How to Remove Update on Xiaomi: Safe Ways to Reverse Firmware

MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: bugs, brakes, fast battery discharge or broken applications. If the device becomes worse after the update, it makes sense to want to return the previous version of the firmware. But the manufacturer does not provide a regular rollback function, you will have to act manually.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove updates on Xiaomi, including methods through Recovery, Fastboot and ADB. Describe the nuances for different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the risks of data loss and ways to avoid them.

Why you can’t just remove the update as an app

Unlike the usual ones. APK-files, system updates are embedded in the firmware section and do not have the function of uninstallation:

• 🔒 Protecting system integrity. MIUI Uses firmware signature verification – any changes without official tools are blocked.
• 📦 Updates to batch. New version MIUI replaces hundreds of files in /system, /vendor and other sections.
• 🔄 Mechanism A/B-Updates. On modern devices (with Android) 10+) updates are installed on the inactive partition, and rollback requires switching slots.

Even if you find the "System Update" item in Settings → Applications, removing it will only clear the updater's cache, but it will not return the old firmware.

Fast battery discharge | Brake and lag | Applications Don't work | Device overheats |Another problem-->

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

The safest method for beginners is to use stock Recovery. It's suitable for devices with a bootloader unlocked and TWRP or OrangeFox installed. If you have a standard Recovery from Xiaomi, this method won't work.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the full Fastboot-ROM for your model from en.miui.com. Choose a version strictly for your region and model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for veux).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root of the internal memory or to the SD-map.
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In TWRP, select Install → Select Storage → update.zip. Uncheck the Zip file signature verification (if any).
5. Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

Download the correct version of the firmware|Check the device model (Settings) → The phone)|Charge the battery. >50%|Make a backup of data (photos, contacts)|Make sure you're available. TWRP-->

Important: If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after the reboot, reset via Wipe → Format Data (data will be lost!). This is due to the incompatibility of the vendor and boot versions.

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires a PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot. The advantage is working even on “bricks” (non-booting phones), the disadvantage is a complete data reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot-ROM for your model (for example, tucana_global_images_V12.5.3.0.RFKEUXM for Mi 9T Pro).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\miui_fastboot (pathless!).
3. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator and go to the firmware folder: cd /d C:\miui_fastboot
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. Run the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
6. Start the firmware: fastboot flash all Or for devices with A/B-Partitions: fastboot flash all -w --skip-secondary

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco) X3 NFC Before the firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Recoil via ADB Sideload (for devices with MIUI 12+)

If you don't have custom Recovery, but you do have access to ADB, you can use ADB Sideload, which works on most modern devices (Xiaomi 12, Redmi K50 and later), but requires USB debugging enabled.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Download the full service pack (not Fastboot-ROM!) with the.zip extension.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
5. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
6. In Recovery, select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
7. On PC, run: adb sideload update.zip

It takes 10-15 minutes. When you're done, select Reboot system now. If E:footer is wrong, repeat the steps with another firmware version.

1. Install Google USB Driver drivers.

2. switch the connection mode to "File Transfer" (MTP).

3. disable the antivirus (it can block) ADB).-->

Method 4: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If the phone does not turn on after an unsuccessful update ("brick"), Mi Flash Tool, the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware in EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode), the method works even on blocked downloaders, but requires an authorized developer account.

How to stitch:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the Fastboot-ROM installation package.
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic.
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down + Power to enter EDL (the screen will remain black).
4. Connect the device to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in Device Manager.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should be determined). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) EDL-The mode requires authorization through a Xiaomi account with developer rights. Without it, the firmware will end in error. SLA Auth Error: Solution to go to the service center.

Method 5: Recoil through OTA-Package (for minor updates)

If the update is not global (for example, with the MIUI 13.0.5 at 13.0.6), you can try rolling back through OTA-The method only works for 10 days after the update - later the system deletes old files.

How to get back to the old version:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (settings) in upper right corner.
3. Select Remove the Update (if not already installed).
4. If the update is already installed, click the Update Package and select Reverse (the option only appears for the latest OTA).

This method will not work if:

• 🕒 It took more than 10 days after the update.
• 🔄 The update was global (e.g., with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 13).
• 🔒 Device with locked bootloader and no root rights.

💡

OTA-rollback is the easiest way, but only works for recent minor updates.Global updates require techniques through Recovery or Fastboot.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you roll back updates, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:

If the phone stopped seeing after the phone rolled back SIM-The solution is to flash the global or European firmware for another region, most likely, or the camera is not working (EEA) version MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions