The current rhythm of MIUI and HyperOS updates makes Xiaomi users constantly balance between the desire to get new features and the fear of encountering software errors. It often happens that after installing a fresh version of the operating system, the smartphone begins to work unstable: the battery drains faster, the interface “glitches” appear or familiar applications stop working correctly. In this situation, the only right solution is to downgrade the system, that is, returning to an older but stable version of the firmware.
The process of rolling back Android on Redmi and Poco devices is technically more complicated than a regular update, and requires the user to be more attentive. You will not only have to download the firmware file, but also perform a number of preparatory actions, including unlocking the bootloader and using specialized software on the computer. Ignoring even one step can lead to the device becoming a “brick” and stop booting.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of returning the previous version of Android, explain the differences between the types of firmware and how to avoid critical errors. We will look at the Mi Flash Tool, the nuances of transitioning between different regions and methods for solving common problems that arise during the process of flashing.
Risk assessment and backup preparation
Before you start any manipulation of the system partition, you need to realize the main feature of the downgrade procedure: When you roll back the Android version to an earlier version, the internal storage is completely cleaned, so backing up data is not just a recommendation, but a must. All your photos, contacts, correspondence in messengers and documents will be irretrievably deleted when you install the old firmware.
The best way to create a full copy of data is to use embedded MIUI tools or cloud services. You can sync important data with a Google account or use local backup by saving the archive to your computer or external drive. You don't need to rely on the cloud alone if you have a lot of heavy media content, as the recovery process can take a long time.
⚠️ Note: Downgrade is irreversible in terms of data retention. Even if you interrupt the process in the middle, the phone will still require initial configuration as a new device, as the file system will be re-marked.
You also need to make sure that it is correct. USB-cable and availability of drivers ADB An unstable connection can cause a failure of the recording of memory sectors, which will require complex recovery through service mode. EDL. The battery charge of the smartphone should be at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune moment.
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi’s official policy prohibits older firmware from being installed on a locked bootloader, a security measure designed to protect users from installing malware, but it also makes life harder for enthusiasts. If you’ve never unlocked a bootloader on your Redmi before, you’ll have to go through a waiting procedure that can take anywhere from 7 to 168 hours (week to month).
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device through the settings menu, and then you need to apply for unlocking through the special Mi Unlock utility on your PC. SIM-card and the same account that is specified in the phone, otherwise the system will give an error of binding.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
It is worth noting that there are regional restrictions: some versions of the firmware (for example, Indian or European) may have their own nuances of application. After successful unlocking when booting the phone, a rabbit icon with the inscription Fastboot will appear on the screen, which indicates the readiness of the device for modifications.
What to do if the status is not updated?
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot
To successfully return the previous version of Android, it is critical to choose the right firmware file type. For Xiaomi devices, there are two main formats: Recovery (.zip) and Fastboot (.tgz). For the downgrade procedure, you will only need the Fastboot version, since it contains a complete image of all parts of the system, including the bootloader and the radio module.
Recovery firmware is designed to be upgraded “over the air” or through the recovery menu and usually does not allow you to downgrade the system version due to anti-rollback check.
When searching for a file on official resources or verified archives, pay attention to the extension of the archive. You need a file that, after unpacking, contains folders of images and archives. flash_all.bat. It is also important to make sure that the firmware region (Global, EU, RU, India) matches the region of your device, although it is possible to change the region when the bootloader is unlocked.
| Parameter | Recovery (.zip) | Fastboot (.tgz) |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Updating the system | Complete flashing. |
| Data retention | Maybe (Clean install) | Just a complete cleanup. |
| downgrade | Blocked (Anti-Rollback) | Allowed (with unlocked BL) |
| Tool. | Built-in updater | Mi Flash Tool |
Installation of drivers and preparation of Mi Flash Tool
To interact with your computer in Fastboot mode, you need correctly installed drivers. Most often, Windows 10 and 11 automatically find the right components, but for stable operation, it is better to install the official Xiaomi USB Drivers package manually. Without this step, the firmware utility simply will not see the connected device.
The main tool to work with will be the Mi Flash Tool, the official software that allows you to upload partition images directly to the phone’s memory, and you should only download it from trusted sources or the official Xiaomi forum to avoid the introduction of malicious code.
After installing the drivers and unpacking the archive with the firmware, you need to copy the path to the folder with the image files. The path should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the installation script may not work: C:\ROM\mi_global_V12.5.3.0.
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Use it. USB-port built directly into the computer motherboard (back of the system unit) rather than ports on the front panel or through USB-This will provide stable voltage and data transfer speed.
Step-by-step instructions for rolling back the version
When you're done, you can move on to the process. First, you can run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Then you can put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn the device off completely and press the volume button while holding it, connect the USB cable to the computer. The android-fixing rabbit should appear on the screen.
In the program interface, press the Refresh button to let the system detect the device. If everything goes well, your Redmi serial number will appear in the list. Next, click the Select button and specify the path to the unpacked firmware folder you prepared earlier.
At the bottom of the program window, you'll see three options: To return the previous version of Android, you need to select the Clean all option. This mode erases all data and installs a clean system. The Save user data option is not available or recommended for downgrade, as it can cause file structure conflict.
Command for manual connection check (in the command line):
fastboot devicesOnce you select the mode, press the Flash button, start a recording process that takes 300 to 600 seconds, during which time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or restart the phone, and when the status is completed, the success will appear, and the phone will automatically reboot to a new, older version of the system.
⚠️ Note: If there is a bug in the firmware process with a code other than 0x0, Or it's stuck at a certain percentage, don't panic. USB-cable, reconnect the device to another port and repeat the procedure. EDL.
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The key to success is choosing the right mode "Clean all" and using the original mode. USB-Any power interruptions during partition writing are fatal to the system.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, technical difficulties can arise. One of the most common problems is the Miss matching image error, which means that you are trying to install a firmware whose region or version does not correspond to the current state of the bootloader or anti-rollback protection.
Another common problem is the endless reboot (Bootloop) after a seemingly successful firmware, which can happen if the data from the previous version of Android conflicts with the new old system, in which case a full reset via the Recovery menu helps: press the power and volume button, select the language and press Wipe Data.
If Mi Flash delivers a Flash Error error in partition, you may not have the right drivers installed on your computer or the antivirus is blocking the recording. Try temporarily disabling the security software and reinstalling Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers depending on your device's processor.