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

Have you upgraded Xiaomi Redmi to a new version of MIUI, but encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface? Returning to the previous firmware is a real task, but requires caution. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of recoiling MIUI on Redmi smartphones (including the Note 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi 9/8, etc.), their pros, cons and potential risks. Importantly, the procedure is different from the standard update and can lead to data loss or lock the device in case of errors.

Xiaomi doesn't have a formal firmware rollback mechanism, because it's manual, but there are proven methods, like Fastboot, Recovery, or some special utilities like the Mi Flash Tool, and we'll describe each one in detail, provide tools, and give you backup recommendations. If you're a beginner, start with the preparation section, and it'll save you time and nerves.

Why users want to roll back MIUI and when it is justified

The main reasons for the return to the old version of MIUI fall into two categories: technical problems and subjective discomfort. In the first case, we are talking about critical bugs – for example, rapid battery discharge after upgrading to MIUI 14/15, overheating of the processor or broken sensors. In the second – about inconveniences such as a changed location of controls, remote functions (for example, Game Turbo in some builds), or aggressive background optimization.

The rollback is justified if:

• 🔋 The battery started to run out of power. 30-50% Faster for no apparent reason (check in Settings) → Battery → Use of the).
• 📱 The smartphone began to “lay down” when opening standard applications (Camera, Gallery, Settings).
• 🚫 Important functions have disappeared (e.g. Second Space or Read Mode in the Circular). MIUI 13).
• 🔒 There are login errors in Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud synchronization does not work).

Before rolling back, however, check out alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
• 🛠️ Install patches via Mi Community (sometimes Xiaomi releases hot fixes").
• 📱 Try stable global firmware instead of regional firmware (e.g, MIUI EU Russia).

⚠️ Note: Firmware rollback on Redmi with bootloader unlocked can lead to loss of warranty. If the device is warranty, first contact the service center - sometimes the problems are solved by flashing through official channels.

Preparing for rollback: backup and necessary tools

The first step before any firmware manipulation is to save all the important data, and recoiling MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery erases user files, contacts, and settings.

• ☁️ Cloud reservation: Upload data to Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup: Make sure that Contacts, Notes and SMS synchronization is enabled.
• 💾 Local Copy: Connect Redmi to your PC and copy folders DCIM (Downloads, Documents manually. Use Titanium Backup for applications (root rights required).
• 📱 Third-party services: For chats, use the export to Telegram or WhatsApp (in chat settings) → Exports of history).

Also prepare tools for firmware:

Important: to work with Fastboot on Windows, install Xiaomi drivers:

1. Download Mi Phone Manager.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
3. Wait for the automatic driver installation (Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager).

Data backup created|Downloaded the necessary version of the firmware|Installed drivers and Mi Flash Tool|Battery charge > 50%|Mi Account lock is disabled (if any)-->

Method 1: Recoil through Fastboot (the most reliable method)

Fastboot is the recommended method for most Redmi models, as it is minimally dependent on the current state of the system, suitable even if the smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo, the main condition is an unlocked bootloader.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader

If you haven’t done this before, follow the instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your PC and smartphone.
3. Turn it on. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to the version to activate the Developer Mode).
4. Connect Redmi to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the prompts.Unlock waiting times are up to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts!

Step 2. Download the required firmware

Use only official builds from MIUI Downloads.

• 📱 The model of the device: for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (veux).
• 🌍 Region: Global, EEA (Europe) or Russia.
• 🔄 Type of build: Stable (stable) or Developer (for developers).
• 📅 Version: Check the release date – take the freshest branch you need (for example, MIUI 13.0.12).

Step 3. Flow through the Mi Flash Tool

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware archive (.tgz) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\veux_global_images_...).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect Redmi in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock the bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the smartphone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware Redmi stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes, force it to restart (Power) + Volume up for 10 seconds. If the problem recurs, repeat the firmware with Clean all and lock selection.

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a can't find fastboot error, try running it in Windows 7 compatibility mode or update drivers through Device Manager (select the Android Bootloader Interface driver manually).

Method 2: Recovery (without PC)

If you don't have access to your computer or the bootloader is locked, you can try resetting MIUI through the built-in Recovery, which doesn't work on all Redmi models and requires you to:

• 🔓 The bootloader has been unlocked (even if you didn’t do it manually, some devices are sold with the bootloader unlocked).
• 📁 The firmware was in.zip format for Recovery (not all official builds are suitable!).
• 🔋 The battery charge was at least 60%.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for Recovery from resources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater (look for files marked recovery in the title).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of Redmi’s internal memory.
3. Turn off your smartphone and go to Recovery: Press Volume Up + Power before the MI logo appears.
4. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No PC.
• ✅ User data is saved (unless you choose Wipe Data).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all models (for example, Redmi Note 12 may require a Fastboot).
• ❌ Risk of “briefing” when interrupting the process.

Method 3: Use ADB Sideload (an alternative for experienced)

ADB Sideload is a command line firmware method that works if Recovery is not working and Fastboot is not available. You will need a PC and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format for Recovery (as in method 2).
2. Place the file in a folder with ADB (e.g., C:\platform-tools) and rename it rom.zip.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC and switch to Recovery mode (Loud up + Power).
4. From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload if you have one).
5. On PC, open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
6. Run the firmware command: adb sideload rom.zip Wait for completion (percentage of execution will appear on the Redmi screen).

If the process is 47% or something else:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone in Fastboot and repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📥 Check the integrity of the archive. rom.zip (Maybe he's jumping in with a mistake).

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ADB Sideload is the only way to flash custom Recovery (like TWRP) without unlocking the bootloader on some Redmi models. However, it is better to use official methods to roll back to stock MIUI.

Risks and possible problems with MIUI rollback

Even with the right instructions, rolling back the firmware can have unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

A special case is the Anti-rollback bug, which is Xiaomi's protection, which blocks rollbacks on versions older than a certain number, for example, if you upgrade to MIUI 14, you can't get MIUI 12 back. Check the supported versions for your model on forums like XDA Developers.

⚠️ Note: If Google Services stop working after a rollback (no Play Market, no contacts are synchronized), run the GApps package through the TWRP Or install Google Installer from the Mi App Store. Newer Redmi models (like the Note 12 Pro) may require manual tuning. DNS accessing Google services.

Recoil MIUI on the blocked bootloader: myths and reality

Many users are looking for ways to return the old firmware without unlocking the bootloader. Unfortunately, there are no official methods for this - Xiaomi closed such loopholes after 2020.

• 🔧 EDL-Mode: Firmware via Emergency Download Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable) Suitable for "brick" devices, but difficult to execute.
• 🛠️ Service centers: Some workshops offer kickbacks for a fee (about) 1000-2000 ₽), There is no guarantee of success, depending on the model and version. MIUI.
• 📦 Firmware through TestPoint: A method for power users requiring soldering of contacts on the board.Risk of damage to the device - 50%.

Important: all of these methods violate the warranty conditions and can lead to a complete loss of performance of the smartphone. If your Redmi is warranty, it is better to contact the official service with a complaint about bugs - sometimes they agree to reflash the device to the old version of MIUI on request.

For Redmi models older than 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Redmi 8), the firmware sometimes runs via the SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek processors).

• Download authorized firmware (auth file).
• Mediatek driver installations.
• Use Windows XP or a virtual machine (newer SP Flash Tool often doesn’t work).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pullback of MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi