Updates of the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: brakes, fast battery discharge or incompatibility with your favorite applications. owners of Redmi 7A face this problem especially acutely - budget hardware model 2019 release does not always cope with the requirements of the latest versions of MIUI or Android. If after the update the phone began to work worse, and roll back through standard settings is impossible - this article for you.
We'll take a look at 5 proven methods for removing updates, from the simplest (reset to factory settings) to the most advanced (hand-held firmware via fastboot). It's important to understand that firmware rollback is always a risk. On Redmi 7A with Snapdragon 439 processor and 2GB of RAM, it's not recommended to install MIUI 12.5 and newer β this critically reduces performance. Before you act, back up your data and assess whether the game is worth a candle.
Why you canβt just βremoveβ an update as an app
Many users mistakenly think that a system update can be uninstalled in the same way as an unnecessary application.In fact, MIUI/Android updates are stitched into /system and protected from changes. Trying to remove them manually through the file manager will lead to:
- π΄ Critical failure β the phone will stop loading (bootloop).
- π΄ Losing warranty if the device is still in service.
- π΄ Blocking your Mi Account when you have incorrect firmware.
The only safe way is to roll back to the previous firmware version through official or custom tools, and then we'll look at all the options available, starting with the safest ones.
Method 1: Reset to factory settings (the easiest, but not always effective)
If the update is installed recently (within 1-2 weeks), sometimes a hard reset helps, which does not guarantee a rollback to the previous version of MIUI, but will return the phone to the βout of the boxβ state with the current firmware, in some cases, this solves performance problems.
How to reset:
- Open Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Choose to delete all data (hard reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
β οΈ Note: This method does not delete the update itself, but only cleans user data. MIUI, Reset will not help - you will need a full rollback of the firmware.
π‘
Remove before resetting SIM-Sometimes after Hard Reset, the phone asks for the password from the Mi Account, even if it wasn't there before!
Method 2: Recovery Mode (boot firmware required)
If you have saved the original firmware (e.g. V11.0.2.0.PCMIXM for Redmi 7A) or downloaded it from Xiaomiβs official website, you can try installing it via Recovery.
- π You have unlocked the bootloader (bootloader).
- π The firmware is signed for your model (pine is codename Redmi). 7A).
- π Battery charged at least 60 times%.
Instructions:
- Download the firmware in.zip format from the MIUI Download website (select region and version).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
- Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select Install update.zip to System and confirm.
β οΈ Note: If the firmware is not designed for your region (for example, you download Global to your phone from Russia), local features (for example, you may miss out on the local features, NFC or 4G).
| MIUI version | Android | Stability on Redmi 7A | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10.2 | Android 9 Pie | βββββ | The best option for weak iron |
| MIUI 11.0 | Android 9 Pie | ββββ | Acceptable, but possible lags |
| MIUI 12.0β12.5 | Android 10 | ββ | Not recommended - strong brakes |
| MIUI 13+ | Android 11+ | β | Critically unstable |
Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)
If Recovery refuses to install the old firmware, you will have to use fastboot. This method requires a PC, a USB Type-C cable and an unlocked bootloader. On Redmi 7A, it takes up to 72 hours to unlock (you need to link the Mi Account to the device).
Step-by-step:
Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Install Qualcomm drivers on PC|Unclose the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Charge the phone to 100%|Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware files)-->
- Download fastboot firmware for pine (codename Redmi 7A) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\fastboot_rom.
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
- In the program, select the folder with firmware, press Refresh (should appear). COM-port) and click Flash.
It takes 5-15 minutes. Once it's done, the phone automatically restarts. If you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install a firmware that's too old, upgrade to the intermediate version.
What is an anti-rollback and why does it block rollback?
Method 4: Using ADB for Downgrade (fastboot alternative)
If fastboot seems too complicated, you can try the ADB Sideload rollback, which works even with a locked bootloader, but requires USB debugging enabled.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ PC with installation ADB Tools.
- π± Included debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times tap to unlock the developer's settings).
- π Firmware in.zip format for your model.
Instructions:
adb devices # Checking the connection
adb reboot recovery #Reboot in Recovery
In Recovery, select "Apply update from ADB"
adb sideload firmware.zip # Download firmwareβ οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI ADB Sideload is disabled in Recovery. If the team is not working, use fastboot or custom Recovery (TWRP).
Method 5: LineageOS (Pixel Experience)
If the official methods do not help, and the phone brakes on the new MIUI, It's worth considering custom firmware, which is lighter than standard firmware, and lacks any extra software from Xiaomi. 7A popular:
- π± LineageOS 16/17 (Android 9/10) β steady-and-fast.
- π± Pixel Experience β pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
- β‘ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.
For custom firmware installation:
- Unlock the bootloader (see method 3).
- Install TWRP Recovery (instructions for pine are available on the official website).
- Backup the current system through TWRP.
- Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
π‘
Custom firmware gives a second wind to older smartphones, but deprives you of official Xiaomi support. Before installing, check the feedback on the stability of a specific build for the Redmi 7A on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum.
Possible mistakes and how to correct them
When rolling back firmware users Redmi 7A most often face the following problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't verify update package | Firmware file damaged | Download the firmware again, check the checksum (MD5) |
| This package is for "pine" devices; this is a "" | Inappropriate firmware for the model | Download firmware specifically for Redmi 7A (pine code) |
| Hanging on the Mi logo | Failed firmware or partition failure | Repeat the firmware via fastboot or reset data to TWRP |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to roll back to an older version | Identify the intermediate version of MIUI |
If the phone is no longer on (brick), don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored through EDL Mode (Firmware Emergency Mode), this will require a box (such as a UFi Box) or help from a service center.