How to reflash Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from Fastboot to custom software

Reflashing Xiaomi’s smartphone is a process that can either return a device to a “second life” or turn it into a “brick” if you approach it without preparation. Unlike standard updates through MIUI Updater, manual firmware allows you to install a more recent version of the software, switch to global firmware from Chinese, remove preinstalled software or even install custom builds like LineageOS. But here lies the main trap: wrong firmware choice or violation of the sequence of actions can lead to a loss of warranty, IMEI failure or complete inoperability of the device.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways Xiaomi firmware is used, from official methods through Fastboot and Recovery to alternative solutions using ADB and third-party utilities. Special attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader (without it, most methods simply will not work), choosing the right version of firmware for your model and the typical mistakes that users make. If you have never done firmware before, start with official instructions and only then move on to experiments with custom software.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

The first and most important step is to save all the data. The firmware, especially through Fastboot, completely erases the device's internal memory. Use Mi Mover, Google Drive, or physical porting to your PC to back up:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf via Contacts app)
• 📷 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (use Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden)
• 🎮 Game saves (some games, such as Genshin Impact, are linked to a Mi Account)

Next, check the device model and the current firmware version. This is critical: the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).

• 📄 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click several times on the "Core Version»)
• 🔍 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows PC 10/11 (Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%
• 🛠️ Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor)

2 Unlock the bootloader: without it anywhere

90% of firmware methods require an unlocked bootloader, except for an upgrade via MIUI Updater or Recovery (but there may be limitations), and the unlocking process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has its own nuances:

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking resets the device to factory settings. If you have linked your Mi Account to your phone, you will need to enter your username/password to activate it after unlocking.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging via USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
5. Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions, which can take up to 72 hours (if you have a new account) or take place immediately (if you have an account attached to your device for more than 30 days).

Once you unlock it successfully, the phone will restart, and in Fastboot mode, it will say Unlocked. Now you can start the firmware.

3. Method 1: Fastboot firmware (official method)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for installing official firmware.

• 🔄 Brick recovery (if the phone is not turned on)
• 🌍 Transition from Chinese firmware to global (and vice versa)
• ⬆️ Updates to the new version MIUI absent OTA

Requirements:

• Unlocked loader
• Official firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website)
• The Mi Flash Tool

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (only for experienced) Save user data – data storage (not always stable)

Flash

Typical errors and decisions:

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (without PC)

If you don't have access to your computer, you can update your firmware through Recovery, which is a method that works for:

• 📲 Official installations OTA-update
• 🔄 Recovery after a failure (if the phone is turned on)
• ⚡ Moving to a newer version MIUI without data loss (sometimes)

Important: Not all firmware supports installation via Recovery. Look for archives with the.zip extension and the Recovery ROM tag on the official website.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware.zip and move it to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not folders!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
5. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
6. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: If E:footer is wrong in the process, the firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model. Download it again and check the checksum MD5.

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after running through Recovery, try resetting it through the same Recovery (Wipe Data) that often solves the boot problem.

5. Method 3: Firmware through ADB Sideload (for experienced)

ADB Sideload is useful when standard methods fail, such as when system files are damaged. It requires a PC, but does not always need an unlocked bootloader (depending on the model).

Advantages:

• 🔧 It works even if the recovery is damaged.
• 📦 Allows you to install large firmware (more than 2 GB)
• 🔄 Can be used to revert to the previous version MIUI

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your PC (download Google’s Platform Tools).
2. Download the firmware in.zip format for Recovery.
3. Launch your phone in Recovery and select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and type the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
5. Enter the command to install: adb sideload name file.zip

Firmware through ADB Sideload can take up to 30 minutes - do not turn off the cable or interrupt the process, even if the progress bar on the phone screen is not moving.

6. Method 4: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

Custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc OS give you more freedom: pure, ad-free Android, regular security updates and additional features.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader
• 🛠️ Installed custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP)
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your model

Step-by-step:

1. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. Make a full backup of the current firmware in TWRP (Backup item).
3. Download custom firmware (.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

GApps

Reboot. The first launch can take 10 to 15 minutes.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support some features, such as Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix) or dual cameras. Check forum reviews before installing XDA Developers or 4PDA.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face firmware problems, and here are the most common bugs and solutions:

1.The phone does not turn on after firmware ("brick")

• 🔌 Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Food) and re-sew.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t work, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
• 🛠️ In the extreme, contact the service center (but it can be expensive).

2.Loss of IMEI or network

• 📡 Check if the firmware supports your model (especially for Chinese versions).
• 🔧 Restore. IMEI Engineer Mode (code ##4636## or #36446337##).
• 📎 If Baseband is missing, swipe the modem module separately through Fastboot.

3. Infinite Boot (bootloop)

• 🔄 Reset your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data).
• 📥 Go back to another version. MIUI (It is possible that the current firmware is damaged).
• 🛑 If nothing helps, then swipe through Fastboot with the Clean all and lock option (but this will block the bootloader!).

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Before firmware, always check the firmware compatibility with your model by device code (for example, raphael for Redmi K20 Pro).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)