How to safely remove updates on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Software updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones usually bring new features, bug fixes and security improvements. However, sometimes the latest versions of MIUI or Android work worse than the previous ones: bugs appear, performance decreases, or familiar features disappear, in which cases users look for ways to roll back the update – return the device to the previous stable version of the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing updates on Xiaomi devices, including official and alternative methods. You will learn how to do this through Recovery, Fastboot, ADB, as well as what risks exist when rolling back. Importantly, the procedure requires care - improper actions can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the phone. So before you start, be sure to read the warnings and prepare backups of data.

Why you should remove the update to Xiaomi

Before proceeding to the instructions, we will understand in which cases the rollback of the update is justified, and when it is better to look for alternative solutions.

Main reasons:

• 🐢 Decreased performance: the phone began to brake, warm or discharge quickly after the update.
• 🐛 Critical bugs: Camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other key features are not working.
• 🔒 Blocking Unlocking bootloader: Some Updates Closing the Option to Unlock Bootloader.
• 📱 Application incompatibility: Important programs have stopped running or are not running properly.
• 🎨 Interface changes: new animations, fonts or element layouts are not good.

However, before rolling back, it is worth trying less radical measures:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it solves temporary crashes.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔧 Make a reset (not data!) in Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📥 Install patches or minor updates if available.

⚠️ Warning: Reversed updates will result in complete loss of data on the device if you do not back up in advance. Also, some methods require an unlocked bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings.

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

Before you start removing the update, follow the mandatory preparatory steps to minimize risks and simplify the recovery process.

1. Create a backup copy of the data:

• 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup (saves contacts, messages, settings).
• 🖥️ Copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📋 Take a picture or take a picture of your important settings (Wi-Fi passwords, accounts).

2. Check the current firmware version:

• Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
• Write down the full firmware name (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (SKWMIXM)).
• Find out what version was before the update – this will help you choose the right file to roll back.

3. Prepare the tools:

• 💻 Windows computer (for Fastboot and ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📁 Firmware for rollback (download from the official Xiaomi website or trusted sources).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB Fastboot (you can download from the site) XDA Developers).

4. Unlock the loader (if required):

For methods through Fastboot or custom firmware, you need an unlocked bootloader.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi resets all data on the phone! also note that some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 and newer) require waiting 7-15 days after linking your Mi Account before unlocking.

Method 1: Recovery (the safest method)

If you’ve been updating through OTA (over the air) and the previous firmware is stored in your phone’s memory, you can try rolling back through standard Recovery.This method doesn’t require an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Reset to Factory Settings (this won’t remove the firmware, but only resets the settings).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to Recovery.
6. Now select Install update.zip to System (if you have one).
7. Confirm the installation of the previous version.

If you don't have Install update.zip, you don't have the previous firmware stored in your memory, so move on to other methods.

💡

If Recovery doesn’t have the right item, try renaming the firmware file to update.zip and putting it at the root of internal memory. Then repeat steps 1-3 and select Install update.zip (if it appears).

Method 2: Remove updates via Fastboot (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔓 You've got the loader unlocked.
• 📁 There is an official firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model.
• 💻 You have access to a computer with Mi Flash Tool and drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (the way without Cyrillic!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
6. At the bottom, choose Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot's Clean all and lock will block the bootloader. If you need to unlock it again, you'll have to wait. 7-30 days (depending on the model).

Method 3: Recoil via ADB Sideload (alternative to Fastboot)

If Fastboot is not suitable (for example, because of a blocked bootloader), you can try ADB Sideload.This method works through Recovery, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 📱 Phone in Recovery mode.
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware in.zip format (not.tgz!).

Instructions:

1. Place the firmware file in the folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
2. Run Recovery on your phone (click Volume Up + Power).
3. Select Connect with MIAssistant (or similar to connect to a PC).
4. On your computer, open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices should show your device’s serial number.
5. Enter the command to start the firmware: adb sideload name file.zip (replace the name file.zip with the real firmware name).
6. Wait until the end (the progress lane will appear on the phone).
7. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

This method is suitable for most models, but newer devices (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may not work due to Xiaomi’s limitations.

💡

ADB Sideload is the only way to flash custom Recovery (such as TWRP) on a locked bootloader, unless the manufacturer has closed this feature.

Method 4: Using MIUI bootloader (for beginners)

If the previous methods seem complicated, you can use the utility MIUI bootloader – it automates the process of downloading and installing the desired firmware. The program is suitable for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

How to use:

1. Download MIUI bootloader from the official website or GitHub.
2. Install and run the program.
3. Choose your phone model from the list.
4. In the Stable or Developer section, find the desired firmware version (orientate by release date).
5. Press Download and wait for the download to be completed.
6. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions of the firmware program.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ You don’t have to manually search for firmware.
• ✅ Automatic compatibility check.
• ✅ Support for rollbacks to older versions (if available on Xiaomi servers).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all models are supported.
• ❌ Sometimes the program offers not the latest version of the firmware.

Method 5: Manually remove updates via TWRP (for advanced)

If you have custom Recovery installed on your phone (like TWRP), you can manually delete update files or flash the old version, which gives you maximum control, but requires experience.

What can be done with TWRP:

• 🗑️ Delete update files in /cache and /data/ota_package.
• 🔄 Scroll through the old version MIUI Android.
• 📦 Backup current firmware before changes.

Instructions for removing updates:

1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the folders: /cache/ota /data/ota_package
4. Go back to the main menu and select Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache.
5. Reboot the phone.

If you need to run an old firmware:

1. Download the firmware file in.zip format (for example, with XDA Developers).
2. Put him on. SD-card.
3. In TWRP, select Install and specify the firmware file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through TWRP It can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the phone, and some Xiaomi models block the installation option. TWRP on new firmware (e.g, MIUI 14 and newer).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you roll back updates, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to solve them.

Additional advice:

• 🔋 Always charge your phone at least 60% before you run the firmware.
• 🔌 Use the original cable USB — Cheap cables can interrupt data transmission.
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block utilities ADB or Fastboot.
• 📡 Check the authenticity of the firmware - download only from official sources.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions