How to Remove System Update on Android Xiaomi: Safe Recoil MIUI

MIUI updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones aren’t always helpful. The new firmware version can slow down the device, drain the battery faster or break the usual functions. If the system gets worse after the upgrade, it can be rolled back. In this article, we will discuss all the proven ways to remove updates on Xiaomi Android devices, including methods through Recovery, Fastboot and hidden settings.

It's important to understand that not all versions of MIUI support rollback. For example, after switching to Android 13, you can't get Android 12 back by official methods - you'll need to unlock the bootloader and manual firmware. We'll look at options for different scenarios, from a simple reset to a deep downgrade with data storage.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50%) – rollback can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📱 Device model (c Settings) → About phone – instructions differ for Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
• 🔒 bootloader status (unblocked/locked) – affects available methods.

1. rollback via Recovery menu (without data loss)

The safest way is to use the built-in recovery menu, which works if:

• 📲 The device is loaded into the system (no critical errors).
• 🔄 The update was installed less than 72 hours ago (MIUI Keeps a backup copy of the old version).
• 🔐 bootloader is blocked (standard situation for most users).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) and go to Wipe & Reset → Rollback to Previous Version.
4. Confirm the rollback and wait for the reboot (it will take 10-15 minutes).

Turn off the smartphone|Press the volume and power buttons|Select "Rollback to Previous Version"|Confirm the action and wait for the reboot-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with unlocked bootloader.
• ❌ Available only for the latest update (you can’t roll back 2-3 versions).
• ❌ In some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) The option is hidden – activation is required through ADB.

2. reset to factory settings (if rollback is not available)

If the Recovery menu doesn't offer a rollback option, the alternative is hard reset, which will delete all the data, but return the device to the original firmware (the one you bought it), suitable for devices with a locked bootloader.

How to do this:

1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages) through Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models – Factory Reset).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the device will automatically install the version of MIUI that was preloaded to the recovery section, which is not always the latest firmware, but is guaranteed to be stable.

💡

If after resetting the phone again offers to update – disable automatic download of updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update

Manually remove updates via ADB (for experienced)

This method is suitable if you have installed the update manually (via a.zip file) and want to delete it without completely resetting. ADB and Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute on the command line: Adb devices (should display your device).
4. Delete the update file: adb shell rm /data/ota_package/*
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

This method does not roll back the firmware, but only removes the downloaded, but not installed service pack. If the update is already applied, move on to the following methods.

MIUI 14 (Android 13)|MIUI 13 (Android 12)|MIUI 12.5 (Android 11)| Another version |I don't know-->

4. rollback via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can manually flash the old version of MIUI through Fastboot, a technique that requires technical skills and is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with official unlock support.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and Fastboot drivers.
• 📁 Firmware (.tgz or.zip) for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware site.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info - Device unlocked: true).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in the folder with fastboot.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and execute: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot

Warning: Flawed firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Always check that your files are compatible with your device model!

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Fastboot firmware erases all data. Back up via TWRP or Mi Cloud before you start.

5.Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

For advanced users, the best option is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and roll back via a backup (Nandroid backup), which saves data and allows you to choose any version of the firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions on the official website).
2. Backup your current system in TWRP (Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
3. Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format and transfer it to your phone.
4. In TWRP, select Install → Select firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Saving User Data (with the Right Backup).
• ✅ The ability to choose any version MIUI (custom-assembly).
• ✅ Support for devices with a locked boot loader (if) TWRP pre-established).

💡

If, after the firmware is through TWRP phone is stuck on startup the logo - try to erase the cache (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache) and restart.

6.Official Downgrade via Mi Flash Tool

For devices with a locked bootloader, Xiaomi offers an official tool - Mi Flash Tool. It allows you to flash the old version of MIUI, but with a complete data reset.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11.
• 📁 Official firmware (.tgz) from Xiaomi website.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to the PC, in the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
5. Select the firmware folder, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Firmware time: 5-15 minutes. Once complete, the phone will restart in factory condition.

Comparison of Xiaomi Updates’ Recoil Methods

⚠️ Attention: Retracement to the version MIUI Over 2 years old can lead to problems with the work of applications (for example, banking services due to an outdated version of Android). 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) rollback can reset the virtual memory settings. After the procedure, it is recommended to manually adjust the settings in Settings → Additionally. → Memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi rollback updates