Beijing, February 25, 2024 – In a move that addresses long-standing user concerns, Xiaomi is set to offer a downgrade service for its smartphones through its after-sales support channels. This announcement comes directly from Wang Le, Director of the Application Software Department at Xiaomi, signaling a potential shift in the company’s approach to software management and user flexibility.
After communicating with our after-sales technical support team, we’ve decided that downgrade requests can now be handled through our after-sales service, Wang Le stated in a recent online post. He emphasized the importance of data backup before initiating the downgrade process and advised users to contact the service center to schedule an appointment.
This development is particularly significant as it simplifies the often-complex process of downgrading Xiaomi devices. Previously, users seeking to revert to an older version of the operating system were required to unlock the bootloader (BL) – a process that involves applying for permission and flashing the device, a procedure that can be daunting for less tech-savvy individuals.
Wang Le also addressed a previous poll regarding BL unlocking, clarifying that it was intended to gather user feedback and explore potential solutions. We prefer to deliver rather than promise, he explained, highlighting the complexities involved in addressing user needs and the limitations of individual decision-making power within the company.
Responding to user inquiries in the comments section, Wang Le offered a measured response regarding the possibility of a BL-unlock-free official downgrade tool, stating, One step at a time. He also confirmed that users could begin inquiring about after-sales downgrade services as early as next week.
The current process for downgrading Xiaomi phones, as noted by users on the Xiaomi community, involves applying for BL unlocking and then flashing the device, as explained by user @廿花. This method, while effective, presents a barrier to entry for many users who are uncomfortable with the technical aspects of the process.
The decision to offer downgrade services through after-sales support could be interpreted as a move to enhance user satisfaction and address concerns about software updates that may introduce bugs or performance issues. By providing a more accessible and supported method for downgrading, Xiaomi aims to empower users to customize their device experience and maintain optimal performance.
This announcement follows previous statements from Wang Le regarding the company’s BL unlocking policy. He has previously characterized BL unlocking as a double-edged sword and advised general users to maintain the official locked state for security reasons.
The introduction of after-sales downgrade support represents a potential win-win situation. It allows Xiaomi to maintain control over the software ecosystem while providing users with a much-needed option for reverting to older versions when necessary. The move is likely to be welcomed by the Xiaomi community and could set a new standard for user support in the Android smartphone market.
Conclusion:
Xiaomi’s decision to offer downgrade services through its after-sales support channels marks a positive step towards greater user empowerment and flexibility. While the details of the service are still emerging, the announcement signals a commitment to addressing user concerns and providing a more accessible means of managing software updates. This move is likely to be well-received by Xiaomi users and could influence other manufacturers to adopt similar policies. Further developments and user feedback on the implementation of this service will be crucial in assessing its long-term impact.
References:
- IT之家. (2024, February 24). 小米王乐：降级需求后续可先去售后解决. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/0/752/945.htm
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