How to Uninstall Updates on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 Verified Ways

MIUI updates on Xiaomi Redmi 9 often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: slowdowns, camera bugs, battery problems or sudden reboots. If the smartphone becomes worse after the update, it makes sense to want to return the previous version of the firmware. However, rolling back updates on Android is not as easy as installing. The manufacturer does not provide a regular function “go back”, so you will have to use workarounds.

In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to remove updates on Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), their pros and cons, and the risks that are important to consider. From simple reset to settings to complete Fastboot flashing, choose the method to your level of preparation. The main rule is that rolling back the firmware erases all data on the phone unless you back up in advance.

Why might I need to remove the update?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 users are most likely to experience the following issues after MIUI updates:

• 🐢 Slowdown: lags when opening applications, long system loads, animations hanging over, especially on budget models with 2-3 GB of RAM.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: after the update, the phone discharges in 4-5 hours instead of the usual 10-12. MIUI.
• 📸 Camera failures: artifacts in the photo, inability to start the camera app or errors when shooting video.
• 📶 Communication problems: mobile Internet goes missing, Wi-Fi is not caught or errors occur when calling.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: The phone is constantly restarting and can’t boot properly.

According to the 4PDA and Mi Community forums, about 15% of Redmi 9 users experience critical bugs after major updates (for example, when switching from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13).

Method 1: Resetting settings to factory (without data loss)

If the update has caused minor bugs (such as brakes or app errors), try a soft reset first.This method does not remove the update completely, but returns the system to a post-purchase state by saving user files (photos, videos, documents).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
3. Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: This method does not roll back the version MIUI, If the problem is with the kernel or drivers (e.g., the camera is not working), resetting won't help.

Backup your contacts (via Google Account)

Remember Wi-Fi passwords (they will reset)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode (for power users)

If soft reset didn’t work, the next step is to install the old firmware through Recovery, a method that requires a firmware file to be preloaded and is suitable for users who have already encountered Android firmware.

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader (if never unlocked, skip this method).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📁 The firmware file (.zip) for your model can be downloaded from the official Miui Download website (select stable version, not beta version!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware and rename it to update.zip.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file to the root folder of internal memory.
3. Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware older than the one that was originally on the phone (for example, with the help of a computer). MIUI 13 on MIUI 12), it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader, without which the system will give an error "Couldn't verify package". Unlocking erases all data and requires an account binding Mi!

Method 3: Full rollback via Fastboot (most reliable)

Fastboot is the most radical, but it's also the most reliable, and it's good if you:

• 🔧 The phone is not switched on or stuck on the Mi logo.
• 📉 We need to return the very first version. MIUI, which was on the phone when you bought it.
• 🔓 You are ready for total data loss (including files on internal memory).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if never unlocked, follow the official instructions).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Run the firmware command: fastboot flash all (some firmware may require fastboot flash all-w to clean up the data).
6. Wait for the completion (10-20 minutes) and reboot.

1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).

2. Connect the phone to the USB 2.0 port (on the back of the PC).

3. disable the antivirus (it can block fastboot).-->

Method 4: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for Windows)

If Fastboot commands seem complicated, you can use the official Mi Flash Tool, which automates the firmware process and reduces the risk of errors.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Download the firmware in.tgz format for your model (see the table above).
3. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\miui_flash).
4. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode (Power button + Volume down).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. Press Select and select the folder with unpacked firmware.
7. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
8. Wait for the end (green tick) and reboot the phone.

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool contains a "Couldn't load device" error, check it out:

• Are Qualcomm drivers installed (you can download here)
• Is debugging mode on USB in the developer settings (if the phone is turned on).
• Try another one. USB-port.

Method 5: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

For advanced users who want to manage firmware flexibly, installing custom Recovery (TWRP) and rolling back through it will be fine.

• 🔄 Install any version MIUI (including ported).
• 📦 Make backups of the entire system (Nandroid backup).
• 🛠️ Remove unnecessary system applications.

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 9 (select the version for your model code).
2. Install TWRP via Fastboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. V TWRP Backup of the current system (Backup) → Select All → Swipe to Backup).
4. Download the desired firmware (.zip) and copy it to the phone.
5. In TWRP, select Install → Select firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
6. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (if required).

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP Violates warranty and can cause a phone to break if the wrong version of Recovery is selected. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions!

💡

Custom Recovery (TWRP) gives you maximum freedom, but requires an unlocked bootloader and increases the risk of “bricking” the phone. For beginners, it is better to use official methods (Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you roll back updates on Redmi 9, users often face typical problems.

💡 Useful tip: Before any firmware manipulation, check the Anti-Rollback version of your phone, which you can find in Fastboot Mode (line anti) or through the command:

fastboot getvar anti

Installing firmware with a lower Anti-Rollback will lead to a brick!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions