How to install the previous version of MIUI on Xiaomi: safe rollback of firmware

Why users are returning to older versions of MIUI and when it is justified

The firmware rollback on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that is used in two cases: when the new version of MIUI is unstable or when critical features disappeared after the update. For example, owners of the Redmi Note 10 Pro massively rolled back from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13.0.6 due to autonomy problems, and Poco F3 users returned to MIUI 12.5 Enhanced after the appearance of lags in games.

The manufacturer does not support the official rollback for one reason: new firmware versions often contain updated module drivers (camera, modem, sensors) that are incompatible with older builds. This can lead to the loss of functionality of the fingerprint sensor on the Xiaomi 12/13 series when rolling back from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13. However, if you encounter critical bugs – for example, constant reboots on the Xiaomi 11T Pro after upgrading to MIUI 15 – rollback may be the only solution.

Before you start, answer three questions:

• 🔍 Are there alternatives? Sometimes resetting solves the problem (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings) or disabling unnecessary Xiaomi services in the Special Features section → Services MIUI.
• ⚖️ Is the risk worth it? On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), rollback blocks access to a wide dynamic range (HDR) cell-wise.
• 📱 Smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 13) require the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader, while on Redmi. 9A You can do without her.

Preparing for rollback: backup and unlock the bootloader

The first and most critical step is to save data. The firmware rollback erases all the contents of internal memory, including photos in the DCIM folder, messages in Mi Messages and application settings. Use the official Xiaomi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud) to reserve:

• 📁 Contacts and notes – synced automatically to your Mi Account.
• 📷 Photos and videos – upload manually through the Gallery → Choose. → Upload to the cloud.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords – Export through Settings → Wi-Fi → Save networks → Exports (not available on all models).
• 🎮 Save Games – Use built-in game features (e.g. Genshin Impact is linked to a HoYoverse account).

The second step is to unlock the bootloader, without which you can’t install the old firmware through Fastboot. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new accounts.

1. Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Unlock status.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
4. Connect to your PC and follow the instructions in the program. If a message appears, wait for the specified time.

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If you have a POCO or Black Shark smartphone, use separate versions of the Mi Unlock Tool for these brands – they are available on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. If you've already made a backup after you've linked your account, repeat it after you unlock it, but before you install the old firmware.

Choosing the Right Version of MIUI: Where to Download and How to Check Compatibility

Firmware error is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices: Never use files marked Global on devices for the Chinese market (China ROM) and vice versa.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Remember the model code (e.g. 2201116PG for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) and region (RU, CN, IN, etc.).
3. Check the firmware type: Stable (stable) or Developer (developer).

Download the firmware only from official sources:

For devices with Anti-Rollback Protection (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K40), the rollback below a certain version is blocked. Check the restrictions on the XiaomiUI website. For example, on Poco F3 you can not install firmware older than MIUI 12.5.3 without the risk of turning the device into a brick.

How to install old firmware: Fastboot vs Recovery

There are two main methods of rollback: through Fastboot (full flashing) and through Recovery (updating on top of the existing system).

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (recommended for most models)

This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and guarantees a clean installation.

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from xiaomiflashtool.com).

Step-by-step:

In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning) mode. + The last option is recommended if you do not plan to further manipulate the firmware. The process will take 5-15 minutes. If an anti 4 or anti 5 error occurs, your device is protected by Anti-Rollback, and no rollback is possible.

Method 2: Recovery Installation (for power users)

This method works without unlocking the bootloader, but is only suitable for firmware in.zip format and requires custom recavery (TWRP). Officially MIUI Recovery doesn't support rollback!

Algorithm:

1. Download the.zip firmware and put it in the root of your internal memory.
2. Go to Recovery (turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power).
3. In TWRP, select Install → Select firmware → Swipe to confirm.
4. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).

⚠️ Attention: Installation through TWRP on devices with dynamic partitions (for example, Xiaomi) 12 Pro) may result in loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save a backup copy of the persist section via the command: adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.img

Solving Typical Problems After MIUI Recoil

Even if you successfully install old firmware, you may encounter bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the device does not turn on after rollback (hung on the MI logo), try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Fastboot Fastboot with the Clean All and Lock option.
3. If nothing helps, use the EDL Mode (Emergency Mode) with the Qualcomm 9008 box (requires special equipment).

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If the camera functions have disappeared after the rollback (for example, night mode or 8K-This means that the new firmware updated the firmware of the camera module, and you can only return the functionality by upgrading to the current version. MIUI.

Alternative methods: custom firmware and rollback without unlocking

If an official rollback is not possible due to Anti-Rollback or other restrictions, consider alternative options:

1. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS)

Custom firmware is not dependent on Xiaomi restrictions, but requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP.

• 🚀 Higher performance (e.g. Pixel Experience on Poco) X3 Pro works faster than stock MIUI).
• 🆕 Up-to-date security updates (monthly patches from Google).
• 🔓 No restrictions on anti-rollback.

Cons: There may be problems with the camera (no Xiaomi Camera App) and navigation gestures. download firmware only from trusted sources, such as XDA-Developers.

2. rollback via ADB Sideload (without unlocking the bootloader)

This method only works for devices with an unlocked bootloader (e.g. some Redmis for the European market).

1. Download the firmware.zip and place it in the folder with ADB on the PC.
2. Turn your phone to Recovery Mode and select Apply update from ADB.
3. Enter the command: adb sideload firmware.zip

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ This method is often blocked by the E:footer is wrong error, which requires a modified adb from XiaomiUI.

3. Use of service centres

If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. ~1500–3000 rouble 2026 Check before you visit whether your model supports rollback - some SCs refuse to work with devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 forfeiture IMEI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About MIUI