How to return the old firmware to Xiaomi: 3 proven ways to roll back

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones often brings new features, but not always stability. Bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface of the new version of MIUI force users to look for ways to return to the previous release. However, the rollback of the firmware is a procedure with pitfalls: from loss of data to the risk of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of returning to the old version, their pros and cons, and also give a checklist for a safe downgrade.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not officially support firmware rollback, which means that you perform any manipulations at your own risk. However, with the right approach and preparation, the chances of success are up to 90%, the main thing is not to miss a single step and carefully check the compatibility of the firmware files with your model.

We analyzed the user experience on the 4PDA forums, XDA Developers and official Xiaomi resources to collect current data for 2026.In the article, only proven methods that work on most devices, from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. If your model is older than 2018, look at the section on locking the bootloader - there are critical nuances.

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

First rule: never start rolling back a firmware spontaneously. Without preparation, you risk losing all data or getting a device that doesn't turn on. Here's the minimum set of steps before a downgrade:

✅ Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app in Settings → About a phone or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root:

• 📱 Contact and SMS — Export to Google an account or file VCF.
• 📸 Photos/video – copy to PC or cloud.
• 🔑 Passwords and Tokens – Check that Autocomplete is synced with your Mi Account.
• 🎮 Game saves – many games (like Genshin Impact) are tied to an account, but some (like Among Us) store progress locally.

✅ Check the bootloader version. You can find it through the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If the answer has numbers 3, 4 or 5, your bootloader is locked (standard for new devices).This means that it will require unlocking to roll back, and it resets all data. Devices until 2019 often have an unlocked bootloader (number 1 or 2), which simplifies the process.

✅ Download the right firmware. File selection error is the most common reason for "brick." Use only official sources:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI — Choose a Global Region, EEA China, depending on your current firmware.
• 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – all versions are collected here, including the old ones.

💡

If your device is on MIUI China and you want to upgrade to Global, unlock the bootloader first. Trying to flash Global over China without unlocking will result in an anti-rollback error and lock the device.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K40 or POCO F3) They have anti-Rollback protection, which means that the rollback is below a certain version (for example, with a specific version). MIUI 14 on MIUI 12) locks the device. Check the list of supported versions for your model on xiaomi.eu.

2. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)

The simplest method, but it only works if:

• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked.
• 📥 You have custom Recovery (TWRP).
• 📦 Firmware in.zip format (not.tgz or.img).

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
4. In Recaveri, select Install → specify the path to update.zip.
5. Swipe for confirmation and wait for the end (5-10 minutes).
6. After installation, press Wipe cache/dalvik and restart.

Download firmware.zip| Install TWRP|Transfer file to memory root |Check battery (>50%)|Deactivate signature verification in TWRP (if any)

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⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI, So the firmware is not compatible with your model or the bootloader version, so you need to do it again with the other version. MIUI Or use the method through Fastboot.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• ✔️ Does not require a PC.
• ✔️ Stores user data (if you don't do Wipe).

🔹 Cons:

• ❌ It does not work on all models (required) TWRP).
• ❌ Risk of errors in case of firmware incompatibility.

3. Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (from PC)

A universal method that works even on devices with a locked bootloader (but will require unlocking it) is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

📌 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux/macOS s ADB Tools).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your device (you can download here).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In DiagPort (Windows Device Manager) should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for stability); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only if you are sure of firmware!); Save user data - an attempt to save data (risky, can lead to bugs).

Flash

📊 Comparison of firmware modes in Mi Flash Tool:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after firmware, try flashing the same version again in Clean all mode. If it doesn't help, it may be that the firmware is incompatible with your model. EDL (requires special equipment).

Method 3: Recoil through OTA-downgrade (official method)

The safest, but also the most limited way. Xiaomi sometimes allows you to roll back to the previous version through an in-built update, but only for 1-2 weeks after the release of a new update.

🔍 How to check the availability of rollbacks:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in upper right corner.
3. Select the Update Package → Select the Update File.
4. If the system allows you to select a file, then rollback is possible.

📥 How to execute rollback:

1. Download the full OTA-Previous version (not incremental!) from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Transfer the file to the root of the phone’s memory.
3. In the update menu, select Select the update file and specify the downloaded package.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🕒 It only works for a short period after the release of the new update.
• 📵 Not available for beta versions MIUI.
• 🔒 It doesn’t work if the current firmware is newer than the one you want to roll back on by more than 2 builds.

Through Recovery (TWRP)|Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)|Through OTA-downgrade|I don't know, I need help.|Another method-->

5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right instructions, users have problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

🔴 Error: “This package is for xxx devices; this is a yyy"

• 📌 Reason: Firmware is not suitable for your model.
• 🔧 Solution: Download firmware specifically for your device. Check the model in Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G — It's veux, not pissarro).

🔴 Error: “Anti-rollback check fail"

• 📌 Reason: Attempting to roll back to a version below acceptable for your bootloader.
• 🔧 Solution: Check the current version of the bootloader with the fastboot getvar anti team. Find the minimum version in the Anti-Rollback list. MIUI For your device, please run a version not lower than the one listed.

🔴 Error: "Device is locked" in the Mi Flash Tool

• 📌 Reason: Bootloader is blocked.
• 🔧 Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the official tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7-30 days). Use Clean all in the Mi Flash Tool after unlocking.

🔴 Error: The phone does not turn on after the firmware

• 📌 Reason: Incompatible firmware or interrupted process.
• 🔧 Solution: Try flashing the same version again in Clean all mode. If it doesn't work, run a stable global version through the Mi Flash Tool. In extreme cases, contact the service center (if the device is warranted, you don't need to report the firmware attempt).

🔴 Mistake: Loss IMEI or net after rollback

• 📌 Cause: Damage to the modem or nvram partition.
• 🔧 Solution: Sweat modem and nvram files from the original firmware through Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img If IMEI Restore it through the engineering menu (##4636##) or Maui utility META (PC).

💡

If you lose your sound, camera or sensors after rollback, it means that the firmware was assembled without drivers for your model, and the solution is to sew the full package from the official website, not a custom build.

6.What to do after a successful rollback

Your Xiaomi is running on the old firmware again, but to avoid problems in the future, do a few important things:

🔄 Update the applications:

• Go to Google Play and update all the apps – older versions may conflict with the siphoned-off firmware.
• Pay special attention to system applications: Mi Home, Security, Gallery.