How to return the previous version of MIUI to Xiaomi: 5 working methods (including blocked downloaders)

Rolling back firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that may be necessary for critical bugs of the new version of MIUI, reduced performance or incompatibility with important applications. However, unlike the standard update, returning to the old version requires caution: improper actions can lead to a device bribing, loss of data or blocking the Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of rollback – from official (via MIUI bootloader) to advanced (via Fastboot and custom recapvers), taking into account the features of the blocked boot and antirollback.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi has been actively limiting downgrades since MIUI 12.5+ and Android 11 — these versions have anti-rollback protection, which blocks the installation of old firmware on new devices. However, workarounds exist, and we’ll take a closer look at them. If your smartphone is released after 2021 (like the Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 or later), the chances of a successful rollback are lower — but not zero.

Before you start, check: 1. Current MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. 2. The device model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro has the codename sweet). 3. bootloader status (unlocked/locked) – this determines the methods available.

1. Official rollback via MIUI bootloader (for unlocked downloaders)

The safest way is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary tool to download older firmware versions.

• 🔓 bootloader unlocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info - look for the line Device unlocked: true).
• 📱 The device is not newer than 2020 (for Redmi Note 9, Mi 10 and older, the official rollback may be blocked).
• 🔄 No active antirollback (checked in the firmware file – if the name has anti.ftf, rollback is impossible).

Step-by-step:

1. Download MIUI bootloader (official tool) or use Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Select your model (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro → begonia).
3. Find a stable version of MIUI (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RGGMIXM) and download the.tgz file.
4. Unpack the archive and place the file flash_all.sh (or flash_all.bat for Windows) in the firmware folder.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
6. Run the script and wait for the completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after the rollback MI, Reset through Recovery (Loudness upwards) + Nutrition → Do not use this method for devices with a locked bootloader, it will lead to a blink!

2. rollback through Recovery (TWRP) for advanced users

If the bootloader is unlocked and the official method has not worked, you can use custom TWRP recavers. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and allows you to bypass some of the limitations of the anti-rollback.

Important: for Xiaomi with Qualcomm chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 732G in POCO X3) and Mediatek (for example, Helio G95 in Redmi Note 10S), the process is different.

• 🔧 Install. TWRP For your model (download from the official website).
• 📄 Download the full firmware MIUI.zip format (not fastboot!).
• 🔄 Boot in. TWRP (Loudness up + Nutrition).
• 🗑️ Backup of the current system (Backup) → System + Data).
• 📥 Install the downloaded.zip via Install.
• 🧹 Run the Wipe. Cache/Dalvik.

For devices with Dynamic Partitions (for example, Xiaomi 11T) before the firmware must:

fastboot delete-logical-partition product


fastboot flash product product.img

⚠️ Note: If after the scaling of the TWRP The phone doesn't boot, and the logs have an anti-rollback check fail, which means your model has hardware protection. EDL (see section 5).

3. Recoil on the blocked bootloader: bypassing restrictions

If the bootloader is locked (which is typical for most new Xiaomi devices), the official rollback methods will not work.

1. Through MI Flash with Mi Account authorization Some firmware (for example, for Redmi Note) 10 Pro) can be flashed through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode, but you will need to: 🔑 Sign in to a Mi Account linked to your phone. 📡 Use the original USB-cable (Chinese cables are often not recognized). 🔧 Select the correct firmware version (e.g., fastboot for the sweet_global).

EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash the device even with a locked bootloader, but requires:

• 💻 Special cable. EDL or circuitry.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm).
• 🔐 Authorized Xiaomi Developer Account (for new models).

Firmware through EDL is an extreme measure, as:

• 🔴 Risk of device blink when firmware error.
• 🔴 Requires disassembly of the phone (to close contacts) EDL).
• 🔴 On new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) EDL locked at the hardware level.

4.How to check firmware compatibility before rolling back

Before rolling back, you need to make sure that the selected version of MIUI is compatible with your device.

1. Check the code name of the model Get it through the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device or in AIDA64. e.g.: Model codename Chipset Redmi Note 10 ProsweetSnapdragon 732G POCO F3aliothSnapdragon 870 Xiaomi Mi 11venusSnapdragon 888 Redmi 9AdandelionHelio G25
2. Compare the antirollback versions In the name of the firmware file, look for the anti parameter: 📌 fw_sweet_miui_SWEETGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RKFMIXM_anti4.ftf — squat-back 4. 📌 fw_sweet_miui_SWEETGlobal_V12.0.2.0.QJFMIXM_anti3.ftf — squat-back 3.

You can only roll back on firmware with an equal or lower anti number.

Check the firmware region

Make sure you download the firmware for your region:

• 🌍 Global - for international versions.
• 🇨🇳 China – Chinese Devices Only (Requires Unlocking).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European (without Google services on some models).

💡

If you are not sure about the anti-rollback version, download two firmware (current and target) and compare the lines of anti in the files. flash_all.sh.

5.Rollback through EDL: A Step-by-Step Guide (for the experienced)

EDL firmware is the most reliable way to bring back the old version of MIUI on locked devices, but it's also the riskiest.

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10 (driver EDL not working macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (for Qualcomm).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.

Instructions for Qualcomm devices (e.g., POCO X3 NFC):

1. Download and install Mi Flash Pro.
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL mode: adb reboot edl Or close contacts on the board (this requires disassembly)
4. In Mi Flash Pro, select a firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should be defined as COM-port).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 10-15 minutes).

For devices on Mediatek (e.g. Redmi 9), use the SP Flash Tool:

1. Download the SP Flash Tool and firmware in scatter.txt format.
2. Upload the scatter file to the program.
3. Connect the phone turned off (without battery if removable).
4. Press Download and wait until it is finished.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL device-wise UFS-A storage device (for example, Xiaomi) 12) may result in loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the command adb shell su -c 'nvram get /efs/imei'.

💡

EDL-firmware is the only way to roll back on devices with a locked bootloader and active antirollback, but requires technical skills and risks voiding the warranty.

6. Data recovery after rollback

After a successful firmware rollback, you may encounter:

• 📱 Data loss (photos, messages, annexes).
• 🔑 Mi Account login requests (if Find Device was enabled).
• 🚫 Errors in some applications (due to incompatibility with the old version) MIUI).

To minimize losses:

1. If you have backed up your backup via TWRP or adb backup, restore it: adb restore backup.ab
2. Transfer files manually Connect your phone to your PC and copy files from folders: 📷 /DCIM/Camera — photo. 🎵 /Music, /Downloads — mediafiles. 📩 /Android/data — Application data (requires root).

Update the applications

Some programs (e.g. banking) may not work on the older version of MIUI. Update them via APKMirror or adb install.

If after a rollback, the phone requires a Mi Account, but you do not remember it:

• 🔑 Try to reset your password through the official website.
• 📧 If the mail is tied, request a recovery code.
• 🛠️ In the extreme, run the phone through EDL Disable Find Device (requires editing of the persist-partition).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you roll back firmware, users face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones.

If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center – but note that rolling back the firmware may void the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions