How to return the previous version of MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi 9: safe methods of rollback

After upgrading Xiaomi Redmi 9 to the new version of MIUI, many users face unpleasant surprises, from sudden bugs to a critical decline in performance. If you notice that the smartphone has become warmer, discharge faster or brake when performing simple tasks, perhaps the latest update is to blame. Fortunately, rolling back firmware to the previous stable version is quite possible, even if the system settings do not have such an option.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for returning an old MIUI to Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS), including official downgrade via Fastboot, recovery via Recovery, and manual rollback with user data saved. Each method is illustrated in detail with screenshots and accompanied by warnings about possible risks. Importantly, the procedure requires attention to detail - an error at any stage can lead to data loss or even "bricking" of the device.

Before you start, check the current version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down or take a screenshot – this information will come in handy for choosing the right firmware. Also make sure that the battery is above 60% and the phone has enough free space (at least 4 GB).

1. Official Downgrade via Fastboot: The Most Reliable Method

The Fastboot method is considered the most secure, as it uses official firmware from Xiaomi. It is suitable for rollback on any stable version of MIUI, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If you have never unlocked it before, the process will take up to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (or macOS/Linux driverless ADB)
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi)
• 🔧 Archive with firmware.tgz for your model (download only from the official website)
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (Last version)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 9 (Choose the Stable version instead of the Developer. MIUI 14 on MIUI 13 file fits lancelot_global_images_V13.0.6.0.SJCMIXM_20230306.0000.00_12.0_global_....
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\lancelot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Download the correct version MIUI forecast|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Unlock bootloader (unlocked)|Create a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least to 60%-->

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes - don't panic. Turn it off with a long press on the power button (20)+ Repeat until the system boots up (may take 2-3 attempts).

2. Recovery rollback: no computer, but with the risk of data loss

This method is suitable if you don't have access to a PC or don't want to unlock the bootloader, but it only works for transitions between neighboring versions. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but not on MIUI It is also important that the phone has stock Recovery (not custom, type). TWRP).

Algorithm of action:

1. Download a firmware file in.zip (not.tgz!) from an official website, for example, miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V13.0.5.0.SJCMIXM_....
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders like Download!).
3. Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (usually English) then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it's done. The phone will reboot automatically.

If the Recovery menu does not have an Install option update.zip, So, your version. MIUI It doesn't support it. In this case, you'll have to use a Fastboot or EDL-The regime (we will tell you below).

3. Pushback through EDL-mode: extreme case for "brick" devices

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is used when the phone doesn't turn on or gets stuck on the logo after a failed firmware. This method requires a special cable (EDL-cable) or circuit contacts on the board, so it is only suitable for advanced users. Wrong actions in EDL can permanently bring the device down - use this method only if others do not work.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB supportive EDL (or the ability to close test points on the board)
• 💾 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (see forums like this). 4PDA)
• 🛠 Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm chips)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. If it doesn't respond, remove the battery (if it's removable) or wait for it to run out.
2. Connect. EDL-cable (or close test points) and connect the phone to the PC. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware, and press Flash, and it takes 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Once completed, turn off the cable and turn on the phone with the power button.

⚠️ Attention: B EDL-The phone is vulnerable to unofficial firmware installation, which can lead to loss of IMEI Always use only official files from Xiaomi for your model (Redmi 9 with lancelot encoding).

💡

If you have lost your IMEI after the firmware, you can restore it using the engineering menu. Enter the dial ##4636##, select phone information and check the IMEI status. If it is missing, use the SN Write Tool utility (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

4. How to save data before MIUI rollback

Any firmware rollback is a risk of losing photos, contacts, and apps. To minimize losses, follow these steps:

Methods of backup:

• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Go to Settings → Memory. → Backup and backup in Mi Cloud. make sure you have enough space (free 5GB).
• 💾 Local Copy: Use the Mi Mover app (pre-installed on the MIUI) To save data to another smartphone or PC.
• 📱 Third-party utilities: Apps like Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup allow you to save even application settings.

What will not remain when the recoil:

• 📁 Data from some system applications (e.g. Topics or Security)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered)
• 🎮 Save games (unless they are linked to a Google Play account)

💡

Even if you back up, after a MIUI rollback, some data (such as an SMS or call log) may not recover. Always check the integrity of the backup before you run the firmware!

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistakes in MIUI rollbacks are usually due to firmware incompatibility or procedural failure, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

This package is for 'lancelot' devices; this is a '

🔹 Reason: You didn't download the firmware for your model. Redmi 9 is codenamed lancelot, Redmi is codenamed Lancelot. 9A — dandelion. Recheck the model in Settings → The phone. → Model.

🔹 Solution: Download firmware with the correct code name from the official website or forum 4PDA.

"Couldn't verify device for fastboot"

🔹 Reason: No bootloader unlocked or Fastboot drivers installed.

🔹 Solution: Install drivers via Mi Phone Manager or manually (download Android) SDK Platform-Tools from Google).

Error: Phone stuck on logo after firmware

🔹 Reason: Incompatible version MIUI or interrupted installation.

🔹 Solution: Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a complete clean (Clean all). If it doesn't work, use it. EDL.

6.The alternatives to rollback: how to improve MIUI without downgrade

If the pullback seems too risky, try optimizing the current MIUI version first:

• ⚡ Turn off animations: Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI in settings), then in the Developer Settings, set all animations on Off. or 0.5x.
• 🧹 Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. Also clear the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Reset settings: If the lags are critical, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset), but pre-do backup.
• 🛡 Disable unnecessary features: Turn off Mi Pei, Smart Assistant and other background services in Settings → Annexes → Autostart control.

If the problem is a specific bug (e.g., Bluetooth or camera is not working), check if Xiaomi has released a patch update. Sometimes bugs are fixed 1-2 weeks after the main release. To speed up the receipt of the patch, connect to Mi Pilot (Update Testing Program) in the Xiaomi account settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions