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

After installing the new MIUI update, your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone started to brake, quickly discharge or give out errors? Don't rush to carry it to the service center. In most cases, the problem can be solved by rolling back the system to the previous version. However, this process requires caution: improper actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or data loss.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to uninstall updates on Xiaomi phones, from simple resets through settings to complex firmware manipulations via Fastboot. You will learn which methods are safe for beginners and which require experience with ADB and custom firmware. We will also explain why some updates can not be removed by standard means and what to do in such cases.

Why you should remove the update to Xiaomi

The manufacturer regularly releases MIUI updates to fix bugs, improve performance and add new features, but sometimes new versions of the software bring more problems than good.

• 🐢 Strong lags and slowdowns - the interface begins to "stutter", applications open for a long time, animations twitch.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the phone discharges in a few hours even in standby mode.
• 🚨 Critical errors: constant reboots, system applications (for example, com.android.phone), inability to connect to the mobile network.
• 📱 Application incompatibility – some programs stop working or give out errors after an update.
• 🔒 Lock unlocked bootloader - after the update, Mi Anti-Rollback protection can work, making it impossible to roll back without an official unlocker.

According to statistics, most problems arise after major updates. MIUI (for example, 12 on 13 or 13 on 14), and the Redmi budget models and POCO Resource-limited: Flagship owners (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Folds are less likely to encounter bugs, but they also sometimes need to roll back.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is updated through OTA (You can go in the air and then you stop turning on, don't try to flash it right through the Fastboot. You can go to Recovery Mode and do a Wipe Data reset, and 30 percent of the time, it solves the problem without losing the warranty.

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

Before you start removing the update, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss and minimize risks.

1. Create a backup of the data

Any method of rollback (other than resetting through settings) will result in the complete deletion of user data.

• 📸 Photos and videos (you can upload to Google Photos or copy to PC).
• 📱 Contacts (synchronize with Google Account or export to.vcf file).
• 💬 Messages (use applications like this) SMS Backup & Restore).
• 🎮 Save games (if the game supports cloud backup).

You can use the official Mi Backup app for a full backup of the system (available in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset). However, please note that you can only restore the backup after a rollback if the MIUI version remains the same.

2. find out the current and target version of the firmware

To properly choose the firmware for rollback, you need to know:

• 📋 Current version MIUI (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 🔍 Model code name (e.g., raphael for Redmi) K20 You can find out through the Device Info app. HW or adb shell getprop ro.product.device.
• 🔄 The version you want to roll back on (should be no more than 1-2 builds older than the current one, otherwise Anti-Rollback will work).

Check firmware compatibility on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website. If the target version is older than the current one by more than 3 months, the rollback may be blocked.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Download the correct version of the firmware for your model|Connect your phone to your PC (if you need a Fastboot)|Disable Mi Account Protection (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Get out)|Save. IMEI and serial number (in case of restoration)-->

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without data loss)

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

• ✅ The update was installed through OTA (airborne).
• ✅ The phone is turned on and loaded into the system.
• ✅ You did not block the bootloader (Bootloader).

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download the full package OTA For your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site. The file must have the name of the view miui_BLOCK_Version size.zip (e.g, miui_RAPHAELGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RFKMIXM_1.0.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select a language, then go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will return to the previous version of MIUI.

This method will not work if:

• 🚫 Update installed via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.
• 🚫 Anti-Rollback protection activated in firmware (relevant for 2020 and newer models).
• 🚫 You are trying to roll back to a version older than 2 builds.

⚠️ Warning: If after rolling back via Recovery, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes, don't panic. + Volume down 20 seconds for forced reboot.If that doesn't help, you'll need firmware through Fastboot.

💡

If you are not sure about the firmware version, download the latest archive for your model – it contains the latest stable build.

Method 2: Reset to factory settings (if rollback is not possible)

If you can't roll back through Recovery, and you don't know how to do it, you can try a hard reset, and it won't remove the update itself, but it will return the phone to a clean state, which sometimes solves performance problems.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
3. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If your phone is not turning on, use Hard Reset via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. Select a language, then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

Resetting won’t help if the problem lies in the update itself (such as a mobile network bug or battery drain), in which cases a full rollback or firmware will be required.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, the most reliable, but also the most risky, way is to run the firmware on Fastboot, which is suitable for:

• 🔄 Reverse to any compatible version MIUI (Even if you block the anti-Rollback).
• 🚀 Restore the phone after a failed update (Brick).
• 🔓 Custom firmware installations (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

You'll need to get the firmware:

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download only from official sources!).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you are flashing unofficial software).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean All – complete cleaning (recommended for rollback); Clean All and Lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (dangerous if the firmware is unofficial!); Save User Data – data storage (does not always work when rolling back).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an Anti-Rollback Check error, you are trying to install too old firmware, in which case you should either look for a newer version or use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Method 4: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If you want to flexibly manage firmware and backups, install TWRP Recovery, which allows you to:

• 🔄 Install any ZIP-sanctuary (including the scaling back).
• 💾 Make complete backups of the system (Nandroid Backup).
• 🔧 Edit system files (e.g., delete unnecessary Xiaomi apps).

How to install TWRP and roll back the update:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 7 days to wait) SMS-code).
2. Download the latest version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me.
3. Please. TWRP Fastboot Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-raphael.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-1-raphael.img
4. V TWRP Backup the current system (Backup) → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
5. Download the necessary firmware (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater) and transfer it to your phone.
6. V TWRP Choose Install → Choose. ZIP-file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
7. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

Advantages of TWRP:

• ✅ The ability to roll back on any version (unless Anti-Rollback is available).
• ✅ Keeping backups for quick recovery.
• ✅ Installation of modified firmware (e.g, MIUI EU publicity).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets the phone).
• ❌ May disrupt Mi Pay and other services linked to official software.
• ❌ Risk of a breeze with incorrect firmware.

💡

TWRP is the most flexible way to manage firmware, but it is only suitable for advanced users. Beginners are better off using official methods (OTA or Fastboot).

Method 5: Recoil through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service firmware mode used to restore phones with a damaged system or a locked bootloader.It requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (or circuit contacts on the board).

This method is used if:

• 🚨 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔒 bootloader locked and Mi Flash Tool gives an anti-Rollback error.
• 📉 Fastboot firmware ends with an error.

How to flash through EDL:

1. Download the firmware in.tgz format and unpack it.
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
3. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: For most models: Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC. Some devices will require a testpoint (closing contacts on the motherboard).

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

QFil

prog_emmc_firehose.mbn

Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without authorization, Xiaomi can lead to permanent blocking IMEI. Do not use this method unless you are sure of your actions.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When updates roll back, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, look for a solution in the forums:

• 🌍 4PDA — Xiaomi
• 🌍 XDA Developers — Xiaomi
• 🌍 Telegram chat Xiaomi Russia

FAQ: Answers to popular questions