How to reflash the Chinese smartphone Xiaomi: from unlocking to installing firmware

Xiaomi's Chinese smartphones often come with localized firmware that contains unnecessary apps, ads or restrictions by region. MIUI It eliminates these problems, it gets security updates, it gets more functionality, but it takes care, because doing the wrong thing can turn a phone into a brick».

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of firmware, from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right software and installing it.+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T etc.), which often have a closed bootloader and specific versions MIUI If you've never done firmware, don't worry: the manual is adapted for beginners, but with all the technical details in mind.

⚠️ Important: Firmware voids warranty and may result in data loss.If your Xiaomi was purchased less than 30 days ago, consider returning through official channels instead of manipulating the software yourself.

The firmware process of China’s Xiaomi is different from global models, for example, to unlock the bootloader may require linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi servers (sometimes up to 720 hours!). K60 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 require special versions of MiFlash or Fastboot tools.

If you're willing to take a chance, you'll get started, but first, check if you really need a flashing.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking or installing new software, follow the necessary preparatory steps to minimize risks and simplify the process.

First, back up all the data. The firmware erases the device's internal memory, so copy photos, contacts and files to your computer or cloud, and this will be done with the standard Mi Mover app or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (require root rights).

Second, check your device model and current version. MIUI. This is critical: firmware from another model or region can bring the phone down. → The phone. Pay attention to the phone:

• 📱 Name of the model, for example, 2210132G For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).
• 🌐 Firmware Region (China, Global, EEA, India.).
• 🔢 Version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.3.0.TLMCNXM).

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (for MiFlash and ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
• 🔓 Mi Account tied to phone (to unlock the bootloader).

2 Unlocking the bootloader: the most difficult stage

The bootloader on Xiaomi is locked by default, and unlocking it is a prerequisite for installing any unofficial firmware, which takes from a few minutes to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy).

To unlock, follow the instructions:

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Turn on the developer mode on the phone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Follow the instructions. If you hear a message saying you need to wait, wait. SMS or notifications in your account (usually 168-720 hours).

⚠️ If you see a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, check it out:

• 🔹 Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (in Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 🔹 Are you using it? VPN or proxy (Xiaomi servers block such connections).
• 🔹 Is your Xiaomi model “anlock-unfriendly” (e.g. some versions of Redmi)? K50 They require additional manipulations).

3. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to decide on the type of firmware.

1. Official global MIUI (Global/EEA)

• ✅ Full compatibility with the device.
• ✅ Regular updates from Xiaomi.
• ✅ No advertising or Chinese services.
• ❌ Some functions may not be supported (for example, IR-blaster).

2. Official Chinese MIUI (China Stable)

• ✅ Maximum stability (updates are tested longer).
• ✅ Full support for all functions of the device.
• ❌ Lots of advertising and unnecessary Chinese apps.
• ❌ No Google Services (you will need to install manually).

3. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid)

• ✅ Pure Android without shell MIUI.
• ✅ More opportunities for customization.
• ❌ There may be bugs (e.g., a broken camera or NFC).
• ❌ No official support from Xiaomi.

For most users, the best choice is the official global firmware, which can be downloaded from the sites:

• 🌍 Official portal MIUI (Choose the Global version or EEA).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (Firmware Archive with Version History).

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If you choose custom firmware, check its support on the forum XDA Developers. Look for tagged themes "[ROM]" for your model.

4. Ways to install firmware: Fastboot vs Recovery

There are two main methods of Xiaomi firmware: through Fastboot (complete system rewriting) and through Recovery (update without erasing data).

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (recommended for region change)

• 🔧 Completely rewrites all sections of the phone.
• 🔄 Requires an unlocked bootloader.
• ⚠️ Erase all data (including internal memory!).

Tools: MiFlash (official utility) or fastboot manually.

Method 2: Recovery Installation (for upgrades within a single branch) MIUI)

• 🔄 Save user data (but it’s better to make a backup!).
• 🔧 It only works for firmware in the same region (e.g. China Stable on China Stable).
• ❌ Not suitable for changing the type of firmware (from Chinese to global).

Tools: TWRP (Custom recovery or standard MI-Recovery.

Comparison of methods:

5. Step-by-step instruction: firmware via Fastboot

This method is suitable for a complete firmware change (for example, from Chinese to global). Follow the instructions carefully - errors at this stage can lead to a brick (inoperability) of the device.

Firmware steps:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (for example, fw_redwood_miui_GLOBAL_14.0.3.0.TMOMIXM_... For the Redmi Note 12). Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (pathless!).
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. Connect to the PC.
3. Open the command line in the firmware folder (Shift) + right-button → "Open the PowerShell window here") and execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 1234abcd fastboot - can continue.
4. For firmware via MiFlash: Open the MiFlash.exe utility. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware. Select Clean all mode (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock mode (cleaning). + Lock the bootloader after firmware. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
5. For manual firmware via fastboot: In the command line, execute (for Windows): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI 15 minutes:

• 🔹 Try to go to Recovery (Loudness Up). + Powering) and making Wipe Data.
• 🔹 If it doesn’t work, repeat the firmware by selecting a different mode in MiFlash (e.g. Clean all and lock instead of Clean all).

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Fastboot firmware is the most reliable way to change region, but requires strict compliance with instructions, and errors in commands or incorrect firmware will lead to the device failure.

6. Firmware through TWRP: custom-made ROM

If you install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), custom recovery is required — TWRP. Its installation requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP for your model from twrp.me (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redwood.img For the Redmi Note 12).
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redwood.img
3. Immediately after that, go to TWRP, clamping up + Food (otherwise, the standard firmware will overwrite) TWRP).
4. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select Storage → Swipe to Backup).
5. Sweep through the custom firmware: 🔹 Copy. ZIP-phone-file. 🔹 V TWRP Choose Install → Choose. ZIP → Swipe to Confirm Flash. 🔹 After installation, run the Wipe → Format Data (required for first installation!).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware requires additional actions:

• 🔹 Installations of GApps (Google services) separate ZIP-file.
• 🔹 Patching vbmeta to bypass bootloader check: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. "Anti Rollback" error

• 🔹 Reason: Trying to re-wind the old version MIUI on a device with a new firmware that has rollback protection.
• 🔹 Solution: Scroll down a newer version MIUI (If it is Chinese, then try again.

2. the phone does not turn on after firmware (black screen)

• 🔹 Cause: Incompatible firmware or interrupted process.
• 🔹 Solution: Try going to Fastboot and repeating the firmware. If it doesn't work, run the official Chinese firmware through MiFlash in Clean all and lock mode.

3. Error "This package is for 'redwood' devices; this is a'

• 🔹 Reason: Firmware is not suitable for your model.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the model name in Fastboot with the command: fastboot getvar product and download the firmware for that code (e.g., redwood for Redmi Note 12).

4.Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

• 🔹 Reason: Partition conflict or incomplete firmware.
• 🔹 Solution: Go to Recovery and run Wipe Data. If it doesn't work, re-sweeten with the Clean all mark in MiFlash.

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If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI If the network is not working, restore it with the tool. QCN Rebuilder. That's gonna need a backup section. modemst1/modemst2 (dot TWRP).

8.What to do after firmware: setup and optimization

After successful firmware, there are several important steps:

1.Initial setting

• 🔹 When first enabled, select a language and region (e.g., Russia or Europe).
• 🔹 Skip Mi Account binding if you don’t plan to use Xiaomi services.
• 🔹 Restore data from the backup (if you did it through Mi Mover or TWRP).

2. Checking of performance

• 📶 Network: Make sure there is a mobile network signal and Wi-Fi is running.
• 📸 Camera: Test all modules (main, wide-angle, macro).
• 🔋 Charging: Check if the charger is determined.
• 🎵 Sound: Turn on music through speakers and headphones.

3. System optimization

• 🔹 Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) via Settings → Annexes.
• 🔹 Activate CPU Overclocking (if supported) in Settings → Battery and productivity.
• 🔹 Install Magisk to get root rights (optional, but useful for fine-tuning).

4. Firmware update

After firmware, check for updates in Settings → Update system: If you use custom firmware, follow the updates in the developer forum (for example, on the website). XDA).

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After the firmware, take your time to install the applications. Let the system run for 1-2 days to make sure that it is stable. If there are lags or overheating, the firmware may not be correctly selected.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware