Update firmware on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It doesn't always go smoothly. MIUI Android can bring bugs, brakes, battery life in a few hours or incompatibility with your favorite apps. If you are facing similar problems and want to roll back the firmware, this guide will help you do it as safely as possible – without bricks and data loss (or with minimal risks).
Getting the old Android back on Xiaomi is more difficult than just upgrading. The manufacturer doesn't provide an official rollback feature, so you'll have to use workarounds, from resetting via Recovery to manual firmware via Fastboot. The newer the smartphone model, the more restrictions Xiaomi rolls (for example, locking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 12 or the other one). POCO F5 This article will cover all the current ways, from the simplest to the most radical.
⚠️ Warning: Rolling back firmware may result in loss of warranty, device lock or irreversible data damage. If your smartphone is warranty, contact Xiaomi’s service center first – sometimes they agree to reflash the device for free if there are good reasons (for example, critical bugs in the new version).
1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start
Before returning your old firmware, follow the mandatory steps, and neglect of preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices.
🔹 Back up all the data. Firmware rollback almost always erases internal memory. Use it:
- 📱 Mi Cloud (if synced) – saves contacts, photos, notes.
- 💾 Local backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup (saves applications and settings).
- 🖥️ Manual transfer to PC – copy folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp and other important data.
🔹 Check the model and the current firmware version. This is critical to selecting the correct rollback file. Go to Settings → About the phone and write it down:
- Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G or POCO X5 Pro).
- Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 Global).
- Assembly number (e.g, TP1A.220624.014).
🔹 Unlock the bootloader (if it is locked) on new Xiaomi devices (released after 2021), the bootloader is blocked by default. To flash the old version, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.
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If you are not sure about your smartphone model, type in Google search code ##4636## – will open a menu with technical information, which indicates the exact name of the device.
2. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Without an unlocked bootloader, you won’t be able to flash the device through Fastboot or install custom Recovery. Xiaomi has made the process more complicated in the latest models, so follow the instructions carefully.
🔹 Step 1: Link your Mi Account to your device
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in.
- 🔗 Enable synchronization and confirm device binding via SMS email.
- ⚙️ Activate the Settings option → Additionally. → Developer → Unlocking OEM (If you have it in your version MIUI).
🔹 Step 2 Download the Mi Unlock Tool
The official utility can be found on the Xiaomi website. Install it on a Windows PC. 7/10/11 (It doesn't work on macOS or Linux).
🔹 Step 3: Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode
- Turn off the device.
- Press the power button. + Decrease the volume by 10-15 seconds until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-cable.
🔹 Step 4. Launch unlock.
- 🖥️ Open the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- 🔑 Log in to the same Xiaomi account as on your smartphone.
- ⏳ If the device is new, the system will require a wait of 7-15 days (on older models - 72 hours).
- 📱 After successful unlocking, the smartphone will restart and the bootloader will be opened.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) When you unlock the bootloader, you reset all the data, including the internal memory.
3. Method 1: Recovery (without PC)
If you don't have a bootloader locked and want to return the firmware without connecting to your computer, try this method. It only works if:
- 📲 The device is loaded into the system (albeit with bugs).
- 🔄 Recovery menu has Install option update.zip.
- 📁 You have a firmware file in.zip format for your model.
🔹 Step 1. Download the correct firmware version
The official firmware for Xiaomi can be found on the websites:
- Official portal MIUI (Choose the Stable version).
- Xiaomi Firmware Updater (an unofficial but reliable source)
⚠️ Note: Only download the version. MIUI, The firmware version that is older than the one that was originally installed can lead to errors (for example, the Anti-rollback on the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
🔹 Step 2. Move the firmware to your smartphone
- 📁 Rename the downloaded file to update.zip.
- 📲 Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the file to the root folder of internal memory (not to the folder!).
- 🔄 Turn off the device and turn it off.
🔹 Step 3. Install firmware through Recovery
- Press the Power button + Volume Up to enter Recovery.
- Choose a language (if you have a choice).
- Go to Install. update.zip → point the way to the file.
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
- Select Reboot to reboot.
☑️ Preparing for rollbacks through Recovery
❌ What to do if Recovery doesn’t see the file?
If after the selection of Install update.zip E:footer is wrong or E:signature verification failed:
- The firmware file is corrupted – download it again.
- You downloaded the firmware for another model.
- Signature verification disabled in your Recovery (solved by installation) TWRP).
4. Method 2: Fastboot firmware (the most reliable method)
If Recovery doesn't work or you have a bootloader blocked, you'll have to use Fastboot, which requires a PC, but gives you maximum control over the process.
🔹 Step 1: Install the necessary drivers and tools
- 🖥️ Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- 🔌 Install drivers for Xiaomi (if Windows doesn’t recognize the device in Fastboot).
- 📁 Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
🔹 Step 2. Unpack the firmware and connect the smartphone
- Unclose the firmware in the folder with the platform-tools (where fastboot.exe and adb.exe are located).
- Transfer your smartphone to Fastboot (Power) + Vol Down).
- Connect it to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 123abc456 fastboot - can continue.
🔹 Step 3. Launch the firmware
In the firmware folder, find the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS). Launch it:
- 🖥️ Double-click on flash_all.bat (on behalf of the administrator).
- ⏳ Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
- 📱 After the smartphone is restarted automatically.
What to do if the firmware is interrupted?
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After the firmware is flashed through Fastboot, it may be necessary to re-unlock the bootloader. MI, try:
- Log in to Fastboot (Power) + Vol Down).
- Run command: fastboot oem edl (this will translate the device into a EDL-mode, but requires authorization through the Xiaomi account).
5. Method 3: Use TWRP (power-user)
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to flash unofficial firmware, make backups and restore them. However, its installation requires an unlocked bootloader and can lead to data loss.
🔹 Step 1. Set it up. TWRP
- 📥 Download the current version TWRP For your model from the official website.
- 🖥️ Move the file (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img) into a folder with platform-tools.
- 📱 Translate your smartphone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img
- 🔄 Immediately after the firmware, press the Power. + Vol Up to enter the TWRP (Otherwise, the system will overwrite it with standard Recovery).
🔹 Step 2. Sweep through the old version MIUI
- V TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (this will completely reset the device!).
- Go back to the main menu and select Install. → Please specify the path to the firmware file (.zip).
- Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for completion.
- After the firmware, select Reboot → System.
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TWRP It allows you to flash not only official but also custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
⚠️ Note: On devices with dynamic partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi Note 11) firmware through TWRP This can cause an error in the Invalid sparse file format at header:
- Use Fastboot (mode 2).
- Or you can run a special version. TWRP Support for dynamic partitions (see forums) XDA Developers).
6. Method 4: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")
If after an unsuccessful update, the smartphone does not turn on (black screen, stuck on the logo, bootloop), Mi Flash Tool will help - the official utility from Xiaomi for emergency firmware.
🔹 Step 1 Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware
- 📥 The utility can be found on the official website (tools section).
- 📁 Download Fastboot firmware for your model (required.tgz or.zip).
🔹 Step 2. Connect your smartphone in mode EDL
If the device does not respond to the buttons, try to transfer it to the EDL-Mode (Emergency Download Mode):
- 🔌 Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC.
- 🔧 Close the contacts test point (on the board) or use the command: fastboot oem edl (requires an unlocked bootloader).
- 🖥️ In Device Manager should appear Qualcomm device HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
🔹 Step 3. Sweep through the device.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool and log in to your Xiaomi account.
- Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL If the utility gives an error Couldn't load device, it means:
- The account is not tied to the device.
- No firmware rights through EDL (On new models, Xiaomi limits this mode).
- Qualcomm drivers are not installed.
7. Compatibility table: What methods work on your model
Not all rollbacks are suitable for all devices, and the table below shows the latest data on popular Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (2020-2026).
| Model of the device | Recovery | Fastboot | TWRP | Mi Flash (EDL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (qualifyingly) | ✅ | Requires unlocking the bootloader. Anti-rollback blocks rollback below MIUI 12.5. |
| POCO X3 Pro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Supports custom firmware, and there may be problems with TWRP newer MIUI. |
| Xiaomi 12T | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ (dynamical) | ✅ (authorization) | It takes 15 days to unlock the bootloader. |
| Redmi K50 | ❌ | ✅ | ⚠️ (partly) | ✅ | Versions MIUI 14+ Blocking the rollback through Recovery. |
| POCO F5 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | New loader. TWRP unsupported. |
🔍 How to find out which method is right for your device?
If your model is not in the table:
- Check on XDA Developers – there are themes for each model.
- Use Telegram channels with firmware (for example, @xiaomifirmware).
- Ask the community. 4PDA — They often post relevant guides.
8. Frequent errors and how to fix them
When you roll back firmware, you have typical problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and the ways to solve them.
🔴 Mistake: “This MIUI version cannot be downgraded"
📌 The reason: Xiaomi has implemented anti-rollback protection, which blocks rollbacks on older versions. MIUI 12.5+.
🔧 Decision:
- 📥 Download the intermediate firmware (for example, if you have a MIUI 14, pass first MIUI 13, then the desired version).
- 🔄 Use Fastboot with a flag --disable-verity (requires modified firmware).
🔴 Error: “Fastboot flash not allowed in locked state"
📌 Reason: The bootloader is locked and you try to flash the device without unlocking.
🔧 Decision:
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see Section 2).
- 📅 If you need to wait, wait for the specified time (7-15 days).
🔴 Error: “Invalid sparse file format at header"
📌 Reason: Firmware is incompatible with dynamic partitions (relevant for Xiaomi) 11/12/13 series).
🔧 Decision:
- 📥 Download firmware in.ozip format (for new devices).
- 🔄 Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
🔴 Error: "Device is locked. Please unlock first"
📌 Reason: You are trying to flash the device through EDL login.
🔧 Decision:
- 🔑 Sign in to the Mi Flash Tool via the Xiaomi account linked to the device.
- 📧 If authorization fails, try another account or contact Xiaomi for support.
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If after firmware smartphone stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, don't panic. Try to clamp down the Power. + Vol Up for 20 to 30 seconds for a forced reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware on Fastboot.