How to return the old firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a situation when the new version of MIUI works worse than the previous one: lags appear, the battery goes down faster or familiar functions disappear. In such cases, the logical solution is to roll back to the old firmware. However, the process of returning to the previous version of MIUI on Redmi 9 (models lancelot, angelica, angelican) has angel nuances that it is important to consider so as not to turn the smartphone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss the three official ways to roll back firmware — through Recovery, Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool, and how to avoid typical errors. You will learn what tools you need, where to download the correct version of firmware and what to do if the phone does not turn on after rollback. We will pay special attention to data backup and checking the compatibility of the firmware with your Redmi 9 modification (for example, global firmware). MIUI Global vs. Chinese MIUI China).

Before you start, answer the key question: why do you want to return the old firmware? If the problem is the bugs of the new version, you may need to wait for a patch from Xiaomi. If it is about functionality (for example, remote screen time sharing in MIUI 14), a rollback can be justified. But remember: rolling back the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 9 from MIUI 13/14 to MIUI 12 or lower can block the bootloader if the unlock conditions are not met.

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

A firmware rollback is not just about putting the old version on top of the new one, it's a set of actions that requires preparation. The first step is to identify the current MIUI version and the model of your Redmi 9.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Remember or write down the full firmware name (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM).
3. Check the device model in Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. Redmi 9 codenamed Lancelot).

Without this information, you risk downloading firmware for another smartphone modification, which will lead to errors in installation or even loss of IMEI.

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60% (preferably to 100%).
• 📱 Make a full data backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or by using Mi PC Suite.
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked). This will require a device-linked Mi Account.
• 💻 Prepare a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program (for the way through Fastboot).

If you miss the backup phase, you will lose all your data, including photos, messages and installed apps, after rollback, and you will not be able to restore them unless you have a cloud backup.

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Before rolling back the firmware, disable Mi Account protection in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Security. This will make it easier to unlock the bootloader if necessary.

2. Method 1: Recovery (the safest method)

If your Redmi 9 is not locked and you want to return the firmware without using a PC, the Recovery method is the best choice. It is suitable for rolling back to the version that was previously installed on the device.

• 📲 You're not locked up the bootloader.
• 🔄 You're backing down on the version. MIUI, which was already installed on the phone.
• 📁 You have a firmware file in.zip format for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official Xiaomi website (choose Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off Redmi 9 and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select a language (if required), then go to Install update.zip to System One.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will launch with the old version of MIUI.

If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo after the reboot, try resetting it via Recovery → Wipe Data.This will delete all the data, but often solves the problem.

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for power users)

If the Recovery method didn't work, or if you want to install firmware that's never been on your phone, you'll have to use Fastboot, which requires a PC, a USB cable, and a Mi Flash Tool program, and the main risk is data loss and possible lockdown of the bootloader if you don't follow the instructions.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📋 Fastboot firmware ROM (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your PC (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off Redmi 9 and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (about 5-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up, which is normal. If the screen stays black for more than 20 minutes, try flashing the device again.

Method 3: Using the Mi Flash Tool with unlocked bootloader

If your Redmi 9 has a locked bootloader, you need to unlock it before rolling back the firmware through Fastboot.

• 📱 Device-linked Mi Account (with confirmed phone number).
• 🔓 Unlock permissions (as requested via the official Mi Unlock Tool app).
• ⏳ Expectations 7-15 days (depending on Xiaomi policy).

How to unlock the bootloader:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Turn on the developer options on the phone (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).
3. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

Once unlocked, you can use the Mi Flash Tool to roll back the firmware, as described in the previous section. Note: unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone!

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Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can take up to 15 days. Start the process in advance if you plan to roll back the firmware.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When you roll back firmware, users often encounter errors that can be avoided by knowing the cause.

If after the rollback of the firmware, the phone stopped seeing SIM-Check if the firmware is compatible with your Redmi 9, for example, the firmware for lancelot (global version) is not suitable for angelica (Indian version).

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If after the firmware rollback, the sound is lost or the sensors do not work, try resetting the settings to the factory via Recovery → Wipe Data.

6.How to avoid the "brick": safety rules

Firmware rollback is a risky operation that, if you are careless, can turn the Redmi 9 into a non-working brick.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware process, even if it takes longer than 15 minutes. USB-cable during data recording in the memory of the phone will lead to the impossibility of recovery without specialized equipment.

• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 can cause errors).
• 📡 Check the integrity of the downloaded firmware (compare the hash amount with the official one).
• 🔒 Do not install firmware from third-party developers unless you are sure of their reliability.
• 📱 Before the firmware, remove SIM-memory-card.

If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons after a failed firmware, try logging into Fastboot Mode (clamb Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds). If that doesn’t help, you may need to refashion through testpoints (power users only or in a service center).

7.What to do if the rollback of the firmware does not help?

If you've had problems with the old MIUI version, it might not be the firmware that caused the problem.

• 🔄 Perform reset to factory settings via Recovery.
• 🛠 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) And run the optimized firmware.
• 📱 Check the phone’s hardware condition (e.g. battery wear or processor overheating).
• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center if the problem is hardware.

If you decide to experiment with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), remember: this will void the warranty and can lead to unstable phone performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Redmi 9