How to install old firmware on Xiaomi: step-by-step rollback of the system

The desire to return the previous version of the operating system often arises from owners of Xiaomi smartphones after a failed update. The new MIUI build may work unstable, consume more charge or simply dislike visually. The procedure for returning to an earlier version, known as downgrade, requires care, but is quite feasible at home if the algorithm is followed.

Before you take action, you need to be aware of the risks. System rollback is a process where more recent software is replaced with archival software. Unlike a regular update, it often requires a complete data cleanup, so backup is a critical step that you can't ignore.

There are several ways to do this, depending on your device model and region: some prefer to use the built-in Recovery menu, others choose a more advanced method through Fastboot and the computer, and the specific path depends on whether the bootloader is blocked and which version of Android is installed at the moment.

Preparation of the device and selection of the rollback method

The first step is always to determine the current situation with the device. You need to know exactly which version of MIUI is installed now and which one you plan to install. It is important to understand the difference between the global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions, since flashing between regions often requires an unlocked bootloader.

There are two main methods of returning old firmware: through the Recovery menu (easier but limited by version) and through Fastboot mode (more difficult but allows you to install any version). If the difference between the current and the target firmware is large, the Recovery method can give an error "Can't verify update", which will require a transition to a more complex version.

Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged, the process of writing data to flash memory is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off at a critical moment can lead to serious consequences for the bootloader. USB-cables if you plan to work with a computer.

⚠️ Before you start any manipulations, make sure to make a full backup of important data to the cloud service or computer, as in 99% of cases all files will be irretrievably deleted.

📊 What kind of recoiling method do you plan to use?

Through Recovery (no PC)

Through Fastboot (from PC)

I don't know yet, I'm reading.

I just need to upgrade.

Download the archive version of the firmware

Finding the right file is half the success. Xiaomi’s official sources don’t always keep the old versions open, so you have to use trusted third-party archives.

When downloading, pay attention to the region encoding. For global versions, the file name usually has a tag on it. MI (for example, miui_XM4ProGlobal_V12.5.3.0...). Chinese versions are labeled as CN. Installation of Chinese firmware on the global device without prior unlocking the bootloader is impossible.

Once you download a file, check the checksum if you can to verify the integrity of the archive. A damaged firmware file is a common cause of installation errors. Save the downloaded archive to the root of internal memory or to the computer, depending on the method you choose.

💡

Use only official or community-verified firmware files, and modified builds may contain malicious code or unstable drivers.

Recovery method through Recovery Mode

This is a good way to go if you want to roll back one version or the difference between versions is small. It doesn't require a computer or special drivers. First, put the firmware file (.zip) in the root of the smartphone's internal memory.

Then you have to go to the recovery menu. To do this, turn off your phone and press the combination of the buttons Volume up + Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release. From the menu that appears, select the language (usually available in English and Chinese) and go to Install update or Select file.

Find the downloaded archive in the file list. The system will try to verify the signature. If the firmware version is newer or equal to the current one, the installation will not begin. If the version is older but the validation is passed, confirm the action. The phone will overwrite the system partition and automatically restart.

☑️ Checklist for Recovery Method

Firmware file at the root of memoryBattery charge of more than 60%Data backup made.Password from Mi Account known

Done: 0 / 4

It is important to note that new versions of MIUI may block this process, and if you see a message that the version is below the permissible, you will have to use the Fastboot method with the unlocked bootloader.

Use of Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

The most reliable, but difficult, way is to use the Mi Flash Tool on a PC, a method that requires an unlocked bootloader, and if the bootloader is locked, the program will give an error and continue without official unlocking through Xiaomi servers.

Download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as the Mi Flash utility itself. Unpack the archive with the firmware (.tgz) in the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short and does not contain Cyrillic. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by pressing the buttons Volume down + Power when the phone is turned off, and connect it with a cable to the computer.

In Mi Flash, press the Refresh button to let your computer see the device. In the lower left corner, select Clean all mode. Pressing the Flash button will start the flashing process. The screen of your smartphone will display progress, and the program will count down time.

Mode in Mi Flash	Action.	Data retention
Clean all	Complete reinstallation	Everything's gone.
Save user data	Updating with preservation	Data remains (not always working in downgrade)
Clean all and lock	Firmware + lock	Everything is removed, the loader is blocked.

⚠️ Warning: When choosing a global version with Chinese firmware (or vice versa), the phone can turn into a brick.

What to do if Mi Flash gives an error?Most often errors are related to drivers or the path to the file. Try reinstalling Qualcomm drivers or ADB, and also make sure that on the way to the folder with firmware there are no Russian letters and spaces.--> One of the most common problems is Version check failed, which happens when you try to roll back over Recovery to an older version, and only the Fastboot method with the bootloader pre-unlocking helps. Another common problem is hanging on the Mi logo after installation, which can mean that the files of the old system conflict with the new data.

Do a full reset of Wipe Data through Recovery, and if that doesn't work, it's possible that the firmware file is corrupted or not suitable for your model, and users are also facing the problem of blocking their Mi Account. Once you reset, the phone will require you to enter the password from the account that was previously associated. If you forget the password, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult, so make sure you remember the login details. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can you roll back on Android lower than it is now? Yes, but it's harder. If the new firmware is based on Android 13 and you want to go back to Android 11, you'll need a special version of Recovery or use it. EDL-The mode, which often requires an authorized service center account, will the warranty fly off after the downgrade? Technically, installing the wrong version of the software or unlocking the bootloader can be a reason to deny warranty service if the software breaks. However, simply rolling back the official firmware through Recovery usually leaves no obvious trace of interference. What is Anti-Rollback and how to get around it? This is a security mechanism that prevents you from installing the firmware with a lower security index (ARB). If the index in the new firmware above, the path back is closed until the new version with a similar or higher index is released. Do you need an unlocked boot boot boot? To roll back through the menu through the Recovery, especially if you need to do it with a low-load version (Fast version) if you need to do it with a low-loader, if you need to do it, especially if you need to do it in the reboot version.