How to remove updates on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: a safe firmware rollback

Updates MIUI for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (model code joyeuse) often bring not only new features, but also bugs: from battery discharge overnight to critically slow interface. If after the update the smartphone began to slow down, overheat or refuse to connect to the mobile network – rollback to the previous version of the firmware can be the only solution. However, removing updates on Xiaomi has nuances: the manufacturer does not provide an official tool for downgrade, and incorrect actions are fraught with a bree (complete inoperability of the device).

In this article, we’ll look at how to identify the current version of MIUI, where to download stable firmware, and how to avoid bugs like anti-rollbacks that can permanently block the bootloader. All instructions are tailored specifically for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (including versions with Max and 5G suffixes, where applicable).

⚠️ Warning: Firmware rollback on Xiaomi doesn’t always work. If your device gets an upgrade to an upgraded version of Android (for example, from 10 to 11), it’s impossible to return the old OS without unlocking the bootloader and completely reflashing it due to Google’s rollback protection policy. Check the Android version in Settings → About the phone before the procedure.

Content of the article:

  • 🔍 How to check the current version MIUI Android
  • ⚙️ Method 1: Reset to factory settings (saves version) MIUI)
  • 📱 Method 2: Recovery Recoil (requires a boot file)
  • 🖥️ Method 3: Fastboot Flashing (for experienced users)
  • 🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  • 🔄 Alternatives: how to speed up the smartphone without rollback
📊 Why you want to roll back the update on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?
The smartphone began to slow down
The battery goes down fast.
Mobile networks are not working.
The necessary functions have disappeared.
Other

🔍 How to check the version MIUI Android on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Before you delete the updates, make sure that the problem is really firmware.

  1. MIUI Version: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. For example, MIUI Global 14.0.5.
  2. Android Version: In the same menu, find the Android Version bar (e.g. 11 RKQ1.200826.002).
  3. Assembly number: scroll down to Assembly number (example: QJE220218102210.5).

This data will help you find the right firmware to roll back. For example, if your Redmi Note 9 Pro upgraded from MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 13, but Android version is 10, the chances of a successful downgrade are higher than when you switch from Android 10 to 11.

💡 Tip: Write down or take a picture of the current version. If the phone stops working after rolling back, this data will help you find the right firmware for recovery.

What is an anti-rollback and why is it dangerous?
Since MIUI 10, Xiaomi has implemented an anti-rollback mechanism, which is anti-rollback protection for older firmware versions. If you try to install a MIUI version older than the one installed earlier, the device may lock. This is due to a hard brick upgrade to the bootloader and security modules. For example, if your Redmi Note 9 Pro received MIUI 13 with a recoil, it is impossible to return MIUI 12 without official permission from Xiaomi. The only way out is to flash the latest available version through Fastboot.

⚙️ Method 1: Reset to factory settings (without losing version) MIUI)

If the problem occurs after a minor update (e.g., from MIUI 13.0.4 to 13.0.5), sometimes resetting helps.This method does not remove the update itself, but returns the system to the "out of the box" state, eliminating configuration conflicts.

Step-by-step:

  1. Create a backup of data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or manually copy files to your PC.
  2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
  3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
  4. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

⚠️ Note: Resetting won’t help if the bugs are related to the system core or drivers (e.g., camera or modem problems after a major update.

Save Contacts in Google Account|Copy photo/video on PC|Record logins from applications|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account-->

📱 Method 2: Recoil through Recovery (requires firmware for downgrade)

If the reset didn't work, try installing the previous version of MIUI through Restore Mode. This method only works if:

  • 🔹 New and old firmware are based on the same version of Android (for example, both on Android 10).
  • 🔹 You downloaded the official firmware for your model (not custom!).
  • 🔹 The bootloader is not locked (on most Redmi Note 9 Pro it is unlocked by default).

Instructions:

  1. Download the correct version MIUI from the official Xiaomi website. 9 Select files marked with Recovery (for example, joyeuse_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RJZMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global_1d5a3a5b7e.tgz).
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory.
  3. Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
  4. Select Install update.zip to System (Management – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
  5. After installation, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If after the reboot the smartphone stuck on the logo MI or moved to Fastboot Mode, which means the firmware is incompatible with the current version of the bootloader, in which case you will need a complete flashing through Fastboot (see next section).

💡

If Recovery Mode does not have "Install update.zip" option, your smartphone uses a new recovery menu. Try selecting "Connect with MIAssistant" (you need a PC with Mi Flash Tool) or using the Fastboot method.

🖥️ Method 3: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)

It's the most reliable, but also the most risky method, and it's suitable if:

  • 🔹 Requires a rollback to the version MIUI with another version of Android (for example, 11 by 10).
  • 🔹 Previous ways didn't work.
  • 🔹 You are ready for possible loss of warranty (if the bootloader has been blocked).

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Windows computer (for Mi Flash Tool).
  • 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
  • 📁 Fastboot firmware in.tgz format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  • 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Step-by-step:

  1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\joyeuse_fastboot).
  2. Install drivers for Redmi Note 9 Pro (if Windows does not recognize the device in Fastboot mode).
  3. Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
  5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  6. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes). The smartphone will reboot automatically.

🔴 Critical error: If an anti-rollback check fail message appears during firmware, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI. In this case, return the last stable firmware or contact the service center.

💡

Fastboot flashing erases all data without recovery, and if encryption or password protection has been enabled on your smartphone, you will need to enter your Mi Account credentials after the procedure to unlock it.

🚫 Typical Update Reverse Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and the table shows the most common errors and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Couldn't verify update in RecoveryDamaged firmware file or model mismatchDownload the firmware again, check the model (joyeuse for Redmi Note 9 Pro)
The smartphone does not turn on after firmwareIncompatible version of MIUI or interrupted processRepeat the firmware through Fastboot with Clean all and lock selection
Mi Account Locked After ResettingThe link to the Mi Account was included.Enter the account to which the phone was linked
IMEI loss after pullbackDamage to the modem partition when firmwareRestore the IMEI through Engineer Mode or Service Center

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is gone after the rollback, the camera is not working or the mobile network is missing, most likely the firmware for another modification of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (for example, for the Indian version of joyeusein instead of the global joyeuse) was installed:

fastboot getvar product

🔄 Alternatives to rollback: how to speed up the Redmi Note 9 Pro without risks

If the rollback seems too difficult, try optimizing the current firmware:

  • 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will free up to 1-3 GB of memory.
  • 🚫 Turn off animation: Turn on developer mode (7 times click on version) MIUI in settings), then in the Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.
  • 🔄 Reset graphics settings: In the same developer menu, select Reset settings GPU.
  • 📵 Limitation of background processes: C Settings → Battery → Select mode activate Saving charge.

💡 Advice: If the brakes appeared after the update to MIUI 14, try disabling new features like Super Wallpapers or Mi Sans Font. → Screen. → Style of font and select a standard font.

❓ FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Redmi Note 9 Pro

Can I roll back the update if the smartphone is blocked (forgot the password)?
No. Recovery or Fastboot requires an unlocked device to roll back. If you forget your password, first reset through Find Device in your Mi Account (https://i.mi.com/), then proceed to roll back.
Will the rollback work if the phone is bought in China (CN version)?
For Chinese versions (joyeuse with cn suffix), rollback is only possible for firmware for the CN region. Installing a global or European MIUI will lead to loss of functionality (for example, Google Play will not work).
What if 5G does not work after the rollback?
The problem is typical of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G (the gaia model). After a rollback to the old MIUI, the 5G module may shut down due to a lack of drivers. Solution: Upgrade to the latest stable version of MIUI via Settings → Software Update. Or run through Fastboot with 5G support (look for files marked 5G in the title).
How to avoid automatic updates after a rollback?
To prevent MIUI from re-installing the update: Go to Settings → About → Software Update. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Update Settings. Turn off Auto Download via Mobile and Auto Update. For reliability, turn off the Internet while you check for updates (or use the firewall to lock Xiaomi servers).