performance or new features, the user gets a discharged battery, application errors or simply an unusual interface. In such cases, there is an urgent need to return the device to the previous, more stable version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. However, with regular Android operating system tools, this cannot be done, since the company’s security policy does not provide a direct “Cance Update” button.

The process of downgrading the software version is technically complex and requires the user to be attentive to detail. Any wrong action can lead to loss of personal data or, in the worst case, to software locking of the device. That is why before you start any manipulations, you need to clearly understand the risks you are taking. It is important to realize that deleting an update is not just deleting a file, it is a complete flashing of the smartphone with the cleaning of all memory parts.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for returning to the old firmware version, look at the necessary tools and explain why the standard path through the settings menu is closed. You will learn about the differences between the global and Chinese versions of the software, and how to properly prepare the device for the procedure. Remember: the downgrade procedure is always accompanied by a complete deletion of all user data without the possibility of recovery.

Why the system blocks the rollback of the version and what are the risks

Xiaomi has put strict restrictions on installing older versions of firmware on top of newer ones, primarily to protect user data and system integrity. The Anti-Rollback mechanism prevents software with a lower security index than the one already recorded in special partitions of the device's memory. If you try to install firmware with a lower level of protection through a standard menu, the system will simply issue an error and refuse to continue the process.

The risks of trying to circumvent these restrictions can be critical. In addition to losing all photos, contacts and correspondence, there is a risk of “bricking” the smartphone. This is a state where the device stops responding to button presses and turns on in normal mode. Most often this occurs when you interrupt the recording process or use a corrupted firmware file.

⚠️ Warning: Installing firmware with a lower Anti-Rollback index than the current one can lead to a complete lockdown of the bootloader and the inability to continue using the smartphone even in the service center.

Also, you should consider the loss of warranty. Although software failures are often fixable, interfering with system partitions and using informal firmware techniques gives the service center a formal right to refuse free repairs. So if your smartphone is warranty, think twice about whether the game is worth the candle, or wait for developers to fix the bugs in the next patch.

Preparation of the device and necessary tools

Before you start taking action, you need to do a lot of preparation, and chaotic attempts to download the first file you get from the Internet can end in failure. You need a Windows computer that is working properly. USB-cable (preferably original or certified) and stable internet connection, it is also critical to ensure that the battery of the smartphone is at least 60%, as the process of operation of the device can consume a lot of energy.

The most important step is to create a full backup of the data. Since the downgrade process involves formatting internal memory, all your files will be destroyed. Use Google Drive cloud services, Mi Cloud or third-party backup programs on your PC. Don’t rely on synchronizing contacts with SIM-card, as it will not save photos and application settings.

You will also need to know the exact model of your device to work, which can be found in the Settings → About Phone menu. Pay attention to the model’s letter code (e.g. 2201123G), since firmware for different regions (Global, China, EEA, Russia) are not interchangeable. Installing global firmware on a Chinese device or vice versa without an unlocked bootloader is impossible and will lead to an error.

Finding and downloading the correct version of the firmware

Finding the right file is half the success. You need the full firmware (Full ROM) version, not the Recovery ROM. The full version is larger (usually 3 to 5 GB) and contains all system files, while the updated one contains only changes and cannot be used to roll back. The file must have the.zip extension for the method through the update menu or.tgz for firmware through the computer.

There are several reliable sources to download. MIUI bootloader's official website provides archives of all versions, but the interface can be difficult for a beginner. More convenient are specialized aggregator resources, where firmware is sorted by Android models and versions. When downloading, be sure to check the region (the last letters in the file title, for example, MIUI 14 Global) and the type of processor.

Once you download the file, check its integrity. Sometimes the download is interrupted and the file is corrupted. If you plan to stitch through the computer, the archive needs to be unpacked. For the method, through the settings menu, the file needs to be placed in the root of the internal memory or in the folder. downloaded_rom, Sometimes you have to create it manually.

Method 1: Recoil through the menu "Select firmware file"

This is the least risky option, but it only works if the version you want to return to is newer or equal to the version you have installed in the Anti-Rollback section, but older than the current one. If the protection index in the old firmware is lower, the system will give an error. First, activate the hidden update developer menu. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and quickly click 7-10 times on the logo or system version until the inscription "Additional features unlocked" appears.

Then click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Select a firmware file. In the file manager that opens, find the previously downloaded archive with the full firmware version. The system will check the file. If the version is suitable for rollback, a confirmation window will appear with a warning about deleting data. If the version is too old, you will see a message about the inability to install.

⚠️ Note: If you select a file and you have to use a computer to send a message “Can’t verify update” or “Current version is newer than the chosen one.

Once confirmed, the verification and installation process will begin, which can take 10 to 30 minutes, the smartphone will reboot several times, in which it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the process, remove the battery (if it is not removable), or press buttons, and upon completion, the device will boot into a clean system that requires initial setup.

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This method only works if the rollback firmware version does not have a lower level of Anti-Rollback protection than the current system.

Method 2: Complete reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

If the standard method doesn’t work, the only reliable option is to run through Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool utility on your computer, which allows you to ignore some version checks, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, the tool will not let you write the firmware, and you will have to wait 168 hours (7 days) after you attach the Mi Account to your phone settings.

First, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. Turn off the device completely, then press the volume button and, holding it, connect it. USB-And you'll see a picture of a hare repairing an android on the screen, and it says, FASTBOOT. Run the Mi Flash Tool program on behalf of the administrator and press the Refresh button to detect the device.

The command to check the connection (in the CMD):




fastboot devices

In the program, select the path to the unpacked firmware folder. At the bottom of the window, it is important to choose the correct firmware mode. To completely remove the old update and install the system completely, select Clean all. The Clean all and lock option will lock the bootloader back, which can lead to an error if you change the firmware region (for example, from China to Global), so use it with caution. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed, as indicated by the green success status.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is running a “Missmatching image and device” error, make sure you don’t confuse the regional version of the firmware (Global vs China) or that the device bootloader is unlocked.

Solving common mistakes and problems

Downgrade users often encounter technical difficulties, and one of the most common errors is Error: 404 or a timeout connection in the Mi Flash Tool. USB Or a cable. Try using another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, not 3.0) and the original cable.You may also need to manually install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers in Windows Device Manager.

Another problem is the endless reboot after the firmware. If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo for more than 10 minutes, try resetting via Recovery. Press the power and volume button before the recovery menu appears. Select a language (if available) and press Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will remove the remnants of the conflicting files of the old system.

• 📱 Signature verification error: This occurs when you try to install Global firmware on a Chinese bootloader device, and requires unlocking and re-locating your account region.
• 🔋 Phone does not turn on: Press the power button on 15-20 seconds for forced reboot or connect to the charger for a long time.
• 💾 Does not see the firmware file: Make sure the file has a.zip extension and is located at the root of internal memory, not in a folder with a Russian name.
• 🔒 Account password request: Once reset, the system will require you to enter the password from the Mi Account that was before (FRP).

⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the smartphone continues to go into a cyclic reboot or does not respond to the buttons, it is possible that the system partition is damaged. EDL-This is often a requirement for an authorized Mi Account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)