How to roll back the MIUI 12 update on Xiaomi: all working ways in 2026

Why do users want to return to MIUI 12?

The upgrade to MIUI 12 has been a test for many Xiaomi smartphone owners. Despite promised design improvements, performance optimizations and new features like Super Wallpapers or Dark Mode 2.0, many have faced critical bugs ranging from sudden reboots to battery issues, with users of Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T and POCO F1 models particularly discontent, where after the upgrade there was a drop in FPS in games, overheating of the processor and unstable camera performance.

According to surveys on the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums, up to 37% of users who upgraded to MIUI 12 considered rolling back, with the main complaints being aggressive optimization of background processes (which disrupts the work of messengers), incorrect navigation gestures and sudden interface lags, while official support for Xiaomi often ignores complaints, citing “individual features of devices”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of rollback, from the official downgrade via Fastboot to manually stitching through TWRP, and also explain how to minimize the risks of “bricking” the device. Importantly, on models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro 2021), rollback is possible only through an authorized Xiaomi service center.

Preparing the device for rollback: what to do before the beginning

Before you start a downgrade, there are a number of critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, bootloader failure, or even a smartphone failure, starting with the obvious: backup.

Create a full copy of your data through Settings → System → Backup or use third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contact and SMS — Export through Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 📸 Photo/video – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 🔑 Passwords and tokens – save data from Mi Account, banking applications, two-factor authentication.
• 🎮 Game saves – use built-in cloud gaming services (Google Play Games, Mi Game Center).

Next, check the status of the bootloader. On most modern Xiaomi, it is locked, and unlocking requires binding to the Mi Account and waiting up to 72 hours.

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, unlocking is mandatory for methods with TWRP or custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 9 Pro on Helio) G90T) A rollback through Fastboot could lead to a loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the engineering menu (#3646633## → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information).

Official method: rollback via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

The most reliable way to bring back the old version of MIUI is to use official firmware from Xiaomi and the Mi Flash Tool, a method that works for most models, but requires a Windows PC and an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct version MIUI from en.miui.com. Choose Fastboot ROM (file with the extension.tgz. For example, for Redmi Note 8 Pro it could be. begonia_global_images_V11.0.8.0.PGGMIXM_20200708.0000.00_10.0_global.
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi (you can download here).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh. The device should be defined as COMX.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Download the correct version of Fastboot ROM for your model |

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Unlock the bootloader (if not done earlier) |

Charge your phone at least 60% |

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)-->

Unofficial method: rollback via TWRP (for power users)

If official firmware is not available or you want to install a custom version (e.g. xiaomi.eu), TWRP Recovery is required.This method is more flexible, but also more risky - an error can lead to a "brick" of the device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install. TWRP For your model, download twrp.me. For firmware, use the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.6.2_9-0-begonia.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-begonia.img
2. Download. ZIP-file MIUI (For example, with Xiaomi.eu or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
3. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
4. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select Partitions → System, Data, Boot).
5. Sweat ZIP through Install → Select ZIP. For a clean installation, check Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
6. Reboot to the system.

If after firmware the phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo, try:

• 🔄 You can go through the same thing. ZIP again.
• 🧹 Make a complete reset (Wipe) → Format Data, then re-sweeten).
• 🔧 Switch vendor and firmware separately (if available for your model).

⚠️ Note: Dynamic Partitions (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) firmware through TWRP This can lead to the loss of super partitions, in which case you will need to restore via Fastboot using the official super.img.

Recoil without unlocking the bootloader: possible workarounds

If the bootloader is locked and the official rollback via the Mi Flash Tool is not available, there are several semi-legal methods that are suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO X3 NFC or Mi 10T).

Method 1: Use of the EDL-regime

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) allows you to flash the device even with a locked bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account or a special box (for example, UFi Box).

1. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Turn off the device, press Volume up + Volume down and connect to PC.
2. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil to run the official Fastboot ROM firmware.

Method 2: Recoil through OTA-Package (only for some models)

Some devices (such as the Redmi Note 7) support downgrade through OTA-That's what packages are for:

1. Download the full OTA-Old version package (file with.zip extension).
2. Rename it to update.zip and put it in the root of internal memory.
3. Load into Recovery (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
4. Select Apply update from SD card and select update.zip.

Note that this method doesn’t work on all devices – Xiaomi often blocks downgrades through OTAs to prevent exploits.

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If your device is not identified in EDL-In the mode, try using test point. Take your phone apart, close the contacts on the motherboard (their location can be found on the motherboard). 4PDA for a specific model and connect USB-cable.

Solving problems after rollback: frequent mistakes and fixing them

Even if the firmware is successful, there may be a number of failures after a rollback, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after rolling back, try the following steps:

1. Hard reset: Press Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds.
2. Fastboot Firmware: Repeat the process with another version of MIUI.
3. Checking battery contacts: Sometimes the problem is poor contact (relevant to the Redmi Note 8/9).

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If the phone requires a password from your old Mi Account after a rollback and you don’t remember it, restore access via [account.xiaomi.com] (https://account.xiaomi.com) or contact support with proof of purchase.

Alternatives to rollback: how to improve MIUI 12 without downgrade

If the rollback seems too risky, try optimizing the current version of MIUI 12.In many cases, the problems are solved by settings or third-party tools.

1. disable aggressive battery optimization

Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and:

• 🔋 Disable optimization for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
• 🔄 Enable AutoRun for Critical Applications.
• ⚡ Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Additional Settings.

2. Install patches for performance

For devices on Snapdragon, you can use:

• 🎯 Force GPU Rendering (included in Developer Settings).
• 🚀 Magisk modules such as Universal SafetyNet Fix or Disable Flag Secure.
• 🔧 Kernel Adiutor for fine-tuning the kernel (requires root).

3. Bring back the old MIUI design

If you don’t like the new interface, install it:

• 🎨 Lawnchair Launcher (restores style) MIUI 11).
• 🖼️ Old Version MIUI Icons (a package of icons from the MIUI 10/11).
• 🔄 MIUI 12 Control Center Xposed (return module for old notification center).

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI 12 rollback