How to return the old update to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways to roll back MIUI

Have you upgraded your Xiaomi to a new version of MIUI or Android, but encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface? Retrace to the previous firmware is a real task, but requires caution. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of returning to the old version of software, from official tools to manual stitching through Fastboot.

It's important to understand that the rollback process depends on the device model, bootloader version and lock type. For example, on the Xiaomi 12T Pro with the unlocked bootloader, the algorithm will be one, and on the Redmi Note 10 with the locked one, we will look at options for different scenarios, including cases when the phone stopped turning on after the upgrade.

Before you start, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery level (minimum 60%)
  • ๐Ÿ”— Availability of original USB-cable (better from the set)
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows computer 10/11 (for methods with Fastboot)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Backup of data (rollback will reset all settings)

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model do you want to roll back?
Redmi Note 11/Pro
Xiaomi 12/13 series
POCO F4/X4
Redmi 10/9 series
Another model

1. Official rollback via Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

The most reliable way is to use the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and requires firmware in.tgz or.zip format.

Download the firmware version from the official Xiaomi Firmware website. Pay attention to the region (Global, EEA, China) โ€“ it should match the current firmware. For example, if you have a Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with Global ROM, download only Global Stable.

Instructions:

  1. Install the Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
  2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic.
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
  4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. Select the firmware folder and click Refresh โ†’ Flash.

Download the firmware for your model|Install Mi Flash Tool and Drivers|Unlock bootloader (if not done)|Disable antivirus on PC|Connect the original USB-cable

-->

โš ๏ธ Warning: If you choose Clean all mode over Clean all and lock, the bootloader will remain unlocked.This will simplify future firmware, but reduce security.

2. rollback via TWRP Recovery (for power users)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can flash the old version of MIUI without a computer, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and a supported model in TWRP.

Step-by-step:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, miui_VEUXMIFJQKACNXM_12.5.4.0.zip Xiaomi 11T Pro).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Move the file to the root of the phoneโ€™s internal memory.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Come in. TWRP (clamp up the volume + Power with the phone turned off).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Backup of the current system (Backup) โ†’ System).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Click Install, select the downloaded.zip and swipe for confirmation.

After restarting, the device will return to the selected version of MIUI. If there is an Error 7 error, then the firmware is not designed for your model or region.

What if TWRP doesnโ€™t see internal memory?
If TWRP doesnโ€™t display files on the internal drive, try: 1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB-OTG and copy the firmware to the flash drive. 2. Use the adb push rom.zip /sdcard/ command to download the file. 3. Reflash TWRP to a newer version (for example, with support for f2fs for modern Xiaomi).

Recoil methodPC requiredUnlocked bootloaderData resettingDifficulty
Mi Flash Toolโœ… Yes.โœ… I'll be sure.โœ… Complete.Medium
TWRP RecoveryโŒ No.โœ… I'll be sure.โš ๏ธ PartialTall.
Official OTA-rollbackโŒ No.โŒ Don't need it.โŒ No.Low.
ADB Sideloadโœ… Yes.โš ๏ธ Preferably.โœ… Complete.Tall.

3. How to return old firmware without losing data (OTA methods)

In rare cases, Xiaomi allows you to roll back to the previous version through the OTA-This method works if you have an air update:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ The update was installed less than 72 hours ago.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The device was not subjected to manual firmware.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Bootloader is blocked (official firmware).

To check the availability of rollbacks:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ System update.
  2. Slap the icon. โ‹ฎ (three points) in upper right corner.
  3. Select the Update Pack and find the option to Cancel Update.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you donโ€™t have a rollback option, try resetting to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Restore and Reset). Sometimes this will return the old version of the software if the new one hasnโ€™t been fully installed.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Official OTA-Recoil is only available for Stable versions MIUI. If you have installed a Beta or Developer ROM, This method won't work.

4. rollback via ADB Sideload (for locked bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked but you have access to Recovery Mode, you can try flashing the older version through ADB Sideload, a method that works on most Xiaomi and Redmi models from 2020-2023.

You'll need:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot Tools.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Firmware in.zip format (for example, fw_veuxm_miui_VEUXMINGlobal_12.0.3.0.zip).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  2. Select Connect with MiAssistant (on some models, ADB Sideload).
  3. On PC, open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
  4. Run the firmware command: adb sideload rom.zip

๐Ÿ’ก

ADB Sideload is the only way to roll back for devices with a locked bootloader, but it doesn't work on all models.On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, Mi Account authorization may be required.

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

If the screen is black or a Fastboot Mode error appears after a rollback attempt, follow these steps:

Scenario 1: Hangs on the MI logo

    Scenario 2: Anti-rollback Error On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), an attempt to roll back to a version older than 3-6 months is blocked by Anti-Rollback protection. In this case, the only way out is to flash a newer version of MIUI corresponding to the current level of protection.

    For diagnosis, connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

    fastboot getvar anti

    If the value of anti=3 or higher, a rollback is not possible without official permission from Xiaomi.

    6.How to avoid problems with the next update

    To avoid having to go back to the old version, follow these rules:

    • ๐Ÿ” Before updating, check the reviews on the forums (4PDA, XDA-Developers on new firmware for your model.
    • ๐Ÿ“ก Use Beta Testing: Apply for Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (Tap 10 times according to version).
    • ๐Ÿ”„ Make a backup through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup or Google Drive backup.
    • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Turn off automatic updates in Settings โ†’ Updating the system โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Auto-update.

    If the new MIUI version is not stable but the rollback is not possible due to Anti-Rollback, try:

    • Reset the settings to factory (Settings โ†’ Restore and Reset).
    • Install Google Camera or ANX Camera to improve your photo quality (a common reason for dissatisfaction with updates).
    • Disable animations in Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Remove animations to speed up the interface.

    FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi

    Can I roll back the update to Xiaomi without a computer?
    Yes, but only if the device is installed. TWRP Recovery or official access OTA-For most models, you can't do without a PC, because you need firmware through Fastboot or ADB Sideload.
    Why does the Mi Flash Tool give you the error "Flash is not done"?
    This error occurs for several reasons: Incompatible firmware (e.g., trying to flash Global ROM to a device with China ROM); damaged firmware file (check the MD5 checksum); incorrectly installed drivers (try to reinstall Mi USB Driver); Antivirus lock (turn off Windows Defender or Avast while you are firmware).
    How do I know if my bootloader is unlocked on my Xiaomi?
    Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power. If you see Fastboot and Unlocked status at the bottom of the screen, bootloader unlocked. If Locked, you'll need official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.
    Can I roll back the update on Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor?
    On devices with MediaTek chipsets (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), rollback is possible, but requires special tools: Use SP Flash Tool instead of Mi Flash Tool. Download firmware only from trusted sources (such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
    Will the data be reset by rolling back through the Mi Flash Tool?
    Yes, the Mi Flash Tool always performs a complete reset (Clean all). To save data: Backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account. Copy photos and documents on a PC or flash drive. Use Titanium Backup (requires root). Contacts, SMS and notes can be restored after rollback through synchronization with Mi Account.