How to return the old version of MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven ways

Have you upgraded your firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface? The new MIUI version doesn't always work more stable than the previous one - especially on budget models like Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot). A rollback to the old firmware is possible, but requires caution: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick.

In this article, we have 3 working methods for returning to the previous version of MIUI, including the official downgrade via Fastboot and informal ways to unlock the bootloader.

• 🔍 Why pullbacks can be riskier than they seem (and when it’s best not to try)
• 📥 How to download the original firmware for Redmi 9 (and how not to run into viruses)
• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions with pictures for beginners and experienced users
• ⚠️ Typical Mistakes That Will Turn Your Phone Into a Brick (And How to Avoid Them)

We warn you right away: on models with a locked bootloader (which is 99% of the devices out of the box), rollback without unlocking is impossible – you will have to wait 7-15 days for approval from Xiaomi. If you want a quick result, consider alternatives like factory reset or custom recap.

1.Preparation: What to do before MIUI rollback

First rule: never start a firmware rollback without a backup. Even if you're an experienced user, a failure during the process can erase all data. On Redmi 9, backup works through:

• 📱 Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (but note that after a rollback, you may not be able to recover data from the cloud)
• 💻 Manual copying of photos, contacts and files on the PC (the most reliable option)

Second, check the current MIUI and the device model.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5) and the Model (M2004J19C for Redmi 9)
3. Write down this data – you will need it to choose the right firmware

Third, prepare the tools:

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (the domestic version), Global firmware ROM You may not be able to use files for your region: CN (China), Global, EEA (Europe) or IN (India).

2. Method 1: Official rollback via Fastboot (without root)

This is the safest method, but it only works if:

• ✅ You have the bootloader unlocked (if not, read section 3)
• ✅ You downloaded the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website
• ✅ Battery charged at 50% or higher

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, and select the folder with the unpacked firmware (the file should end in.tgz).
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (complete clean) or Save User Data (save data, but can cause bugs).
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

Download the latest Mi Flash Tool |

Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic |

Install Qualcomm | drivers

Disable the antivirus (it can block the process)|

Check the USB cable (better to use the original one)

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If the phone has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 15 minutes after firmware:

• 🔄 Forced reboot it (Fooding) + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, repeat the firmware by selecting clean all and lock mode (but this will block the bootloader again!).

⚠️ Warning: After pullback through Fastboot can reset IMEI (If the network is lost, restore the network. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility SN Write Tool (requires a Xiaomi account with developer rights).

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked)

On all Xiaomi Redmi 9 (except the Chinese versions with the default bootloader unlocked) before rolling back the firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader. This process takes at least 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy.

What you need:

• 📱 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone
• 💻 Windows computer (Mac/Linux Unofficially supported, but there may be bugs)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📋 Removed restrictions on unlocking (see below)

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Enable sync and confirm your phone number/email.
2. Activate Developer Mode: 7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable OEM unlock and USB debugging.
3. Request permission to unlock: Download the Mi Unlock Tool and launch it. Log in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Connect Redmi 9 in Fastboot mode. + The program will show a waiting timer (usually 168 hours). = 7 days).
4. Unlock the bootloader: After 7 days, repeat the steps with the phone connection. Press Unlock - the process will take 1-2 minutes. The phone will automatically reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

Once unlocked, you can use Method 1 (Fastboot) or Method 3 (Castom Recovery).

• 🔓 Unlocking resets phone to factory settings.
• 🚫 Some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for HD Netflix may stop working on the site.
• 🔄 Xiaomi may block the bootloader again after the official update.

Method 3: Recoil through Custom Recavery (TWRP)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ You already have the boot loader unlocked.
• ✅ You want to save your data (although there is a risk of loss).
• ✅ You need flexibility (such as installing patches or mods).

There are unofficial TWRP builds for Redmi 9 (lancelot), but beware: the wrong version of the recovery can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).

Steps:

1. Download TWRP for your model: Official site: twrp.me (check compatibility with lancelot) or trusted sources like XDA Developers.
2. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lancelot.img fastboot reboot recovery if the phone is not loaded TWRP, Try the command: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lancelot.img
3. Backup in TWRP: Select Backup from the main menu. Select Boot, System, Data. Swipe to backup (save it to PC!).
4. Sweep through the old version of MIUI: Download the firmware in.zip (not.tgz!). Transfer it to your phone or flash drive. In TWRP, select Install → specify the firmware file → swipe to install. After you complete, press Wipe cache/dalvik.
5. Reboot: Select Reboot System. The first run can take up to 15 minutes.

1. Go back to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).

2. Select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).

3. Re-swipe the firmware.

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Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 You can go back to any version. MIUI (even very old).
• 📦 Easy to install patches (for example, to remove ads in the MIUI).
• 🔧 The ability to install custom software (for example, LineageOS).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ High risk of errors (especially if the firmware is not for your model).
• 🔒 Data encryption may break (you will have to format Data).
• 🚫 Certain functions MIUI (For example, the Game Turbo may not work.

5.The risks of MIUI rollback: what could go wrong

Even if you follow the instructions, there's always a chance of problems.

The most dangerous mistake is hard brick, when the phone does not respond to any buttons and is not detected by the PC, in which case only firmware through EDL (Emergency mode) will help, but you need to:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account with rights EDL (It is difficult to get them to the average user).
• 💰 Or contacting a service center (the cost of repair is from 1500 to 5000 rubles).

💡

If after the rollback MIUI phone stopped seeing SIM-Don't try to stitch it back in again! IMEI in the engineering menu (#4636##). IMEI Zero or unknown, restore it to any further firmware.

6. Alternatives to rollback: what to do if nothing helps

If a firmware rollback seems too risky, consider these options:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Sometimes new bugs MIUI Resetting data with settings or conflicts. → Reset → Erase all data can help without rolling back the version.
• 🛠️ Install patches through Magisk: If the problem is advertising or lack of features, you can install Magisk and patches like MIUI Mix Explorer or Debloater to remove unnecessary apps.
• 📱 Switching to custom firmware: The Redmi 9 is well-functioning LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HaventOS. MIUI, but may not support certain functions, for example, IR-blaster).
• ⚙️ Disabling Updates: To MIUI Not updated automatically, turn off the option in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

If you decide to stay on the new version of MIUI but want to improve performance:

• 🔋 Turn off Miui Optimization in the Developer Settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 Remove unnecessary system applications through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI rollback on Redmi 9