How to uninstall Android update on Xiaomi Redmi phone: 4 working methods

Why users want to roll back MIUI update and when it’s justified

Firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones usually bring new features, security fixes and performance optimization. However, often after installing the latest version of MIUI, users face problems from a sudden battery drain to critical bugs in the camera or network modules. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 14 on the Redmi Note 11, many complained about overheating of the processor and spontaneous reboots.

The rollback of the update can be justified in several cases:

• 🔋 Deterioration of autonomy - the battery sits on 30-50% faster than before the update.
• 📱 System Lags – the interface “brakes”, applications open for a long time.
• 📸 Failing functions – the fingerprint scanner fails, does not work NFC Bluetooth.
• 🔒 Privacy - new versions MIUI Sometimes aggressive data collection is introduced (for example, in the MIUI 12.5 Forced Advertising Appears ID).

It is important to understand that the update on Xiaomi Redmi can only be rolled back within 10 days after installing the new firmware through the standard Recovery menu, after which you will have to use alternative methods - resetting to factory settings or flashing through Fastboot. It is also important to note that some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi A1) have a blocked loader, which complicates the process.

Method 1: Recovery (works in the first 10 days after the update)

This is the easiest and safest way to return the previous version of MIUI, but it is only available for a limited period.

1. Turn off the phone by pressing the power button.
2. Keep Volume Up + Power until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Rollback to Previous Version.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If Rollback to Previous Version is missing, it means that more than 10 days have passed or this feature is disabled on your Redmi model (relevant for some Android 13+ devices).

Turn off phone |Clamp up Loudness + Power |Select English |Find Rollback to Previous Version |Confirm rollback-->

⚠️ Note: After rollback, all data on the phone will remain intact, but application settings (for example, accounts in messengers) may reset. → The phone. → Backup.

Method 2: Reset to factory settings (universal, but deletes all data)

If the 10-day deadline has expired and you need to roll back, you can use a hard reset, which does not guarantee a return to the previous version of MIUI, but often solves problems with bugs by "clean" installing the current firmware.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to delete all data (hard reset).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account if your phone is tied.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, the phone will return to the out-of-the-box state, but the MIUI version will remain current, a method that helps 60-70% of the time when problems are caused by data conflicts after the update, rather than errors in the firmware itself.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 10A) Resetting to factory settings can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, check the backup in the folder /nvram or use the tool MTK Engineering Mode for storing modem data.

Method 3: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)

If standard methods didn’t work, you can manually install the old version of MIUI via Fastboot mode.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

1. Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI for your model from the official Xiaomi website (select Fastboot ROM).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
3. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, keeping Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the file flash_all.bat unpacked.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K50, etc.), you must first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool. This process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's policy.

Once flashed through Fastboot, all data will be erased and the phone will receive a clean version of MIUI without custom settings, a method that works if you know exactly what firmware you need and are prepared for possible risks (such as a device blink if you make an error).

Method 4: Install custom firmware (alternative for enthusiasts)

If none of these methods works, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS), a radical method that completely changes the system but gives you more control over the device.

• 🚀 Without ads and bloatware – custom firmware is usually devoid of pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• 🔄 Regular updates – many firmware updates more often than the official ones MIUI.
• 🔓 Root access – the ability to deep customize the system.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software cancel the warranty.
• 🛠️ Brick risk – a firmware error can make your phone inoperable.
• 📱 Not all functions work – for example, some firmware fails IR-blaster NFC.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as in method 3).
2. Install custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP).
3. Download the right firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
4. Sweep ZIP-file-through TWRP and clear the cache.

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Before installing custom firmware, check user reviews of your model on the forums. For example, the Pixel Experience for the Redmi Note 10 Pro has proven itself well, and LineageOS 20 for the Redmi 9T.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If you can’t roll back the update and the problems remain, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Recoil through Mi Flash Tool – a utility from Xiaomi for forced firmware of the old version (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 📱 The use of the second space - in MIUI There is a dual application function that allows you to create a “clean” profile without bugs.
• 🔧 Manual Performance Customization – Turn Off Animations in Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations and limit background activity of applications.
• 📦 Removing updates for individual apps – some bugs are related to Google Play Services or Miui System updates. → Annexes → Show it all. → Select an application → Remove updates.

If the phone is completely inoperable after a botched rollback (like a Mi logo), try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to your PC and flash through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).

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Before any firmware manipulation, save data! Use Mi PC Suite or cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi Redmi