How to roll back the application on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

You updated the app on Xiaomi’s smartphone, but the new version is worse: slows down, crashes or lacks the usual features? rollback to the previous release is often the only solution. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of rolling applications on devices with MIUI, including hidden system functions, use of ADB and third-party services.

It's important to understand that not all applications support rollback. For example, system utilities (Camera, Gallery, Settings) are usually tied to the firmware version and you can't roll them back without rooting rights. But user programs from Google Play or Mi App Store are quite. We'll look at options for different scenarios, from a simple rollback through the store to manual installation of APK.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Smartphone model: on the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 The algorithm may be different from the Mi 11 Ultra.
• 🔒 Root rights: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader.
• 📦 Backup data: rollback can reset the application settings.

1. Google Play rollback: the easiest way

If the app was installed from Google Play, you have a chance to roll back without technical manipulation, and the method only works if the previous version is still available in the store.

1. Open Google Play and find the problem app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Remove updates.
3. Confirm action. The system will automatically return the latest compatible version.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work for all apps (depending on developer policy).
• 🔄 After the next automatic update, the problem may return.
• 📵 Not available for system applications MIUI.

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If there is no “Remove Updates” button, try clearing the Google Play cache in Settings → Apps → App Management → Google Play → Storage.

2. manual installation of APK: reliable but risky method

If automatic rollback is not possible, you can download and install the APK of the previous version manually.

1. Find a reliable source. APK-files (e.g. APKMirror or APKPure).
2. Download the version that worked consistently (check compatibility with your Xiaomi model).
3. In your phone settings, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Install unknown applications.
4. Install the downloaded APK and restart the device.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Security: Download APK Only from trusted sites to avoid viruses.
• ⚠️ Compatibility: Older version may not support current services (e.g., Google login).
• ⚠️ Updates: Turn off Auto Update for this app on Google Play.

3. rollback of system applications through ADB

System utilities (Camera, Calls, Messages) may require ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which is suitable for advanced users and requires:

• 🖥️ Computers with Platform Tools installed.
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
• 📄 Backup of data (risk of loss of settings).

Instructions:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "name packet" # Find the name of the package


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package # Remove updates




adb install old version.apk # Install old version

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you're not sure, use alternative methods.

Install Platform Tools on PC|

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi|

Download APK of the old version |

Create a backup copy of the data-->

4.Using MIUI Package Installer (for root-right firmware)

On devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can use the built-in MIUI Package Installer, which allows you to replace system applications without completely flashing:

1. Download the APK version you want (for example, for Camera, it can be com.android.camera).
2. Rename the file to app.apk and place it in the /system/priv-app/Applications Name/ folder (the folder name can be found through Root Explorer).
3. Change the access rights to 644 (rw-r----).
4. Reset the device.

Critical detail: If you replace your system application with a noncompatible version, your phone may freeze on the boot. Always check for compatibility with your version of MIUI.

5. rollback through third-party launchers (for custom applications)

Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) allow you to hide the updated version of the application and run the old one through a shortcut.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Long press on the desktop → Widgets → Action shortcuts.
3. Select the app and create a shortcut for the old version (if it remains in the system).

The downside of the method: the original application will remain updated, and the old version will have to run only through the shortcut.

6.What to do if the rollback does not work?

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔍 Version Compatibility: The older version may not support your firmware MIUI.
• 🔒 Access Rights: System applications require a root or unlocked bootloader.
• 📵 Conflicts: Some apps (like Google Services) block rollbacks due to dependencies.

At the very least, it remains:

• 📧 Call for support from the developer to return the old functionality.
• 🔄 Wait for the next update where bugs can be fixed.
• 🔧 Refuse the device to an older version MIUI (risky, requires experience).

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If the application is critical to work (e.g. banking), it is better to wait for the official fix than risk the stability of the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback apps on Xiaomi