How to bring back the old version MIUI Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

After updating the firmware on Xiaomi, many users face problems: the device begins to brake, quickly discharge or loses its usual functions. MIUI It contains critical bugs that interfere with the normal operation of the smartphone. If you find yourself in this situation, do not despair: it is quite possible to return the old version of the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods of rolling back firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, You will learn how to prepare your smartphone for the procedure, what tools you will need, and what risks you need to consider to avoid turning your phone into a brick.+, where the rollback process becomes more complicated.

Before you start, remember that rolling back firmware is not just a couple of buttons, it's a complex procedure that requires carefulness and understanding of the processes. ADB, You better get to the basics first, or you better get to the specialist.

Why you might need to roll back firmware on Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones get updates MIUI But not all updates are useful, and these are the most common reasons why users want to return the old version:

• 🐢 Performance: New firmware slows, lags or overheats, especially for low-end models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3), Not optimized for the latest versions MIUI.
• 🔋 Autonomy: After upgrading, the battery will run down in a few hours, often due to background processes of the new OS version.
• 🚫 Loss of function: c MIUI Removed the usual chips (for example, Second Space or Game Turbo in some regional firmware).
• 🐞 Critical bugs: sensors, camera, mobile network or Wi-Fi are not working. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T There was a bug with the display of the screen in some applications.
• 🔒 Locking the bootloader: after the update, the smartphone stopped recognizing Fastboot commands or requires a new method of unlocking.

Sometimes the problem lies not in the firmware itself, but in the regional version. MIUI. For example, global firmware (MIUI Global may contain fewer functions than Chinese (MIUI China, but it works more consistently, in such cases, a rollback to a previous version of the same branch (for example, with the use of a new branch). MIUI 14.0.5 by 14.0.3) solves the problem without data loss.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China and is running on the MIUI China, rollback to global firmware may result in the loss of features related to regional services (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Cloud with Chinese servers).

Preparing for the rollback of firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start rolling back, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device or even its complete failure.

First, back up all the data. Firmware rollback is almost always accompanied by factory resets. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local storage (like a computer).

• 📱 Contacts and Messages (Export through Settings) → Google → Backup).
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud).
• 🎮 Game savers (use Helium or manual export).
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and apps (save to Google Password Manager or KeePass).

Second, check the device model and current version. MIUI. This can be done in the settings. → About the phone:

• Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F4).
• Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4.0.TKCCNXM).
• The build number (Build number).

Third, download the firmware version you want. The official firmware for Xiaomi can be found on the websites:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI (European and European versions).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese portal MIUI (translator required).
• 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).

Pay attention to the type of firmware:

⚠️ Note: If your device has been updated to MIUI 13/14 Android 12/13, rollback to an older version of Android (for example, with Android) 13 Android 11) may result in loss IMEI In such cases, additional firmware of non-HLOS and modem files is required.

Method 1: Recoil through stock recovery (the safest method)

If your device supports Recovery installation ROM, This method is the easiest and safest, it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO.

Steps for rollback:

1. Download the correct version of Recovery ROM (file with the.zip extension and rename it to update.zip.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the file to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Disconnect the device from the PC and turn it off.
4. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Loud up. POCO F3/F4: Nutrition + Loudness down.

Install update.zip to System

Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset

This method works for most devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but there are exceptions:

• 🚫 Not suitable for dynamic partition devices (Dynamic Partitions, for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro or Redmi K50).
• 🚫 It does not work if the firmware is blocked by the manufacturer (for example, on some Chinese models).

Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

If stock recovery doesn't support rollback or you have a Fastboot ROM, You'll have to use the MiFlash Tool, which requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for power users.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ MiFlash Tool utility.
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive from Fastboot ROM in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install the MiFlash Tool and drivers for your device (you can download it via the Mi Unlock Tool).
3. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds
4. Connect the device to a PC. The device should appear in Device Manager Android Bootloader Interface.
5. Launch the MiFlash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode at the bottom: Clean all – clean all and lock – clean all + Save user data – saving data (not always working).

Flash

Once you've successfully run the firmware, the device will restart.

⚠️ Note: If an “Anti-rollback check” error occurs during the firmware process, it means that you are trying to install an too old firmware version).

💡

If the MiFlash Tool doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling the drivers manually through Device Manager. To do this, download the drivers for your model from the XiaomiFlashTool website.

Method 3: Bypass Anti-Rollback Protection (for older versions) MIUI)

Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi has implemented the mechanism of Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB), If you see an "anti-rollback check failed" error, your device is protected from rollback.

Go around ARB two ways:

1. Partial rollback: install not the oldest version, but the one that is supported by the current one ARB. For example, if you have MIUI 14, we can roll back on MIUI 13.5, but not on MIUI 12.
2. Complete bypass: modify firmware by removing the check ARB. It requires skills to work with ADB and a Hex editor.

For a complete roundabout ARB need:

1. Unpacking Fastboot ROM and find the antirollback.db file (usually in the image folder).
2. Open it in HxD or another hex editor.
3. Find a line with a version ARB (For example, ro.antirollback=5) and replace it with ro.antirollback=0.
4. Save the file and pack the firmware back into.tgz.
5. Swipe the modified firmware through the MiFlash Tool.

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader before rolling back

If your bootloader is locked, you will have to unlock it before using Fastboot methods. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account. Sign in to your account (if not, sign up). → Additionally. → For developers → Linking the Mi Account.

Mi Unlock Tool

Fastboot

Food + Volume Down

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Unlock

After unlocking, restart the device.

Important nuances:

• 🔗 Unblocking is tied to your Mi Account. If you change your account, the bootloader will be blocked again.
• ⏳ The wait time varies by model, and for new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) it can be up to 30 days.
• 🚨 Unlocking resets all data on the device!

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for using Fastboot methods, and without it, the firmware through the MiFlash Tool will end in error.

Method 5: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative method)

If you do not have an unlocked bootloader, but have access to ADB, You can try to install the firmware through ADB Sideload.This method works on some Xiaomi models and does not require a Fastboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📦 Recovery firmware ROM (zip).
• 🔌 USB-cable and on-debugging USB.

Instructions:

1. Copy the firmware into a folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools\) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Enable USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
6. In recovery, select Apply update from ADB.
7. In the command line, type: adb sideload update.zip
8. Wait for the installation to be completed (the device will have a progress bar on the screen).
9. After resetting, reset the settings.

This method doesn’t work on all devices, like Xiaomi 12 and newer. ADB Sideload can be disabled in recovery, and only Fastboot can help in that case.

What to do if the phone does not turn on after rollback

If after the attempt of rollback the device does not start (hangs on the logo) MI or flashes a red light, don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored.

Possible causes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, you may need an authorized service center. EDL) Recovery is possible only with the help of official Xiaomi equipment.

⚠️ Note: If your device was released after 2022 (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), trying to flash the unofficial firmware may result in the blocking of your Mi Account. In such cases, unlocking is possible only through a support letter to Xiaomi with confirmation of purchase.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Xiaomi