How to remove the app update on Xiaomi phone: all ways to roll back

Application updates usually improve functionality, fix bugs, and add new features. But what if after the update the program started to slow down, consume more battery or completely stopped working? On Xiaomi with the MIUI shell, it is not as easy to roll back the update as on “pure” Android – the system often blocks standard removal methods. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to return the previous version of the application, including hidden MIUI settings, ADB commands, and even manual removal via TWRP.

It's important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, system applications (like Mi Browser or Security) are harder to roll back than third-party ones from Google Play. And some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which makes it impossible to guarantee, We will describe the risks of each option in detail and give recommendations on which to choose in your situation.

Why it is impossible to simply remove the update through Settings

On most Android smartphones, you can roll back the app to the factory version through the Settings menu → Apps → [Program Name] → Remove updates. But on Xiaomi, this button often:

• 🔄 Gray and inactive — MIUI Blocks rollback for system utilities (e.g. Mi Video or Gallery).
• 🚫 Not at all – if the app was updated through Google Play, not through Google Play MIUI.
• ⚠️ Restores the old version, but does not work due to conflict with the current firmware.

The reason lies in Xiaomi’s policy of modifying Android by integrating system applications deep into the shell, such as Mi Music or Mi File Manager, which may depend on libraries. MIUI, And they're going to crash, and then they're going to roll back, and then they're going to crash. APK-Files, making it impossible to return to the factory version without additional manipulation.

Method 1: Recoil through MIUI (for system applications)

If the Remove Updates button is active but nothing happens after clicking, try an alternative path through the hidden MIUI menu.This method works for pre-installed apps (such as Mi Calculator or Mi Calendar), but is not suitable for programs from Google Play.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find the right application (e.g. com.miui.calculator for calculator).
4. Click Remove Updates → OK.
5. Reboot the phone.

If the button is inactive, the application is protected by MIUI. In this case, only removal through ADB (method 3) or manual reinstallation of APK (method 4) will help.

Enable debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap)

Connect your phone to your PC (if ADB is required)

Backup of your application data (via Titanium Backup or MIUI Backup)

Check the MIUI version (some firmware blocks rollback)

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Method 2: Remove updates via Google Play (for third-party apps)

If the app was installed or updated via Google Play, you can return the previous version without root permissions.

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with access to Google Play.
• 💻 Computer (or second phone) for downloading APK.
• 🔗 APKMirror or APKCombo.

Step-by-step:

1. Find out the current version of the app on Google Play (slick through to the end of the app page).
2. On the APKMirror website, search for this app and select the previous stable version (not beta!).
3. Download the APK to your computer and transfer it to your phone (for example, via Mi Drop or USB cable).
4. On your phone, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cogs) → Install unknown applications.
5. Install the downloaded APK. The system will suggest replacing the current version - agree.
6. Turn off automatic updates for this app on Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK - from unverified sources, it can harm the device (MD5) On the website and use antivirus.

Method 3: Recoil through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android through the command line, is suitable for system applications that MIUI blocks from changing.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📲 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Find out the name of the application package (for example, through the URL in Google Play or the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"
5. Remove updates by command (replace com.example.app in the name of your package): adb shell pm uninstall-user --user 0 com.example.app
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not delete packets with the names Android, miui.system or google - these are critical components!

Method 4: Manual removal via TWRP (requires root)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is custom recovery TWRP.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (the procedure erases all data!).
• 🛠️ Established TWRP For your Xiaomi model.
• 📄 Backup of data (required!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the original APK of the desired version of the application (for example, with APKMirror).
2. Rename the file to app.apk and place it on the memory card.
3. Upload the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
5. Find the /data/app/[packet name] folder and delete it.
6. Return to the main TWRP menu and select Install, then install the downloaded app.apk.
7. Reboot the phone.

Removing system applications via TWRP can result in a phone "brick" if you remove critical MIUI components. Always check the packet name before you delete!

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB or TWRP, you can use specialized software, like:

• 📦 App Cloner – creates a copy of the application with the selected version (but does not delete the original version).
• 🔄 Package Disabler Pro – disables updates for system applications (requires) ADB-access).
• 🗑️ SD Maid – Clears cache and residual files after uninstallation.

The most common option is App Cloner:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
2. Select the problem app and click Clone.
3. In the clone settings, specify the APK version (if you have an older version file).
4. Create a clone and use it instead of the original app.

The downside of this method is that you can double the space on your phone, because the original app will remain, but there's no risk to the system!

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Before using third-party utilities, check their Google Play rankings and reviews. Avoid programs that request access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation for no obvious reason.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to roll back updates, users often face typical problems:

Another common mistake is to delete system applications without backing up. For example, if you delete com.miui.securitycenter, the phone may stop loading. Always check the name of the package before manipulating it!

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Before any action with system applications, back up via MIUI Backup or TWRP. This will save your data in the event of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions