How to securely remove security updates on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Security updates on Xiaomi smartphones are a two-way sword. On the one hand, they close vulnerabilities, protect against viruses and improve system stability. On the other hand, they sometimes lead to slowdowns, conflicts with applications or even blocking functions (for example, root access or custom Recovery may stop working after an update). If you encounter problems after installing the last security patch and want to return the previous version, this guide is for you.

It is important to understand that rolling back security updates is not an official procedure. Xiaomi does not provide tools to “undo” patches, so all methods require manual manipulation of the system. In some cases, this can lead to a loss of warranty, data reset or even a device “brick” (if you interrupt the process or use the wrong firmware).

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 Why Security Updates Can Interfere with Smartphones
• ⚠️ Risks and consequences of rollback (including blocking) MIUI)
• 🛠️ 5 Ways to Remove Updates: From Simple to Complex
• 📱 Alternative solutions (if recoiling is not possible)
• 🔄 How to Avoid Automatic Patch Installation in the Future

1 Why Xiaomi Security Updates Are Causing Problems

Security patches from Xiaomi (and other manufacturers) typically include:

• 🔒 Fixing Android Vulnerabilities (for example, CVE-2023-XXXX)
• 🛡️ Linux kernel and driver updates
• 📱 Closing exploits to obtain root rights
• 🔄 Policy developments MIUI (For example, limiting background activity)

Problems after updates most often arise due to:

1. Unoptimized code: New patches may conflict with old libraries MIUI, Especially on budget models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3).
2. Block modifications: Updates often patch holes used to unlock the bootloader or install. TWRP.
3. Performance restrictions: For example, a patch can impose limits on use. CPU to save battery, which leads to lags.

Example: After the security update of May 2023, many Xiaomi users 11T Pros complained of spontaneous reboots due to conflict with the camera module, in which case rollback is the only solution if the manufacturer has not released a fix".

⚠️ Attention: On devices with a locked bootloader (most of the new Xiaomi models), rollback of security updates can lead to the activation of the antirollback - the mechanism that blocks the smartphone when trying to install the old firmware. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 5 times on "Core").

2.Preparation for rollback: what to do before removing updates

Before you start manipulating the system, follow the mandatory steps:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check the model and version MIUI (Settings → The phone)|Make sure the battery is charged at least 70%|Download the correct firmware version (see table below)|Prepare the cable. USB and PC (for methods with ADB/Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. Only the version can be installed. MIUI, which:

• 📌 Compatible with your smartphone model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro codenamed sweet).
• 📅 No older than 3 months from the current date (otherwise, the antirollback will work).
• 🔄 Support your region (Global, EEA, China, Russia).

Where to download the firmware:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI Downloads (select Stable versions).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).
• 📥 Telegram channels, like, @MIUIUpdatesTracker (linkage).

⚠️ Note: If your device is linked to a Mi Account (Find Device enabled), a firmware rollback may cause a password request when you first download it. Make sure you remember the account details, or untie the device in advance in Settings → Xiaomi account → Find Device.

3. Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• ✅ You have customized recovery installed (TWRP, OrangeFox).
• ✅ bootloader unlocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).
• ✅ You have a full firmware in.zip format (not a.zip format). OTA-update!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct version MIUI (for example, miui_SWEETGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RKFMIXM_xxxx.zip) And move it to the root of the phone's memory.
2. Turn off your smartphone and press the power. + Volume Up to enter the TWRP.
3. In Recovery, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data (if you want a full reset).
4. Return to the main menu, click Install and select the downloaded.zip file.
5. Confirm the swipe installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
6. After installation, select Reboot → System.

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If after the reboot the smartphone stuck on the logo MIUI, clamp down the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, repeat the firmware installation by pre-formatting the Data partition into the new version. TWRP.

Advantages of the method:

• ✔️ Does not require a connection to a PC.
• ✔️ Stores user data (unless you do Wipe Data).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It only works with an unlocked loader.
• ❌ Risk of "brick" with the wrong choice of firmware.

Method 2: Remove updates through ADB (data-free)

If you do not have an unlocked bootloader, but have access to debugging by USB, You can try to remove the latest security update. ADB. This method is suitable for non-system patches (e.g., monthly updates set as a "switch" or "switch"). OTA).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access USB (There will be a request on the phone).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Get a list of service packs: adb shell pm list packages | Look for lines like com.miui.systemAdSolution or com.miui.securityupdate.
4. Remove the service pack (example for security patch): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.securityupdate
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

This method does not guarantee a full rollback - it only removes the "addition" of the update, but the kernel and system libraries will remain new. MIUI use firmware techniques.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Service packs are protected by the system MIUI Optimization. Deleting them can lead to a cyclical reboot, in which case only a complete flashing will help.

5. Method 3: Recoil via Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked, but you are ready for a full data reset, you can use the official Xiaomi tool - Mi Flash Tool. This method is suitable for devices that do not support anti-rollback (see the list in the table above).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the archive.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension, inside the folder with.img files).
3. Turn off your phone and press the power. + Volume Down to log into Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder. Make sure that your device is displayed at the bottom (for example, for example, COM3).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Warnings:

• 🚨 This method erases all data, including photos and apps.
• 🚨 Newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 12) may require authorization for Mi Account after firmware.
• 🚨 If the firmware is not suitable for your region, some features may not be available after the reboot (e.g, NFC or 5G).

6. Method 4: Use of custom firmware (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can install an alternative firmware based on an older version. MIUI or AOSP. Popular options:

• 📱 MIUI EU (European assembly without bloat, but with current patches).
• 📱 Pixel Experience or LineageOS (Pure Android with no security updates from Xiaomi).
• 📱 Xiaomi.eu Stable (mixes of older versions) MIUI bug-corrected).

Advantages:

• ✔️ Full control over updates (you can turn them off permanently).
• ✔️ No unnecessary restrictions MIUI (For example, blocking background processes).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires an unlocked bootloader.
• ❌ Banking applications may not work (due to lack of certification).
• ❌ No official support (updates coming from community).

Where to download:

• 🔗 Xiaomi.eu (official website) MIUI EU).
• 🔗 XDA Developers (partition of your model).
• 🔗 Telegram chat MIUI Russia (Russian-language support).

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Installing custom firmware is the only way to get rid of Xiaomi’s security updates completely, but it requires deep knowledge and prepares for no warranty.

7. Method 5: Disable automatic updates (if rollback is not possible)

If none of the methods are suitable (for example, due to anti-rollback), you can block the installation of new patches.This will not remove current updates, but will prevent problems in the future.

How to disable updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (gear in the top corner.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 Automatic booting over Wi-Fi 🔔 Notifications of updates

hosts

echo "127.0.0.1 update.miui.com" >> /system/etc/hosts


echo "127.0.0.1 api.update.miui.com" >> /system/etc/hosts

Alternative method (without root):

• 📵 Install Blockada and blacklist the domains: update.miui.com, api.update.miui.com, sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Does not protect against manual installation of updates (for example, through Updater in the MIUI).
• ⚠️ On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50) Updates are set in the background despite settings.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When rolling back security updates, users often face the following issues:

Additional advice:

• 🔋 Always check the battery level before running the firmware.If the phone runs out during the process, it can lead to an irrecoverable breech.
• 🔌 Use the back. USB-port on PC (on laptops they are more stable than the front ones).
• 📡 Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data before rolling back so the system doesn’t start downloading updates automatically.

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If after rolling back the smartphone began to work slower, reset the cache in Recovery (Wipe) → Wipe Cache: This often solves lag problems without losing data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions