The situation when after automatic updates Xiaomi smartphone starts to run slower, discharge faster or lose the usual functionality, familiar to many users. Often the new version of the shell MIUI contains not only security fixes, but also new bugs that can significantly reduce the comfort of using the device, in such cases, the only rational solution is to return to the previous, more stable build of the operating system.
The rollback process is a technically complex procedure that requires careful follow-up and careful follow-up. Unlike a simple “over-the-air” update, returning to an older firmware version often requires a complete data reset if you haven’t prepared in advance. However, there are several methods to solve the problem, from simple menu settings to using specialized software on a PC.
It's important to understand that smartphone manufacturers don't welcome downgrade, so standard tools don't always do that, so you'll need to download the archive with the right version of the software, prepare the computer, and maybe unlock the bootloader if the standard methods don't work. Let's go through all the available ways and nuances of this procedure.
Why the new MIUI version will work better than the old one
Xiaomi developers are constantly improving their operating system by adding new features and improving the interface. However, code optimization is not always smooth. Users often find that after updating Android or MIUI, the phone begins to heat up into idle, and battery life is reduced by 20-30%, this is due to background indexing processes or errors in the code of the new build.
Another common problem is changing the processor’s algorithms, allowing more aggressive frequency management, which leads to micro-freezes in games or switching between applications, and sometimes removing useful features or changing the logic of system utilities that users have become accustomed to over the years.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start any firmware manipulation, make sure that the battery is at least 60%. interruption of the system file writing process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the software.
Also worth considering is the hardware factor: Older smartphone models may not be able to physically cope with the increased demands of new MIUI versions. Heavy interface graphics and background services create a load that previous generations of processors simply cannot provide without losing performance, in which case a return to the lighter version of the system is the only salvation.
Preparation for rollback version: backup and file download
The most important step before the procedure is to save personal data, and in most cases, especially when you upgrade to an older version of the system through the recovery menu, you will need to fully format your internal memory, which means that all photos, contacts, correspondence and installed applications will be deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard means.
You can use cloud services or a computer to back up your backup, you can use the built-in Mi Cloud tool or third-party solutions like Google Drive. If you plan to carry large amounts of data, it's best to connect your phone to your PC through a computer. USB-cable DCIM, Pictures and Documents by hand.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for rollback of firmware
Once you save the data, you need to find and download the firmware itself. You need to search for files exclusively on official resources or trusted forums such as 4PDA or XiaomiFirmware. You need a file with the.zip extension intended for Recovery (often marked as "Recovery ROM"). Pay attention to the region of the device (Global, EU, Russia, China) - it must match the region of your current firmware, otherwise the installation may not pass.
You need to rename the downloaded archive to update.zip and put it in the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Don't put the file in folders, otherwise the system won't see it. Also check the digital signature of the file, if possible, to make sure that the archive is not damaged when you download it.