How to Remove the Latest App Update on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Why App Updates Sometimes Have Problems

App updates should improve their performance, but in practice, Xiaomi users often face the opposite effect: the new version can slow down, consume more battery or stop running altogether. This is especially true for devices with MIUI, where optimization for specific models sometimes breaks compatibility. For example, after the update to Google Play Services, many owners of the Redmi Note 10 Pro complain of sudden reboots, and the new version of the Mi Browser can begin to aggressively show ads.

The root of the problem is that developers are testing updates on a limited number of devices. Xiaomi with its hundreds of models and modifications of MIUI (global, Chinese, EEA) becomes a litmus test: what works on the Mi 11 Ultra can completely break the functionality on the Poco X3 NFC. In addition, some updates come through system services (for example, Mi Share or Security), and roll them back with standard methods is impossible.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven ways to remove the latest update, from simply rolling back through settings to using ADB for system applications. Importantly, not all methods work on MIUI 14+ due to tightening security policies. If your device runs Android 13/14, prepare yourself for additional steps ahead of time.

Method 1: Recoil through application settings (for user applications)

The simplest method is suitable for applications installed from Google Play or third-party sources (APK).It does not require root rights and works on all versions of MIUI, but has a limitation: these applications will be reset.If it is important for you to save settings or progress (for example, in-game), pre-back up through Settings → Apps → Backup.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the problem app in the list (use a search if it’s not in the first rows).
• ⚙️ Slip on three-points in the upper right corner and select Remove updates.
• ✅ Confirm the action. App will return to factory version.

If you don't have "Remove Updates", you're either system-based or first-time installed (without previous versions), and then move on to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, some system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music) can automatically update through the Mi App Store.

Method 2: Remove updates via ADB (for system applications)

If the standard method didn’t work and the application is system-based (e.g. com.miui.gallery or com.android.contacts), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is required. This is more complicated, but it allows you to roll back even those applications that are blocked by the manufacturer. Important: Xiaomi can reset some settings after using ADB, so disable Mi Account in the security settings beforehand if you don’t want to face a device lock.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC

Open the command line.

ADB

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

Perform the pullback command

package.name

adb shell pm install -r -d --user 0 package.name

For example, for the Mi Gallery rollback:

adb shell pm install -r -d --user 0 com.miui.gallery

If the team returns the error INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE, This means that the application is protected from rollback, in which case only complete removal and subsequent installation of the old version manually will help (see Method). 3).

Method 3: Manually remove and install the old version (for power users)

If the first two methods didn't work, the radical option is to completely remove the application and then install the old version, which is suitable for non-system applications or if you're ready to lose all the data. System applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.scanner) will require Magisk or TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Download the old version of the APK from a reliable source (e.g. APKMirror) and make sure it is compatible with your MIUI and processor architecture (ARM64/ARM).
2. Delete the current version: For regular applications: Settings → Annexes → For system: use it. ADB-Command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 package.name

Turn off automatic updates

Google Play

Mi App Store

Install the old version

adb install old_version.apk

On MIUI 14+, system applications can recover from a reboot. To avoid this, use App Cloner or Island to create an isolated copy of the older version.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unknown sources can lead to malware infection.Always check the hash of the file (MD5/SHA-1) It is especially dangerous for Xiaomi to install modified versions of system applications - this can cause a bootloop (a looped reboot).

What to do if rollbacks don't help: alternative solutions

If none of the methods worked and the app still doesn’t work properly, consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Resetting the app settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Name of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will return the application to the post-installing state, but it will keep the current version.
• 📱 Alternative Launcher: Some system applications (such as Mi Launcher) can be replaced with Nova Launcher or Hyperion to avoid update issues.
• 🛠️ Disconnect via Mi App Store: Open Mi App Store, find the problem app, tap three points and select Disable Auto Update.
• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware: On forums XDA Developers often release modified versions. MIUI without any forced updates to system applications. MIUI EU It allows you to disable unnecessary services.

For Android 12+ devices with MIUI 13/14, there’s another trick: disable updates through background restriction. Go to Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Battery → Limit background activity. This won’t roll back the version, but it can stop automatic updates.

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If the application is still updated after rolling back, try blocking its Internet access through Settings → Mobile Network → Data Use → [Application Name]. This will prevent updates from loading in the background.

How to Prevent Automatic Updates in the Future

To avoid repeated problems, configure your device so that updates are only installed with your permission:

1. On Google Play: Open Google Play → Click on profile avatar → Settings → Network settings → App auto-update. Choose Not to update automatically or only via Wi-Fi (if limited to mobile traffic).
2. In the Mi App Store: Launch the Mi App Store → tap on the avatar → Settings → Auto Update. Turn off Automatic Update by Wi-Fi/mobile.
3. For system applications: Use ADB to disable updates for specific packages: adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.security | grep "auto-update" (replace com.miui.security with the desired package).

Nana MIUI 14, we have a feature called "Developer Mode for Applications," which allows you to block updates for individual programs. → Additionally. → For developers → Developer mode for applications.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you roll back updates, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If after all the manipulations the application still does not work, check the error logs through ADB Logcat:

adb logcat | grep -i "package.name"

(replace package.name with your app ID) This will help you understand whether the problem is version incompatibility, lack of rights or conflict with other services.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+, rolling back system applications can cause Mi Cloud and Find Device services to crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions