How to return the old version of MIUI after updating on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

MIUI updates often bring new features, but sometimes users encounter bugs, slowdowns, or an uncomfortable interface.If you upgrade your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO and the new firmware version is worse than the previous one, don't despair. There are a number of ways to bring back the old MIUI, but it's important to do it right so you don't turn your smartphone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss all official and informal methods of rollback, including the use of Fastboot, Recovery and specialized tools like MIUI bootloader. You will also learn what risks exist in downgrade and how to minimize them. Spoiler: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), the process may differ due to the locking of the bootloader.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 100%).
• 🔌 Original USB- cable (cheap cables can interrupt the process).
• 💻 Windows PC 10/11 (for Fastboot methods)
• 📥 Data backup (rollback will reset all settings!)

1.Preparation for rollback: What you need to know before downgrade

Running a firmware is not just putting the old version on top of the new one. MIUI has downgrade protection, so some devices will need to unlock the bootloader or use workarounds.

✅ The bootloader must be unlocked (unless you have never officially unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool, then a rollback via the Fastboot will not be possible without the risk of locking the device).

✅ The MIUI version should be compatible with your model, for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) won't work for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).

✅ Anti-Rollback is a mechanism that blocks the installation of old firmware on some devices (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 9 or POCO F1). If your model falls under this protection, rollback is only possible within the permissible versions.

⚠️ Warning: On MediaTek devices (e.g., Redmi 9A or POCO M3), a Fastboot rollback can cause a loss of IMEI. It will be difficult to recover it later!

Check out the current version of MIUI before you start:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Remember the full build number (e.g., V14.0.5.0.TKFMIXM).
3. Find out the code name of your model (can be found in Settings → About Phone → Model or through the CPU-Z app).

💡

If you are not sure about the coding of your model, check it on the XiaomiFlash website - there is a database of all devices with code names.

2. Method 1: Recoil through MIUI Recovery (the safest)

If your device supports firmware installation through stock Recovery, this method is the easiest and least risky, and is suitable for most Xiaomi and Redmi models released after 2019.

📌 What's the matter:

• 📱 Firmware file in.zip format (you can download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔌 USB-cable and computer (for transferring files).
• 🔄 Time (the process will take 10-20 minutes).

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI (select Recovery ROM, not Fastboot!). For example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro, this will be a file of the form sweet_global_images_V13.0.5.0.SKFMIXM_20221010.0000.00_12.0_global.zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (the phone will restart automatically).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after the rollback, don't panic - wait 10-15 minutes. If the freeze continues, try resetting via Recovery (Wipe Data).

Method 2: Recoil through Fastboot (for power users)

If the Recovery method didn’t work or your model doesn’t support installing ZIP- files, you’ll have to use Fastboot, which is more difficult but more reliable for devices with a locked bootloader (if it was unlocked earlier).

📌 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download through the Mi Flash Tool).
• 📦 A firmware file in.tgz or.zip format (Fastboot ROM).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 🔑 Unlocked Bootloader (if not, read section 4).

🔧 Instructions for rollback via Fastboot:

1. Unpack the downloaded Fastboot firmware into a folder on your computer (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the booter after installation).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Important nuances:

• 🔄 If the Mi Flash Tool gives a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, then your model has recoil protection. Try a newer version of the firmware (but not a newer version of the current one).
• 🔌 If the phone is not identified in Fastboot, check the drivers or try a different USB- port (preferably USB 2.0).

4.How to unlock the rollback bootloader (if it is blocked)

If you have never unlocked a bootloader on your Xiaomi, then a rollback through the Fastboot will not be possible. Fortunately, Xiaomi allows you to officially unlock the bootloader, but this will require:

• 📱 Related Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number!).
• 🕒 Expectation of 7-15 days (depending on model and region).
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official website).

🔧 Step-by-step unlocking:

1. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
3. Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect to your computer, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
5. Click Unlock – If you see a waiting message, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased! and some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) may stop working.

💡 Bypassing waiting (informal way):

If you don’t want to wait 7 days, you can try to bypass the restriction by linking your account to another device with the bootloader already unlocked, but this method does not work on all models and can lead to account locking.

5. Method 3: Recoil through MIUI bootloader (automated method)

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use the MIUI bootloader utility, which automatically downloads the desired firmware version and helps with installation. Suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

📌 Advantages of the method:

• 🤖 Automatic firmware selection by model.
• 🔍 Check for recoil protection.
• 📥 Download directly from Xiaomi servers.

🔧 How to use MIUI bootloader:

1. Download the program from the official website and install.
2. Select your model from the list (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
3. Specify the region (Global, China, EEA, etc.).
4. Select the desired version of MIUI from the list (note the release date!).
5. Download the firmware (both Recovery and Fastboot formats are available).
6. Follow the instructions of the program for installation (similar to methods 1 or 2).

⚠️ Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all models are supported (for example, new flagships like Xiaomi 14 may not be available).
• 🔄 The program does not bypass recoil protection - if the firmware is incompatible, the installation will fail.

💡

MIUI bootloader is the best choice for beginners, as it eliminates errors when choosing firmware and checks it for compatibility with your model.

6. Method 4: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If standard Recovery doesn’t accept update.zip, you can try installing it via ADB Sideload, which works even on some devices with a locked bootloader.

📌 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed.
• 📦 Firmware in.zip format (the same as for Recovery).
• 🔌 USB-data-couple.

🔧 Instructions:

1. Place a firmware file (e.g. update.zip) in a folder with ADB (usually C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload if you have one).
4. Connect your phone to your computer and type in the command line: adb devices (you should display your device).
5. Start the installation by command: adb sideload update.zip
6. Wait until it is finished (the progress will be displayed on the phone screen).

⚠️ Warning: If the process is interrupted with adb: failed to read command: No error, try another USB- port or cable.

7. Compatibility table: which models can be rolled back without risks

Not all Xiaomi devices are equally well tolerated by firmware rollbacks, and below is a table showing the difficulty levels and risks for popular models:

💡 Tip: If your model isn’t in the table, check it out on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, which often discuss successful rollback cases.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you roll back firmware, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common bugs and ways to solve them:

🔴 This package is for 'sweet' devices; this is a 'mojito'

🔹 Reason: You are trying to install firmware from another model.

🔹 Solution: Check the code name of your device and download the correct firmware.

🔴 Error: "Couldn't verify update package"

🔹 Cause: A damaged firmware file or incompatible version.

🔹 Solution: Download the firmware again and check its hash (e.g., via 7-Zip).

🔴 Error: “Anti-rollback check fail"

🔹 Reason: Trying to install too old firmware on a device with recoil protection.

🔹 Solution: Find an intermediate version of MIUI (for example, if you have MIUI 14, try rolling back to MIUI 13.0.5, not MIUI 12).

🔴 Phone does not turn on after rollback

🔹 Reason: Incorrectly selected mode in the Mi Flash Tool or interrupted installation process.

🔹 Solution: Try re-swipe your device in Clean all mode. If it doesn't work, contact the service center.

Critical information: On devices with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 9, POCO M3), a rollback through the Fastboot can lead to the loss of the IMEI. It can only be restored through engineering menus or specialized boxes (for example, UMT or ChimeraTool).

💡

Always check firmware compatibility with your model and code name. One mistake in choosing a file can turn a phone into a brick.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions