How to return the previous version of MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

Owners of the popular Redmi Note 7 smartphone often face a situation when the device begins to work unstable after an automatic update of the operating system, the battery runs out faster, the interface slows down, and the usual functions stop showing correctly, in which case the only right solution is to return to an earlier, proven MIUI build that worked without failure.

Downgrading the firmware version is technically more complicated than a regular update, and requires careful attention to detail. Any wrong action can lead to loss of personal data or, in the worst case, to the blocking of the bootloader. However, by following a clear sequence of actions and using proven methods, you can restore the health of your gadget.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the steps in preparing and executing the procedure, and you will learn how to choose the right firmware file, whether to unlock the bootloader for your case, and what tools will be required to successfully roll back the system on a Xiaomi device.

Reasons to Return to Old Version of Firmware

The desire to roll back the system is usually dictated by specific technical problems that arose immediately after the installation of the new system. OTA-Users often notice a sharp drop in autonomy, when the battery capacity of 4000 mAh begins to barely live into the evening with minimal load.

Another common cause is software bugs that didn't exist in the previous version, which can be spontaneous reboots, communication module problems, or camera malfunctions, and sometimes the new MIUI shell just seems less comfortable or overloaded with ad modules.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start any manipulation of system files, make sure that the battery level is at least 60.

It’s also worth considering that newer versions of Android and the shell often require more powerful hardware.For the Redmi Note 7, released a few years ago, heavy versions of MIUI 12 or MIUI 13 can be redundant, causing the Snapdragon 660 processor to overheat and trottling.

Determination of current and target version of the software

The first step in the process is to figure out exactly which version of the operating system is installed now and which one you plan to install, and a mismatched firmware file may not be able to stand up through the standard menu or, worse, lead to a partition conflict.

To find out the current version, go to the Settings menu. → The phone. Here you're interested in the line "Version." MIUI», where the firmware type is indicated (Global, China, EEA) The target version should be strictly below the current one, since Xiaomi’s security system prohibits installing old versions on top of new ones without special manipulation.

It is important to understand the difference between firmware regions. Global differs from China in terms of pre-installed applications and supported communication frequencies. Installing Chinese firmware on a global device without an unlocked bootloader is impossible.

For clarity of comparison of versions and their compatibility with the model of the device, use the following table:

Note that switching between different regions (e.g., from Global to EEA) always requires a complete data cleanup, even if the software versions match.

Preparation for the rollback procedure

The downgrade process inevitably involves the risk of losing information: Unlike a regular update, when returning to an old version, the system cannot save user data due to changes in the structure of the file tables.

So the critical step is to create a full backup, use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party solutions to save contacts, photos and documents, and make sure to back up your applications through settings.

You will need quality work to do. USB-The cable, preferably original, and the computer running Windows. Xiaomi drivers must be installed correctly so that the PC sees the device in debugging or Fastboot mode.

⚠️ Attention: Use of damaged or too long USB-cables can cause a connection to break at a critical point in recording, which will turn the smartphone into a “brick».

There may be multiple sources, but the best way to do this is to use official archives or proven aggregator resources where the files are checked by checksums.

Method through the Recovery menu (Unlocked)

This method is suitable for users who have a device boot loader locked and want to upgrade to an earlier version of the same regional firmware (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 11 Global).

First, download the firmware archive in.zip (not.tgz!) and place it at the root of the phone's internal memory.The file should be called update.zip or have the original name, but lie in the root directory, not in folders.

Next, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version icon several times to add an additional menu. Select three dots in the corner of the screen and click “Select firmware file” by specifying the downloaded archive.

If the system allows the process to start, the file will be checked and the subsequent reboot will begin, the screen will go out and the installation will begin, at which time the phone cannot be touched.

However, if you see a message that the version is newer than the current one, or the process stops at the verification stage, then a more radical method with a complete cleanup and unlock is required.

Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

The most reliable and versatile way to return the previous version of MIUI to the Redmi Note 7 is to use the Mi Flash Tool utility and firmware in.tgz format. This method requires an unlocked bootloader.

If the bootloader is not yet unlocked, you will have to apply through the Mi Unlock app and wait 7 days (168 hours) without this step, installing the old firmware through Fastboot is impossible due to key signatures.

Once you're Unlocked, download the Fastboot firmware archive, unpack it on your computer. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, plug the phone off by pressing Volume Down + Power buttons before the Fastboot hare appears.

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When choosing firmware mode in the Mi Flash Tool, always choose the "Clean All" option to avoid file conflicts between old and new systems.

In the program, click Refresh, select the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware, and press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 500 seconds. Once successfully completed, the phone will reboot itself to the clean system.

This method erases all data, so the re-reminder of the backup is very relevant here, and it also removes regional restrictions, allowing, for example, to install Global firmware instead of Chinese firmware.

Solving typical firmware errors

In the downgrade process, users often encounter errors that may seem fatal, but most are solvable. For example, a "Can't verify update" error when installed via Recovery indicates that the file is corrupted or not suitable for your region.

If the Mi Flash Tool is running a Flash Error or a Missmatching image and device, check if the firmware model is the same as the phone. Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) cannot be run on the Redmi Note 7 Pro (davinci) or Redmi Note 7S.

⚠️ Warning: Trying to flash the device with an inappropriate file (not for the model) can lead to hardware failure of communication modules or touch screen, which cannot be fixed software.

A common problem is hanging on the logo. MI And 90 percent of the time, it's done by entering Recovery mode. + Power) and running Wipe Data, if that doesn't work, the boot partition may be damaged and the procedure needs to be repeated.

There's also a driver problem: the computer just doesn't see the phone in Fastboot mode. In Device Manager, it'll show up as an unknown device with a yellow exclamation point. The solution is to reinstall Xiaomi USB Driver drivers manually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A successful rollback of the MIUI version is possible only with strict compliance with the firmware region and the device model, as well as mandatory data cleaning.