How to return the previous version of Android to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 3 working ways

Have you updated your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware and encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface? or did the new MIUI version eat up too much space on the internal drive? A rollback to the previous version of Android is a real task, but requires caution. In this article, we will break down all the current ways of downgrading firmware on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse), including official and unofficial methods.

It's important to understand that rolling back firmware is not just "installing the old version on top of the new one." It requires unlocking the bootloader, working with Fastboot or Recovery, and sometimes completely resetting the data. We'll explain each step in detail, point out pitfalls, and give you some data retention guidelines. If you're a beginner, don't skip the prep sections!

We warn you right away: on models with a locked bootloader (purchase in official stores), rollback is possible only after unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting.

1. Preparation for the rollback of the firmware: what to do before the start

Before returning an old version of Android, follow the necessary preparatory steps, which will save you from losing data and building up the device.

First rule: back up all your data. Firmware rollback almost always results in a reset and in some cases, formatting your internal memory.

• 📱 Mi Cloud – for synchronizing contacts, notes and certain settings
• 💾 Local backup in Settings → The phone. → Backup
• 🖥️ Computer – copy photos, videos and documents through USB-cable
• 🔧 TWRP (If installed, to create a full backup system

Two, check the current firmware and device model, which is critical because the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global) and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (India) are incompatible.

• B Settings → The phone. → Model (should be) M2003J6A1G global version)
• On the device box or under the battery (if the back cover was removed)
• Quickboot Getvar Product in the Terminal

Third, download the necessary tools:

Fourth, make sure your PC has disabled Windows Defender or the antivirus doesn't block firmware files. Many Xiaomi firmware is mistakenly identified as malicious due to packaging features.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (the domestic version), a rollback to global firmware can lead to modem issues and network loss. CN (China).

2. Method 1: Recoil via Fastboot (official method)

This is the most reliable way to bring back the previous version of MIUI, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.If you've never unlocked the bootloader on your Redmi Note 9 Pro, be prepared for the wait - Xiaomi blocks unlock for 7-30 days for new accounts.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool: Link the Mi Account to the device in Settings → Xiaomi Account Enable Developer Options (7 taps by build number in About Phone) Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging Connect the phone to your PC and launch Mi Unlock Tool

Download the desired firmware version for joyeuse (Redmi Note 9 Pro) from the official website:

• 🌐 Official firmware MIUI
• Choose Fastboot firmware (file with.tgz extension)
• For stable operation, we recommend MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13 versions.
• Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\joyeuse_global_12.5.3.0)
• Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and connect the phone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the phone 2. Press the Power Button + Loudness down until the hare appears in cap 3. USB-plug-in
• In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning) mode. + Lock the bootloader. Press Flash and wait until it's done (5-10 minute).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Data backup created |

Mi Account is linked to the device |

Unlocking OEM enabled in settings|

Downloaded the correct firmware version for the model joyeuse|

Antivirus on PC is disabled-->

⚠️ If after firmware the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 20 minutes, try to go to Recovery + Volume up) and make Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, re-scan the clean all and lock option.

Method 2: Recovery (without PC)

This method is suitable if you already have custom Recovery installed (like TWRP) or if you want to roll back to a version that was previously installed via OTA. Official Recovery from Xiaomi does not support installing old firmware - only updates.

What you need:

• 📱 A phone with an unlocked loader and TWRP
• 💾 Firmware in.zip format (for Recovery)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%
• 🗃️ Memory card or internal memory with sufficient space

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary firmware version for Recovery from sites: 🌐 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (select Recovery) ROM) 🌐 SourceForge (firmware archive)

Pay attention to the region: Global, EEA (Europe) or India.

Move the firmware file (update.zip) inwardly or SD-Don't put it in folders with Cyrillic names!

Download to TWRP:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the Power button + Volume up




3. Release buttons after the TWRP logo appears

In TWRP, do the following:

• Tap Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data
• Go back to the main menu and select Install.
• Specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation
• After completion, press Reboot System.

If the phone freezes or reboots cyclically after a reboot, go back to TWRP and do a full reset (Wipe → Format Data), but note that this will remove all data from the internal memory.

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If TWRP There's an error 7" When installing the firmware, download the patch disable_dm_verity_forceencrypt Then, put it in place before the first load.

Method 3: Recoil through OTA-Updates (limited functionality)

Xiaomi does not provide an official rollback option through OTA, but in some cases, it can be tricked into doing so only if:

• 🔄 You have been updated consistently (e.g., with the MIUI 12 → MIUI 12.5 → MIUI 13)
• 📦 The phone has saved files of previous updates in the folder /cache
• 🔓 bootloader unlocked (not necessarily, but increases odds)

How to try it:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack
3. Try to specify the path to the file of the previous update (if it is stored in memory: /sdcard/Downloaded_rom or /data/ota_package
4. If the system refuses to install the old version, try renaming the file to update.zip and try again.

The success rate is about 20 percent, and most often, the system will say, "You can't install an older version," and then you'll only have the Fastboot or TWRP methods.

5. Solving problems after a firmware rollback

Even if you're successful, you might run into problems, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If it's gone after the kickback IMEI If you have a network that's gone, don't panic, 90 percent of the time, it's done by re-firming the correct version for your region. IMEI:

1. Download the SN Write Tool
2. Find out the original IMEI (on the box or under the battery)
3. Fly IMEI via Meta Mode (PC and cable required)

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI On devices with a blocked bootloader, you can permanently lose your network. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

6.How to avoid problems with the next update

To avoid having to return to the old version, follow these guidelines when updating the Redmi Note 9 Pro:

• 🔍 Read reviews about the new firmware on the forums (4PDA, XDA) before updating
• 📡 Update over Wi-Fi, not mobile, to reduce the risk of interruption
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% before upgrading
• 📥 Keep the old firmware in the folder /sdcard/Downloaded_rom kickback
• ⏳ Wait. 1-2 weeks after the release of a new version - usually during this time, patches for critical bugs are released.

If you still decide to upgrade, but are afraid of the consequences, use a phased update:

1. Upgrade to the intermediate version first (e.g. from MIUI 12 to MIUI 12.5)
2. Test your phone for 2-3 days
3. Update to the final version (MIUI 13/14)

This approach reduces the risk of serious bugs, as intermediate versions are often more stable.

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Before any update, check the firmware version for your region.Installing firmware for India (IN) on the global model (Global) can lead to network loss and other problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on the Redmi Note 9 Pro