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

Have you upgraded your Xiaomi smartphone to a new version of MIUI but encountered bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface?Returning to previous firmware is a real task, but requires caution. Unlike the iPhone, where rollback is only possible via iTunes, Xiaomi devices provide several paths, from official downgrade via the Mi Flash Tool to manual stitching through Fastboot or Recovery.

It’s important to understand that rolling back firmware is not undoing the upgrade via Settings, but completely reflashing the device. The process can lead to data loss, so back up in advance. Also, some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) have anti-rollback protection that blocks the installation of older versions, in which case, a rollback attempt can turn the phone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return to the old version of MIUI in 2026, including official and informal methods, and how to avoid common errors. If your model supports downgrade, follow the instructions strictly by step.

1. Compatibility Check: Can I roll back the firmware on your Xiaomi model?

Before you try to return the old version, make sure your device supports downgrade. Xiaomi puts restrictions on some models through the anti-rollback mechanism.If you ignore this rule, the phone may stop turning on.

How to check:

• 🔍 Go to the official firmware website MIUI And find your model.
• 📋 In Download, see the list of available versions. If the old version is marked as Stable, you can install it.
• ⚠️ If the description has an Anti-Rollback mark (for example, Xiaomi has a 11T pro POCO F4 GT), recoiling prohibited.

Also, look at the firmware region: Installing Global ROM on a device with China ROM (or vice versa) can lead to problems with Google Services or mobile network. For example, the Redmi K50 in the Chinese version does not support Google Play out of the box.

⚠️ Note: If your model is released after 2022 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi) POCO X5 Pro, the probability of blocking anti-rollback is 90%. XDA Developers on the subject of successful rollback cases for your model.

2.Preparation for rollback: backup and unlock the bootloader

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to save data. The rollback erases the device's internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud (for contacts, notes, calls).
• 📱 Google Account (photo via Google Photos, Contacts).
• 💾 Local copy on PC (via the MTP Xiaomi PC Suite).

If you plan to use the Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool, you will need to unlock the bootloader.This is the official procedure, but it erases all data and requires waiting (usually 7-14 days for new Mi accounts).

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the model for compatibility|Download the correct version MIUI|Unlock the loader (if required)|Charge your phone at least 60%-->

How to unlock the bootloader:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times.
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models from 2023 to 2026 (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Unlocking the bootloader may require you to link the device to your Mi Account for 30 days.

Method 3: Recoil through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official firmware utility for Fastboot devices, and it supports downgrades if the model is not blocked by anti-rollback.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the desired firmware version (.tgz file) from the official website.
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
4. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, and click Select to select the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, choose Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

If the process ends with an anti-rollback error, try a different firmware version or use alternative methods.

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, install Google’s ADB and Fastboot drivers or use Xiaomi Driver Installer.

Method 2: Install the old version with Recovery (TWRP)

If you have customized recaps installed (like TWRP), you can flash the old version of MIUI without completely cleaning up the data.

What you need:

• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery (instructions for your model look at twrp.me).
• 💾 Firmware in.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware and move it to internal memory or SD-map.
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
3. Backup your current system: Backup → Select partitions (System, Data, Boot) → Swipe to Back Up.
4. Click on Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you want a full cleanup).
5. Return to the main menu, select Install, find the firmware file and confirm the installation.
6. After completion, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through TWRP may result in loss DRM-Keys (for example, on Xiaomi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K40 This means that the camera will work with a degraded quality, and Widevine. L1 (for Netflix HD) shift L3.

5. Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (without TWRP)

If you don't have TWRP, but you unlock the bootloader, you can use ADB Sideload. This method works through standard Xiaomi recavers.

Preparation:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 📄 Download the firmware in.zip format (not.tgz!).
• 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB developer-setting.

Process:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb reboot recovery
2. Select Apply Update → Apply from ADB.
3. On PC, type: adb sideload name file.zip
4. Wait until the end (there will be a progress bar on the phone screen).
5. After installation, select Reboot system now.

This method doesn’t erase data, but it may not work on new models due to Xiaomi’s limitations.

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ADB Sideload is the safest way to roll back without losing data, but requires an unlocked bootloader and official firmware in.zip format.

6. Method 4: Use of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you can't get the old MIUI back because of the anti-rollback, the alternative is to install custom firmware based on Android.

• 🤖 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Optimized for Performance.

Advantages:

• ✅ No restrictions on anti-rollback.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ The ability to choose the Android version (for example, stay on Android 12 instead of 14).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Widevine may not work. L1 (Netflix SD).
• ❌ No Xiaomi features (e.g. Second Space or Game Turbo).
• ❌ Risk of loss of guarantee.

Where to download and how to install:

1. Find firmware for your model on XDA Developers or lineageos.org.
2. Install TWRP (if not already installed).
3. Flip through Install to TWRP, then GApps (if you need Google services).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you roll back firmware, users often face problems, and here are the most common solutions.

If the phone stopped seeing after the phone rolled back SIM-maps, check the cards:

• 📶 Is the firmware installed correctly for your region (e.g. Global vs China).
• 🔧 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selecting a network (select manually).
• 📡 Whether saved IMEI (Check through *#06#).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions