Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where automatic updating of the MIUI system or switching to a new HyperOS shell leads to a decrease in device performance. The new firmware version may contain hidden errors, increased power consumption or simply be less stable on a particular model of the device. In such cases, the user is faced with the question of how to remove the Xiaomi Redmi updates and return the previous stability of the gadget.
It is important to immediately indicate the technical nuance: standard system means to “roll back” the update to the previous version is impossible. Removing updates involves either a complete reset of data with a return to the factory state (if the Android version has not changed), or a complex procedure for flashing the device to clean all memory partitions. Trying to install an older version of Android on top of the new one without completely cleaning the data (Wipe All Data) will lead to a lockdown of the bootloader or a cyclical reboot.
This guide will take a look at all available methods for returning to a stable version of software. We will look at standard reset methods, using Recovery mode, working with your computer via Fastboot and forced disabling automatic updates in the future. Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the battery is at least 60%, and all important data is stored in the cloud or on an external medium.
Analysis of the situation: when the system is required
Before taking drastic measures, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of dissatisfaction with the current version of the software. Often problems with autonomy or heating arise from background optimization of databases after an update, which can last from 2 to 5 days.
The main indications for removing updates Xiaomi Redmi are critical errors in the interface, failure of communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS) and the inability to use familiar functions. Also, users often tend to roll back if the new version of MIUI contains advertising or removes useful features present in the previous build.
There is a misconception that deleting the update cache will solve the problem. In fact, if the new version is already installed and active, simple deletion of files will not occur. You need to understand the difference between cleaning the cache and completely flashing. Below is a table that helps you choose the right method of solving the problem depending on the current situation.
| Situation | Method of decision | Data security | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just updated, there's a backup. | Reset via Recovery | Data is deleted | Low. |
| Updated long ago, no backup. | Full Firmware Reflash (Fastboot) | Data is deleted | Tall. |
| We want to prevent auto-renewal. | Disconnection of MIUI services | Data is retained | Medium |
| The phone will not turn on after the update | Recovery through Mi Flash | Data is deleted | Tall. |
It is worth noting that the procedure of rollback to an older version of Android (for example, from Android 13 to Android 12) always requires an unlocked bootloader. Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to install the old firmware due to the anti-rollback security mechanisms that protect the device from installing vulnerable software.
Preparing for removal of updates and firmware
The process of removing Xiaomi Redmi updates, especially with the rollback version, requires careful preparation. Ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to the smartphone turning into a “brick” – a device that shows no signs of life. The first step is to create a full backup of contacts, photos and documents.
You will need a computer with Windows operating system, which is good. USB-cable (preferably original) and stable Internet connection to download firmware files. ADB Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool if you plan to use the computer method.
☑️ Preparation for flashing
⚠️ Note: Downgrade is only possible on devices with an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you can only reset to the current version's factory settings, but you can't install the older firmware.
It is critical to download the exact version of firmware you want to install. The file must have the.zip extension to install via Recovery or.tgz to install via Fastboot. Download current and archival versions from official forums or trusted resources such as Mi Firmware or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
Don’t forget to enable USB debugging in the Developer Menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on MIUI Version. After that, the Developer Menu will appear in the Additional Menu, where you need to activate the USB debugging slider.
Method 1: Resetting settings via Recovery Mode
The most affordable way to try to fix the effects of a failed update is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will not remove the update itself if it is already integrated into the system, but will clear all conflicting files and settings, returning the system to a “clean” state.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume button until the recovery menu appears.
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to select the Wipe Data item, and then confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data, and the system will warn you to delete all files.
After the cleaning process is complete, which can take a few minutes, select Reboot and then Reboot to System.The phone will reboot and the initial setup will begin, similar to the one you had when you bought the device in the store.
⚠️ Note: After resetting through Recovery, all personal data (photos, contacts, apps) will be permanently deleted. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup in your Google or Mi Cloud account.
Method 2: Full rollback of the version via Fastboot (for advanced)
If a simple reset didn’t work, and it’s necessary to remove the update by returning to an older version of Android or MIUI, you’ll need to use Fastboot mode. This method is the most effective, but also the most risky, and allows you to completely rewrite the partitions of the device’s memory.
First, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. Turn off your phone, then press the volume down and power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android and the message will appear. FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
Run the Mi Flash Tool on your computer. Press the "Choose" button and specify the path to the folder where the downloaded firmware was unpacked (the archive must be unpacked, the path must not contain Cyrillic characters). At the bottom of the window, select the "Clean all" mode - this is critical for rollback of the version.
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Use it. USB-port 2.0 or port located directly on the motherboard behind the system unit to avoid data transmission errors during firmware.
Press the Flash button and wait for the process to be completed. The green progress bar will show the installation status. Once successfully completed, the phone will automatically reboot to the new (old) version of the system. The first run can last up to 10 minutes.
It is important to understand that when you try to install a firmware with a lower anti-rollback index on a device with a higher one, the process will be interrupted by an error and the phone may require service intervention.
How to prevent automatic updates Xiaomi in the future
Once you've successfully returned to your desired version, the main challenge is to prevent automatic updates from being re-installed, and MIUI and HyperOS are pushing for upgrades, and it's hard to disable them in the standard way.
There are several effective methods of blocking, the most reliable is to disable the system application "Component Update" through the ADB-To do this, connect the phone with the debugging enabled. USB PC and execute the command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updaterThis command will deactivate the built-in updater, and update notifications will stop coming. You can also turn off auto-update in the settings: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, click three dots in the corner and select Update Options. Here you need to turn off all sliders, including Autoboot and Notifications.
- 🔒 Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play and Mi GetApps to avoid version conflicts.
- 📶 Limit background data transfers for system services in mobile network settings.
- 🚫 Don’t log in to the About Phone menu too often as this may trigger background checks for updates.
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Disabling updates completely via ADB is the most reliable way, but it requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
Users may encounter a variety of errors during the process of uninstalling updates, one of the most common being the “Can’t verify update” error when trying to install firmware through the file selection menu, which means that the firmware signature is not the same as the current or the newer/older version allowed for direct installation.
If the phone goes into Bootloop after firmware, try logging in to Recovery and doing a full reset (Wipe All Data). If this does not help, you will need to reflash through Fastboot with the choice of “Clean all” mode.
Driver errors in Windows Device Manager often interfere with the process. In this case, it is recommended to reinstall Xiaomi drivers. USB Driver and Qualcomm Driver (for Snapdragon processors) or MediaTek Driver. Sometimes it helps to simply reconnect the cable to another. USB-port.
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the phone does not respond to buttons and does not display signs of life (black screen, no vibration), the bootloader may be damaged.