Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones sooner or later face the need to reinstall the operating system, this can be caused by software errors, the desire to move from the Chinese version to the global version or the need to upgrade to a newer version of MIUI or HyperOS, which has not yet come to OTA. The process of flashing through the computer is the most reliable method, since it allows you to fully control the operation and restore the device even in critical situations.
But there are risks to the code, and the wrong actions can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, turn a smartphone into a brick. That's why it's important to follow the algorithm, use original cables and proven file sources, and in this article we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and the procedure itself.
⚠️ Attention: All flashing actions you perform at your own risk.The author is not responsible for damage to your device.Be sure to back up important data before you start, as the memory will be completely cleared.
First, you need to determine the current state of your gadget. If the phone is turned on and running, the process will be standard. If the device hangs on the logo or goes into a cyclical reboot, additional steps will be required to enter Fastboot mode. Don't ignore this stage of diagnosis, because it depends on the choice of firmware method.
Preparation of equipment and software
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the quality of preparation. You will need not only the smartphone itself, but also a working computer running Windows, as drivers for Xiaomi work best in this environment. Linux and macOS require additional settings and can work unstable with utilities by the firmware.
USB cable is critical. Cheap charging cables often don't provide stable data transfer, which can interrupt the process of writing memory sectors. Use the original cable or high-quality analog with thick wires. Also make sure that the USB port on the computer motherboard is correct.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Remember to free up space on your hard drive. Firmware archives can take up from 3 to 5 GB, and when unpacked, they will need even more space. It is recommended to have at least 10 GB of free space on the system disk.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Xiaomi has implemented protection against unauthorized firmware by blocking the bootloader. Without an unlocked Bootloader, you will not be able to install custom software or even official Fastboot firmware from another region. The unlocking process requires filing an application through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device in the Developer Menu, and then you have to wait a certain time, usually 7 to 168 hours, and then you need to check the device for theft, and only after the timer expires, the utility will allow you to unlock the bootloader.
What happens when you unlock?
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void warranty in some regions and make the device vulnerable to intruders if digital hygiene measures are not followed.
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open padlock icon, which is normal for a re-enhanced device, and if you plan to return the device to its original state for sale, you can lock the bootloader back, but only by downloading the stock version of the software for your region.
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot
Users are often confused about firmware types. For Xiaomi, there are two main formats: Recovery (in.zip format) and Fastboot (in.tgz format). Recovery firmware is designed to be installed through the phone's own recovery menu or through the update menu in the settings.
Fastboot firmware contains a complete system image, including boot partitions, modem, and recovery, which is the type of file required to run through a computer using the Mi Flash Tool, and allows you to do a clean installation, erasing all traces of previous modifications and errors.
| Characteristics | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .zip | .tgz (archive) |
| Method of installation | Through PC and Mi Flash Tool | |
| Depth of cleaning | Partial (retains data) | The Complete (Clean All) |
| Change of region | Limited (not allowed from China to Global) | Possible (with unlocked BL) |
| File size | 4-6 GB |
For system recovery or a complete software version change, always choose the Fastboot version, which ensures more stable system performance after installation, as it re-forms the file system of the device.
Installation of drivers and Mi Flash Tool
Without the right drivers, the computer won't see the phone in firmware mode, and most often, problems with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, as well as with the phone itself. ADB-It is recommended to install a universal driver package, which comes with Android platform tools.
Mi Flash Tool is the official tool of Xiaomi engineers, download it only from trusted resources or an official forum. Once installed, run the program on behalf of the administrator to avoid access errors. USB-port.
If your computer doesn’t see your device in Fastboot mode, try switching. USB-cable to another port, preferably USB Sometimes it helps to manually install the driver through the Windows Device Manager, where you need to select the device Android Bootloader Interface".
💡
Use USB 2.0 ports on the back of the system unit. USB 3.0 ports (blue) on some motherboards can cause timeouts when transferring large amounts of data in Fastboot mode.
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
When you're done, you can go to the process itself. Unpack the firmware archive into the root of the C or D drive so that the path to the folder doesn't contain Cyrillic or spaces. This is a common bug that makes it impossible for the utility to find image files.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn off your phone and press the volume button by connecting the cable to your computer. The screen should show a bunny fixing an android, or the words "FASTBOOT".
1. Launch the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Press the "Refresh" button to find the device.
3. Choose the path to the unpacked folder with firmware.
4. Select "Clean all" mode at the bottom (complete cleaning).)
5. Press Flash and wait for completion.The recording process can take anywhere from 200 to 600 seconds, during which time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the power of the computer, any interruption of the data stream can damage the partition table, which will require complex hardware repairs.
⚠️ Note: If the progress bar is stuck at a certain percentage (e.g., 6% or 94%) for a long time, do not rush to interrupt the process.
Once successfully completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot can last up to 10-15 minutes as the system optimizes applications. Be patient and don't try to turn on the screen too often.
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
Errors with codes such as "Missmatching image and device" or "Flash error" may occur in the process. The first error means you are trying to flash firmware not intended for your model (e.g., the firmware from Redmi Note 10 on Redmi Note 10 Pro).
The "Flash error" error is often associated with drivers or cable. ADB, replace USB-It also helps to run the program on behalf of the administrator and disable the antivirus while you are firmware.
💡
The code name of the device (e.g., guacamole, sushi) can be found in Fastboot mode or through applications like Device Info HW.
If the phone has gone into an endless bootloop after firmware, try the Clean all procedure again. If that doesn't help, you may need to flash it through the back. EDL-mode, which requires disassembly of the device and closure of contacts on the board.