How to Uninstall the Latest Android Update on Xiaomi: 5 Working Ways (2026)

Why a MIUI update can ruin a smartphone – and when it’s worth rolling back

Firmware updates on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones usually bring new features, security fixes and performance optimization. But what if the phone starts to slow down, quickly discharge or stops turning on after the update? Resetting an update is not always a trivial task, especially if you are talking about system updates via OTA (Over-The-Air).

The main reasons why users want to remove the latest update:

• 🐢 Decreased performance – lags, hangings, slow animation.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the phone discharges in a few hours.
• 🚫 Critical bugs – camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or sensors are not working.
• 🔒 Blocking functions – useful chips from the old version disappeared MIUI.
• 💥 Brick (not included) – the smartphone is stuck on the logo or in the bootloop.

It’s important to understand that not every update can be rolled back with a single button. Xiaomi doesn’t provide an official tool for downgrading firmware through settings — it’s done to protect users from bugs. However, there are workarounds, and we’ll look at everything from the simplest (setting reset) to the most complex (manual firmware via PC).

Method 1: Reset to factory settings (if the phone is turned on)

If the smartphone is loading but not running smoothly, the first step is hard reset, which won't remove the update itself, but will return the system to a "clean" state, which often solves performance problems. Importantly, all data (photos, messages, apps) will be erased - back up in advance!

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

If you have problems after resetting, move to the following method.

• 🔄 System bugs – kernel or driver errors sewn into firmware.
• 📱 Hardware conflicts – update “broken” work with iron (for example, module) NFC).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (without PC)

If the smartphone is turned on but not working properly, you can try rolling back through stock Recovery. MIUI Downgrade (usually pre-Xiaomi 12 Series models) on newer devices MIUI 14+ Android 13+ This may not work because of security policy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select a language (if required) and go to Wipe & Reset.
4. Tap Wipe All Data (full reset) or Wipe Cache (cache cleanup).
5. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have Install update.zip in Recovery, you can try installing the old firmware manually (if you downloaded it beforehand and put it in the root of memory), but Xiaomi blocks installing firmware older than the current version through Recovery on most modern models.

Method 3: Firmware the old version of MIUI via Fastboot (for experienced ones)

This is the most reliable, but also the most difficult method, suitable for cases where:

• 📱 The phone is not switched on or stuck on the logo (bootloop).
• 🔧 We need to get the old version back. MIUI, which cannot be installed through Recovery.
• 🛠️ Resuscitation required after failed update.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download from the official website or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal (for Windows) Linux/Mac).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All (complete clean) or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-15 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install a firmware that is too old, and then you should look for a version with the same Anti-Rollback number (ARB) as the current one.

For Linux/Mac, use the commands in the terminal:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

Method 4: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP) for Downgrade

If your Xiaomi has custom Recovery installed (like TWRP), it becomes easier to roll back to the old firmware, a method that is suitable for users who have already unlocked the bootloader and have experience with firmware.

Advantages of TWRP:

• ✅ Ability to install any version MIUI (including the old).
• ✅ Backup (Nandroid Backup) before firmware.
• ✅ Installation of patches and mods (e.g. Magisk for root rights).

Instructions:

1. Download the desired firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Move the firmware file to the phone memory or to SD-map.
3. Enter TWRP Recovery (clip Power + Volume Up).
4. Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Back Up
5. Click on Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
6. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the firmware file.
7. Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for completion.

💡

Installing firmware through TWRP can lead to data loss if you don’t backup.Always check firmware compatibility with your smartphone model!

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help or you are afraid to sew your phone yourself, the only way out is to contact an official service center.

• 🔧 Hardware failure after the upgrade (for example, the camera stopped working).
• 💥 Brick: The phone doesn’t turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔒 Blocking your Mi Account after resetting your settings.

What the service will offer:

Before you bring your phone to the service, make sure it's the firmware, not the hardware fault. For example, if the camera stopped working after the upgrade, try testing it with Safe Mode (press Power → hold power → Safe Mode). If the camera is running in safe mode, it's the software's fault.

💡

Before visiting the service center, back up your data via Mi PC Suite (if the phone is still turning on).

Frequent update rollback errors and how to avoid them

Downgrade firmware is a risky process, and many users face common bugs, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Error 1: "Anti-Rollback Check Failed"

This error occurs if you are trying to install firmware with a lower ARB (Anti-Rollback) number than the current one.

• 🔍 Find a firmware with the same or higher number ARB.
• 📥 Download the full firmware (Fastboot), not OTA-packet.
• 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock.

Error 2: The phone does not turn on after the firmware ("brick")

If, after firmware through Fastboot or TWRP, the phone does not show signs of life:

1. Try to pinch Power + Volume down for 20-30 seconds (forced reboot).
2. Connect to charging for 10-15 minutes, then try again to log in to Fastboot.
3. If nothing helps, swipe your phone again using the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Mistake 3: Loss of IMEI or serial number

Sometimes when you run a firmware, you lose your IMEI.

• 📶 Restore. IMEI via Engineer Mode (enter ##4636## → Information).
• 🔧 Use the tool. SN Write Tool (requires a Xiaomi account with rights) EDL).

💡

Before you firmware, write down your phone's IMEI! Find it in Settings → About Phone → General Information or on the box.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions