Changing the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can dramatically improve the operation of a device, from eliminating factory bugs to adding new features. However, the wrong actions lead to a “bricking” gadget, loss of warranty or security problems. This article will help you understand when to update the software and when to leave everything as it is.
Xiaomi’s official firmware (MIUI) comes out regularly, but doesn’t always contain the expected improvements. Alternative builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offer “clean” Android without any extra software, but require unlocking the bootloader and technical skills. We’ll look at both options, from automatic updates through Settings to manually install custom software via fastboot.
It is important to understand that the procedure for the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be different due to different processors and versions. MIUI. And on devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), the update algorithm has changed completely. So before you start, check the model of your smartphone and the version of the current firmware in Settings. → The phone.
1. Preparation for firmware change: what to do before the start
The first step is backing up your data, and even an official update via OTA can cause you to reset if something goes wrong. Use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive to save:
- 📱 Contacts and communications (export through Contacts) → Management → Exports)
- 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
- 🔑 Passwords and application data (use Titanium Backup for root access)
- 🎮 Save games (synchronize through your Google account or game developer)
Then check the battery power, it should be at least 60%, and when the device is discharged during firmware, it may turn off, which will lead to a software failure.
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 or macOS (for manual firmware)
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (faulty cable is a common cause of errors)
- 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, drivers for your model
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Unlocking the bootloader now requires you to link your Mi Account to the device for 72 hours.
2. Official Update: How to Upgrade MIUI or HyperOS via OTA
The safest way is to automatically update via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Xiaomi releases three types of updates:
- 🔄 Incremental (small patches, weighing 50-300 MB)
- 📦 Complete (full assembly) MIUI/HyperOS, 1.5–3 GB)
- 🚀 Beta versions (for testers, may contain bugs)
If the update does not come automatically:
- Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable the Wi-Fi Update in the background.
- Download the firmware manually from en.miui.com by selecting your model.
| Type of firmware | Size | Features | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable (stable) | 1.5–2.5 GB | Tested, minimum bugs | Less often, new functions later |
| Beta (beta) | 1.8–3 GB | New features, weekly updates | Critical errors are possible |
| Recovery (for recovery) | 1-1.5 GB | Installed through stock recovery | Not suitable for custom Recovery |
| Fastboot (full) | 2-3 GB | Installed via PC, resets data | Requires an unlocked bootloader |
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) transitional MIUI on HyperOS through OTA You may reset to factory settings. Before you update, transfer the data to an external drive.
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If the update is “hanging” by 0% or 50%, reboot the phone to recovery mode (Power + Volume Up) and select Apply update from ADB. This often solves the boot problem.
3. Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware
Without bootloader unlocking, unofficial software cannot be installed. Xiaomi allows this procedure, but with limitations:
- 🔓 Only allowed for Mi accounts that are at least 7 days connected to the device (for new models, 72 hours).
- 📱 You can unlock no more than 3 devices per month on one account.
- 🚫 After unlocking, all data (including internal memory) is reset).
Instructions for unlocking:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when the device is off).
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the hints.
On 2023-2026 devices (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 Pro), unlocking may require confirmation via SMS or email, even if the account is linked to a phone.
Linking your Mi Account to your device|Turn on OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Charge the phone before 100%-->
4. Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others
Custom firmware gives a "clean" Android without branded bells and whistles Xiaomi, but require:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (see previous section).
- 🛠️ Established custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 📥 Compatible firmware for your model (check on the XDA Developers).
Step-by-step instructions for installing LineageOS:
- Download firmware and GApps (Google services) for your architecture (arm64 or arm).
- Reboot your phone to TWRP (Power + Volume Up).
- Make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Install the firmware through Install, then GApps.
- Restart (the first launch can take 10-15 minutes).
Popular firmware for Xiaomi in 2026:
| Firmware | Features | Support for models |
|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Clean Android, regular updates | Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4 |
| Pixel Experience | The interface is like Google Pixel | Xiaomi 11T, Redmi K40 |
| ArrowOS | Minimalist design, high productivity | POCO X3, Mi 10 |
| Xiaomi.eu | MIUI without Chinese services, multilingualism | Most models (except new ones with HyperOS) |
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) Installation of custom firmware is fraught with problems with the modem (network may disappear.
What to do if there is no network after the firmware?
5.Switching from MIUI to HyperOS: features and pitfalls
HyperOS is Xiaomi’s new shell, replacing MIUI on the 2023-2026 flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70, etc.) and is based on Android 14 and has a number of differences:
- 🔄 Updated interface with dynamic wallpaper and widgets.
- 🔒 Enhanced data protection (new bootloader unlocking mechanism).
- 📱 Optimization for foldable devices (Xiaomi) MIX Fold 3).
To switch from MIUI to HyperOS:
- Download the full HyperOS package for your model from the official website.
- Use the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode (erase all data!).
- Once installed, re-connect your Mi Account or some features (such as Mi Cloud) won’t work.
On HyperOS devices, MIUI retracement is possible only through full fastboot flashing, and it may take 72 hours to re-unblock the bootloader.
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HyperOS does not support old themes and widgets from MIUI. Save important settings before you switch or find analogues in the new interface.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.
This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device
- 🔹 You downloaded firmware for another model (check fastboot getvar product).
- 🔹 Trying to install global firmware on a Chinese device (you need to flash China first) ROM, global).
Error: "Device is locked. Unable to verify"
- 🔹 The boot loader is not unlocked (see Section 3).
- 🔹 Mi Account not tied to 72-hour device.
The phone does not turn on after firmware ("brick")
- 🔹 Try to get into fastboot (Power) + Volume Down) and flash stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔹 If you do not respond to the buttons, connect to the charger for 30 minutes, then try again.
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If the camera doesn't work after installing custom firmware, download a separate Camera Fix patch for your model, often solved by replacing the libmmcamera* file to /vendor/lib.
7 How to return the stock firmware if something went wrong
If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, restore the original software:
- Download fastboot firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and select clean all in the utility settings.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
For HyperOS devices:
- Use the firmware marked HYPER in the file name.
- After the drain is restored, unlocking the bootloader will reset - you will have to wait 72 hours to re-unblock.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed after returning to stock firmware may disappear IMEI. You can restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility. SN Write Tool (requires authorization).