MIUI updates often bring new features, but not always stability. Battery bugs, interface brakes, missing settings or failed design changes make Xiaomi Redmi users look for ways to return the previous version of the firmware. However, the MIUI rollback is a procedure with pitfalls: from loss of data to the risk of “bricking” the device. In this guide, we will analyze all the working methods (including Fastboot and Recovery), the nuances of unlocking the bootloader and give a checklist for a safe downgrade.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi doesn't officially support firmware rollbacks, which means you're acting at your own risk, but if the new MIUI version has turned your Redmi Note 12 into a 3-hour battery hot-pot, or if the Redmi 10 has started spontaneously rebooting, there's no alternative. We've tested the instructions on models from Redmi 5 (2018) to Redmi 13 (2026), so the algorithms are relevant for most of the series.
Why users are pulling back MIUI: top-up-5 cause
According to surveys on the 4PDA and Mi Community forums, more than 60 percent of Xiaomi Redmi owners have tried to return their old firmware at least once.
- 🔋 A sharp decrease in autonomy: a new version MIUI It can activate background processes (e.g. miui.analytics) that eat up to 30% of the charge per night.
- 🐢 Lags and slowdowns: especially noticeable on budget models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10C), where MIUI 14+ requires more resources.
- 📱 Disappearance of functions: for example, in MIUI 15 removed the Mode for children and settings Dual applications for some regions.
- 🎨 Failed redesign: users complain of too aggressive animations in the MIUI 14 or uncomfortable arrangement of elements in the Control Panel.
- 🔒 Unlocking problems: Fingerprint or facial recognition may stop working after the update (relevant to Redmi Note 11 Pro)+).
Interesting fact: in 2023, Xiaomi acknowledged the issue with MIUI 14 on the Redmi Note 11 and released a patch 3 months after release. But many users preferred not to wait, but to roll back on their own. If your situation hits this list, read on.
Preparation for rollback: what to do before installing old firmware
First rule: a MIUI rollback without a backup and an unlocked bootloader causes 90% of the time loss of information or a "brick." A warning not for beauty is a service center statistic. So start with a checklist:
Make a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP|Check the device model in settings (Settings) → The phone)|Download the correct firmware version (only for your model!)|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Prepare the cable. USB (original or high-quality)|Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->
Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. You should download files only from official sources:
- 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA Russia)
- 📥 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions with hash sums for verification)
- 🛠️ XDA Developers (for power users only, there are modified builds)
⚠️ Note: if your device was purchased in China (version) CN), Global firmware installation (Global) can block the network! → The phone. → Version. MIUI. An example of the correct firmware file name: tucana_global_images_V12.5.3.0.RFDMIXM_20211029.0000.00_11.0_global_100d1a3a0d.tgz (where tucana is codenamed Redmi Note 8T).
How do I find out the code name of my model?
Method 1: Recovery (no PC) is a simple but limited way
This method is suitable if:
- ✅ You do not have a bootloader blocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info)
- ✅ You are rolling back to a version that was already installed on this device.
- ✅ You have customized recovery (for example, TWRP)
If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, miui_BLOCKOTA_V12.5.1.0.RJWMIXM_v12-11.zip) Move it to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
- Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
- In TWRP, select Install → Select firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After installation, press Wipe cache/dalvik and restart.
⚠️ Note: If you are trying to install firmware older than the one that was out of the box, this method will not work because of anti-rollback protection).
| Model Redmi | Does it support a pullback through Recovery? | Is it necessary to unlock the loader? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ❌ No (anti-rollback) | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi 10 2022 | ✅ Yes (only for the previous version) | ❌ No. |
| Redmi K40 | ✅ Yes. TWRP) | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi 9A | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
💡
If your phone is stuck on the MIUI logo after rolling back, try resetting it via Recovery: Wipe → Format Data → type in "yes." This will delete all the data, but it will return to service.
Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (universal but complex)
This is the most reliable way, but it requires a PC and an unlocked bootloader. If you've never worked with Fastboot, you better go to the service center - a mistake at this stage can turn the phone into a brick.
Algorithm of action:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. This will take up to 72 hours (Xiaomi imposes a wait for new accounts).
- Download the Fastboot firmware (.tgz file) for your model from the official website. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash all For Android-based firmware 10+ You may need a command: fastboot flash all_except_storage
- Wait for completion (10-15 minutes) and restart the command: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: if you have an anti-rollback check fail error during firmware, you are trying to install an older version. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or boxing).
💡
Fastboot is suitable for 99% of Redmi models, but requires unlocking the bootloader. Without it, you will get the device is locked error.
Frequent Mistakes When Recoiling MIUI and How to Fix Them
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and we've collected some of the most common mistakes and solutions.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This package is for "tucana" devices; this is a "begonia" | Inconsistency of firmware and model | Download the firmware for the correct codename (see spoiler above) |
| E: Footer is wrong (in Recovery) | A damaged firmware file | Download the firmware and check the hash amount (MD5) |
| The phone will not turn on after rollback | Incompatibility of the kernel or boot partition | Sweat only system and boot through Fastboot without touching modem |
| Mi Account locked | Firmware for another region | Use firmware in the same region as the current one (e.g. EEA → EEA) |
If the IMEI is lost or the network is no longer working, then the modem or nvram partitions have been affected.
- 📡 Engineer Mode (enter #4636## and select Restart modem)
- 🔧 SP Flash Tool (only for devices on MediaTek)
- 🖥️ EDL-Mode (requires authorization from Xiaomi)
How to recover the IMEI after a failed rollback?
How to avoid problems after rollback: setup and optimization
Hurrah, the old version of MIUI has been successfully installed, but it's early to celebrate.
- Turn off automatic update: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto Update and select Off..
- Reset network settings: Sometimes mobile internet disappears after rollback. Corrected to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
- Reinstall Google Services: If Play Market is missing after a rollback, download Open GApps (select the version of ARM64 and Android that matches your firmware).
- Check the battery: Start settings → Battery → Battery → Battery status. If the capacity has dropped dramatically (for example, from 4000 mAh to 2500 mAh), perform a calibration: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
If you’re back on MIUI 12 or older, pay attention to the privacy settings. In the newer versions, Xiaomi has added surveillance protection, and in the older versions, the defaults can include:
- 📍 Location tracking (Settings) → Confidentiality → Permits → geodata)
- 📊 Diagnostic data collection (Settings) → The phone. → Send an error report)
- 🎤 Microphone for voice assistant (Settings) → Xiao's voice assistant AI)