How to safely remove the update on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

MIUI updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems, from sudden bugs to a critical decline in performance. If after the upgrade the system becomes worse — slows down, quickly discharges or overheats — you can return the previous version of the firmware in several ways. It is important to understand that rolling back the update is not always easy: some methods require unlocking the bootloader, and the wrong actions can lead to a “brick” of the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to remove updates on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular models - from a standard reset via settings to manually stitch through Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), where rollback is possible only through the official MIUI bootloader.

Why you should remove the MIUI update

The manufacturer regularly releases security patches and new shell versions, but not all updates are tested equally well on all devices.

• 🐢 Strong brakes - after upgrading to MIUI 14/15 Many Redmi Note owners 9 Pro and Redmi. 10 complain about friezes when opening applications or scrolling through menus.
• 🔋 Accelerated battery life – newer versions are often optimized for flagships, and on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) This increases the energy consumption of 20-30%.
• 🚫 Failing functions – after the update may stop working NFC, proximity sensor or navigation gestures (relevant to the MIUI 13→14 on the Redmi. K40).
• 📱 CPU overheating – especially noticeable on smartphones with Snapdragon 6xx/7xx, where new versions MIUI load CPU on 100% background.
• 🔒 Root-rights blocking – updates often “sewn” vulnerabilities used to obtain root (for example, after the root is removed). MIUI 12.5 Many lost Magisk).

Before you start rolling back, check if the problems are related to other factors:

App cache cleared (Settings → Apps → Clear cache)|

Background processes are optimized (disable auto-run of unnecessary applications)|

Phone reboots in safe mode (hold the power button) → "Safe regime")|

The problem is reproduced on another account MI (Maybe the bug is synchronized)-->

If you have problems after these steps, start rolling back. But remember: it is more difficult to return the old firmware to Xiaomi than install a new one. For example, on models with Dynamic RAM Expansion (for example, Redmi Note 11S), rollback can lead to incorrect RAM.

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

The safest method is to use the built-in Recovery menu, which is suitable for most Redmi models if:

• 📲 Device not locked (no message "This device is locked" when booting in Recovery).
• 🔄 You've been updated by air" (OTA), Not through Fastboot.
• 📁 Previous Firmware saved in the phone memory (MIUI Automatically store the latest version in the folder /cached).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears (on some models – Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice), then go to Wipe & Reset → Reset to factory settings.
4. Click Back, then select Install update.zip to System.
5. Specify the path to the previous firmware file (usually /cached/last_version.zip).
6. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).

💡

If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, So your model doesn't support rollbacks through this menu. MIUI bootloader.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) this method can result in a data reset. backup in advance via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 2: Use of MIUI bootloader (official method)

If your device doesn’t support retracement through Recovery or you’re afraid of losing data, use the official MIUI bootloader tool, which works for most Redmi models, including the new Note 12 and Redmi 13C series.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download MIUI bootloader (Windows version)
2. Connect your phone to your PC in mode USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Select your model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) and region (Global/EEA/China) in the program.
4. In the firmware list, look for the previous version (for example, if you have MIUI 14.0.5, select 14.0.3).
5. Press Download, then Flash (the program will automatically select the method - Recovery or Fastboot).
6. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to unlock the bootloader).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 Automatic selection of compatible firmware (excludes the risk of installing the wrong version).
• 📥 The ability to download firmware directly from Xiaomi servers (without the risk of viruses).
• 🛠️ Support for locked bootloader devices (for some models).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) rollback MIUI bootloader can cause an "Anti-rollback check" error, in which case you need to flash the full package through Fastboot with the version check disabled.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to hand-held firmware through Fastboot mode, which is universal, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (or you will get the error "Device is locked").
• 💻 Computers with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed and ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 Proper firmware (full.tgz or.zip package for your model).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, for Redmi Note 11 here).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note10_pro_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
6. At the bottom, select Clean all and lock or Clean all, then Flash.
7. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

🔹 Important nuances:

• For models with Snapdragon 8xx (e.g. Redmi K60), use the Mi Flash Pro instead of the standard version.
• If the process is 99% frozen, do not turn off the phone – wait 10-15 minutes.
• On some firmware after rollback, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account (enter your login / password when you first turn on).

Through Recovery|

MIUI Downloader|

Fastboot|

Never rolled |

Another method-->

Method 4: Recoil via ADB Sideload (for firmware without Fastboot)

If your Redmi model doesn’t support Fastboot (like some Redmi 9A variants with MediaTek Helio G25), you can use ADB Sideload.This method allows you to flash the device through Recovery, but with a file download from your PC.

What you need:

• 📱 Recovery phone (see Method 1).
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📁 Firmware in.zip format (do not unpack!).

Instructions:

1. Place the firmware file (for example, miui_REDMINote9ProGlobal_V12.0.1.0.QJZMIXM.zip) file ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn on the phone USB-debugging (see Method 2).
3. Connect the device to your PC and go to Recovery.
4. From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload if you have one).
5. On PC, open the command line in the ADB folder and type: adb devices (should display your phone in sideload mode).
6. Enter the firmware command: Adb sideload miui_REDMINote9ProGlobal_V12.0.1.0.QJZMIXM.zip (Replace the file name with yours).
7. Wait until the end (the progress bar will appear on the phone screen).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13), this method may not work due to a change in firmware structure.

💡

ADB Sideload is the only way to flash a device with a locked bootloader unless the manufacturer has blocked this method in Recovery.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (if nothing worked)

If the firmware rollback is not possible (for example, on Redmi 10C with a blocked bootloader and no backup), there is a hard reset. It will not return the old version of MIUI, but can eliminate software bugs caused by the update.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase all data (on some firmware - Delete all data and reset settings).
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will restart and start setting up as new).

What the dumping does:

• ✅ Resolves system file conflicts that have arisen after the update.
• ✅ Returns factory performance settings (can help with brakes).
• ❌ Don't roll back the version MIUI (The same will be the case, but “clean").

🔹 Important: After discharge:

• Do not restore data from MIUI backup – this can bring back old bugs.
• Do not update immediately – check your phone for 1-2 days.
• If there are problems, try flashing the device through Fastboot (see Method 3).

What to do if the phone does not turn on after rollback

If the device fails to start after the rollback attempt (black screen, getting stuck on the Mi or Redmi logo), follow the following steps:

1. Forced reboot: Press Power + Volume up for 20-30 seconds. If the phone vibrates but doesn't turn on, move on to the next step.
2. Charging check: plug in the original cable and charger for 30 minutes.Discharged battery can block start.
3. Entrance to Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power. If the phone is identified in Fastboot, run it again through the Mi Flash Tool.
4. EDL-Emergency mode: If Fastboot is not available, try switching your phone to the Fastboot. EDL (more in spoiler below).

If the phone does not respond to any combination of buttons:

• 🔌 Try connecting to another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Use a different cable (preferably the original one from Xiaomi).
• 💻 Check the drivers on PC (install Qualcomm Drivers for PC) EDL).

If self-recovery failed, contact the service center Xiaomi. For devices on warranty do not mention attempts of self-firmware - this can cause denial of repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi Redmi