How to return the previous firmware version to Xiaomi TV after the update

Updates to the firmware on Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A) often brings new features, but sometimes causes problems: lags, loss of sound, broken applications or even a brick. If the device gets worse after the upgrade, it is possible to return the old version of the software, but not always easy. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of rollback, from official to technically complex, taking into account the nuances for different models and versions. MIUI TV/Android TV.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer does not provide a direct “unrefuse update” function, so the process requires preparation. In some cases, you will need to unlock the bootloader, in others, use service tools. We will consider options for both beginners (through resetting), and for experienced users (manual firmware via ADB or Fastboot).

1. When should I go back to the old firmware?

Before you start rolling back, assess whether the issue is really related to the upgrade.Typical symptoms requiring a downgrade:

• 🐢 Strong interface brakes, although before the update everything worked smoothly.
• 🔇 Loss of sound in certain apps (e.g. Netflix or YouTube).
• 📺 On-screen artifacts, flickering or incorrect color reproduction.
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots or departures in the recovery menu.
• 🚫 Lack of support for previously operating devices (e.g. game controllers or sound panels).

If the problem manifests itself after the update and is not solved by the factory reset, the firmware rollback may be justified.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV 4S 55' 2020) rollback through official methods blocked.Attempt downgrade could lead to activation of anti-rollback protection, after which the TV will stop turning on.

Before you start, check:

1. Model TV (find in Settings → About TV → Model).
2. The current firmware version (path: Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version).
3. Availability of a backup copy of data (settings, accounts, saved Wi-Fi passwords).

2. Method 1: Reset to factory settings (soft rollback)

The simplest method is hard reset, which returns the TV to the “out of the box” state, but with the current firmware version. This is not a full rollback, but helps to eliminate software glitches caused by the update. Suitable for models on Android TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 43) and MIUI TV (for example, Mi TV 4A).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase all data (on some models – Restore factory settings).
3. Confirm the action with a password from the Mi Account (if linked).
4. Wait until the end (the TV will restart 1-2 times).

If you have problems after resetting, proceed to the following methods.

• 🔄 Reset does not remove firmware updates, only user data.
• 📱 Linked accounts (Google, Mi Account) will need to be reconfigured.
• 📡 Wi-Fi settings and connected devices (such as Mi Remote) will also reset.

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If after resetting the TV requires a password from Mi Account, which you do not remember, use the official recovery instructions: account.xiaomi.com. Do not use third-party services to bypass the lock - this may lead to loss of warranty.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

On some Xiaomi TV models (such as Mi TV 4 Pro or Redmi Smart TV X), the recovery menu includes the option of installing firmware from an external medium, which allows you to “swipe” the old version of the software if you have a file.

Step-by-step:

Download firmware for your model from the official website|Format USB-storage FAT32|Rename the firmware file to update.zip|Connect the flash drive to the TV-->

1. Download the firmware archive for your model from miui.tv (Versions Archive) and note the exact match (e.g., L55M6-6ARG for Mi TV 4S 55 2021).
2. Unpack the archive and rename the firmware file to update.zip (important!)
3. Copy update.zip to a FAT32 formatted flash drive (maximum 32 GB).
4. Turn off the TV, insert the flash drive into the USB 2.0 port (usually located on the side).
5. Press the Menu + Volume Down button on the remote and hold them and turn on the TV with the power button. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
6. From the recovery menu, select Apply update from USB → specify update.zip.
7. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (don’t turn off the TV!).

If the process ends with the error E:footer is wrong, then:

• The firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model.
• USB-storage device is not formatted FAT32.
• The TV is blocked from downgrade (anti-rollback protection is activated).

Method 3: Manual update via ADB (for experienced)

The method is suitable for Android TVs (e.g. Xiaomi TV A Pro or Mi TV Q1), where USB debugging mode is available. It allows you to install old firmware via the command line, bypassing interface limitations. It requires a PC with ADB drivers installed and basic terminal knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-A (PC-connector).
• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (download from miui.tv).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging Mode: Settings → About TV → MIUI TV Version → Click 7 times on Version until the message “You’re a developer” appears. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Turn on USB Debugging.
2. Connect your TV to your PC with a USB-A → USB-A cable (use the USB 3.0 port on your TV for stability).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and check the connection: Adb devices must display a device with a serial number.
4. Copy the firmware on the TV: adb push update.zip /sdcard/
5. Go to Recovery Mode with ADB: Adb Reboot Recovery
6. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB and execute the command: adb sideload update.zip

On anti-rollback models (such as the Mi TV 5 Pro), the sideload command may end with the error "Device is not allowed to downgrade."

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands (e.g., adb reboot bootloader on a locked device) can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the TV.

5. Method 4: Fastboot firmware (for technically trained)

The most radical method is Fastboot firmware, which allows you to install any version of the software, including a downgrade, suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, Mi TV 4X or Redmi Smart TV X55).

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🖥️ PC with installed Fastboot drivers.
• 📁 Complete firmware package in.tgz or.img format.

Step-by-step:

1. Unclose the firmware in the folder with boot.img, system.img, etc. files.
2. Connect the TV off to your PC by holding the Volume Down button on the remote or case.
3. Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute commands in turn: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot reboot

If the TV is not turned on after the firmware:

• 🔄 Try repeating the process with another firmware version.
• 🔌 Check the power supply (overvoltage protection may have worked).
• 📞 Please contact the service center with an error (for example, Fastboot reason: Boot certification check).

Method 5: Official rollback through service center

If you don’t succeed on your own or are afraid of damaging your TV, contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center. Official partners have access to service firmware and tools for downgrade, including bypassing anti-rollback protection.

What needs to be done:

1. Find the nearest service center at mi.com/service.
2. Check by phone if they provide firmware rollback service (not all centers deal with software problems).
3. Prepare a check or a warranty card (if the TV is guaranteed, the rollback can be free).
4. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible: the version of the firmware "before" and "after", symptoms, attempts to solve it independently.

The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and complexity, and in some cases, the service may offer to reflash the TV on a test version of the software that is more stable than the official version.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial service centers (not Xiaomi partners) may use unlicensed firmware or bypass methods, which will void the warranty.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you try to roll back, you have a typical problem, and let's look at the most common ones.

If neither method worked, it may be the hardware, not the firmware, that is the problem (e.g., a malfunction in the eMMC memory or power controller), which requires diagnostics in the service.

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Always check the compatibility of the version with your model before rolling back the firmware, and installing firmware from another modification (for example, Mi TV 4S 50" instead of 55") will cause the device to fail.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions