How to return the previous version of Android to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

After another update MIUI Has Xiaomi started to work slower, discharge faster or just stopped to arrange a new interface, POCO But it's important to understand that rolling back the firmware is not just a "push a button" operation, but there are nuances to unlocking the bootloader, saving the data and choosing the right version of the software.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of rollback, from official methods through the Recovery to manual stitching through the Fastboot. IMEI Or lock the device, and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after rollback, and where to download the proven firmware and how not to run into viruses.

We warn you right away that the procedure requires care, and one wrong step can turn your smartphone into a brick, but if you follow the instructions and use our checklists, the risks are minimized. Let's start with preparation!

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

Before returning to the old version MIUI, Follow the mandatory steps, and this will save you from data loss and unforeseen errors.

First rule: create a full backup. Even if you plan to roll back without resetting, it's better to be safe. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root:

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Save networks)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize with Google Play)

Two: check the current firmware version. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and write it down:

- Version number (e.g., version number, MIUI Global 14.0.5)

- Model code (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or POCO X5 Pro)

- Region (Global, China, EEA)

This data will be needed to select the right firmware.

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If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, rolling back the firmware may cancel it. Check the warranty conditions on the official website before starting the procedure.

Three: charge the phone at least 70%, rollback can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, and discharge during firmware can cause permanent damage to system partitions.

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low quality can interrupt the connection)
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (For methods through Fastboot)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or XiaomiTool V2 (link)

Battery charge > 70%|Backup created|Recorded version MIUI model|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|I've downloaded the right firmware.-->

2.Official way: rollback through Recovery

The safest method is to use a built-in Recovery, which is suitable if:

• 📲 You're not unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔄 You are reverting to a version that was installed earlier (no older than) 2-3 update)
• 📦 There is an official service package with the extension.zip

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website. Choose Recovery ROM (Not Fastboot! for example, for Redmi Note 11 It's gonna be a file of sorts. veux_global_images_V13.0.4.0.SGCMIXM_20221010.0000.00_12.0_global.zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Go to the Recavator: Turn off the phone, then press the Volume up + 10 seconds power.
4. In the Recavére menu, select Install update.zip to System One (navigation – volume buttons, choice – power button).
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (usually) 5-15 minute).

If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic, sometimes the first run after a rollback takes up to 20 minutes, but if it's more than an hour and the screen isn't responding, you'll have to use the methods in the following sections.

Official Recaveri|Fastboot via Mi Flash|Castom Recovery (TWRP)|Through ADB Sideload|I haven't decided yet.-->

3. rollback via Fastboot: for power users

If the recaveri refuses to work or the desired firmware is not in.zip format, you will have to use Fastboot mode. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and more steps, but it is suitable for all versions. MIUI.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked):

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Go to the unlock page and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect to your PC, run the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions (you may need to wait). 7-15 day-to-day).

Step 2. Sweat the old version through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz or.zip file) for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_veux).
3. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
5. Choose Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset) + lock the bootloader, then press Flash.

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The choice between Clean all and Clean all and lock is important: the first option leaves the bootloader unlocked (comfortable for future manipulations), the second one locks it back (safer for everyday use).

Possible errors and solutions:

Important! Once you've run the Fastboot, the phone will reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted, so backup is mandatory.

4.Use of custom Recovery (TWRP)

For enthusiasts who want more control over the process, it is suitable. TWRP (This is the team win recovery project:

• 🔄 Reverse all versions (including custom versions)
• 📦 Make a backup of current firmware (Nandroid)
• 🔧 Install modifications without data loss

Step 1. Set TWRP:

1. Download the image TWRP for your model from the official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-v7.0_A13-vayu.img for POCO X3 Pro).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot, connect to the PC.
3. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools (from Android) SDK) Next Post:Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2. Sweep through the old firmware:

1. V TWRP Choose Install → Please specify the path to the firmware file (.zip).
2. Before installation, make a backup: Backup → Mark System, Data, Boot.
3. After installing the firmware, be sure to flash Magisk (if root is needed) or Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (avoiding encrypted /data).

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

This prioritizes the loading of custom Recovery.-->

Warnings for use TWRP:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Mi 11) have Anti-Rollback protection. Attempting to install firmware older than the acceptable version will lead to locking the device at the hardware level. 4PDA before-roll.

5 The Anti-Rollback Problem: How to Get Around It

Anti-Rollback is a protection mechanism that blocks rollbacks on the version. MIUI For example, if your Redmi Note 9 Pro has upgraded to a certain number. MIUI 13, return MIUI 11 will not work – the phone will lock when you try to boot.

How to check for Anti-Rollback?

1. Find out the current version of Anti-Rollback through the team ADB: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch Or look at the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Full information (see the Anti Rollback Version line).
2. Compare it to the firmware version you want to roll back on, and if the target version is older than the current version, you can't roll back.

Options for a solution:

• 🔄 Choose a newer firmware (for example, instead of a new one) MIUI 12.5. set up MIUI 13.0.1).
• 🛠️ Use modified firmware with anti-Rollback bypass (see for the 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 🔧 There are some models for some models. EDL-mode (emergency firmware through testpoint), but it requires special equipment.

If your model is under the Anti-Rollback, and the necessary firmware is not, there are two ways:

1. Waiting for the new version to come out MIUI with bug fixes that don’t suit you.
2. Install custom firmware based on Android (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and losing official support.

6.What to do if after a rollback the phone does not turn on

A situation when after firmware screen remains black or the phone is stuck on startup the logo MI, It's scary, but it's often solvable:

Step 1. Try to load up in the Recovery:

• Press Volume Up + Power for 15-20 seconds.
• If you have a recapable menu, do the Wipe. data/factory reset.
• If there is no recapvere, proceed to step 2.

Step 2. Re-sweep through Fastboot:

• Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
• Run the Mi Flash Tool and repeat the firmware by selecting Clean all.
• If the process ends with an error, download another firmware version (preferably stable, not beta).

Step 3. Use it. EDL-regime (last chance):

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL (Emergency Download Mode requires special cable or soldering to close the test points. Wrong actions can permanently put the phone out of action.

• For models with a Qualcomm processor (most Xiaomi) you can try to enter the EDL, circuitry.
• Next, run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice flash_all_lock.bat.

If none of the methods worked, it may have been damaged. EMMC-chip or bootloader, which requires professional repair.

7.Where to download firmware for Xiaomi: verified sources

One of the key things is where to get firmware files, and unofficial sources may contain viruses or modified versions with backdoors.

How to check the firmware for viruses:

• Download only files with the.zip,.tgz or.img extension.
• Check the hash sum (MD5) File – it must match the one on the site.
• Use VirusTotal to scan the archive.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when rolling back firmware, and here are the most common ways to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Incompatible firmware

Symptoms: phone not turning on, flashing red light, error Invalid image in Mi Flash.

Solution: Always check:

• 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G — The Redmi Note 11 Pro is the Peux).
• 🌍 The region (Global, China, India) is not the firmware for China for Global!
• 🔢 Android version (for example, MIUI 13 can be based on Android 11 or 12).

Mistake 2: Loss IMEI or serial number

Symptoms: no network, in Settings → The phone's empty fields IMEI.

Decision:

⚠️ Note: If you have lost your firmware after IMEI, Don't restart your phone. nv_data.bin through TWRP Or Fastboot. Look for instructions on the 4PDA For your model, there is no universal way!

Error 3: Bootloop (Cyclical Reboot)

Symptoms: The phone is constantly rebooting on the logo MI.

Decision:

• Try resetting the settings through the Recovery (Wipe) → Format Data).
• If it doesn’t work, re-sweeten the firmware by selecting Clean all and lock in Mi Flash.
• For some models, installing Magisk helps (if the problem is checking the signature).

Mistake 4: Blocking your Mi Account

Symptoms: After firmware, the phone requires entering a login / password from the previous Mi Account.

Decision:

• If your account is yours, enter the data and unlock it.
• If the phone is bought by hand, contact the seller for data or use the official recovery form.
• It will be necessary to bypass the lock EDL-regime (see section 6).

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90% of firmware rollback errors are due to file incompatibility or missed steps (for example, forgetting to unlock the bootloader).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions