Android’s MIUI-based operating system sometimes requires user intervention to correct errors or change region. Smartphone owners often face the need to change firmware from Chinese to global or restore the device after a failure, a process that seems complicated only at first glance, but with a clear algorithm takes no more than 15-20 minutes.
There are several ways to reinstall the software, and the choice of method depends on the state of your gadget. If the device is turned on and works steadily, you can do with the usual means of the system. In more complex cases, when the phone is “hang” on the logo or not loading at all, you will need to use a computer and special utilities.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about what you're doing. Flashing is a replacement of the system partition, which is guaranteed to delete all user data. Photos, contacts and applications will disappear if you don't back up in advance. So the first step is always to prepare and store important information.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware type
For Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, there are different versions of shells. The Global version is designed for the international market, has built-in Google Play and support for many languages. The Chinese version (CN) often receives updates earlier, but lacks some services and may have restrictions on notifications outside of China.
It is also important to distinguish between firmware file formats. To update through the language selection menu or Recovery mode, an archive with the.zip extension is used. This method is called an “over the air” update or manually through Recovery. For deeper flashing, including cleaning all partitions and installing drivers, a file image with the.tgz extension is required, which is unpacked on the computer.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to install firmware designed for another device model. Even if the names are similar (e.g. Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro), the internal architecture may differ, resulting in permanent damage to the board.
Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60 percent power-consuming, and suddenly shutting down at a critical moment can turn your phone into a brick, and check for an original or quality USB cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device.
Required tools and drivers
To successfully reflash Xiaomi, you’ll need a personal computer running Windows. While some methods work on macOS and Linux, the most stable tools, such as the Mi Flash Tool, are optimized for Windows. The hard drive should have at least 5-8 GB of free space to decompress system image files.
The critical step is to install the right drivers. The computer must recognize the phone in different modes: as a drive, as an ADB debugging device, and most importantly, in Fastboot mode. Without the installed Qualcomm or MiUSB drivers, the software will not see the connected smartphone.
Download the current version of the Mi Flash Tool from an official source or a trusted forum. Older versions of the program may not work properly with new models of Snapdragon or MediaTek processors. You will also need an archiver that supports.tar and.tgz formats, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR, since standard Windows tools often do not open such files.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Recovery Update Method (without PC)
This method is suitable if the phone turns on but is unstable, or if you want to upgrade to a new version. MIUI You'll need a firmware file in.zip format, which you'll need to rename to update.zip and put in the root of the internal memory (not on the SD-map).
Once you download the file, go to the settings menu and select About Phone. Click on the kernel version or MIUI logo several times to activate the optional menu. In the list that appears, select three dots in the corner and click Select firmware file. The system will prompt you to reboot to Recovery mode.
In Recovery mode, you can control it through volume and power buttons. Select language (if available), then click "Wipe Data" to clean if you go between versions (e.g. China to Global). After cleaning, select "Install Update", find the update.zip file and confirm the action. The process will take a few minutes, after which the device will restart.
What if Recovery doesn’t see the file?
Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
This is the most powerful and quickest way to completely reassemble the system, which is required when you move from one firmware branch to another (Cross-flash) or when you restore a broken device. First, unpack the downloaded firmware archive (.tgz) into a separate folder on disk C, so that the path to it does not contain Cyrillic characters.
Turn off your smartphone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android that says Fastboot. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Open the Mi Flash Tool program, press the Refresh button. If the drivers are installed correctly, the serial number of the device will appear on the list.
In the program interface, click "Select" and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware. Pay attention to the choice of firmware mode at the bottom of the window:
- 🟢 Clean all – complete data cleanup and installation of a new system (recommended).
- 🔵 Save user data – Installation of the system with saving files (possible errors when changing the region).
- 🔴 Clean all and lock – Clean, install and lock the bootloader (use only for stock global firmware!).
Once you select the mode, press the Flash button, and the recording process will start, which is displayed as a percentage, and under no circumstances, turn off the cable or interrupt the power to the computer until the message "Success" or "Flash Done" appears.
| Parameter | Recovery (.zip) | Fastboot (.tgz) | EDL (Deep Testing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence of PC | Not required | I'll be sure. | I'll be sure. |
| Data retention | Maybe. | Only with an option. | No (full vape) |
| Change of region | Prohibited/Dangerous | Permitted. | Permitted. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
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Use it. USB-port built directly into the motherboard (back of the system unit) rather than the front panel or USB-hub to avoid loss of connection during firmware.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
To install global firmware on a Chinese phone or use custom recavators (TWRP), you need to unlock the bootloader. Without this procedure, the Mi Flash Tool will give an authorization error. The official method requires you to apply through the Mi Unlock app and link your Mi Account to the device.
Once you submit your application, the "Mi Unlock status" option will appear in the "Developers" settings, click it to link the device, then wait for the waiting period, which is usually between 7 and 168 hours (1 to 7 days), during which time you cannot log out of your phone account.
When the waiting time expires, turn off the phone, enter Fastboot mode (volume down + power) and connect to the PC. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool program, log in to the same account and press Unlock. The unlock process will clear all the data on the phone, so take care of it in advance.
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader, some security features will be limited, such as the Banks app or Mi Pay payment system may stop working without additional manipulation (Magisk, hiding root rights).
Possible errors and their solution
There may be various errors in the firmware process. -1 or -2 Mi Flash Tool often indicates a driver or cable problem. Try reinstalling drivers through Device Manager or replacing them. USB-cable to another, preferably original.
The “Missmatching image and device” error means you’re trying to install firmware that isn’t designed for this model. Carefully check the device’s code name (e.g., vayu for POCO X3 Pro or gauguin for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
If the phone went into an endless bootloop after firmware, try cleaning through Recovery (Wipe Data).If that doesn't help, it may be damaged by the persist or modem partition, which requires more complex recovery through the EDL mode, available only in authorized service centers.
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The reason is 90% Firmware errors - using unoriginal USB-cables or connection to an underpowered port.Always use short cables and ports USB 2.0/3.0 back-panel.