How to uninstall the update on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

MIUI updates on Xiaomi smartphones often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems, from sudden bugs to a critical decline in performance. If after the update your Redmi, POCO or Mi began to slow down, quickly discharge or issue errors, a rollback to the previous version may be the only solution. However, removing updates on Xiaomi has nuances, from locking the bootloader to the risk of “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will look at all the working methods of rollback — from safe reset via settings to manually stitch through Fastboot. You will learn what methods are suitable for a locked bootloader, how to avoid data loss and what to do if the phone stopped turning on after a failed rollback. Importantly, the procedure is different for devices on MIUI Global, MIUI China and custom firmware — we have considered all the options.

Why you should remove the update to Xiaomi

The manufacturer regularly releases updates to improve stability, but in practice users face the opposite effect.-5 Why Xiaomi owners want to return the old version MIUI:

• 🐢 Strong lags: The firmware started to slow down after the upgrade, especially on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Autonomy decreased by 30-50% Due to optimizations in new versions MIUI 14/15.
• 🚫 Critical bugs: Sensors do not work (gyroscope, NFC), The sound or mobile network is lost.
• 📱 Application incompatibility: Banking programs or games have stopped running due to changes in the software API.
• 🔒 Imposed restrictions: Blocking installation APK, Removal of functions (e.g. Second Space in some regions).

According to service center statistics, more than 15 percent of requests after major MIUI updates are due to a desire to roll back, while 60 percent of users try to do it themselves — often with poor results.

Preparing for rollback: what to do before removing the update

Before proceeding with the procedure, be sure to follow 4 steps - this will save you from data loss and the "brick" of the device:

1. Backup via Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud. Important: sync contacts, photos and SMS separately – MIUI system backup doesn’t always restore everything correctly.
2. Check the model and firmware version in Settings → About phone. Write down: Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Current version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5) Assembly number (e.g. TKQ1.221114.001)

Unlock the loader

fastboot oem device-info

If you have Device unlocked: false, you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Download the correct firmware

Xiaomi Firmware

strictly for your model and region

Backed up the data.|Recorded model and version MIUI|Checked the loader's status.|I downloaded the right firmware.|Prepared the cable. USB PC-->

⚠️ Note: If your device is warranty, a firmware rollback may invalidate it. The manufacturer records changes in the anti-rollback section. On some models (Xiaomi 12, POCO F4) After the rollback may be blocked IMEI.

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

The safest method, but it only works if:

• You're not locked up the bootloader.
• You are going to roll back to a version that was already installed (you can’t jump over multiple versions)
• You have stock recovery (not TWRP)

Instructions:

1. Download a firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, fw_redmi_note10_pro_global_13.0.4.0.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm installation. Once completed, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If E:footer is wrong during the process, the firmware file is corrupted or not suitable for your model.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after rollback, wait 10-15 minutes. If the download does not continue, reset via Recovery (Wipe data).

Method 2: Remove the update via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is suitable if:

• Recovery method didn't work.
• You have an unlocked bootloader.
• You need to flash the full version of MIUI (not an incremental update)

Procedure:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip file).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note10_pro).
4. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
5. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (to determine the device).
6. Select Clean All mode (complete clean) or Save User Data (Save Data, but may cause bugs).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your model has anti-rollback protection. IMEI and the inability to call.

Method 3: Factory reset as an alternative to rollback

If a rollback is not possible due to an anti-rollback or blocked bootloader, try a factory reset.This won't remove the update, but can solve performance issues:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not Settings Reset – it will only remove settings, not systems).
3. Confirm the action. The phone will restart and start the process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 The system will be clean, but with the current version. MIUI (update).
• 📱 Improved performance by removing cache and user data.
• 🚫 Some bugs (such as sensors) may remain.

💡

The factory reset does not remove the update, but in 40% of cases solves problems with lags and battery after the update.

Method 4: Recoil through ADB (for developers)

The method for those who are familiar with ADB Fastboot allows you to delete the latest update if it was installed as OTA-package (through-the-air).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (you can download from the Android site).
2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: adb devices adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updater This will remove the system update app (but not the firmware itself!).
4. Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format and swipe through ADB Sideload: adb sideload fwxiaomi.zip

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.android.updater may result in inability to receive OTA-Update in the future. To return the function, reset or reflash the system.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the best option is to contact an authorized service center.

Advantages of the service center:

• 🛡️ Work guarantee (usually) 3-6 months).
• 🔧 Use original firmware and tools.
• 📄 Keep the warranty (unless the device is root-dumb).

How to find the official Xiaomi service:

1. Go to the Mi Service website.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Check out the reviews about the center (especially on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).

Frequent update rollback errors and how to avoid them

Most problems arise from negligence or the use of inappropriate files.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔴 Invalid sparse file format error: Firmware is damaged or not for your model.
• 🔴 Phone doesn't turn on after rollback: Try going to Fastboot and flashing it again. If it doesn't work, bring it to the service.
• 🔴 Loss of loss IMEI: Restore it via the Engineering Menu (#4636##) or the program SN Write Tool (requires a Xiaomi account).
• 🔴 Hanging on the logo MI: Run Wipe data in Recovery. If it doesn't work, run the full firmware through Fastboot.
• 🔴 Anti-rollback check fail: No rollbacks. You just have to wait for a new firmware or accept the current version.

💡 Tip: Check the forums before rolling back (for example, 4PDA), Have other users of your model successfully returned the old version? POCO F3 rollback MIUI 14 on MIUI 13 is possible, but for Xiaomi 12T — no.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions