Many users are faced with a situation when after installing a new MIUI update, the smartphone starts to run slower or errors appear. Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners often wonder how to return the device to a stable version of the system that worked perfectly. Removing updates is a delicate process that requires understanding the structure of the Android file system.
Simply clicking the "delete" button in the settings will not work, since system files are protected from accidental change. However, there are proven methods of firmware rollback that allow you to restore the previous version of the operating system. It is important to understand that any interference with the software carries certain risks, so you need to strictly follow the instructions.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to return to the previous build. You will learn how to prepare the device, what tools you will need and how to avoid loss of personal data. The only safe way to completely remove updates is to flash the device earlier via Fastboot or Recovery mode. Don’t ignore warnings so as not to turn your smartphone into a brick.
Preparation of the device and important nuances
Before you start active, you need to do a lot of preparation. The Redmi 7 should be charged at least 60%, as the firmware process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. It is also critical to create a full backup of all data, since rolling back the system almost always involves a complete reset.
You will need quality. USB-It's almost impossible to roll back on global firmware without a PC, and it's also worth downloading the drivers for Xiaomi in advance so that the computer can correctly identify the device in bootloader mode.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure you know your Mi Account and password. Once reset, the system will require authorization, and without this data, you will not be able to log in to the interface.
☑️ Preparation for rollback of the system
Check the free space on the internal drive if you plan to use the method through Recovery. The firmware file can take from 2 to 3 GB. If memory is scarce, clear the app cache or transfer the media files to the microSD memory card.
Search and download the previous version of the firmware
The key step is to find the right firmware file.You need a version of MIUI that was installed in the factory or preceded the problematic upgrade. Xiaomi's official website doesn't always store archives of old builds, so you'll have to use trusted third-party resources.
Firmware files come in two types: Recovery (.zip extension) and Fastboot (.tgz extension). ZIP-For the PC method — TGZ-Make sure you download the firmware specifically for the Redmi 7 (codenamed onyx) model, as the firmware is from Redmi. 7A Note 7 can cause the device to fail.
Where to look for old firmware safely?
Once you download a file, don't unpack it unless the instruction requires otherwise. Place the archive in the root of the internal memory or on the memory card so that the system can easily find it.
Recovery Method through Recovery Mode
This is a good way to remove the update without using a computer, but it only works if you roll back to the same branch (e.g. global to global) or if the bootloader is unlocked.
First, activate the hidden menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and click 7-10 times on MIUI until you see “You’re a developer.” Then go to Advanced Settings → Developer and turn on “Additional Updates.”
- 📲 Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the update screen.
- 📂 Select the option “Select a firmware file” and specify the downloaded ZIP-archive.
- 🔄 Click the “Update” button and wait for the file to be checked.
- 🧹 Confirm the action, the system will warn you about the deletion of all data.
If the system produces an error, "Can't verify update," it means that the version is too old or the firmware region does not match, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or use a PC, the installation process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart.
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If the standard way of selecting a file doesn’t work, try renaming the firmware file to update.zip And put it in a folder. downloaded_rom root-memory.
Removing updates via Fastboot and PC
The most reliable method is to install any version of software, even older ones, and this will require the Mi Flash Tool and an unlocked bootloader, which, if the bootloader is locked, will not work without a formal unlock procedure through Xiaomi servers.
Download and install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer. Unpack the downloaded Fastboot firmware (TGZ) to the root of the disk C, so that the path is short, for example: C:\onyx_global. It is important that there are no Cyrillic symbols on the way.
⚠️ Note: When you run through Fastboot, select Clear All mode to completely remove the old system and data.Save user data mode can lead to errors when rolling back to the old version.
Turn off your phone and press down and power to enter Fastboot mode. Connect your smartphone to your PC. In Mi Flash, press Refresh, the serial number of the device should appear.
Press the Flash button and wait for the process to be completed. The progress indicator will fill up and the phone will automatically restart. The first run can last up to 10 minutes, which is normal for a new installation of the operating system.
Disabling Automatic Updates
After a successful rollback, the main task is to prevent the problematic update from being re-installed, and the MIUI system insists on updating, and you need to block this opportunity, and the easiest way is to disable auto-update in the settings.
Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on the gear in the upper right corner and turn off Auto Update. It is also recommended to turn off notifications about the availability of a new version, so as not to annoy yourself with constant reminders.
For advanced users, there is a way to block the system through a hosts file or special applications that block the system updater from accessing Xiaomi servers. This requires root rights, but gives a 100% guarantee.
Table of compatibility of rollback methods
To make it easier for you to navigate the methods, we have prepared a summary table that will help you choose the right option depending on the status of your bootloader and the version of the current firmware.
| Loader status | Type of firmware | Recoil method | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked. | Global on Global | Recovery (manually) | No (reset) |
| Blocked. | Chinese to Global | Impossible. | - |
| Unlocked. | Any one for anyone. | Fastboot | No (Clean All) |
| Unlocked. | Newer to older | Recovery / Fastboot | No. |
As you can see from the table, without unlocked bootloader, there are limited maneuverability options, and you can only change versions within one region and only upwards or one version back if the system allows.
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Unlock Bootloader is a prerequisite for complete freedom of action with the firmware, but it voids the warranty and requires a wait of 7 days.