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

MIUI updates often bring new features, but sometimes users encounter bugs, slowdowns, or an uncomfortable interface. If the latest Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO update didn't suit you, it's possible to bring back the old firmware, but the rollback process has nuances, from data loss to the risk of "bricking" the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of rolling back updates, from official (via Mi Flash Tool) to alternative (via ADB Sideload or TWRP), you will learn how to save data before reset, where to download the correct version of firmware and how to avoid typical errors.

Why do users want to roll back the Xiaomi update?

According to surveys on the forums 4PDA and XDA Developers, up to 30% of owners of Xiaomi smartphones at least once tried to return the old version of MIUI.

• 🐢 Slowdown: New versions MIUI Often, more resources are required, which is why budget models (Redmi) are used. 9A, POCO M3) start".
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Optimizing power consumption in fresh firmware isn't always perfect.
• 🎨 An Inconvenient Interface: Moving to MIUI 14+ drastically changed the menu of settings and gestures of management.
• 🐞 Critical bugs: For example, in MIUI 15.0.4 for Xiaomi 13 was a problem with work NFC Google Pay.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: New versions may block features (e.g, USB-debugging for some regions).

It is important to understand that rolling back an update is not “unchange” but a complete flashing of the device, and all data (photos, messages, apps) will be erased if you do not backup in advance.

Slowing down the smartphone|Bugs in the new version MIUI|An uncomfortable interface|Battery problems|Other-->

Preparation for rollback: what to do before flashing

Before returning the old version of MIUI, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Check the device model: Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has the code name veux, and Xiaomi 12T is plato. This information will be needed to select the right firmware.
2. Find out the current version of MIUI: Path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down (e.g. 14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM).
3. Make a backup copy: 📱 Through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. ☁️ In the Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled). 💻 On PC with Xiaomi PC suite ADB backup.

Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)

Charging the battery

Check the code name of the model|Save the current version MIUI|Make a data backup|Unlock Bootloader (if required)|Charge your phone at least 60%-->

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (market version) CN), Firmware for Global Version (Global) or Europe (EEA) You may not be able to do this. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (last-letter: CN, RU, EU etc.).

Method 1: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

This is the most reliable method recommended by Xiaomi for devices with unlocked bootloader. Suitable for most models, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Xiaomi 11T/12/13, POCO F3/F4/F5.

Step 1: Download the correct version of the firmware

Official firmware for rollbacks are taken from the MIUI Downloads website (choose the Fastboot version):

1. Enter the device model in the search bar.
2. Select a region (Global, EEA, Russia, etc.).
3. Download the archive with the tag Fastboot (not Recovery!).
4. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (the way without Cyrillic!).

Step 2: Install the Mi Flash Tool

Download the utility from the official Xiaomi website (Mi Flash Tool section). Install it and drivers for your model.

Step 3: Put your phone in Fastboot mode

Turn off the device. Turn down Volume + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the phone to your PC.

Step 4: Scroll through the old version

In the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
2. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 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 (waiting 7-15 days!).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, try manually delete the file. flash_all_lock.bat from the firmware folder and run flash_all.bat command-line.

Method 2: Recovery (without PC)

This method is suitable if you already have custom Recovery installed (such as TWRP) or if you want to flash the Recovery version of MIUI. It is simpler, but it does not work on all models.

Step 1: Download Recovery Firmware

On MIUI Downloads, select the version marked Recovery. Download the file with the.zip extension (don't unpack!).

Step 2: Move the firmware to your phone

Connect the device to your PC and copy the.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to the folder!).

Step 3: Enter Recovery

Turn off your phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Recovery menu comes on.

Step 4: Install the firmware

On the Recovery menu:

1. Choose a language (if you have an option).
2. Go to Install update.zip to System.
3. Select the downloaded firmware file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) standard Recovery does not allow you to install firmware older than the current. TWRP.

Method 3: Recoil via ADB Sideload (for a blocked Bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked and unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool is not available (for example, due to waiting 7 days), you can try ADB Sideload.This method works on some devices with MIUI 12-14, but is not guaranteed.

Step 1: Install ADB-driver

Download Google's Platform Tools. Unpack the archive in the C:\adb folder.

Step 2: Enable debugging over USB

On the phone:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.

Step 3: Connect your phone to your PC

In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) do:

adb devices

If the device is displayed, move on. If not, install the drivers manually through Device Manager.

Step 4: Go to Recovery and activate ADB Sideload

Turn off the phone and go to Recovery (Loudness up). + Select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload, if there is such a point).

Step 5: Download the firmware through ADB

In the command line, type:

adb sideload path to file.zip

For example:

adb sideload C:\MIUI\veux_global_images_13.0.5.0.SKLMIXM_13.0.zip

It takes 5-15 minutes. When you're done, select Reboot system now.

💡

ADB Sideload does not work on all Xiaomi devices, and if the process is interrupted with a Total xfer: 1.00x error, then your model does not support the method.

Method 4: Recoil through TWRP (for advanced users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom Recovery that allows you to flash any version of MIUI, make backups and restore them, but it requires an unlocked bootloader to install.

Step 1: Install TWRP

For instructions and files for your model, check the official TWRP website or 4PDA.

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_veux.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Step 2: Backup the current system

TWRP:

1. Go to Backup.
2. Select the Boot, System, Data sections.
3. Press Swipe to Back Up.

Step 3: Scroll down the old version of MIUI

Download the Recovery firmware (.zip file) and transfer it to your phone or flash drive. TWRP:

1. Press Install.
2. Select the firmware file.
3. Swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, press Wipe cache/dalvik.

The first turn on after the firmware can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!