How to reflash Xiaomi through the Recovery: a detailed guide with nuances

Introduction: why do you need to reflash through the Recovery

Reflashing Xiaomi’s smartphone through recovery mode is one of the most reliable ways to update or restore a system when standard methods don’t work. Unlike upgrading through Settings → About Phone → System Update, this method gives you complete control over the process, allows you to install custom firmware and fix critical errors.

The main reasons why users resort to flashing through the recavator: exiting the “brick” (inoperable state), removing the bloatware (pre-installed applications), switching to the global version of MIUI from Chinese, or installing alternative firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process requires accuracy - an error at any stage can lead to data loss or device failure.

In this article, we will discuss two scenarios: firmware through stock Mi Recovery (official recovery mode) and TWRP (castomy recovery with advanced features). Both methods have their own characteristics, and the choice depends on your Xiaomi model and firmware goals.

Preparation of the device: what to do before the firmware

Before you start flashing, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to the inability to recover data after a reset or even to software damage to the device.

First, back up all your important data. Recovery firmware requires, in most cases, a wipe of /data, which means loss of photos, contacts, messages, and installed applications. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-file via the Contacts app)
• 📸 Photo and video (copy folder) DCIM computer)
• 🔑 Passwords and tokens (save data from accounts, two-factor authentication)
• 🎮 Save games (use cloud services like Google Play Games)

The second is to check the firmware compatibility with your model. Installing an inappropriate MIUI or custom firmware version can result in bootloop or sensor failure. The model name can be found in Settings → Phone → Model or on a sticker under the lid (for removable battery devices). For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has the code name sweet, and the POCO X3 Pro is vayu.

⚠️ Note: If your device is locked through Mi Account (Xiaomi account), unlock it before firmware.In some cases, after installing a new firmware, you may need to re-authorize, and without access to the account, the phone will become a brick».

Three, charge the battery at least 60 percent, and it can take 10 to 40 minutes to run the firmware, and it's almost guaranteed that the battery will fail.

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission)
• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux (unlocking the loader or installation TWRP)
• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (for TWRP) or.tgz (for Mi Recovery)

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware that determines not only the functionality of the device, but also the method of installation.

For most users, the best choice will be the official global firmware (for example, the most popular, miui_SWEETGlobal_V14.0.2.0.TKFMIXM_... For the Redmi Note 10 It can be downloaded from the official Xiaomi website or through tools like Xiaomi Firmware Updater. If you need custom firmware, we recommend you to consult trusted sources:

• 🌍 MIUI EU — xiaomi.eu
• 🤖 LineageOS — lineageos.org
• 📱 Pixel Experience — pixelexperience.org

Note the firmware version of Android. For example, if your device originally ran on Android 11 and you’re trying to install firmware on Android 13, you may need to upgrade pre-update via fastboot or a special anti-rollback patch.

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If you are installing custom firmware for the first time, select an assembly marked "Stable" or "Official." Experimental versions ("Beta", "Nightly") may contain critical bugs.

Installation TWRP: when without custom recavery can not do

Stock Mi Recovery is very limited: it does not allow you to install informal firmware, make full backups or modify system partitions. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – custom recovery with advanced features.

The TWRP installation process depends on the device model and bootloader status:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account and wait 7-30 days for new accounts).
2. Download the TWRP image for your model from the official website twrp.me.
3. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img

Once installed, immediately back up the current firmware in TWRP (Backup section) by selecting Boot, System, Data, and Vendor partitions to help restore the device in case of an error.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or X-ray) POCO F4) The scaling machine automatically replaces TWRP To avoid this, after installation, TWRP Go to it immediately and turn off the firmware signature check (in the settings) TWRP Find Disable DM-Verity or Force Encryption).

If you plan to install custom firmware, you may need to flash Disable Force Encrypt (to disable forced encryption) or Magisk (to obtain root rights), which usually come as separate.zip archives and are installed via TWRP after the main firmware.

Firmware through Mi Recovery: step-by-step instructions

If you're installing official MIUI firmware and you're not planning customizations, you can do with stock recavers, which are simpler and safer, but have limitations:

• ✅ Suitable only for official firmware in.tgz or.zip format.
• ❌ Does not allow custom kernels or modifications to be installed.
• ❌ There is no way to make a full backup system.

Steps of firmware through Mi Recovery:

1. Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website and rename the file to update.zip (for convenience).
2. Transfer the file to the root of the internal memory or to the SD-map.
3. Load into the receptacle: Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds.

Choose a language

Install update.zip

Wait for completion

Reboot to System

If the firmware requires a Wipe, Recovery will prompt it to do so automatically. In most cases, a Cache and Dalvik Cache reset is enough, but switching to another version of Android (for example, 11 to 12) may require a full Wipe Data reset.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) Stock recavators block installation of firmware with Downgrade status. If you're trying to roll back to an older version. MIUI, Use fastboot or TWRP.

After successful firmware, it can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to turn on, which is normal. If the device has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, try rebooting the recavator and making a Wipe Cache.

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Stock Mi Recovery is only suitable for official firmware. For custom solutions or backups, be sure to install TWRP.

Firmware through TWRP: advanced features

Installing firmware through TWRP gives you more control, but it takes care. Here's a step-by-step process:

File preparation:

• Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, miui_SWEETEEAGlobal_V14.0.1.0.TKFEUXM_...).
• If you are installing custom firmware, check for GApps (Google services) and Magisk (root).
• Transfer all files to SD-card or internal memory (Download folder).

2. Download to TWRP:

• Turn off the device.
• Press Volume Up + Nutrition (on some models – Volume Up + Volume Down + Nutrition).
• If the device is loaded into a stock Recovery, use the command: fastboot boot twrp.img

Installation of firmware:

1. In TWRP, click Install and select the firmware file.
2. Add GApps and Magisk (if needed) through Add more Zips.
3. Swipe to confirm Flash (Swipe to confirm Flash).

Clearing the cache:

• After installation, press Wipe cache/Dalvik.
• If the firmware requires a complete reset, select Format Data (Warning: This will delete all user data!).

5. Reboot:

• Press Reboot System.
• If TWRP offers to install the TWRP App, refuse (it is not necessary).

The first run after firmware through TWRP can take up to 20 minutes. If the device is getting stuck on the screensaver, try:

• 🔄 Reboot to Recavator and Repeat Wipe Cache.
• 🔧 Check firmware compatibility with the device model.
• 📥 Refuse to use fastboot (if you have a fastboot) TWRP wrong).

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If your mobile network is not working after you have firmware customized, check your APN settings or install a patch for your modem (see 4PDA or XDA forums).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems, and let’s consider the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If the device doesn’t turn on after a failed firmware (brick), try the following steps:

1. Check the battery charge – plug the charger in for 30 minutes.
2. Try booting up to fastboot (click Volume Down + Power).
3. Flush stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool: miflash.exe refresh miflash.exe flash_all_lock.bat

For complex cases (for example, if the device is not determined by the computer), testpoint (closing contacts on the board for forced transition to the computer) may be required. EDL-This procedure is risky and requires experience - it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions