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

Why users want to roll back MIUI and when they really need it

Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware updates often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises: brakes, fast battery discharge or the disappearance of familiar options. If your Redmi has become worse after the upgrade, do not rush to put up with problems. You can return the previous version, but it is important to understand the risks and choose the right method.

According to service center statistics, up to 15% of users return to their old firmware within a month of updating, the main reasons being a critical bug in the new version (for example, mobile network problems in MIUI 14.0.5), incompatibility with favorite applications or simply an inconvenient interface. However, rollback is not always safe: if you do not do it correctly, you can get a brick (a broken phone) or lose data.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of rollback (including official and informal), explain how to save data before the procedure, and warn about typical errors, starting with the simplest method, through built-in Recovery.

Method 1: Recovery (official method for stable versions)

This is the safest way, but it only works if:

• 📱 You're being updated through OTA (by air, not manually via Fastboot
• 🔄 The phone has a stable version. MIUI (beta)
• 📁 You have a backup of old firmware in the device memory

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Select a language (if available) and go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
3. Specify the path to the old firmware file (usually called update.zip and lies at the root of the memory).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Download the old version MIUI official website|Rename the file to update.zip|Transfer the file to the root of the memory|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Make a backup copy of the data-->

⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Don’t panic – wait 10-20 minutes. If the download doesn’t take longer, try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data item).

This method doesn’t work for MIUI betas and devices with a locked bootloader.If you have a Redmi Note 12 or later, you’ll likely need to unlock the Bootloader (more on that below).

Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official firmware utility for Fastboot. It allows you to install any version of MIUI, but requires an unlocked bootloader and Windows PC. Suitable for Redmi 9/10/11/12, Note 8/9/10/11/12 and others.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version!).
2. Unblock the file to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note10_pro).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
4. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
5. Connect Redmi to your PC, in the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.

Once firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes - don't disconnect it from the PC at this time!

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If the Mi Flash Tool is not loading device, try connecting the phone to another device. USB-port (preferably 2.0) or manually install drivers via Device Manager.

Method 3: Recoil via ADB Sideload (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

This method is suitable if you have access to ADB and unlocked Bootloader.It allows you to install firmware without completely resetting data (in some cases).It works on Redmi with MIUI 12 and later.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times, then add more. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (how to unlock - read below)

Instructions:

adb devices # Check that the device is connected


adb reboot recovery #Reboot to Recovery



In Recovery, select "Apply update from ADB"



adb sideload firmware.zip # Replace "firmware.zip" with your file name

It takes 5-10 minutes. When you're done, select Reboot system now. If you have an E:footer is wrong error, you're corrupted, download it again.

Method 4: Unlock Bootloader and rollback for new models (Redmi 12 and later)

Starting with Redmi 11 and Redmi 12, Xiaomi has tightened security policies. Now, to roll back the firmware, it is imperative to unlock the bootloader, even if you use official tools.The process takes up to 72 hours and requires a Mi Account to be linked.

How to unlock Bootloader:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Go to the unlock page and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Launch the utility on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account and follow the instructions.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (may be in 1-3 days!).

Once unlocked, you can use the Mi Flash Tool or ADB Sideload to roll back. Note: on some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), unlocking resets all data!

⚠️ Note: If you unlocked Bootloader but haven't flashed the new version in 30 days, the phone can automatically lock the bootloader back.

Method 5: Unofficial firmware (castomy ROM) - an extreme case

If official methods have not helped, and the old MIUI is very necessary to return, you can consider installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid)
• 🔋 Battery and performance problems
• 📱 Default sensors (NFC, camera, fingerprint scanner)

Popular custom firmware for Redmi:

To install custom firmware you will need:

1. Unlocked Bootloader.
2. Installed TWRP Recovery (alternative recovery)
3. The firmware file is in.zip format.

For installation instructions, look for XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Remember: custom firmware may contain vulnerabilities and may not be officially certified by Xiaomi.

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Installing unofficial firmware deprives you of support from Xiaomi, and in case of a breakdown, the service center will refuse warranty repairs, even if the problem is not related to the software.

Typical Mistakes in MIUI Recoil and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to the "bricking" of the phone.

1. Incompatible firmware. You can only install the version of MIUI that is designed for your model and region, for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Global will not be suitable for the Redmi Note 10 China.
2. Interrupted process. If you turn off the cable or go out of mode while you're running through Fastboot, your phone may stop turning on. Always use a laptop with a charged battery or UPS.
3. Insufficient charge: If the battery runs out during rollback, there is a high risk of damage to system files, charge the phone at least 70% before starting.
4. Ignore backup. Even if the method promises to save data, backup through Settings → System → Backup or Mi Cloud.

If after the phone rolls back:

• 🔄 He's fixated on the logo. MI — Try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data).
• 🚫 Not turned on at all - check if the bootloader is turned off (you need to flash through the flashing device). EDL-regime, but it is difficult and risky).
• 📵 It's not networking -- it's probably not compatible with your modem.

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If the IMEI is missing after the rollback, don’t panic. In most cases, it can be restored via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool (requires authorization to your Xiaomi account).

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI rollback at Redmi