How to Uninstall Android Update on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Work (2026)

MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO aren't always helpful. The new firmware version can slow down the system, drain the battery faster, or break the usual functionality. If the Android upgrade makes the device worse, don't despair. You can roll back the update in several ways, even without losing data.

In this article, you will find 5 proven methods for removing updates, from simple reset via Recovery to manual firmware of the old version via Fastboot. We will analyze the nuances for different models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.), tell you how to avoid errors such as Anti-rollback, and give a checklist for a safe downgrade.

⚠️ Note: Firmware rollback on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader can lead to a "brick" (complete device failure). Before you start, check the lock status with the fastboot oem device-info command - if Device unlocked: false, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool.

1.Preparation for rollback of the update: what to do before the start

Before you delete the update, save important data. Even if the method promises file safety, there is always a risk of losing information. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying to your PC via MTP (file transfer mode).

Make sure to check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. When you roll back through the Fastboot, the device must not turn off.
• 🔌 Cable USB — Use original or certified to avoid communication breakdowns.
• 💻 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot — Install them via Android SDK Or Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Device model – the exact name (codename) can be found in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (For example, tissot for the Redmi Note 5).

If you plan to roll back through Fastboot, download the correct version of the firmware from the official website:

• For global devices: MIUI Global
• For Chinese (CN): MIUI China
• For POCO: POCO India (if your model is sold in India)

Anti-rollback

Battery power tested (60%+)

Data backup created

ADB/Fastboot drivers installed

Downloaded the necessary version of the firmware

The boot loader is unlocked (if required)

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2. Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

The easiest method is to use built-in Recovery, which is suitable if:

• 📲 The device is switched on and loaded into the system.
• 🔄 You're being updated through OTA (by air, not by hand.
• 📁 User data must be stored.

Instructions:

1. Download the full firmware package (not OTA!) for your model from the official website. 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 internal memory (not to folders like Download).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have a choice), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

If you have a Can't verify update error after the reboot, you will:

• 🔹 The firmware file is damaged – download it again.
• 🔹 You chose the wrong version (e.g. China over Global).
• 🔹 The device is enabled lock loader – requires unlocking.

💡

If Recovery doesn’t have Install update.zip, your device is using the new MIUI Recovery (starting with MIUI 12), in which case try the method via Fastboot or ADB Sideload.

Method 2: Remove the update via ADB Sideload

If standard Recovery doesn’t see the update.zip file, use ADB Sideload.This method works on most Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Place the firmware file (.zip) in the folder with adb.exe and rename it rom.zip.
3. Launch your phone in Recovery (Loudness up + Power).
4. From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload).
5. On PC, open the command line in the adb folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
6. Enter the command to download firmware: adb sideload rom.zip The process will take 5-15 minutes.

When the device is finished, it automatically restarts. If E:footer is wrong, it means:

• 🔹 The firmware file is damaged – download it again.
• 🔹 You're using it. OTA-packet.

Method 3: Full rollback via Fastboot (for experienced)

If the previous methods didn't work, it's the firmware on Fastboot, which deletes all the data, but it's guaranteed to roll back the system to the right version.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed Fastboot drivers.
• 📦 Full firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked loader (required!).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware archive in a folder (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
4. For firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool (download here): Select the folder with the unpacked firmware. Press Refresh - the device must be determined. Select Clean all mode or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after the firmware is installed). Press Flash and wait for completion (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the device does not turn on after Fastboot firmware is installed (black screen, vibration without logo), then the firmware is not suitable for your model or version of bootloader. MIUI Restore your device through Xiaomi’s official service.

5. Method 4: Recoil via MIUI bootloader (for global firmware)

If you upgraded through MIUI bootloader, you can return the previous version directly from it. This method only works for global firmware (Global/EEA).

How to do this:

1. Install MIUI bootloader from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select your device model.
3. In the firmware list, find the one that was installed before the problematic update.
4. Download it and press Install – the phone will reboot to Recovery and install the old version.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Does not require unlocking the loader.
• 🔹 Stores user data (unless you have selected the Wipe Data option).
• 🔹 Automatically checks firmware compatibility.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 It only works for Global/EEA firmware.
• 🔸 Not all models are supported (e.g. Chinese versions) CN inconsistent).

💡

MIUI bootloader is the safest way to roll back for beginners, but it won’t help if you’re using Chinese firmware or a device with a locked bootloader.

Method 5: Manually remove updates via TWRP (for advanced)

If you have a custom TWRP recap on your device, you can manually delete update files or flash the old version of MIUI. This method requires experience, but gives you maximum control.

Instructions:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Move the file to SD-card.
3. Boot in TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power).
4. Backup of the current system (Backup → System, Data, Boot).
5. Go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Cache

Data

Install

Magisk

If after firmware through TWRP the device hung on the MI logo, it means:

• 🔹 The firmware is incompatible with your model.
• 🔹 You forgot to flash vendor or firmware (some devices require additional files).
• 🔹 You need to do a complete reset (Wipe Data).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you roll back updates on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center. In some cases (for example, when the Anti-rollback is triggered), you can restore the device only with the help of official tools (Mi Flash Pro or Mi Flash Pro). EDL-regime).

💡

Before rolling back, always check the Anti-rollback version in Fastboot with the fastboot getvar anti command. If the current firmware version is below the allowed, the device will lock!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions