Users of the budget segment of smartphones often face situations when after automatic updating of the operating system the device starts to work slower or new bugs appear. Owners of the popular model Redmi 7 are no exception, since this device, released in 2019, has already received all planned major updates from the manufacturer. Often it is the latest versions of the MIUI shell that cause unstable battery operation or overheating of the case.
Unfortunately, the standard Android settings menu does not include a “remove the latest update” button, which forces users to look for workarounds. Complete removal of the new version of the system is possible only through a procedure called downgrade to an earlier version of the firmware, a process that requires care and strict follow-up to instructions, as it involves working with system files and a bootloader.
It is important to understand that simply “wipe” the update file from memory, you need to completely rewrite the system partition with the old version of the software. The key is unlocking the bootloader, without which installing an older version of the system is impossible in any known way. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and the process of returning to a stable version of the software.
Why You Might Need to Reverse Redmi 7
The main reason users want to remove the update is to optimize the software code for a specific hardware.The Xiaomi Redmi 7 is based on the Snapdragon 632 processor, which, with the release of new versions of MIUI (especially versions 12 and above), is experiencing increased load. New graphics effects and background processes can lead to noticeable micro-freezes of the interface, which were absent on lighter versions of the system.
The second important aspect is the autonomy of the work. Often after a major update, users notice that the battery starts to run out much faster, and the device warms up even in downtime, which indicates that the new version of the firmware does not properly manage the energy saving on this particular hardware, in which case, returning to the previous, “lighter” build is the only effective solution.
Also worth mentioning are compatibility issues with some applications: Once system libraries are updated, old but important programs can stop running or work with errors, and rolling back allows you to return an environment where all the necessary applications functioned stably, without having to look for workarounds or alternative software.
And the subjective factor is the interface change. Xiaomi is constantly changing the layout of the MIUI, and many users find it easier to return to the usual menu than to get used to new swipes and buttons. Removing the update in this context means returning to the usual ergonomics of using a smartphone.
Preparing a smartphone and computer before the procedure
Before you take active action to remove an update, you need to do a lot of preparation. Any interference in the system partition carries risks, so it is important to minimize the likelihood of data loss. The first step is to create a full backup of all the important information: contacts, photos, documents and application settings.
You can use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive to create a backup, but the most reliable way is to copy the data to an external medium. USB-cable, select file transfer mode and copy folders DCIM, MIUI, Download and other important directories on your PC hard drive.
☑️ Preparation for the downgrade
It's also critical to ensure that you have a stable connection to the grid and battery power, so the flashing process doesn't have to be interrupted by a dead battery. 60-70%, And ideally, before. 1!00%. In addition, you will need a high-quality USB-cable, preferably original, as cheap analogues can fail when transmitting large amounts of data.
⚠️ Warning: All actions to return the previous version of the software will result in the complete removal of all data from the internal drive. If you do not make a backup, it will be impossible to restore photos and contacts.
Beyond the smartphone itself, you'll need a computer running Windows, which will need drivers to connect the device to debug and Fastboot, without which the PC won't be able to communicate properly with the phone at a low level.
Finding and downloading the appropriate firmware version
The hardest part of uninstalling the update on Xiaomi Redmi 7 is finding the right firmware file. You want a version that is older than the one you have installed, but it should be designed specifically for your model. A mistake in choosing a region (Global, China, Russia, Europe) can cause the phone to turn into a brick.
You can determine your current version in the Settings menu. → Notice the letter code at the end of the version, for example, QMIXM or RUXM. The first two letters indicate a region, and the new firmware must be from the same region as the current one, or be global if you are switching from the Chinese version. MIUI or specialized firmware aggregators.
A firmware recovery file usually has a.zip extension and weighs about 2-3 GB. Make sure you download Recovery ROM, not Fastboot ROM, if you plan to use the standard method through the update menu. If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can use Fastboot firmware that requires a connection to a PC.
| Type of firmware | File extension | Requirements | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Unlocked loader (for downgrade) | Medium |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz | PC, cable, MiFlash, unlocked BL | Tall. |
| Recovery (OTA) | .zip | Updates only (not for rollbacks) | Low. |
| Eu/Global ROM | .zip / .tgz | Depends on the installation method | Medium |
Where to look for archive versions of the firmware?
