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

After updating an app on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, have you encountered bugs, crashes or an uncomfortable interface? A rollback to the previous version is often the only solution, especially if the developers have not yet released a patch. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to roll back applications on smartphones with MIUI firmware, including methods without root rights and using ADB.

It is important to understand that not all applications support rollback: some (such as Google system services or Mi Account) can block the device after a downgrade. Also note that after a rollback, application data (login, settings, cache) can be reset – save backups in advance through Settings → Memory → Backup.

We tested all methods on the current versions. MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) And we put together step-by-step instructions that are tailored to the specifics of Xiaomi's firmware, and if you're a beginner, start with the first two, they're the simplest. ADB hand-mounted APK.

1. rollback through the built-in MIUI function (no root)

The safest way is to use the standard MIUI mechanism, which allows you to remove updates for some applications. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for all programs (like Google Play Services or Mi Browser), but it's worth trying first.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
• ⚙️ In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Remove Updates (if the option is active).
• 🔄 Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

If the Remove Updates button is inactive or not, then the application does not support rollback through this method, in which case, move on to the following methods.

2.Install the old version of APK manually

If the standard method didn’t work, you can download and install the previous version of the application in APK format. This method is suitable for most user applications (for example, WhatsApp, Instagram, VK), but does not work for the system components of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK The old version from a verified source: 🌐 APKCombo – Archive of versions of popular applications. 📦 APKMirror – a reliable resource with virus testing. ⚠️ Attention: Never download APK from unknown sites - the risk of catching a virus or spyware is extremely high.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: 🔓 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications. 📌 Select the browser or file manager through which you will install APK, and turn on the permission.

Install the old version:

• 📁 Open the downloaded file through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
• 🔄 If a conflict of versions warning appears, first remove the current version of the app.

Once installed, run the app and check its health. If errors occur (e.g., the App does not respond), try clearing the cache in Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Memory → Clear the cache.

Download APK from a trusted source | Check file for viruses | Enable installation from unknown sources | Make backup of application data | Delete current version (if required)

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3. rollback of system applications via ADB (no root)

System applications (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video, Security) will be rolled back ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method doesn't require root rights, but it does require basic command line skills. MIUI 12 and newer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to roll back: adb shell pm install -r -d /path/to/old.apk Replace. /path/to/old.apk downhill APK-file.
4. If there is a mistake INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE**, Use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name Then install the old version via adb install old.apk.

For system applications, Xiaomi may need to first disable them via adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name, and then install the old version. You can find out the name of the package through the App Inspector app or the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "name".

4.Use of third-party launchers to circumvent restrictions

Some apps (like Google Play Store or YouTube) block work after a rollback, requiring an update, and alternative launchers or modified versions of apps can be used to circumvent this restriction.

Popular solutions:

• 🛠️ ReVanced is a patched version of YouTube, Reddit and other apps without ads and with advanced features.
• 📱 Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher – allows you to hide updated versions of applications and run old ones through shortcuts.
• 🔄 App Cloner – creates a copy of the application with a different signature, which sometimes helps to bypass the lock.

Example for YouTube:

1. Delete the original YouTube (or disable it via adb).

⚠️ Note: Modified apps may violate Google Play rules and result in account bans. Do not use them on your main device if it is linked to important services (e.g. Google Pay).

5. Backup by backup (TWRP or Mi Backup)

If you backed up your app through TWRP or Mi Backup before you upgraded, you can restore the old version from the backup, which is suitable for power users, as it requires an unlocked bootloader or root rights.

Recovery methods:

Instructions for Mi Backup:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Backup.
2. Select the last backup made before the app update.
3. Click Restore and select only the desired app (if available).

For TWRP:

1. Boot in TWRP Recovery (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Select Restore and specify the folder with backup.
3. Check only the Data section (or App, if any).

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If you don’t have a backup, but you have a second Xiaomi smartphone with the right version of the app, copy the APK through Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Additional → APK Export (not available on all firmware).

6. Features of rollback for specific applications

Some applications have unique update mechanisms that make rollbacks more difficult.

Google Play Store and Google Play Services:

• 🔒 Pushback through ADB often leads to error DF-DLA-15. Solution: Remove updates through Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Remove the updates, then install the old version APK.
• 🔄 If the market does not open, clear the data and cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services.

Mi Account and Security:

• 🚫 Reverse Xiaomi system applications can lead to the device lock (this error appears). MIUI version cannot be downgraded. You can only restore work via Fastboot or flashing.
• ⚠️ Before rolling back, turn off Find Device in Settings → Xiaomi account → Find Device, otherwise the smartphone can be blocked.

WhatsApp and Telegram:

• 💬 When the messengers roll back, the messages will not be deleted, but re-authorization may be required.

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Xiaomi system applications (for example, Mi Account, Security, Finder) are dangerous to roll back - this can lead to a complete lock of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback apps on Xiaomi