How to bring back the old version MIUI Xiaomi: Safe Downgrade Firmware

After another update MIUI Did Xiaomi start to slow down, discharge quickly or make errors? Or did the new firmware version remove the usual features you can't do without? MIUI You can do it, but it takes care. Unlike a regular update, a downgrade can cause data loss, locking the bootloader, or even a brick-and-mortar device if you do something wrong.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to return the previous version. MIUI On Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones (including 2023-2026 models), you will learn how to check firmware compatibility, bypass bootloader locks and avoid typical errors, and a unique method of rollback without unlocking bootloader for some models, which few people know about.

We warn you right away that the process is not as easy as installing a regular update, but if you follow the instructions and use proven tools, the chances of success are 95%. Starting with preparation is the most important step!

1. Preparation for the rollback of firmware: what to do before the beginning

Before returning the old version MIUI, Make sure your device is ready for the procedure, and skipping at least one of these steps can lead to irreversible data loss or turn your smartphone into a brick".

First, check the device model and current version. MIUI. This is critical because the firmware is strictly model-specific, and you can find out what you want from the Settings menu. → You write down or take a picture of this data, and you're going to need it to download the right firmware.

Second, make sure you back up all the data, and even if you plan on using a non-reset method, you still have the risk of losing information.

• 📱 Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud Storage) – Stores contacts, photos, notes and settings;
• 💾 Local backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset;
• 🖥️ Computer – Manually copy photos, videos and documents to your PC.

The third step is to check the bootloader status, and if it's locked (which happens on 99% of new devices), you'll have to unlock it. You can use the command to check the status:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked. unlocking takes up to 7 days (due to Xiaomi policy) and requires a Mi Account to be linked.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Poco) M4 Pro) unlocking the loader may result in loss IMEI. Save it with the Engineering Menu before the procedure (#4636##).

Finally, prepare the tools:

2. Method 1: Recovery (without unlocking bootloader)

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

• 🔄 You're being updated through OTA (by air, not by Fastboot;
• 📦 You still have the update file (update.zip) older;
• 🔓 The bootloader was not unlocked earlier.

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download the full firmware (not incremental!) of the desired version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website: miui_BLOCKNAME_VERSION zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Install. update.zip to System (some models may call the item differently, such as Apply update from the SD card).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

If after the reboot the device stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic, it's okay. Wait 15 to 20 minutes. If nothing's changed, try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe data).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) This method may not work because of the firmware signature check, so go to method 3 or 4.

Downloaded the correct file update.zip for your model

The file is renamed and is located in the root folder.

Battery charge > 50%

Backup of all data.-->

Method 2: Fastboot firmware (with bootloader unlocked)

If the bootloader is already unlocked or you're ready to unlock it, this method is suitable for any Xiaomi model. It's more reliable than rolling back through Recovery, but requires a computer and knowledge of commands.

First, unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked):

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Turn on the debugging. USB and Unlocking OEM In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the version to open the developer menu).
3. Go to the Mi Unlock website, log in and download the Mi Unlock Tool utility.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power, follow the instructions, and unlock up to 720 hours (30 days) on new devices!

When the bootloader is unlocked, proceed to the firmware:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from Xiaomi or Firmware Updater. The file will be in.tgz or.zip format.
2. Unpack the archive into a folder on your computer. Inside should be an image folder with firmware files.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, select a firmware folder, specify the device in the list and press Refresh. If the phone is determined, click Flash.
5. Choose Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset) + The second option is safer if you don't plan on experimenting with firmware any further.

It takes 5-15 minutes. Once it's done, the phone will restart. The first run can be long (up to 10 minutes) -- that's okay.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install too old firmware, in which case you should look for a version no older than 2-3 updates from the current one.

Method 3: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

This method is suitable for advanced users, because it requires the installation of informal Recovery, but it allows you to roll back to any version. MIUI, bypassing the limitations of Xiaomi.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔧 Ability to install unofficial firmware;
• 📦 Backup and restoration of individual sections;
• 🔓 Bypassing the firmware signature verification (anti-rollback).

Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP For your model from twrp.me or forum XDA Developers.
2. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. V TWRP Make a full backup of the current firmware (click Backup and select all partitions).
4. Download the desired version of MIUI in.zip format and transfer it to your phone.
5. V TWRP Press Install, select the firmware file, and confirm the installation. Dalvik/Cache.

If the phone doesn’t start after firmware, try:

• Install the firmware again;
• Flush the core (boot.img) separately;
• Return to the drain recovery and repeat the rollback via Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) TWRP You may not work because of the super partition, but use OrangeFox Recovery, which is a modified version. TWRP support for new devices.

5. Method 4: Recoil through EDL-regime (for “bricks")

If after a failed rollback the phone stopped turning on (the so-called "brick"), it can be restored through the phone. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method works even if the device does not respond to the buttons.

This will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm);
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone. If it doesn't respond, wait until the battery is completely discharged.
2. Press the buttons Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to your computer. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the device is identified as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware, and press Flash. If the program can't see the device, install Qualcomm drivers manually.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

If the firmware through Mi Flash doesn't help, try QFil:

1 In the program, select Flat Build and specify the path to the file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn.


2 Press Load XML and select the rawprogram_unsparse.xml and patch0.xml files.




3. press Download and wait until it is completed.

If you're successful, you'll need to turn on your phone. If you're not, check the cable, check the port. USB Or try another firmware.

6. Method 5: Recoil through Xiaomi Service Center (official method)

If you don't want to take risks or the previous methods didn't work, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

Advantages:

• 🔧 Work warranty (if the device is warranty, rollback may be free of charge);
• 🛡️ No risk of bricking";
• 📄 Maintaining the official status of the device (important for the OTA-update).

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Waiting (from 3 days to 2 weeks);
• 💰 Cost (from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model);
• 🔒 Possible failure if the device has been unlocked or stitched unofficially.

To increase the chances of a successful rollback, before visiting the service:

1. Make sure that the device does not have traces of rooting or custom firmware;
2. Restore the stock recovery if installed TWRP;
3. Download and save the official firmware of the desired version on the phone - sometimes the masters agree to sew it on your request.

A list of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in firmware rollbacks - not all centers provide this service.

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Official service is the only legal way to roll back devices with a locked bootloader and a valid warranty, but be prepared for the fact that wizards may refuse if your model does not support downgrade according to Xiaomi policy.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make firmware rollback mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If you run into network problems after the rollback (no mobile Internet or calls), the modem firmware most likely flew.

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot flash fsd fsg.mbn

For recovery. IMEI On MediaTek, use the Engineering Menu:

1. Dial ##36446337##;
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information
3. Enter commands: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2"

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60 Pro) rehabilitation IMEI You may need to log in to Xiaomi's server, and without it, the modem won't work.

8 How to check the success of the rollback

After the firmware rolls back, you need to make sure it's a success.

1. Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone must match the version you were rolling back on.
2. Basic function test: 📞 Calls and mobile Internet; 📶 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; 🔋 Charging (the battery should be charged normally); 🎵 Sound and speakers; 📸 Camera (all modules must work).

Check the status of the loader:

fastboot oem lock

Update the annexes:

Mi Store

Security

Google Play

If you notice performance issues (the interface is laid, the battery goes down quickly), try:

• Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge);
• Clear the cache with Recovery (Wipe cache partition)
• Disable unnecessary background processes in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

If after the rollback the device began to work worse than on the new firmware, perhaps the problem was not in the version. MIUI, a in hardware malfunctions (e.g., a worn-out battery or an overheating processor), in which case it is worth conducting a diagnosis at the service center.

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A successful rollback is not only a working firmware, but also a stable operation of all the functions of the device. If something does not work properly, it is better to repeat the procedure or consult a specialist.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware rollback