Application updates on Xiaomi Redmi 7 often bring not only new features, but also bugs, brakes or incompatibility with MIUI. If after the update of the Google Play Store, Mi Browser or system software began to work worse, it can be rolled back to the previous version. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods from standard settings to manual removal through ADB.
It is important to understand that not all applications support rollbacks, for example, MIUI system services (such as Security or Cleaner) can block the removal of updates due to Xiaomi's security policy, and after rollback, some features may temporarily stop working, which is normal and usually corrected by a re-update.
Before you start, check:
- 🔹 Version MIUI (In Settings → On the old firmware (below). MIUI (12) some methods do not work.
- 🔹 Developer rights. They're going to be used for ways to ADB (How to turn it on - read below).
- 🔹 Backup. System applications rollback can cause crashes - save important data.
1. Remove updates through Android settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most user applications (such as YouTube, Chrome) and some system (such as Camera or Gallery).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top).
- Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Remove Updates.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
⚠️ Limitations of method:
- 🚫 It doesn’t work for Google Play Services or other critical services.
- 🔄 After a reboot, some system applications can automatically update again.
- 📱 On Redmi 7s. MIUI 13+ Remove updates may be hidden for system applications.
Check out the MIUI version in About Phone
Close all background applications
Connect your phone to charge (recommended)
Take a screenshot of the current app settings (if important)
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2. rollback through ADB (for system applications)
If the standard method doesn’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool, can remove updates even for secure applications, but requires preparation.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📦 ADB Tools (download and unpack in a separate folder).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 7: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
- Find out the name of the application package (for example, for Google Play Store it is com.android.vending). List of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f
- Remove updates by the team: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
List of popular Xiaomi packages
⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.google.android.gsf for Google Services Framework) may cause a loss of communication with Google servers when you delete updates.
3. factory reset (extreme case)
If you don't roll back the update and the application is critical to the phone, you'll have a complete reset, which will bring all system applications back to the original version, but delete all user data.
How to reset:
- Save important files to your PC or cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm.
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
⚠️ Note: Redmi 7 with bootloader unlocked may require re-authorization of Mi Account after reset. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
| Method | Difficulty | Suitable for | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android settings | ⭐ | User and some system applications | Auto-Update after Reboot |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ | Any applications (including system) | Loss of functionality in case of error |
| Resetting settings | ⭐⭐ | All applications | Deletion of user data |
| Hand-held firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | System applications with profound changes | Device blink in case of error |
4. How to prevent automatic updates of applications
To prevent the problem from recurring, disable auto updates in the Google Play Store:
Instructions:
- Open the Play Store and tap the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Go to Settings → Network Settings → Auto-Update applications.
- Choose Not to Update Automatically.
- For individual applications: find it in the Play Store, tap on three-point (⋮) and uncheck the auto update box.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7s MIUI 12.5+ Some system applications (such as Mi Video or Music) are updated through the Mi App Store, not the Play Store:
- Open the Mi App Store.
- Go to Profile → Settings → Auto Update.
- Select "Off"
💡
If after rollback the application stopped opening, try to clear its cache in Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear the cache.
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
When rolling back updates, Redmi 7 users often face typical problems.
Error 1: Remove Updates button is inactive.
- 🔹 Reason: The application is system critical (e.g. Google Play Services).
- 🔹 Solution: Use ADB or-reset.
Mistake 2:
Mi App Store.
🔹 Solution: Disable auto-updates (see Section 4).
Error 3: ADB cannot see the device.
Error 4: After a reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account.
- 🔹 Reason: The device was linked to the account, and the bootloader is unlocked.
💡
If neither method worked, check if the problem is hardware, for example, the brakes after upgrading can be caused by wear of flash memory (typical for Redmi 7 after 3-4 years of use).
6. Alternative methods: manual firmware and patches
For experienced users, there are radical methods:
- 🔧 Custom-based firmware ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience will completely replace system applications, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
- 🛠️ Magisk modules (e.g. App Systemizer or Debloater) allow you to remove system applications without root, but risky.
- 📦 Installation of the old version APK manually (e.g. with APKMirror) suitable for custom applications.
⚠️ Warning: Firmware on Redmi 7 may lead to:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is still under warranty).
- 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge due to unoptimized core.
- 📶 Problems with mobile network (especially on firmware without support) MTK-modem).
If you decide to go custom firmware, follow the instructions from the XDA-Developers forum for the Redmi 7 (onclite) model. Be sure to back up through TWRP before you start.