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

After updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphone, have you encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface? Don’t rush to reset the device to factory settings – there are several ways to return the previous version of MIUI without losing data. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of rollback updates, from official tools to manual manipulations with firmware.

It is important to understand that the rollback process depends on the device model, the current version of MIUI and even the firmware region. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with the global version of MIUI 15.0.4, the algorithm will differ from the actions for the Redmi Note 11 on the Chinese firmware MIUI 14.0.2. We will consider universal solutions, as well as nuances for popular models from 2022 to 2026.

Before you start, check:

📱 Device model (c Settings) → The phone)
🔄 Current version MIUI (section Version MIUI)
🔒 Bootloader status (locked/unlocked – influences method choice)

If you are not sure of your actions, rolling back firmware on Xiaomi through informal methods can lead to locking the device (brick) or loss of warranty. In such cases, it is better to contact the service center. For experienced users, below are detailed instructions with explanations of each step.

📊 What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?

Redmi Note 10/11/12

Xiaomi 12/13/14

POCO F/X

Redmi K50/K60

Another model

1.Official rollback through Recovery: when it is possible

The safest way to return an old firmware is to use the built-in recovery mode, but this method only works if:

🔹 The device has not received a critical update (for example, switching from the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14)
🔹 The system saved backup of the previous version (automatically created when updating "over the air")
🔹 Bootloader is locked (unlocked requires other methods)

To check for backup:

Turn off the phone.
Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MiAssistant (if any) or Reboot → Recovery.
Apply update → Choose update package should contain the backup folder with the previous firmware.

If you have a backup, select it and confirm the installation, it will take 5-10 minutes. Importantly, this method does not work on devices with Dynamic Partition (for example, Xiaomi 12T or later), where the recovery partition does not store older versions.

What if there is no backup in the Recovery?

This means that the system did not retain the previous firmware, in which case the official rollback is impossible - you will have to use methods that unlock the bootloader or Fastboot.

2. rollback via Fastboot: for unlocked bootloader

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader, you can manually flash the older version of MIUI through Fastboot mode.This method is suitable for most models, but requires preparation:

Step 1. Download the right firmware.

🌐 Official firmware: Xiaomi website (choose Fastboot) ROM)
🔍 Alternative sources: Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there is an archive of old versions)

Step 2. Prepare the tools.

🖥️ Install Android SDK Platform-Tools (for fastboot teams)
🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down)

Step 3. Sweep through the old version

Unpack the downloaded firmware archive in the folder with the platform-tools and perform in the terminal:

fastboot flash all name file firmware.tgz


fastboot reboot

It takes 10-15 minutes to reboot, and the device will be on the older version of MIUI, but all data will be erased (except for internal memory).

Download firmware for your model | Unlock bootloader (if not unlocked) |Install Fastboot drivers | Make data backup | Charge your phone at least 50%-->

3.Use of Mi Flash Tool: for power users

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official Fastboot firmware tool, which allows selective partitioning, which sometimes helps save user data.

Advantages:

✅ Support for most models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO
✅ Clear All, Clean All and Lock, Save User Data)
✅ Automatic Integrity Check of the Firmware

Disadvantages:

❌ Risk of "brick" with the wrong choice of firmware
❌ It does not work on devices with a locked bootloader
❌ Requires the installation of drivers and PC settings

Instructions:

Download Mi Flash Tool and XiaomiDriver utility for drivers.
Unpack the firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
Launch MiFlash.exe, connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
At the bottom, choose Clean All (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always works).
Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. In Fastboot mode, right-click on “Android Bootloader Interface” and update the driver by specifying the folder with XiaomiDriver.

4. rollback via ADB Sideload: for firmware with Recovery ROM

If you have a Recovery ROM (.zip archive), it can be installed via ADB Sideload without fully unlocking the bootloader.This method is suitable for devices where the official recovery supports this feature (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).

Step-by-step:

Download ADB and Fastboot Tools.
Place the firmware file (.zip) in the folder with the platform-tools.
Start the phone in Recavery mode (Power + Volume up).
Select Connect with MiAssistant → ADB Sideload.
On PC, open the terminal in the firmware folder and execute: adb devices (your device should be displayed)
Enter the download command: adb sideload name file.zip

The installation process will take 3-7 minutes. Once complete, select Reboot system now. This method saves user data, but may not work on new Dynamic Partition devices.

💡

ADB Sideload is the only way to roll back without unlocking the bootloader, but it requires a Recovery ROM for your model and MIUI version.

5.Manual recovery via EDL Mode: an extreme case

If all previous methods fail, the EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is used to restore the bricks and allows you to flash the device even with a damaged bootloader.

🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models)
💻 Special cable (or closing contacts on the board)
🛠️.mbn firmware (not always available in public)

How to log in to EDL Mode:

Turn off the phone.
Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm chips) for firmware, a risky method that is only recommended if other methods have not worked.

What if your phone is not included in EDL Mode?

If the button closure doesn’t work, you may need to disassemble the device and close contacts on the motherboard (usually points labeled EDL or TEST). On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this method may not work due to hardware protection.

6.Alternative methods: Custom ROM and Rollback packages

If the official methods are not suitable, you can consider:

1.Installation of Custom ROM

🔄 Projects like Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS often contain older versions. MIUI.
🔓 Requires unlocked bootloader and custom recaveri installation (TWRP).
⚠️ Risk of loss of functions (e.g. Widevine) L1 stream HD).

2. Rollback packages from Xiaomi

Xiaomi sometimes releases special rollback packages from the new version of MIUI to the old one, which can be found on forums (Mi Community) or in telegram channels like MIUI Official, installed via Recovery or Fastboot.

3.Downgrade through service centers

If you are afraid of self-manipulation, contact an authorized Xiaomi service, they have access to internal firmware and rollback tools without the risk of blocking, the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model.

Comparison of Reverse Update Methods on Xiaomi

Method	Requires unlocking bootloader	Data retention	Difficulty	Suitable models
Official rollback through Recovery	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	⭐	Older models (until 2021)
Fastboot + Mi Flash Tool	✅ Yes.	❌ No (or partially)	⭐⭐⭐	All models with unlocked bootloader
ADB Sideload	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐	Models with Recovery ROM support
EDL Mode	✅ Yes (or authorization)	❌ No.	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Devices on Qualcomm (except new ones)
Custom ROM	✅ Yes.	❌ No (or backup)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	All models with custom recavérie

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Before any rollback, check firmware compatibility with your model on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website. Version mismatch can lead to a "brick."

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. "Anti-Rollback Protection" error

Newer devices (Xiaomi 12 and later) have rollback protection against older versions of MIUI. If you see an Anti-Rollback message, you're trying to install firmware older than the legal one.

🔍 Find firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback index (checked in file) vendor/build.prop).
🔧 Use modified firmware without protection (risky).

2. The device is not defined in Fastboot/EDL

Connection issues are often driver-related.

🖥️ Are Xiaomi Official Drivers Installed.
🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
🔄 Restart your PC and phone.

3. Hanging on the Mi logo after firmware

If the phone does not load after rollback:

🔧 Re-flash the same version MIUI repeatedly.

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If after a rollback the phone requires a Mi Account that was tied before the reset, you will need to officially unlock through Mi Account Unlock (can take up to 72 hours).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I roll back the update to Xiaomi without losing data?

Yes, but only if: 🔹 In the Recovery there is a backup of the previous firmware (method 1). 🔹 You're using it. ADB Sideload with Recovery ROM (method). 🔹 You have unlocked the bootloader and you have selected Save User Data in the Mi Flash Tool (not guaranteed.

Why is mobile data or Wi-Fi not working after a rollback?

This is a typical problem with a firmware/modem mismatch: 📶 Sweep the file separately. modem.img original. 🔄 Reset your network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings. 🔧 Install firmware with the same region (for example, if you had Global, don’t put China).

How do I know if my bootloader is unlocked on my Xiaomi?

Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen with a hare in a hat-eared hat, the bootloader is unlocked. If there's no label or there's a Locked, it's locked.

Can I reset MIUI to POCO or Redmi?

Yes, all of the methods described work for POCO/Redmi devices as well, as they use the same MIUI firmware, except for POCO Launcher-based models (e.g. POCO F5), where additional theme customization may be required.

What if after a rollback, the phone asks for a password from the old Mi Account?

This is Mi Account Lock, anti-theft: 🔑 Enter the password from the account that was tied before the reset. 📧 If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website. 🔧 If your account is not yours (a used phone is purchased), contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase!

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Before rolling back, check to see if the bugs that make you want to return to the old version have been fixed in the latest patches. Often Xiaomi releases hot updates 1-2 weeks after the major release.