How to uninstall the update on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Updates to MIUI on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: increased battery consumption, interface lags or sudden errors in the operation of applications. If the phone became worse after the update, it is possible to return the previous version of the firmware - but only if strict rules are followed. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of rolling back updates, from simple (via the restore menu) to complex (using Fastboot and ADB), and also tell you what risks should be considered before starting the procedure.

It’s important to understand that the manufacturer does not have a formal mechanism for rollback updates on most Xiaomi models, which means that you perform any manipulation of the firmware at your own risk. However, with the right approach and preparation, the chances of success are 90% or higher. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for different scenarios, from rollback through Recovery to manual stitching through the Mi Flash Tool.

Why you should remove the update to Xiaomi

It is widely believed among Xiaomi smartphone owners that each new version of MIUI is better than the previous one, and in practice this is not always the case.

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption — the new version MIUI may contain power management errors, causing the phone to run out in a matter of hours.
• 🐢 System lags and braking are especially noticeable on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), where new firmware requires more resources.
• 🚫 Failed features — for example, NFC stopped working, Always-On Display turned off, or camera settings disappeared.
• 📱 Compatibility issues – some applications (especially banking or games) may not run on the newer version MIUI.
• 🔒 Lock bootloader Unlock – After the update, the ability to unlock Bootloader may disappear if it was not done in advance.

Before you start rolling back, check if the problems are related to other factors:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone — sometimes the bugs disappear after the reboot.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔌 Check if the battery is under 15%, which can cause system failures.

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi phone is released after 2022 (e.g., Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T), the likelihood of a successful rollback is lower due to tighter security policies MIUI. Newer models may require authorization of a Mi Account account to unlock the bootloader.

Preparing for the rollback of the update: what to do in advance

Regardless of the method of rollback chosen, preparation is the most important step, and neglecting these steps can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the phone.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check out the phone model and current version of MIUI

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Make sure you have access to a PC with drivers installed-->

Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Data backup. Firmware rollback almost always results in the phone resetting to factory settings.

• 📱 Built-in backup MIUI: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled)
• 💻 Manual copying of files to a PC via cable USB.

2. Determination of the model and version of MIUI. This is critical, since the firmware must match your device exactly.

• In the Settings menu → About the phone (look for the lines "Model" and "Version MIUI").
• Using ##4636## (in some firmware).
• On the phone box or under the battery (if removable).

3. Download firmware. Official firmware for Xiaomi can be found:

• On MIUI Downloads (select the Stable version, not the Developer if you are not sure).
• On the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums (there are often posted modified firmware with an already unlocked bootloader).

Redmi Note 10/11/12

Xiaomi 11/12/13 series

POCO F3/F4/F5

Redmi 9/10 series

Another model-->

Installation of drivers and tools. To work with firmware through the PC you will need:

• Mi Flash Tool (for firmware via Fastboot)
• ADB and Fastboot (part of Google’s Platform Tools)
• Drivers for your model (you can download from the Xiaomi website or through the Mi PC Suite).

⚠️ Warning: If you have never unlocked a bootloader on your Xiaomi, you will have to do so before rolling back the firmware via Fastboot or ADB. This takes up to 72 hours (due to the Mi Account check) and requires you to link your phone to your account. On newer models (2023+), unlocking may not be possible without official permission.

Method 1: Recovery (the safest method)

If you’ve been updating through OTA (over the air) and the new firmware works but with bugs, you can try to return the previous version via the recovery menu.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released before 2022.

Step 1. Download the desired firmware version in.zip (not.tgz!) and rename the file to update.zip. Importantly, the firmware should be stable (Stable), not development (Developer).

Step 2: Move the update.zip file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).

Step 3. Turn off your phone and press the button combination to log in to Recovery:

• For most models: Volume up + Nutrition.
• For some POCO: Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition.

Step 4: From the Recovery menu (it is in Chinese but with icons) select:

1. 🌐 Language (if available) → English.
2. 📁 Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
3. ✅ Confirm installation.

Step 5: Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the MIUI logo after rolling back, press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the procedure or try another method.

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (for power users)

If the Recovery rollback didn't work or your model doesn't support this method, you can flash the older version of MIUI through Fastboot, which is more reliable, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a command line.

Step 1. Unlock the Bootloader (if you haven't done it before)

1. Link your phone to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions (up to 3 days).

Step 2: Download the firmware in.tgz format for your model (e.g. ingres_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RJWMIXM_20210302.0000.00_10.0_global.tar.gz). Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.

Step 3: Put your phone in Fastboot mode:

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume Down + Nutrition until the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.

Step 4: Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Press Select and select the folder with unpacked firmware.
2. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) mode. + loader-lock).
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi Note 11 on Helio G88), firmware via Fastboot may result in loss of IMEI. Before the procedure, save it using the MTK Engineering Mode application or the adb shell su -c 'cat /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/IMEI command.'

Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If the Recovery menu doesn't recognize the update.zip file or if it gives you an error, you can download the firmware through ADB Sideload, which works even on some blocked downloaders.

Step 1: Install ADB and Fastboot on your PC (you can download from the Android Developers website).

Step 2. Place the update.zip firmware file in the folder with the platform-tools (e.g., C:\platform-tools).

Step 3: Transfer your phone to Recovery, then select Connect with MiAssistant (or ADB Sideload, if any).

Step 4: On a PC, open the command line in the platform-tools folder and do:

adb devices

Make sure the phone is identified (a string with a serial number should appear).

Step 5. Run the firmware with the command:

adb sideload update.zip

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot automatically.

💡

ADB Sideload is the only method that sometimes works on phones with a locked bootloader, but requires USB debugging enabled.

Method 4: Manually remove updates via TWRP (for advanced)

If you have a custom TWRP reclaimer on your phone, rolling back the update becomes easier, and this method allows you not only to return the old firmware, but also to backup the current system.

Step 1: Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format and transfer it to your phone or memory card.

Step 2. Load to TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power).

Step 3: Back up the current system:

• Press Backup.
• Check the System, Data, Boot sections.
• Swipe for confirmation.

Step 4: Go back to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the firmware file.

Step 5: Once installed, run Wipe → Format Data (if you need a full reset) and restart your phone.

TWRP has the advantage of being able to selectively remove updates without completely flashing it. For example, you can only delete the /system/priv-app/Updater/Updater.apk file responsible for updates, but this requires manual editing of system files.

Method 5: Recoil through Xiaomi Service Center (official method)

If all the self-repudiation attempts fail, you just have to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive way.

• 💰 The cost of a rollback will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles (depending on the model and region).
• ⏳ Term of implementation - from 1 to 5 days.
• 📄 A check or purchase confirmation (for warranty phones) will be required.
• 🔒 All data will be deleted (the phone will be given out with clean firmware).

Before you take your phone to the service, call there and clarify:

• Do they work with firmware rollbacks (not all centers provide this service).
• Will the data be saved (usually not, but some services offer a backup for a surcharge).
• Will they give a guarantee for the job after the rollback?

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial service centers may have unoriginal or modified firmware, which will cause future update problems. Always check the workshop reviews before contacting.

Frequent update rollback errors and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone stops turning on or loads into the Fastboot, don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be "resuscitated":

1. Try to replay the same version of MIUI again.
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option.
3. Contact the service center if your own attempts did not help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions