How to Return an Old Android Version to Xiaomi After Updating: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why users want to roll back MIUI update and when possible

Firmware updates on Xiaomi smartphones often bring not only new features, but also unpleasant surprises, from sudden bugs to critical performance declines. According to service centers, up to 15% of users try to return the previous version of MIUI in the first two weeks after the update, the main reasons are slowdown, battery discharge in standby mode, camera malfunction or lack of familiar features in new versions of the interface.

However, a firmware rollback is not always a simple procedure. Xiaomi actively blocks the possibility of a downgrade through standard settings, especially on models with a locked bootloader. Moreover, after upgrading to MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14, a rollback on Android 12 or below can lead to a “brick” of the device due to changes in the architecture of the kernel. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to return the old version, their risks and nuances for different models – from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Before you start, answer two key questions: 1. Does your model support the official downgrade via the Mi Flash Tool? 2. Are you ready for the possible loss of data and the risk of turning your smartphone into a brick?

📊 What you are not satisfied with in the new version MIUI?

Productivity has decreased

The battery goes down fast.

The necessary functions have disappeared.

There's bugs and glitches.

Other

Method 1: Recovery (for unlocked bootloader)

The safest method is custom or standard Recovery, but it only works if the bootloader is already unlocked. If you've previously installed TWRP or other alternative recovery, the chances of success are higher.

Download the archive with the desired version MIUI From the official Xiaomi website (select "Archive" section). Pay attention to the firmware region - for Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It's just fine. ingres_global, Not ingres for the Chinese version.
Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
Boot in Recovery: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume up + Power before the MI.3 logo appears. From the menu, select "Install update.zip to System."

If the process ends with E: Footer is wrong, it means that the firmware is incompatible with the current version of the bootloader, in which case a Fastboot method will be required (see Method 3).

Download the correct version of MIUI for your model

Rename the file to update.zip

Charge your phone at least 60%

Make a backup of the data (there will be a reset!)

Make sure the loader is unlocked

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⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T A new rollback through Recovery can block IMEI, If the firmware is older than the one installed in the factory. Check this in the settings along the Settings path → The phone. → Version. MIUI — If the current version is newer than the factory version, the risk is high.

Method 2: Use of the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

Mi Flash Tool is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi for Fastboot device firmware. It allows you to install any official version of MIUI, but with important reservations:

🔓 The bootloader must be unlocked (instructions for unlocking below).
📱 The model should be supported by the utility (list of compatible devices here).
🔄 The firmware version should not be older than the one on the phone out of the box (otherwise the risk of a "brick").

Step-by-step:

Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (version 2023.4.28.0 or later).
Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz extension).
Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\ingres_global_images_...).
Download your phone to Fastboot: Turn off the device → Press Volume Down + Power → Connect to the PC
In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear). Select Clean all mode and press Flash.

Xiaomi model	Downgrade support	Risks.
Redmi Note 11/11 Pro	Yes (to MIUI 13)	Data loss, possible camera problems
Xiaomi 12/12 Pro	Partially (only on Android 12)	High risk of blocking IMEI
POCO F4/F4 GT	Yes (any version)	Requires unlocking of the loader
Xiaomi 13 Series	No (locking at bootloader level)	Possible "brick" when trying

If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, try booting up to Recovery and making Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over. EDL-The mode (only for experienced users!).

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Before you use the Mi Flash Tool, disable the antivirus and Windows firewall – they can block Qualcomm drivers necessary for the utility to work.

Method 3: Unlocking the bootloader is a must-do step for most methods

Without an unlocked bootloader, it is almost impossible to roll back firmware on Xiaomi. The unlock procedure takes 7 to 30 days (due to Xiaomi policy) and requires you to link your Mi Account to your device.

Link your Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign in (if not logged in) Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock Status (linked account)
Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
Download the phone to Fastboot mode (as in Method 2) and connect to the PC.
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account and follow the instructions. You usually need to wait 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking.

On Xiaomi 12S Ultra, 13 Pro and later, unlocking may require additional confirmation via SMS or support.

📵 All the data on the phone will be dumped.
🔒 Some features (such as Google Pay or banking apps) may stop working due to lack of Widevine certification. L1.
🔄 The account is linked to the device, so re-unblocking the same phone will take less time.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 10) 5G or POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may result in loss of data in the eMMC module if the process is interrupted. USB-cable USB 2.0 on PC.

What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error

1. Check that you are logged in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone. 2. Make sure the phone is enabled with the developer mode and debugging over USB. 3. Try using another Windows 10/11 PC (Windows 7 may not work). 4. If the error "This device is locked", then it has not been 168 hours since the account was linked.

Method 4: Firmware through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that is used when the phone is not turned on or locked (EDL-Cable or Testpoint Closing and Qualcomm Team Knowledge:

📱 Recovery of the bricks after a failed downgrade.
🔙 Firmware of old versions MIUI on a model with a blocked bootloader (if you have an authorized Xiaomi account).
🛠 Fixing errors after incorrect update OTA.

To run through EDL, you will need:

Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm chips)
Firmware file in.mbn or.elf format (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

The firmware process in EDL:

Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (via cable or test points).
In Mi Flash Pro, select a firmware file and press Flash.
Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) will result in the device being blocked by the user. IMEI. This method is recommended only in case of emergency and if there is a backup copy of the data.

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EDL-The mode is the last chance to bring the phone back to life, but it requires technical skills.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If the official old version of MIUI is not returned, the alternative may be custom firmware based on Android, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. They are devoid of many problems MIUI, but have their own nuances:

✅ Greater freedom of customization (no advertising, unnecessary services Xiaomi).
⚠️ Not all features can work (e.g., the camera on Xiaomi) 11T Pro in custom firmware often has reduced capabilities).
🔧 An unlocked loader is required and installed TWRP.

Instructions for installing LineageOS:

Download the firmware for your model from the official website LineageOS.
Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
V TWRP make a Wipe → Format Data (required!), then install it. ZIP-firmware.
Install Gapps (Google Services) and Magisk (for root rights if needed).

After installing custom firmware, you will need to manually adjust many parameters, for example:

📶 Mobile network (APN for your operator).
🔊 Sound (some firmware has problems with the microphone).
📷 Camera (may require GCam installation).

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Before installing custom firmware, check on forums (e.g. 4PDA) for any bugs that a particular build has for your model. For example, on POCO X3 Pro, some versions of LineageOS do not support NFC.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Anti-rollback check fail	Trying to install a too old firmware	Use the firmware no older than the one on the phone out of the box
The phone does not turn on after the firmware	Incompatible version or interrupted process	Go through EDL or contact the service
Mi Flash: Flash is not done	Problems with drivers or cable	Use the original cable and USB 2.0 port
IMEI loss after downgrade	Incompatibility of modem versions	Restore. IMEI through QCN-file SN Write Tool

If you are faced with constant reboots after a rollback, try:

Reset the settings to factory via Recovery.
Switch the same firmware file again (sometimes helps).
Check the integrity of the downloaded firmware file (it may have been corrupted during download).

If nothing helps and the phone has turned into a brick, don’t panic. In most cases, it can be restored through an authorized EDL (this requires contacting Xiaomi’s service center or trusted wizards).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I roll back MIUI without unlocking the bootloader?

No, on most Xiaomi models (especially released after the launch) 2020 No rollback is possible without unlocking the bootloader, except if you roll back to the version that was installed on the phone earlier via the OTA-Update and you have the file saved update.zip In this case, you can try installing it through Recovery, but the chances of success are minimal.

Will I lose data when I roll back the firmware?

Yes, 99% of the time, a firmware rollback results in a complete data reset, which is because newer versions of MIUI use a different /data partition encryption, and when downgrading, the system can't decrypt the old data. Be sure to back up through Settings → Additional → Backup or manually copy important files to your PC.

Can I return an old version of Android if my phone is guaranteed?

Technically, you can, but it voids the warranty. Unlocking the bootloader and the firmware through Fastboot/EDL leave traces in the service sections of the phone that you see in the service center. If you care about the warranty, you better contact Xiaomi with a description of the problem — sometimes they release patches for critical bugs.

Which Xiaomi models can’t be rolled back to the old version?

Starting with the Xiaomi 12 Series and Redmi K50 Series, the company tightened downgrade policies: Locked rollbacks on MIUI versions older than the one preinstalled. Trying to flash the old version through Fastboot leads to an anti-rollback error. The only way out is custom firmware, but they are unwarranted. A full list of incompatible models can be found on XiaomiUI.

How to check which version of MIUI was originally on the phone?

You can find out the factory version of the firmware in two ways: Look at the sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible) — there may be a version. Use the command in ADB: adb shell getprop ro.miui.version.name This command will show the current version, but if the phone is new, it usually matches the factory version.