MIUI updates don't always work: new versions can slow down, drain the battery faster, or break the usual functionality. If your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO gets worse after the upgrade, don't despair. It's real to get old firmware back, but the process requires accuracy. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods of rollback, from official tools to manual stitching through Fastboot.
The rule is, take your time. A mistake at any stage can turn your phone into a brick. We'll explain in detail how to avoid typical problems, which versions of MIUI are compatible with your model, and what to do if something goes wrong. And also why it's sometimes better not to roll back, but to customize the current version to suit yourself.
We should warn you that the manufacturer does not always support downgrade. For example, on some devices with a locked bootloader, rollback is possible only through official channels (if they are still available), and owners of the Xiaomi 12/13 series or POCO F5 will have to use workarounds – we will talk about this too.
1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start
Before you return the old firmware, save all the important data. MIUI — This is actually a system reinstallation, and without a backup, you will lose:
- 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
- 📸 Photos and videos (except for those on the SD-map)
- 🎮 Save games and customize applications
- 🔑 Wi-Fi and account passwords (unless recorded separately)
For backup, use the built-in Mi Mover app (available in Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root rights). On devices with the unlocked bootloader, you can backup via TWRP, but this is a separate topic.
Next, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge (at least 60%, better than 100%)
- 🔌 Availability of original USB-cables (cheap often fall off during firmware)
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (For example, using Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool)
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (China version) ROM), Recoil on Global Firmware (Global) ROM) It can block the network. Check the model in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — It should be listed as Global, EEA (Europe) or Russia.
2.Official method: rollback via Recovery (if available)
The safest method is to use the built-in Recovery menu, which works if:
- 📲 The device supports downgrade through OTA (see the list of models below)
- 🔄 You are rolling back to the version that was installed earlier (without missing interim updates)
- 🔓 The bootloader is not locked (on most devices it is unlocked by default)
Instructions:
- Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website en.miui.com (choose Recovery ROM, not Fastboot!).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- Wait for completion (5-15 minutes) and restart.
If Recovery doesn't have update.zip, your model doesn't support it. Try alternatives.
Download the official Recovery ROM for your model
The file is renamed to update.zip and lies at the root of the memory.
Battery charge ≥ 70%
PIN/pattern lock disabled (may interfere after reboot)
-->
| Xiaomi model | Support for rollbacks through Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Only in MIUI 12.5-13 |
| POCO X3/X4 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Not working on MIUI 14+ for India ROM |
| Xiaomi 11T/12 Pro | ❌ No. | You need a Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool. |
| Redmi 9/9A | ✅ Yes. | It works on all versions of MIUI. |
3. rollback via Fastboot: for power users
If Recovery doesn't support downgrade, you'll have to use Fastboot ROM, which is more complicated, but more reliable.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here)
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (official version for Windows)
- 📦 Fastboot ROM For your model (download only from the official website!)
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the archive from Fastboot ROM into a folder without Cyrillic (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and a Fastboot inscription).
- Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, choose clean all (full cleaning) or clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after firmware).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: If you choose clean all and lock, the bootloader will lock and you will have to re-unblock it through the Mi Unlock Tool for the next firmware!
Once the firmware is in place, the phone will restart. It can take 5-10 minutes to launch the first one -- don't interrupt.
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "can't find fastboot" error
4. rollback via TWRP: for users with root rights
If your Xiaomi has custom TWRP Recovery installed, rollback becomes easier.
- 📱 Devices with unlocked loader
- 🔓 Phones with root rights or installed Magisk
- 🔄 Fans of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
Instructions:
- Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format (recovery ROM and custom firmware are suitable).
- Reboot to TWRP (usually Volume Up + Power, but on some models the combination is different).
- Backup of the current system (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
- Click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (don’t touch Internal Storage if you don’t want to lose files!).
- Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the downloaded.zip file.
- After installing the firmware, re-sweep Magisk (if root is needed).
- Reboot (Reboot → System)
TWRP has the advantage of being able to roll back even on unofficial builds, but remember, custom firmware can take you out of warranty and cause Mi Account problems (such as locking your account when you reset).
1. Repeat installing the firmware (possibly the file has not downloaded completely).
2. Swipe the kernel (boot.img) separately through fastboot flash boot.img.
3. Reset the settings to factory through TWRP (Wipe → Format Data, but it will delete all data!).-->
5. Post-kickback problems and their solutions
Even if the firmware is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Fastboot ROM is not selected correctly or the process is interrupted | Repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option |
| Constant reboots (bootloop) | MIUI version conflict or damaged kernel | Sweat boot.img separately or install firmware via TWRP |
| No network (IMEI missing) | Deleted Modem or EFS files | Restore. EFS from the backup or flash the Fastboot ROM ticked flash_all_lock.bat |
| Mi Account requires activation after reset | The device was tied to a Xiaomi account | Enter the account from which you previously used the phone |
If you lose your IMEI or your Mac Wi-Fi address after a rollback, don't panic. Usually, this is treated by running the original modem file through TWRP or Fastboot. 4PDA or XDA Developers forums have separate archives with these files for popular models.
⚠️ Note: If you are back on the version MIUI It's older than the one that was installed in the factory, and the camera or the fingerprint sensor may stop working, because of hardware changes in the new firmware.
6.Recoiling Alternatives: How to Improve the Current MIUI Version
Before you risk running through the old version, try to optimize the current one. Often, brakes and bugs are eliminated by simple adjustments:
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and resetting. This will remove debris and conflicting data.
- 🚫 Disable unnecessary functions: Animations (Settings) → Special facilities → Remove animations) Auto-update apps in Play Market Background processes (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery)
- 🔋 Replace the battery (if the phone runs out in 2-3 hours, the problem may be in the battery, not the firmware).
- 🛠️ Install Magisk and modules for optimization (e.g. Universal) GMS Doze to save battery).
If specific features are missing (such as the old Control Center design or gestures), try:
- 🎨 Install a theme from Mi Theme Store that mimics the old one MIUI.
- ⚙️ Use it. ADB-commands to enable hidden options (e.g., return old notification menu): adb shell settings put global use_new_notification_panel 0
- 📱 Put a launcher like Lawnchair or Nova Launcher to simulate the previous interface.
💡
Firmware rollback is a last resort, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by resetting the settings, disabling unnecessary functions, or replacing the launcher.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users make the same mistakes when pulling back MIUI. Here's what you can't do:
- 🔌 Shut down. USB-It's a cable that's running through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool, and it's guaranteed to kill the phone.
- 🔄 Skip versions (for example, roll back from the MIUI 14 straight on MIUI This causes conflicts in system files.
- 📱 Use firmware from other models (even if they are "similar"). For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max have different modem files.
- 🔓 Block the bootloader after firmware, if you plan to continue experimenting with the MIUI.
Typical “symptoms” of a failed kickback and their causes:
- 🔴 Red screen after firmware - incompatible version MIUI damaged boot.img.
- 📵 No. IMEI — file-deleted EFS modem.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot – conflict between the kernel and the system (you need to flash the full Fastboot) ROM).
- 🔒 Mi Account requests – the phone was linked to the account, and after the reset requires confirmation.
If something goes wrong, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the phone can be "reanimated" by re-routing or through the firmware. EDL-This will require an authorized Xiaomi account (or help from a service center).