Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) often face a situation where a fresh MIUI update brings more problems than benefits. Slowdown, camera bugs, battery drain in a few hours or an uncomfortable interface all cause users to look for ways to return to the previous version of the firmware. However, downgrade MIUI is not as simple as it seems: Xiaomi blocks the installation of older versions through standard tools, and improper actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.
In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of MIUI rollback on the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), their risks and nuances. You will learn how to prepare the device, where to download official firmware, and what to do if after a downgrade the phone stopped loading. Importantly, the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data — without a backup you will lose photos, contacts and applications.
Why you can’t just “roll back” MIUI through the settings
Unlike iPhones or some pure Android smartphones, Xiaomi does not provide a built-in downgrade feature.
- 🔒 Xiaomi blocks installation of old firmware to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities in outdated versions MIUI.
- 📦 Changes in the structure of the software: New versions MIUI Can use updated drivers or memory partitions (e.g., dynamic partitions in Android 11)+), incompatible with old firmware.
- 🔄 Anti-Rollback Protection: On some devices, Xiaomi implements rollback protection (for example, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a Snapdragon processor), which can block the bootloader when you try to downgrade.
If you try installing an older version of MIUI through Settings → Software Update, system, or:
- ❌ This package is for 'merlin' devices; this is a 'merlinin).
- ❌ It will give you a message “Can’t downgrade).
- ⚠️ Successfully installs firmware, but after restarting the phone will get stuck on the logo MI (soft-brick).
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 with Mediatek Helio processor G85 (merlin model: the risk of a brick in a downgrade is lower than on the Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) with Snapdragon 720G. The latter often have an Anti-Rollback that can permanently lock the device.
Preparing for Downgrade: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start rolling back, follow these steps to minimize the risks:
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the device model in Settings → About the phone → Model
Find out the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version
Download the correct firmware for your model (see table below)
Charge your phone at least 60%
Prepare PCs with ADB/Fastboot drivers and Mi Flash Tool
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Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For the Redmi Note 9, there are several types of files:
| Type of firmware | Expansion | For whom? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Installation through stock recovery (Stock Recovery) | It may not be due to a version check. |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz or.zip | Installation via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocked bootloader) | High risk of bricks in case of error |
| Global Stable | .zip | Official global firmware (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RJOMIXM) | May contain a bloat. |
| China Stable | .zip | Chinese firmware without Google services | Requires manual installation of GApps |
| Custom ROM | .zip | Unofficial firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) | Loss of warranty, possible bugs |
Download the firmware only from official sources:
- 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose the Redmi Note 9 → merlin).
- 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).
- 🔧 XDA Developers (for custom firmware).
Official Global Stable
Official China Stable (without Google)
The Pixel Experience (LineageOS)
I don't know what to choose.-->
Method 1: Recoil through Fastboot (the most reliable, but difficult)
This method is suitable for all Redmi Note 9 models and guarantees installation of any version of MIUI, but requires an unlocked bootloader and command line work. If you have never used an ADB or Fastboot, you should consult a specialist.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the loader: 🔓 Go to Mi Unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool. 📱 In the phone, activate the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on Developer Mode). 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC, start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions (link your Mi Account).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if your Mi Account was created less than 30 days ago or linked to another device, in which case you will have to wait or use workarounds (for example, you will have to wait for the user to use the device, EDL-regime, but it's risky).
Download the Fastboot firmware
On MIUI Download, select your model (merlin for Redmi Note 9) and download the.tgz archive of the desired version. Unpack it in a folder on your PC.
Install firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
- 📥 Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- 📱 Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and point the way to the unpacked firmware.
- ⚙️ At the bottom, select clean all and click Flash.
- Reinstall ADB/Fastboot drivers via Android SDK Platform-Tools.
- Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
- Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
Method 2: Installation via Recovery (without unlocking the bootloader)
This method is simpler, but it doesn’t always work — especially if you’re trying to install firmware older than the one on the phone that was originally used, and is suitable for minor kickbacks (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 12.5).
Instructions:
- Download Recovery firmware: On the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site, find your model and download the.zip file you want. Rename it to update.zip and take it to the root of your phone’s internal memory.
- Boot into Recovery: 📱 Turn off the phone. 🔧 Hold the Loud up. + Food to Enter Recovery Mode. 🌐 Select the language (if required) and go to Install update.zip to System.
Install the firmware
Select update.zip and confirm installation. Once complete, click Reboot.
⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, the firmware is incompatible with your version of Anti-Rollback, and only the Fastboot method that unlocks the bootloader will help.
What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
Downgrade risks: what could go wrong
Recoiling MIUI is not a harmless procedure, but here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not turned on (soft-brick) | Incompatibility with Anti-Rollback or installation error | Repeat installation via Fastboot with a full reset (clean all) |
| Constant reboots (bootloop) | Damage to system partitions or incorrect version of vendor | Install firmware through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account) |
| No net or IMEI dropped | Damage to the modem or nvram partition | Restore IMEI via SN Writer Tool (for Mediatek) or QCN (for Snapdragon) |
| Camera or sensors are not working. | Disparity of driver versions in the vendor | Install firmware with the same build number as before |
| Google services are not working | Chinese firmware without GApps installed | Install Open GApps via TWRP or reflash to Global ROM |
If the phone stopped loading after a downgrade, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to try to turn the device on repeatedly so as not to drain the battery.
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on after the MIUI rolls back, DO NOT plug it into charging right away. First try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and repeating the firmware.
How to avoid problems after downgrade
Even if the rollback is successful, there may be hidden bugs, and follow these tips to minimize the risks:
- 🔄 Do not update immediately: After a downgrade, turn off automatic updates to Settings → Update of the PO → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.
- 📱 Reset settings: If you notice lags, do a reset via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
- 🔋 Check the battery: After rollback calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).
- 📡 Update. IMEI: If the network is lost, restore it. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information).
If you've rolled back on the older version of MIUI because of camera or battery bugs, check if they're connected to apps. For example, Facebook or TikTok often causes overheating and discharge, even on stock firmware.
- Limit background activity in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
- Install Greenify to hibernate unnecessary applications.
- Disable Mi Cloud Sync in Settings → Xiaomi account (sometimes it loads the system).
Alternatives to Downgraid: what to do if a rollback is impossible
If your Redmi Note 9 model has Anti-Rollback Protection (like the Note 9 Pro on the Snapdragon 720G), rolling back to the older version of MIUI could permanently lock the bootloader.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware: Projects like Pixel Experience, LineageOS or ArrowOS offer pure Android without Xiaomi bloatware. TWRP. fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- 🛠️ Disable unnecessary functions MIUI: Many bugs are associated with Xiaomi's branded "chips." Try: Disable Mi-Sharing in Settings → Connection and sharing. Remove the bloatwar through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics Switch to Lawnchair instead of the standard launcher.
- 📱 Buy a different smartphone: If MIUI It is not fundamentally satisfied, and downgrade is impossible, consider alternatives with pure Android (for example, Google Pixel, Nokia or Motorola).