How to uninstall the update on the Xiaomi Redmi phone: 3 working methods

The firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones usually bring new features, bug fixes and performance improvements. However, sometimes the latest version of MIUI works unstable: the phone starts to slow down, quickly discharge or give out errors in applications.

Unlike other brands, Redmi smartphones allow you to remove the update in several ways, from a simple reset via the recovery menu to a full flash through Fastboot. But it is important to understand that not all methods save user data, and some require unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we will analyze the three officially supported methods of rollback updates, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preparing the device.

If you have problems after the update — for example, banking applications have stopped working, lags in games have appeared or the phone spontaneously reboots — do not rush to carry it to the service center. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by yourself, following our instructions. The main thing is to choose the right method depending on the Redmi model and the current version. MIUI.

Why you should remove the update on Redmi

The manufacturer tests the firmware before release, but some bugs only show up after a mass update, and here are the most common reasons why users want to roll back MIUI:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the new firmware version may contain power management errors, which causes the phone to discharge in a few hours even in standby mode.
• 🐢 Slowdown – lags when opening applications, interface freezes, or a long system load after turning on.
• 🚫 Application incompatibility – some applications (especially banking or Root) are no longer working due to security changes.
• 📱 Sensor or camera problems – after the update, artifacts may appear on the screen, incorrect gestures or failures in the camera module.
• 🔄 Accidental reboots – the phone turns off and on on itself, especially when it is under high load (games, video calls).

According to service center statistics, about 15% of requests after a new firmware release are related to the desire to return the previous version, and in 60% of cases, users successfully solve the problem themselves using one of the rollback methods.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is updated through OTA (Over the air), simply delete the update file from the folder /cache It won't help, because the system has already integrated the changes.

Preparing the phone before rolling back the update

Before you start removing the update, you need to follow a few important steps, which will help to avoid losing data or turning the phone into a “brick”.

1. Create a backup of the data

Even if you plan to use the file-saving rollback method, backup is a must. In the process, errors may occur and the phone will need to be reset to factory settings.

• 📁 Copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Save the list of installed applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Exports of the list.
• 🔑 Write down usernames and passwords from your accounts (for example, through Google Smart Lock or KeePass).
• 📞 Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts app.

2. Check the MIUI version and phone model

The rollback method will determine which firmware you can install.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Write down the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5) and the device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
3. Check the firmware region (at the end of the version may be RU - Russia, EU - Europe, Global - international).

3. Unlock the bootloader (if necessary)

Fastboot or custom Recovery rollback methods require an unlocked bootloader. Check its status:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked. unlocking takes up to 7 days (you need to link the Mi Account to the device through the official Xiaomi tool).

Make a backup copy of the data |

Find out the current version of MIUI and phone model |

Check the status of the bootloader (unblocked/locked) |

Download the required firmware version (see next section)|

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

The easiest way to return a previous firmware is to use a standard Recovery menu, which is suitable if:

• 📱 You have an official firmware installed. MIUI (non-custom).
• 🔄 The update was installed through OTA (airborne).
• 🔓 The bootloader can be blocked (unblocking is not necessary).

The main advantage of the method is the preservation of user data (photos, applications, settings), but it does not work on all Redmi models, for example, on devices with a MediaTek chipset (for example, Redmi 9A), this method may not be available.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi website. Choose your model and region (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro - Global). The file should have a.zip extension and weigh ~2-3 GB.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off your phone and press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Redmi Note 8/9/10: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Install update.zip to System

Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 15 minutes after the reboot, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data) and delete user data, but restore the system to work.

💡

If the Recovery menu doesn't include Install update.zip, then your model doesn't support this method.

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (most reliable)

The Fastboot method is suitable for all Redmi models, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

• 🔧 It works even if the phone doesn’t turn on (for example, after a failed update).
• 📦 Allows you to install any firmware version, including older builds.
• 🛡️ Minimum error risk thanks to the official Mi Flash Tool.

The downside is a complete data reset, all files, applications and settings will be deleted, so prior backup is mandatory.

What's the matter?

Step-by-step instruction

1. Unclarify the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Fastboot).
2. Connect the phone to your computer and put it in Fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader Or turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware.

Flash

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error occurs during the firmware process, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI. In this case, you need to choose a newer firmware (but not the one installed now.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (if rollback is not possible)

If none of the previous methods worked (for example, due to a locked bootloader or an Anti-Rollback error), the last option is hard reset. It does not roll back the firmware to the previous version, but returns the phone to the “out of the box” state, which sometimes solves performance problems.

The discharge removes:

• 📸 All photos, videos and documents in internal memory.
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 🔑 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts.
• 📞 Call log and SMS (unless stored in the cloud).

But the MIUI version will remain the same as before the reset, and if the problem was firmware, it won't work.

• You cannot unlock the bootloader (for example, due to the link to your Mi Account).