Once the file is uploaded, place it in the root of the phone's internal memory or on a microSD card if it's in use.The path to the file should be simple, without the Cyrillic characters in the folder names, so that the system can correctly identify it.
Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 7
As mentioned earlier, Xiaomi’s standard security policy prohibits installing an older version of the system on top of a new one. This is protection against intruders, but for the average user it becomes an obstacle. To get around this restriction, you need to unlock the bootloader. This process is officially supported by the manufacturer, but it takes time and account binding.
To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version until the message “You’re a developer” appears. Then go to Advanced Settings → For Developers and turn on “Debugging USB” and “Factory Unlocking”.
Next, you need the Mi Unlock Tool, which you download from the official website and install on your computer. After you start the program, log in to your Mi Account, the same one you have on your phone. Then turn off your smartphone and turn it on in Fastboot mode, holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: After applying for an unlock in the Mi Unlock app, the phone may need to wait 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) before this period expires, you will not be able to unlock the device before the device expires.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer and press the Unlock button in the utility. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. Once you successfully unlock the phone, it will restart, and you will see the open lock icon when you boot. Now the path to install the old firmware is open.
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Unlocking the bootloader is a must for a downgrade that completely erases data from the device and requires waiting up to 7 days.
Instructions: Install the old version through Recovery
There is a method that allows you to remove the update without using a computer, directly through the smartphone recovery menu, which is relevant if you already have an unlocked bootloader and downloaded an archive with.zip firmware.
First, you need to activate additional features in the firmware selection menu. Open the System Update app, click three dots in the corner, and select "Select File." If the system gives an error that the file is not suitable, this is normal for the rollback procedure. We need to get to the Recovery engineering menu.
Turn off the phone completely. Press Volume Up and Power before the Mi logo appears, then release power, keep the volume down. You'll be taken to the main Recovery menu. Select language and press Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will clear the memory.
Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant (if you’re using a PC) or, in some cases, you can try installing a zip file via Install (if it’s available in your Recovery). However, the most reliable way for unlocked devices is to use a command through ADB.
Connect your phone to your PC in Recovery mode. Open the command line on your computer in the ADB tool folder and enter the command to install the archive:
adb sideload name file firmware.zipIf the command is successful, the phone will automatically start the flashing process. In the progress bar, the phone will display the execution rate on the screen. Once completed, the device will restart with an older version of the system.
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If the Recovery menu does not have an Install option or the sideload command does not work, use the MiFlash Tool program on a computer with firmware in.tgz (Fastboot ROM) format.
Alternative method via Fastboot and MiFlash
If the method through Recovery seems too complicated or does not work, you can use the official Xiaomi MiFlash Tool. This method is considered the most reliable for complete cleaning of the system and setting a "clean" state, which effectively means removing all traces of the problematic update.
For this method, you will need firmware in.tgz format (Fastboot). ROM). Unpack the archive to the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short, for example, C:\rom_redmi7. Launch MiFlash Tool on behalf of the Administrator.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clamping Volume Down + Power) and connect it to your PC. In MiFlash, press the Refresh button to make your device determined. In the path field, specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
Important point: at the bottom of the program window, select Clean All mode. Clean All and Lock mode is not recommended unless you are sure of region compatibility, as this can block the bootloader with the wrong firmware. Press Flash and wait for the process to end.
⚠️ Note: During the firmware through Fastboot, do not disconnect in any case. USB-Do not turn off the computer, interrupting the recording of sectors can damage the boot partition.
Once the status is labeled "success," the phone will go into reboot, the first launch can take up to 10-15 minutes, as the system will optimize the applications, and once downloaded, you will get a completely cleaner, older version of the software without unnecessary files.