How to return the old version of Android to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways to roll back firmware

The firmware update on Xiaomi smartphones usually brings new features, bug fixes and improved performance. But what if the new version of MIUI or Android is worse than the previous one? Bugs, slowdowns, battery drains or an uncomfortable interface - the reasons for rollback can be different. Fortunately, it is possible to return the old firmware to Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices, although not always easy.

In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to roll back, from official methods to manually reflashing through Fastboot. You'll learn what tools you need, how to avoid a blink, and what to do if something goes wrong. Important: the procedure requires care - wrong actions can lead to data loss or phone failure.

Before you start, check if your model is suitable for rollback. Some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) have a locked bootloader, which complicates the process. Also note that after rollback, some features associated with the new version of the software (such as updated gestures or the camera) may stop working.

1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start

Firmware rollback is not a knee-jerk operation. The wrong actions can turn your smartphone into a brick, so preparation is critical. Start by backing up all your contacts, photos, messages and apps. Even if you plan to use the official method, the risk of losing information remains.

Here's what you have to do:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud, alternatively, manually backup files to your PC.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 70%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage system files.
• 🔍 Find out the current and target firmware versions. Write down the device model (e.g. Redmi Note). 10 Pro codenamed sweet and versions MIUI/Android, you want to install.
• 🖥️ Prepare a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website) and tools like Mi Flash Tool or ADB.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. On most Xiaomi devices, it is locked by default, and to roll back through Fastboot it will have to be unlocked. This erases all data and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device. Read more about unlocking in the corresponding section.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (market version) CN), rollback to global firmware can lead to problems with the modem (lack of support) LTE-Check compatibility before starting!

Method 1: Recovery through official restoration

The safest, but also the most limited, method is to use a regular Recovery Mode, which is suitable if:

• 🔄 You were updated "over the air» (OTA) You want to go back to the previous version.
• 📦 You have an official service pack (.zip) for your model.
• 🔓 The bootloader is not blocked (or you have already unlocked it).

Instructions:

1. Download the required firmware version from the official MIUI Downloads website (choose Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root directory of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. Wait for the process to be completed and restart the phone.

This method doesn’t work on all devices. For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 may require a signed.zip file that isn’t always available for older versions. If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after a reboot, try resetting it via Recovery → Wipe Data.

Download the correct version of the firmware (Recovery ROM)

Rename the file to update.zip

Put the file in the root of internal memory

Check the battery charge (>50%)

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⚠️ Note: Some users report that after a rollback through Recovery, access to Google Play Services is lost. If this happens, you will need to manually install GApps (instructions in the section about Fastboot).

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery doesn't work or the.zip version doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot, which is more complicated, but more reliable, because it reflashes the device completely, including the bootloader and modem.

• 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool and drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 Fastboot ROM For your model (download only from the official website!).
• 🔓 Unlocked loader (required!).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded.tgz file with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, choose Clean All (full cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

After flashing the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If the device doesn't turn on, try repeating the procedure with another version of the firmware.

Important nuance: If you choose Clean All and Lock, the bootloader will lock again, which means that for the next flash it will have to be unlocked again (with a wait of 7-15 days on Xiaomi servers).

Method 3: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If the official methods didn’t work, you can try TWRP, a custom restore that allows you to install any firmware, including unofficial ports, which is suitable for enthusiasts, as it requires an unlocked bootloader and risks cancelling the warranty.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔧 The ability to install.zip firmware from third-party developers (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 📦 Backup of the entire system (including application data).
• 🔄 Easy retracement to any saved version.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section below).
2. Download TWRP for your model from twrp.me (make sure the version is compatible with your device!).
3. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img
4. In TWRP, make a full backup (Backup section).
5. Download the desired firmware (for example, the old version of MIUI in.zip format) and transfer it to the phone.
6. In TWRP, select Install, specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.
7. Once completed, run Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart.

Important: Installing custom firmware can result in loss of features like Widevine L1 (no HD on Netflix) or NFC malfunction. Before installing, check for feedback on a particular build on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers).

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If the phone doesn’t boot after installing TWRP, try flashing the kernel from the official firmware through Fastboot, which often solves problems with hanging on the logo.

5. Method 4: Recoil through EDL Mode (for "bricks")

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency mode that allows you to restore the device even if it does not turn on (the so-called “brick”). This method requires special equipment (EDL cable or circuit board contacts) and is only suitable for advanced users.

When you need an EDL:

• 🧱 The device does not respond to buttons and does not load.
• 🔄 Previous attempts at backsliding ended in failure.
• 📱 You need to flash the device without unlocking the bootloader (on some models).

Instructions (simplified):

1. Download firmware in.mbn format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers on your PC.
3. Transfer your phone to EDL Mode: EDL cable (closes contacts when connected) or manually: turn off the battery, close the contacts Test Point (needs circuitry!).

QHSUSB_BULK

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

QFil

.mbn

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Some models (such as Xiaomi) 11T Pro) may result in hardware locking IMEI. This will make the phone unusable for calls! EDL Explain the risks to your model.

If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center, and if you're not doing the right thing in the EDL, you can actually put the device down.

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EDL Mode is the last chance to save the brick, but the riskiest. Without experience with soldering iron and circuitry, it is better not to experiment!

6.How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi (required for Fastboot and TWRP)

Most rollback methods require an unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against viruses and unauthorized changes. Unlocking erases all data and requires a Mi Account to be linked to the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Follow the instructions of the program. You usually need to wait from 7 to 15 days (depending on the model).

After unlocking the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

Important nuances:

• 🕒 On new models (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the waiting time can reach 30 days.
• 🔄 Once unlocked, the bootloader can be locked back via the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All and Lock option).
• 🚫 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is a bug like Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the bound account, check:

• Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (the device should be specified in your account settings).
• Is the phone connected to the Internet (unlocking requires checking on Xiaomi servers).
• Has this account been used to unlock another device in the past 30 days (Xiaomi restriction)?

7. Risks and challenges after a pullback: what could go wrong

Firmware rollback is always a lottery, and even if you did it right, you might have unexpected problems.

If after rollback the phone began to work worse than on the new firmware, perhaps the problem is not in the version of MIUI, and in:

• 🗃️ System clutter - try resetting to factory settings.
• 🔋 Battery wear and tear – check battery status via ##4636## (Battery menu).
• 📡 Bad Network Signal – Test in Different Locations.

What if the rollback didn't help? In some cases, the problems are caused not by firmware, but by hardware malfunctions (for example, a memory chip dump). If after the rollback symptoms persist, contact the service center.

8. Alternatives to rollback: what to do if you can not return the old firmware

Not all Xiaomi devices can return the previous version of MIUI. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro, official firmware for rollback may not be available.

• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings: often this solves performance problems without rollback.
• 🛠️ Install custom software like LineageOS or ArrowOS (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 📵 Disable updates through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Off.
• 🔋 Replace the battery – if the problem is fast discharge, the new battery can return to its former autonomy.
• 📱 Use a launcher like Nova Launcher or Hyperion to change the interface without rollback.

If you don’t like the new MIUI version because of the remote features (like Second Space or old gestures), try:

• Install MIUI from third-party developers (e.g. MIUI EU or Xiaomi.eu).
• Use it. ADB-commands to enable hidden settings: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
• Find alternative apps on Google Play (e.g. Parallel Space instead of Second Space).

Remember, sometimes it's better to adapt to a new version than risk the stability of the device. If a rollback is not necessary, weigh the pros and cons before starting the procedure.

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Before rolling back, check whether resetting or installing alternative software will solve the problem. Recoilout is a last resort!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi