How to reset an update on Android Xiaomi

Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on a shell MIUI or new HyperOS, frequently receive automatic system updates. Device owners regularly face a situation where a new software version brings not only improvements, but also critical errors, increased battery drain, or incompatibility with familiar applications. At such moments, there is an urgent need to return the device to a previous, more stable version of the software.

The process of downgrading (rolling back) the firmware to Android is not a standard function that can be activated with one button in the settings menu. This is a complex technical procedure that requires an understanding of the file system architecture and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Ignoring version compatibility rules can result in your smartphone turning into a “brick” and requiring expensive repairs at a service center.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the legal and working methods of returning to the old version of MIUI. We will look at preparing the device, unlocking the bootloader, using the mode Recovery and tool Fastboot. You will learn what data will be lost and how to minimize the risks during this procedure.

Reasons for firmware rollback and risk assessment

Users often look for a way to reset an update on Android Xiaomi when faced with a sharp drop in performance. The new build may contain bugs that the developers have not yet managed to fix, or the optimization for a specific processor model has not been performed correctly. Sometimes the problem lies in changing the privacy policy or removing familiar interface functions, which causes discomfort during daily use.

However, before starting any manipulations, you must clearly understand the risks. The rollback procedure almost always involves full data wipe (Wipe Data). This means that all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be permanently deleted from the internal memory of the device if you have not made a backup copy in advance.

⚠️ Attention: Attempting to install a firmware version that is newer than the one currently installed through Recovery mode will result in a signature verification error. The system will block the installation to prevent damage to the boot partition.

In addition, there is a risk of disruption to the communication modules. If you try to install a regional firmware (for example, Chinese CN) to the global version (Global) without first unlocking the bootloader, the phone may no longer recognize SIM cards or work on 4G/5G networks. It is also important to consider that some banking applications may stop working on devices with an unlocked bootloader due to protection SafetyNet or Play Integrity.

Another significant factor is the version Android. Manufacturers often prohibit rolling back a major version of Android (for example, from Android 14 to Android 13) at the bootloader level. In such cases, even the presence of the correct firmware file will not allow the installation to complete, and the device will go into a reboot cycle.

Preparatory stage: backup and download files

The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preparation. The first and most important step is to create a complete backup of all user data. Built-in MIUI tools allow you to save contacts, notes and call logs to the cloud Xiaomi Cloud or to your account Google. However, to save photos, videos and documents, it is better to use an external drive or computer.

To create a local copy, connect your smartphone to the PC via a USB cable and copy all the contents of the internal memory to a separate folder. Don't forget to also export the settings of instant messengers, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, as they are stored in protected directories that may be difficult to access after a reset.

• 📂 Copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and Documents folders to your computer or external drive.
• ☁️ Synchronize your contacts and calendar with your Google account.
• 💾 Create a local backup of the system through the menu Settings → About phone → Backup and restore.
• 🔋 Charge the device to at least 60-70% to avoid power outage during flashing.

The next critical step is to find and download the correct firmware version. The file must be strictly lower than the version that is currently installed. You can find the latest archives on the official MIUI forum or specialized resources such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater. You will need a file in the format .zip for the Recovery method or .tgz for the Fastboot method.

When selecting a file, pay attention to the region of the device. If you have a global version (region code ends in MI), you cannot install Chinese firmware (CN) without first unlocking the bootloader and changing the region. Region mismatch is the most common cause of installation errors.

⚠️ Attention: The MIUI interface and the list of available functions may differ depending on the Android version and firmware region. Always check the current capabilities on the manufacturer's official website before installing custom assemblies.

Method one: Rollback via Recovery mode (without a PC)

This method is the simplest and does not require a computer, but it has strict limitations. The method only works if you are downgrading within the same major version of Android (for example, from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13, but both are based on Android 12) and if the device bootloader does not block signature verification.

First, copy the downloaded firmware archive to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory. Rename the file to update.zipto make the search process easier, although this is not strictly required in the latest versions of MIUI. After this, turn off the device completely.

To enter recovery mode, hold down the power button and the volume up button at the same time. Hold them until the logo MIappears, then release the power, but continue to hold the volume until the menu Recoveryappears. This menu is controlled by the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select).

In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually only English and Chinese are available) and go to Wipe Data. Confirm the data reset by pressing Confirm. This action will delete all files from the phone, so make sure you make a backup. After cleaning, return to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant or simply Installif the file is already in memory.

If you are using the standard installer inside Recovery:

1. Press the button Install (Install).
2. Select a file update.zip from the list of files.
3. Confirm the installation by swiping or pressing a button.

The installation process may take from 5 to 15 minutes. At this time, a progress bar will be displayed on the screen. Strictly prohibited interrupt this process or turn off the phone. If the installation is successful, select the option Reboot to reboot into the new (old) system.

Method two: Full flashing via Fastboot (from PC)

If the Recovery method produces an error or requires deeper intervention, you must use the Fastbootmode. This method requires a computer with Windows OS, installed driver Xiaomi USB Driver and utility Mi Flash Tool. This method allows you to completely overwrite all memory sections, including the system, boot and data sections.

Download and install Mi Flash Tool on your computer. Unpack the archive with the firmware (format .tgz) to the root of drive C so that the path to the files does not contain Cyrillic characters and spaces. The correct path should look something like this: C:\rom_images\umi_global_images_V12.5.3.0.RJBMIXM_20210604.0000.00_11.0_global.

Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, connect the switched off device to the PC with a cable while holding the volume down button. An image of a hare repairing a robot and the inscription FASTBOOTwill appear on the screen. Open Mi Flash Tool, press the button Refresh, and the app should detect the connected device, displaying its serial number.

At the bottom of the app window there are three firmware modes:

• 🟢 clean all: Complete data clearing and firmware installation (recommended for rollback).
• 🟡 save user data: An attempt to save data (often leads to errors when rolling back versions).
• 🔴 clean all and lock: Clear data and re-lock the bootloader (use only with global firmware on a global device).

Select mode clean all, press the button Flash and wait for the process to complete. Status success in the result column means successful completion. The phone will automatically reboot. The first boot after such a procedure can last up to 10 minutes - this is a normal phenomenon called application optimization.

What to do if Mi Flash Tool gives an anti-rollback error?

If you see an error related to anti-rollback, this means that the manufacturer has blocked the ability to return to this version. An attempt to force firmware in this case will lead to irreversible damage to the device (Hard Brick). The only way out is to install a newer version than the one currently installed.

Problems with the bootloader and Anti-Rollback

One ​​of the main obstacles to a rollback is the protection mechanism Anti-Rollback (ARB). Xiaomi implements a special protection index in the bootloader, which prohibits the installation of firmware with a lower index than the current one. This is done for security so that attackers cannot use vulnerabilities in older versions of Android to gain superuser rights.

You can check the current index through Fastboot mode. Connect your phone to the PC, open the command line in the folder with ADB tools and enter the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If you receive a number in response, for example, anti: 4, then your protection index is 4. The file of the firmware that you want to install should also contain an index in the name or file flash_all.bat . If the firmware index is less than the phone index, the installation will be blocked at the hardware level.

Unlock Bootloader is a prerequisite for many rollback methods, especially if you change the firmware region. Official unlocking requires submitting an application on the MIUI website and waiting from 3 to 7 days (sometimes up to a month). After obtaining permission, the utility Mi Unlock Tool.

Parameter	Recovery ROM	Fastboot ROM
File size	2-4 GB	4-6 GB
A PC	Not required	Required
Data loss	Yes (when changing versions)	Yes (in clean all mode)
Complexity	Low	Medium/High
Risk of blocking	Low	Medium (if selected incorrectly)

Data recovery and initial setup

After a successful rollback and first boot, you will see a welcome screen, just like on a new device. Go through the standard process of setting up your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and entering your Google account. At this stage, the system may offer to restore data from a cloud backup.

If you created a local backup through the built-in MIUI tool, copy the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup from the computer back to the phone’s internal memory. Then go to Settings → About phone → Backup and recovery → Recovery, select the desired recovery point and start the process.

To restore photos and documents, simply copy the previously saved folders from your computer to the corresponding directories on your smartphone. Please note that applications will have to be reinstalled from the store Play Market or GetApps. Banking applications may require additional configuration due to changed system security settings.

It is recommended to disable automatic system updates immediately after recovery to avoid re-installing the problematic version. To do this, go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version, click on the three dots in the corner and select Settings, where you can disable auto-downloading of updates.

⚠️ Attention: After rolling back the firmware, some functions depend on Xiaomi servers (for example, a theme or cloud device search) may not work correctly during the first hours. Give the system time to synchronize.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to reset the update without losing data?

Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, when downgrading a version of MIUI or Android, a complete wipe of the data section (Wipe Data) is required. This is due to changes in the structure of databases and system files between versions. Trying to save data may result in an endless reboot loop.

What to do if the phone is stuck on the MI logo after a rollback?

If the device is stuck on the logo for more than 15 minutes, try to force a reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you need to enter Recovery mode again and perform the procedure Wipe Data, and then Wipe Cache. As a last resort, you will need to flash it via Fastboot.

Will Google Pay work after unlocking the bootloader?

By default, an unlocked bootloader violates the integrity of the system, and Google services may refuse to work. However, there are methods for hiding unlocks (for example, through Magisk and Hide My Applist modules) that allow you to restore the functionality of banking applications, although this is not 100% guaranteed.

How do I know if my phone supports firmware rollback?

There is no universal method, but if when you try to install via Recovery you get the error “Can't verify the update package”, most likely signature protection or anti-rollback has worked. Checking the Anti-Rollback index via the fastboot command is the most reliable way to find out the restrictions.

Will this reset the device warranty?

Unlocking the bootloader is officially allowed by Xiaomi, but it will void the software warranty. If during the rollback process you damage the hardware (for example, due to a power surge or incorrect actions), the service center may refuse free repair, citing interference with the software.