Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are constantly getting new versions of software that are designed to improve stability and add fresh features. However, in practice, it often happens that after installing a system update, the device starts to run slower, discharge faster or there are critical errors in it. Users immediately look for a way to return everything as it was, but standard methods can not do this.
The process of removing the latest firmware is technically more complicated than installing it, and requires the smartphone owner to be somewhat prepared and cautious, not just pressing the menu button, but completely reflashing the device using a computer and special utilities. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of the procedure, including unlocking the bootloader and working with Fastboot mode.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the risks and consequences of your manipulation of the system partition. rollback is a destructive operation that will lead to the complete removal of all user data in 100% of cases, including photos, contacts and correspondence. So the first and most important step is to create a full backup of information on an external medium or in the cloud.
⚠️ Attention: All actions to flash your smartphone are at your own risk. Incorrect execution of instructions or interruption of the recording process may lead to the inability to turn on the device (brick).
Why you should consider the system rollback
Many users are wondering why they should remove a new update when it contains security patches. The answer lies in optimization: new versions of the MIUI or HyperOS shell often require more powerful iron than the device released a couple of years ago, as a result, the smartphone begins to heat up, and battery life is reduced by many times.
Another common cause is bugs that weren't in the previous build, which can be communication module issues, sensor malfunctions, or sudden reboots, and in such cases, going back to a stable firmware version that worked perfectly on the device is the only sensible way out.
Also, you should consider the habit factor: changes in the interface or logic of system applications can cause discomfort to brand users. If the new shell seems less convenient to you, then returning to the previous state of the interface is a matter of personal comfort and efficiency of use of the gadget.
Preparation for the rollback procedure
The success of the operation to remove the update depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a Windows computer, a good one. USB-cable (preferably original or certified) and stable Internet connection. you also need to download the Mi Flash Tool program from the official developer website in advance.
The critical step is to find and download the exact version of firmware you want to return to. The file should have the.tgz extension and be designed for Fastboot mode, not Recovery. You can find current and archival builds on specialized resources such as XiaomiFirmwareUpdater or Xiaomi.eu.
Remember to enable USB debugging mode in the Developer Menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. Then activate the USB debugging slider in the menu that appears.
Where can I find a menu for developers?
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step
The most difficult obstacle to the old firmware is the locked bootloader. Xiaomi's security policy prohibits installing older versions of the software on a locked device, so you will have to officially unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock service.
To do this, link your Mi Account in your phone settings to your device, then run the utility on your PC and follow the instructions. The process is not instantaneous: once you submit an application, the system may require 7 to 168 hours (usually 168 hours) before allowing you to unlock, a measure of protection against device theft.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Tool. | Mi Unlock Tool | Critically. |
| Standby time | 7 to 168 hours | Tall. |
| Risk of data loss | 100% (when unlocked) | Tall. |
| Required account | Mi Account | Critically. |
It is important to understand that when you unlock the bootloader, you will completely reset the device. All data will be destroyed, so do not try to get around this stage without a backup. After successfully unlocking the boot screen, the open lock icon or the Unlocked inscription will appear on the boot screen.
The process of installing old firmware
Once the bootloader is unlocked and the firmware file is loaded, you can proceed to the main part. Unpack the firmware archive in the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is Cyrillic and short. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device, press the volume button and connect it. USB-You'll see a picture of a hare in a hat, a corned hare repairing an android, and in the program, press the Refresh button, and the serial number of the device should appear.
💡
If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 - the back of the system unit, or replace the cable, sometimes it helps to reinstall the drivers. ADB/Fastboot.
In the program, choose the path to the unpacked firmware folder. In the lower right corner, be sure to select Clean All mode. This ensures that all traces of the new system are removed and the clean old version installed. Pressing the Flash button will start a process that takes from 300 to 600 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Do not unplug the cable or interrupt the firmware process until a success message appears. Interrupting the system partition recording may render the phone unusable.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
During the firmware process, users often encounter Missmatching image and device error, which means that you are trying to install firmware designed for another model or region, for example, you can not install a global version on a Chinese smartphone without first changing the region or using special methods.
Another common problem is the anti-rollback error, and some models have protection that physically prevents you from installing a version of the software below a certain threshold, and if you try to do that, the utility will give you an error, and in the worst case, the device may be locked at the bootloader level.
There's also a lot of timeout error or communication failure, usually due to a bad one. USB-Make sure that Windows Device Manager defines your phone as Android Bootloader Interface, not as an unknown device.
💡
The anti-rollback error is hardware protection, and if the utility reports it, there's no software method that can install older firmware on that particular device.
Alternative methods and custom solutions
There's a less radical method that can help if the problems are not caused by the firmware itself, but by cache or data conflicts. This is a full reset via the Recovery menu. To enter, press both the power and volume buttons on the device that is turned off.
From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will delete all settings and applications, but leave the system version current. Often this solves battery and lag problems without the need for complex flashing through the computer.
For advanced users, custom recaps such as TWRP can be installed, allowing you to create full system backups before upgrading and restore them if you fail. However, installing TWRP also requires an unlocked bootloader and carries risks.