How to return the previous version of MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but not all MIUI updates are beneficial. The new firmware version can brake, drain the battery faster or remove familiar features. If the device becomes worse after the upgrade, it can be rolled back to the previous version of MIUI – the main thing is to do it correctly so as not to turn the phone into a brick.

In this article, you will find three proven methods of returning old firmware: through Recovery, Fastboot and the official Mi Flash Tool. We will detail each method, point out pitfalls and give recommendations on how to avoid errors, and learn how to save data before rolling back and what to do if something goes wrong.

Why you might need to roll back MIUI on the Redmi Note 9

MIUI updates don’t always improve smartphone performance, and here are the most common reasons Redmi Note 9 users choose to bring back the older version:

• 🐢 Brakes and lags: new firmware can conflict with the iron, which is why the interface begins to “hang”, and applications are open for a long time.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: some versions MIUI They are also responsible for increased energy consumption, especially if they are optimized for Snapdragon. 720G badly executed.
• 🚫 Removing Features: Xiaomi sometimes removes useful chips (like Game Turbo or screen settings), which annoys users.
• 📱 Compatibility issues: new versions MIUI may not work properly with certain applications or accessories (for example, NFC-marker).
• 🔒 Locking the unlocked bootloader: After the update, root rights are sometimes reset or bootloader is blocked.

Before you start rolling back, make sure the problem is really the firmware.

1. Check the smartphone in safe mode (press the power button → “Safe mode”).
2. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
3. Remove the recently installed apps – they can also be the cause of the brakes.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Redmi Note 9 has artifacts on the screen, overheating or spontaneous reboots, this may indicate a hardware malfunction.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before returning the old MIUI

Firmware rollback is not a harmless operation, and if you do something wrong, you can lose data or even disable your phone, so before you start, you can do this.

• 📱 Back up all important data (photos, contacts, messages) and use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or your computer.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% – if the phone turns off while firmware is running, it could lead to a blink.
• 🔌 Prepare. USB-cable: preferably original, as cheap cables can interrupt the connection.
• 💻 Install drivers for Xiaomi on your computer (you can download on the official website).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if it is locked). Without it, some rollback methods won't work.

Pay special attention to firmware selection. Not all MIUI versions are compatible with Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin).

• Official site of Xiaomi (Download section).
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial but reliable archive)

Do not download firmware from questionable forums – they may contain viruses or be unstable custom builds.

Method 1: Recovery (the easiest method)

If you were updating the Redmi Note 9 over the air (OTA), the previous version of MIUI could have been saved in the device’s memory, in which case you can return it via stock Recovery without connecting to your computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up and hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Select the language (if there is such a clause).
4. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
5. The system will automatically find a backup copy of the previous firmware and prompt you to install it.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
7. After the reboot, the phone will be on the old version of MIUI.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• It works only if the previous firmware is stored in memory (not always this is the case).
• Not suitable for deep kickbacks (e.g. MIUI 14 to MIUI 12).
• All user data (photos, applications) will be saved, but it is better to make a backup.

Method 2: Recoil from Fastboot (for power users)

If stock Recovery didn't work, you can flash the old version of MIUI through Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and a little more effort, but more reliability.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (Linux/Mac It is also suitable, but drivers are easier to put on Windows).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for merlin (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\MIUI\merlin).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 9 and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete clean (remove all data); Clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (not recommended); Save user data – an attempt to save data (not always working).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your bootloader is blocked.

Important: If you are running a version of MIUI older than the one originally installed (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 11), you may need to reset it via Recovery after you have installed it.

Method 3: Using the Mi Flash Tool for deep rollback

If you need to return a very old version of MIUI (for example, from 14th to 12th), the usual methods may not work, in which case a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the bootloader pre-unlock will help.

Detailed instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9 via the official tool (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's checkout).
2. Download the full firmware (not OTA!) for the merlin model from Xiaomi’s website.
3. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\old_version).
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in Method 2).
6. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode (this will delete all data, but ensures stable operation).
7. Press Flash and wait until it finishes (it can take up to 20 minutes).
8. After restarting, set your phone as new.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even for a strong pullback (a few versions back).
• ✅ Minimum error risk as the firmware goes through the official tool.
• ✅ You can use any stable version. MIUI, merlin-compatible.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (may take several days).
• ❌ Delete all data (required to do backup!).
• ❌ If the firmware error, the phone may stop turning on.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo after you have been firmware, don't panic. Press the power button for 20 seconds to force it to turn off, and then try to log back into Recovery and reset (Wipe Data).

MIUI Version Compatibility Table for Redmi Note 9

Not all versions of MIUI can be flashed on the Redmi Note 9. Below is a table with proven stable builds that can be used for rollback:

If you want to roll back to a version older than MIUI 12.5, consider that:

• Some apps (such as banking) may stop working because of an outdated version of Android.
• Features like Always-on Display or Super Wallpapers may not be available.
• There may be problems with Wi-Fi or mobile network (especially on MIUI 11 and older).

💡

For maximum stability, choose firmware no older than MIUI 12.5. Earlier versions may conflict with modern applications and services.

What to do if after the MIUI rollback the phone does not turn on

If the Redmi Note 9 doesn't start after the firmware is installed or it's stuck on the logo, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Hanging on the logo. Xiaomi/MIUI: Squeeze the power. + Loudness up on 10–15 Seconds to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this will delete all files, but restore the working capacity.
• 🚨 Phone doesn't respond to buttons: Connect it to charging for 30 minutes - maybe just battery drain.Try clamp power + Loudness down 20 seconds (forced reset).
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Check cable and port USB (Try another cable. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on your PC. Try another computer.
• 📱 A black screen came up after the firmware: This can be the hard brick, the hardest case. Try flashing your phone through the phone. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account) If it doesn't work, contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: If you have the wrong version MIUI (For example, for another model, the phone can stop turning on, in which case only the firmware through the phone will help. EDL or.

If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn't work, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., flash memory failed). In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the specialists.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI rollback on Redmi Note 9