Reflashing the Chinese Xiaomi 13 Pro: a complete guide from unlocking to installing custom firmware

Why do you want to re-flash the Xiaomi 13 Pro and what are the risks?

Xiaomi 13 Pro with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) and faced with a lack of Google services, aggressive advertising or restrictions on regional features, EU Or custom version (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) solves these problems, but requires strict follow-up of instructions, errors here are fraught with "brief" (complete inoperability of the device), loss of warranty or locking. IMEI.

This guide provides the latest 2026 flashing options for the Xiaomi 13 Pro (codename nuwa).

  • πŸ”“ How to unlock a bootloader without waiting 168 hours (legal and β€œgray” methods).
  • πŸ“₯ Where to download official and custom firmware (with virus testing).
  • πŸ› οΈ Installation through Fastboot and Recovery (including: TWRP).
  • ⚠️ Typical errors and how to avoid them (e.g., anti-rollback or invalid image).

Warning: The procedure requires a PC to Windows/Linux, original USB-cable (better from the set) and 100% If you're a beginner, back up your data with Mi. PC Google Account or Suite, as all data will be deleted.

πŸ“Š Your experience of reflashing Xiaomi?
Never stitched.
I've been running the official versions.
I have been using custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS)
I know what it is. EDL-regime

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader, without which you can’t install any firmware other than stock Chinese. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but with restrictions:

  • πŸ“… Wait 168 hours (7 days) after linking your Mi Account to your device.
  • πŸ”— Linking your phone to your Mi Account (without this, the Mi Unlock Tool won’t work).
  • πŸ’» PC with disabled antivirus (it can block Qualcomm drivers).

If you bought the phone "with your hands" and the previous owner did not untie the account, you will have to use it. EDL-The mode (emergency firmware via Qualcomm 9008).This is risky and requires the purchase of an authorized Xiaomi account (nearly the same as the one used in the case of the company). $5–$10 on forums).

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos in internal memory, will be reset, and Xiaomi can lock the device for 72 hours if it is suspected of illegal unlocking (for example, if you use Mi Flash before the expiration of 168 hours).

List of preparations required:

Xiaomi account (linked to the phone)|Original. USB-cable)|Windows PC 10/11 (or Linux with Wine)|Disabled antivirus and firewall|Backup of data (Mi) PC Suite or Google Drive)|Battery charge 100%-->

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

The official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool works, but it takes patience.

  1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Security and enable Data Sync and Find Your Device. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you a Couldn’t verify device error.
  2. Enable Developer Mode and Unlock OEM: Activate Developer Mode by pressing Version 7 times MIUI In Settings β†’ About the phone. Then into Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, turn on: πŸ”§ Unlocking OEM (necessarily!). πŸ”Œ Debugging by USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

Download the latest version of the utility from the official website. Run it on behalf of the administrator, log in to the Mi Account and follow the instructions. The phone should be in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power when the device is off).

If the Mi Unlock Tool is 50 percent or 99 percent and it's freezing, don't turn off the cable! That's OK, Xiaomi servers are checking the data. It can take up to 10 minutes to wait.

What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
1. Install Qualcomm drivers manually (download from [this repository](https://github.com/woa-project/Qualcomm-Drivers)). 2. Check that the device manager displays the phone as "Android Bootloader Interface". 3. Try another one. USB-port 2.0, not 3.0). 4. Disable driver signatures in Windows (via command line: bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on).

3. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to select firmware. Options for Xiaomi 13 Pro (nuwa):

Type of firmwareAdvantagesDeficienciesDownload link
MIUI GlobalOfficial support, Google services, OTA-updateAdvertising in MIUI, limited settingsOfficial website
MIUI EU (Xiaomi.eu)Advertising-free, advanced settings, weekly updatesNo official support, possible bugsForum Xiaomi.eu
Pixel Experience (Android 14)Clean Android, Quick UpdatesUnstable camera, no Widevine L1 (Netflix in HD)Project site

For most users, the optimal choice is between Global (if stability is needed) and Xiaomi.eu (if additional features are important). firmware from the 4PDA site or other forums may contain modified downloaders, which will lead to locking the device at the next anti-rollback update.

Before downloading, check:

  • πŸ“Œ Compatible with the codename nuwa (Xiaomi 13 Pro does not have options such as nuwap or nuwat).
  • πŸ”’ Hash sum of file (MD5) β€” It must be consistent with the one on the site.
  • πŸ“… Build Date – Firmware older than 3 months may not be installed due to anti-rollback.

πŸ’‘

Use the Xiaomi Firmware Updater utility to automatically download the latest firmware version for your model.

The most reliable way to flash Xiaomi 13 Pro is through Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for official firmware (Global/China/EU) and some custom ones (if they support fastboot installation).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and unpack the firmware: The file must have the.tgz or.zip extension. Unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, unpack it in a folder, C:\nuwa_global).
  2. Install Mi Flash Tool: Download the latest version from the official website. When installing, select a path without spaces (for example, C:\MiFlash).
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, press Volume down + Power until the hare appears in the eardress cap. Connect to the PC.
  4. Sweat the device: In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, specify the firmware folder, then select Clean all and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an invalid image error:

  • πŸ”Ή Check that the firmware is for nuwa.
  • πŸ”Ή Try a different version of the Mi Flash Tool (e.g. 2018.5.18.0 instead of the latest one).
  • πŸ”Ή Turn off driver signature verification in Windows.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI If you have a problem that lasts longer than 15 minutes, don't panic. Turn it off with a long hold on the power button (20-30 seconds) and turn it on again. If the problem recurs, re-scan with Clean all and lock (this will block the bootloader back, but save the device from "brick").

5. Install custom firmware through TWRP

To install Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS or other custom firmware, you will need TWRP Recovery.There is no official TWRP for the Xiaomi 13 Pro, but there are unofficial builds from the community.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Download TWRP for nuwa: Up-to-date versions are searched on XDA Developers or Telegram channels. Pay attention to build date - the old version may not work with new firmware.
  2. Install. TWRP via Fastboot: Open the command line in the folder with TWRP.img Next Post:Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp_nuwa.img fastboot reboot recovery
  3. Squeeze the firmware through TWRP: V TWRP Choose the Wipe β†’ Format Data (enter yes), then Install and specify the firmware file (.zip). After installation, be sure to flash Magisk (if you need a root) or Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (avoid getting stuck in the logo).

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”§ After installing custom firmware, do not update through OTA β€” This can lead to bootloop. Download the full service packs and install them through TWRP.
  • πŸ”’ If the firmware requires OrangeFox Recovery instead TWRP β€” Some custom cores (like Perseus) are not compatible with the TWRP.

πŸ’‘

Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may result in the blocking of banking applications (due to the lack of SafetyNet).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Anti-rollbackAttempt to install firmware older than the current version of MIUITry a newer version or the same one that is currently available.
Invalid image in Mi FlashMismatch of firmware with model or damaged fileDownload the firmware again, check it out. MD5-hash
Located on the MI logoIncorrect Wipe or absence Disable_Dm-VerityRe-sweeten with complete cleaning (Format Data)
This device is lockedThe bootloader is not unlocked or locked backRepeat the unlocking with the Mi Unlock Tool

If the phone is not turned on after the firmware ("brick"):

  • πŸ”Œ Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Food) and re-sew.
  • πŸ”§ If Fastboot doesn’t answer, transfer the phone to the phone. EDL-Mode (close the test points on the board or use adb reboot edl if the phone reacts at all.
  • πŸ“ž If nothing helps, contact the service center (but the warranty is already lost).
How to enter EDL-Mode on Xiaomi 13 Pro?
1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. 3. If it doesn't work, disassemble the phone and lock the testpoints on the motherboard (you need copper tweezers or wire). 4. Connect to the PC - Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in Device Manager.

7. What to do after the firmware?

Yeah, the phone's on, but the job's not done yet.

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest version (via Settings) β†’ Update the system or manually through TWRP).
  • πŸ”’ Restore data from the backup (but don’t restore system applications – this can cause conflicts).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Check SafetyNet (if you need banking applications) and install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix.
  • πŸ“± Configure your fingerprint and Face Unlock again – they reset after firmware.

If you have been using Xiaomi.eu or custom firmware:

  • πŸ”§ Include Advanced Settings in Settings β†’ Special facilities.
  • πŸ“Š Disable Miui Optimization in the developer settings (this will speed up the system).
  • πŸ”‹ Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

⚠️ Attention: After custom firmware is installed, some features may not work properly. For example, the Pixel Experience often doesn't have an ultra-wide camera lens or wireless charging.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I flash Xiaomi 13 Pro without unlocking the bootloader?
No. Without unlocking, you can only install official updates through Settings β†’ System Update. Any other firmware (including Global on the Chinese model) requires an unlocked bootloader.
How do I know if the bootloader is unlocked on my phone?
Turn off the phone and turn it on in Fastboot mode (Loudness down). + Power. If you have Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked is not.
Will I lose data when I run a firmware?
Yes, all data will be erased when unlocking the bootloader and installing the firmware. We recommend backup via Mi PC Suite, Google Account or Titanium Backup (if there is a root).
Can I get my Chinese firmware back after installing Global?
Yes, but with reservations: If you flashed Global through Fastboot, you can return China with the same version or a newer version. If you were anti-rollback and you downgraded the version, the phone may lock ("brick"). To return to China, you may need an authorized Xiaomi account (if the phone was bought in China).
Will Google Pay work after Xiaomi.eu firmware?
Yes, but only if you pass SafetyNet. To do this: Install Magisk. Activate Universal SafetyNet Fix and MagiskHide Props Config. In Magisk settings, turn on MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the hidden app list. Check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC app.