How to change the phone Xiaomi: 5 ways from firmware to upgrade iron

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their flexibility: they can be transformed for any task, from installing alternative firmware to physically replacing components. But not all changes are equally useful. Some require only a few clicks on the menu, others require deep technical knowledge and the risk of losing warranty. This article will help you understand how to change the Xiaomi phone safely and with maximum return.

We will look at all levels of modifications, from software (change launcher, unlock bootloader) to hardware (replace battery or camera), and pay special attention to the risks - for example, why installing a custom recovery on the Redmi Note 12 can lead to a "brick", and on the "brick". POCO F5 You'll also learn which changes are reversible and which will permanently deprive you of official support. MIUI.

Important: modifications are divided into three categories by complexity: 1) Safe (setting themes, disabling system applications), 2) Risky (unlocking the bootloader, root rights), 3) Critical (replacing the motherboard, soldering contacts).

In this article, we focus on the first two categories – the third requires professional equipment and goes beyond self-study.

1. Software changes: from themes to custom firmware

Let’s start with the simplest of them all: visual and system modifications that don’t require unlocking the bootloader, even though they can dramatically change the Xiaomi experience.

The most innocuous way to transform a phone is to change the subject. MIUI This is done through settings. → Themes. But few people know that you can download themes from third-party sources (for example, Mi Themes Store through the Internet). APK) Or create your own in the editor MTZ. Major pitfall: Some themes contain promotional modules that are difficult to remove without root rights.

• 🎨 Launchers: Nova Launcher or Hyperion will replace the standard interface MIUI, Add gestures and adaptive icons.
• 🔧 ADB-commands: Allows you to disable system applications (e.g. pm uninstall) -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics for telemetry removal).
• 📱 Castomy fonts: Installed through Settings → Screen. → Font (requires root for unofficial fonts).
• 🔄 Animations: Changed through Developer Options (include 7 times by clicking on the version) MIUI).

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB This may disrupt Google Pay and other services linked to Google Mobile Services.Before experimenting, back up your Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Deeper changes require unlocking the bootloader, which opens up access to:

• 📲 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔓 Getting Root Rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Modifications of the kernel (for example, to overclock the processor on the POCO F4 GT).

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is a mandatory step for installing custom software. The process is officially supported by the company, but has limitations:

1. Mi Account Link: Requires a Xiaomi account that has been linked to the phone for at least 7 days (some models have 30 days).
2. Official tool: Mi Unlock Tool (downloaded from the official website).
3. Time limit: Once unlocked, you cannot lock the bootloader back for 720 hours (30 days).

The unlocking process:

1. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For Developers.
2. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume Reduction).
3. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account and follow the program instructions.

Create a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone to 60%+|Ensure a stable Internet connection|Disable antivirus on PC-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T And the newer unlocking of the bootloader resets data even if you did a backup. This is due to the new security policy of HyperOS. Also after unlocking some features (for example, Mi Pay and Widevine). L1 for HD-The streaming may not work properly.

Once you successfully unlock, you'll see this device is unlocked when you boot (TWRP) firmware.

3. Installation of custom firmware: from AOSP before MIUI-port

Castom firmware is divided into two types: 1) Based on AOSP (pure Android without shells) – LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS. 2 MIUI — MIUI EU, MIUI Pro, Stable MIUI remote-block.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Performance: Lack of background processes MIUI Increases the Autonomous Work Time 15-20%.
• 📱 Relevance: Security updates monthly (as opposed to official firmware, which updates once a quarter).
• 🎛️ Settings: Advanced options for camera, sound and gesture control.

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 Battery: Some firmware (like the Pixel Experience on the Redmi Note 10 Pro) drains the battery faster due to an unoptimized core.
• 📸 Camera: Stock camera MIUI It often works better than GCam ports. AOSP.
• 🛠️ Bugs: It might not work NFC, proximity or dynamics sensor (depending on the model).

Instructions for installation via TWRP:

1. Download the firmware (for example, with XDA Developers) and put it in your phone memory.
2. Reboot to TWRP (click Power + Volume Up).
3. Make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Install the firmware through Install.
5. Sweep through Magisk (if you need a root) and GApps (if you don’t need Google services).

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Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your model on the forum 4PDA or XDA. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (codename sweet) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10 Pro. 5G (codename).

4. root rights: why you need and how to get

Root rights give you full control of the system, but installing them on models with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14) can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account and loss of warranty.

• 🔧 Removal of system applications: e.g. com.miui.daemon (responsible for advertising in the Internet) MIUI).
• 📱 Backup with Titanium Backup: Saves not only data, but also application settings.
• 🎮 Game modification: Change textures in Genshin Impact or overclocking FPS Call of Duty Mobile.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Apps like Greenify are more efficient with the root.

How to get a root through Magisk:

1. Install Magisk via TWRP (download the latest version from GitHub).
2. Reboot your phone and install Magisk Manager (now called Magisk).
3. Check the status of the root in the application - the green icon should be on.

⚠️ Warning: On Dynamic Partition phones (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), installing Magisk can result in a looped bootloop.

After obtaining the root license:

• Install LSPosed for Xposed modules (e.g., GravityBox for fine-tuning the interface).
• Use Fox Magisk Module Manager to manage modules without rebooting.
• Turn off dm-verity via Magisk, otherwise the phone may not boot after the updates.

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Root rights cancel the warranty and can disrupt the operation of banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online stops working).

5 Hardware modifications: what can be replaced independently

If the software changes don't work, you can go ahead and physically modify the phone, and some operations are available even without soldering.

• 🔋 Battery: Replacing on the Redmi Note 9 Pro and older requires special glue for fixing (the original Xiaomi battery has thermal glue).
• 📸 Camera: On POCO X3 Pro can be installed module from Redmi K40 (Compatible connectors, but you will need firmware camera).
• 🔊 Dynamics: Replacement by JBL-Modules are possible, but require soldering contacts (on Xiaomi) 11T Pro speakers soldered to the motherboard).
• 📱 On screen: AMOLED-Models (e.g. Xiaomi 12) may need to calibrate colors via Mi Flash Pro after changing the screen.

Complex modifications (require rations and equipment):

• 🔌 Replacement of Type-C connector: POCO F3 The connector is soldered to the board, its replacement requires a microscope.
• 📡 antenna 5G: You can add an external antenna to the model without 5G (Redmi Note 10, but this is not a validation.
• 🔥 Cooling system: On Black Shark 5 You can replace the thermopaste with a liquid metal to reduce the temperature of the 5-8°C.

⚠️ Note: Replacement of components with Xiaomi LPDDR5-Memory (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) can lead to errors EDL Mode, if you don't follow the antistatic measures, use a grounded solder dryer and an antistatic bracelet.

Where to buy spare parts:

• AliExpress is a cheap analogue (low quality risk).
• Mi Store Official – original spare parts (expensive, but with a guarantee).
• 4PDA Market - used components from disassembly (favorable for rare models).

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Before replacing the battery, check its capacity through the AccuBattery app. If the wear exceeds 30%, the replacement is justified. The new battery needs to be "swinged" - 3 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate the controller.

6.Optimize after changes: how to restore stability

After any modifications, the phone may not work properly, and here's how to get back to optimal performance:

For programmatic changes:

• 🔄 Cache dump: B TWRP Choose the Wipe → Cache (Do not touch data to avoid losing data).
• 📉 Limitation of background processes: C Settings → Annexes → Special access → Battery Optimization Turn Off Optimization for Critical Applications.
• 🛠️ Core: For custom firmware, install the FrancoKernel or Kiran kernel for better performance.

For hardware changes:

• 🔋 Battery calibration: After replacement, discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 📡 Test antenna: Check the strength of the signal in ##4636## → Phone information. RSRP below -100 dBm, the antenna is not installed correctly.
• 🌡️ Heat tests: Use CPU Throttling Test to check for overheating after heat paste replacement.

If the phone is slowing down after the firmware:

1. Check the CPU boot in DevCheck – if a kworker or mediaserver loads the processor, this is a sign of incorrect firmware.
2. Remove unnecessary Magisk modules – some conflict with the kernel.
3. Return to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all and lock for a full reset).

7 Risks and how to avoid them

Changes have potential threats, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📌 backup EFS: Make it in. TWRP before any manipulation of the firmware.
• 🔍 Verification MD5: Always check the hash sums of the downloaded firmware (use Hash Droid).
• 🔋 Charging: Do not modify the phone at a charge level below 40% – this can cause a shutdown during the process.
• 📡 Network: Use a wired internet connection when unlocking the bootloader (Wi-Fi may be interrupted).

⚠️ Note: On phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), incorrect firmware can lead to a problem. EDL Mode (emergency mode), the exit from which requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a Mi Authorized Tool fee.The cost of unlocking in the service center is from 3000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions