How to uninstall the update to Xiaomi 12: 4 working methods + risks

MIUI updates on Xiaomi 12 don’t always work: newer firmware versions can slow down your smartphone, drain your battery faster, or break the camera’s functionality. If the device gets worse after the upgrade, it can roll back to the previous version. But there are pitfalls: wrong actions will lead to a bootloader lock, data loss, or even a “brick” phone.

In this article, we’ve got 4 proven ways to uninstall the Xiaomi 12 update (including the 12 Pro, 12X, 12 Lite models), their pros and cons, and unique nuances for locked bootloaders. We’ll take a look at the official and informal methods, point out when to do without a factory reset and when it’s inevitable. All the instructions are relevant for MIUI 13/14/15 and Android 12/13/14 firmware.

Why the update will hurt the Xiaomi 12

The manufacturer tests the firmware before it's released, but the bugs still slip.

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption - background processes MIUI start to eat charge even in standby mode (especially important for updates from Android 12 to Android 13).
• 🐢 Lags and slowdowns - new animations MIUI 14/15 More resources are needed, and Xiaomi’s iron is more expensive. 12 (even with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) not always.
• 📸 Camera crashes – after the update, shooting modes may disappear (for example, Night Mode or 50MP), Or the camera refuses to start at all.
• 📶 Network problems disappear 5G, Does not catch Wi-Fi 6 or there are errors when connecting to Bluetooth devices.
• 🔒 Blocking features – for example, unlocking the face or stops working Always On Display.

According to service center statistics, 30 percent of MIUI updates are related to these issues, and Xiaomi rarely admits to fault and doesn’t always issue patches, so rollbacks are often the only way out.

Preparing for rollback: what to do before removing the update

Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi PC Suite. This will save contacts, SMS and some apps (but not system settings!).
2. Check the status of the bootloader: if it is locked (by default on all Xiaomi 12), you will need an official unlocker from Xiaomi.
3. Charge your phone to at least 60% – interrupting the process due to battery discharge can turn your smartphone into a “brick”.
4. Download the necessary firmware from the official MIUI Downloads website or verified sources (for example, Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Check the phone model (Settings → About the phone → Model)

Download firmware for the exact model (12/12 Pro/12X/12 Lite)

Make sure you have 5+ GB of free memory

Disable two-factor authentication Mi Account (if used)

Prepare. USB-cable (original, without damage)

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If you are using Xiaomi 12 with global firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5), don’t try to install the Chinese or European version, which will lead to constant errors in Google services and blocking some features (e.g. Google Pay).

Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

The easiest way, but it only works if:

• 📱 You do not have a bootloader blocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info – the status must be unlocked).
• 🔄 You're being updated through OTA (by air, not manually via Fastboot.
• 📁 There's a backup in MIUI Backup (or else the data will be deleted).

Instructions:

1. Download a firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, cupid_global_images_13.0.12.0.XXX_13.0.zip) And move it to the root folder of the phone.
2. Turn off Xiaomi 12 and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
5. Select Reboot to System.

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If you don't have Install update.zip in Recovery, then your version of MIUI Recovery is outdated. In this case, use the Fastboot method (see below).

Warning: If the phone is stuck on the MI logo for longer than 15 minutes after the reboot, do not force it to turn it off - this can damage the system partitions.

Method 2: Remove the update via Fastboot (from PC)

This method is suitable for any firmware, including those installed through the Mi Flash Tool. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the full firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension) and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a rabbit with a hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect Xiaomi 12 to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. For a clean installation (with deletion of all data) run: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz To save data (not always working!) use: fastboot flash all -s [name file firmware file].tgz
5. Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot

Critical information: If you see an anti-rollback check fail error, it means you are trying to install firmware older than Xiaomi's policy allows.

• 🛑 Stop the process immediately (pull the cable out).
• 🔍 Find firmware with the same or newer build number (for example, if you have 14.0.5, only roll back 14.0.3, not 14.0.3). 13.0.x).
• 🔧 Use it. MIUI Downgrade Tool (see Method 4).

Method 3: Use of MIUI Downgrade Tool (for experienced)

MIUI Downgrade Tool is an unofficial utility that automates the rollback process, bypassing some of Xiaomi's limitations. It supports all Xiaomi 12 models and is able to:

• 🔄 Anti-rollback testing (but not always!).
• 📥 Download the necessary firmware directly from the program.
• ⚡ Install firmware in one click (without manual commands).

How to use:

1. Download MIUI Downgrade Tool with XDA Developers (check the author’s reputation!).
2. Connect Xiaomi 12 in Fastboot mode (see Method 2).
3. Select your model from the drop-down list (e.g. Xiaomi 12 (cupid)).
4. Specify the target version of MIUI (the program will show the available options).
5. Press Downgrade and wait until it is completed.

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MIUI Downgrade Tool does not guarantee 100% success – if the firmware is blocked by the anti-rollback policy, even this utility will not help, in this case, you only have to wait for an official patch from Xiaomi or contact the service center.

Some versions of the MIUI Downgrade Tool contain malicious code.

• 🔍 Check the hash file (MD5) developer's website.
• 🛡️ Run the program in a sandbox (for example, SandBoxie).
• 🚫 Do not enter your Mi Account information into third-party utilities.

Method 4: Official rollback through Xiaomi service center

If you fail to do it yourself, you have to go to an authorized service center, which is the safest, but also the longest way.

• ✅ Ensure that the phone does not turn into a brick».
• ✅ Maintaining an official guarantee (if it is still valid).
• ✅ The ability to roll back on any version, even if it is blocked by the anti-rollback policy.

Cons:

• ⏳ Expectation 3-7 days (depending on the workload of the center).
• 💰 The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (if the warranty has expired).
• 🔄 Resetting all data (service centers rarely store user information).

How to prepare for your visit:

1. Make a full backup via Mi PC Suite or Google Account.
2. Write down the phone's IMEI (type *#06#).
3. Bring a box and documents to your phone (if you have a warranty).
4. Check with Xiaomi support (via chat or phone) which service center works with your model.

Important: If you previously unlocked the bootloader informally (for example, through XiaomiTool), the service center may refuse warranty repair, in which case it is better not to mention unlocking.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when rolling back updates.

Tip: If the phone gets worse after the rollback (for example, artifacts appear on the screen or it spontaneously reboots), the problem is likely to be in the hardware, not the firmware, in which case the rollback will not help, you need diagnostics.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions