How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 3 proven ways + unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time its performance can be reduced due to outdated software. Flashing helps not only to update the system to the current version, but also to eliminate bugs, improve autonomy or even install custom firmware for advanced features.

In this guide, we will discuss three official flashing methods – through MIUI Updater, Recovery and Fastboot, and also discuss in detail the unlocking of the bootloader, without which installing alternative firmware is impossible. We will focus on typical errors (for example, Couldn’t verify device or Anti-rollback) and how to get around them. If you are a beginner, start by automatically updating through settings.

1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start

Before you start updating software, be sure to back up. Even official firmware can erase user data in case of a critical error. Use the built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf on Google Drive)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (save the list of networks in a text file)
• 🎮 Save games (use sync via Google or Mi Account)

Also check battery status. If the charge level is below 50%, connect the smartphone to the charger. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge in 90% of cases leads to a software breech (reflashing through testpoints is required). For Redmi Note 7 models codenamed lavender, the type of firmware is critical: never install software for the Redmi Note 7 Pro (violett) is a guaranteed breeck!

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 7 is purchased in China (the domestic version), the firmware is global. MIUI It can block the network. Check the model in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Global versions have a suffix MI (for example, V12.5.1.0.RFGMIXM), Chinese — CN.

The last step of preparation is to download the necessary files. For official firmware, use only sources:

• 🌐 Official website MIUI (Choose Stable for stable operation or Developer for testing new features)
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative repository with archives of all versions)

Method 2: Automatic update via MIUI Updater (without PC)

The simplest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA), which is suitable for switching to a new version of MIUI without resetting data, but has limitations:

• ✅ It only works for official firmware (not custom)
• ✅ Stores all settings and files
• ❌ It does not allow you to go back to the old version.
• ❌ May not show up-to-date updates if the region of the phone is not the same as the region SIM-map

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If an update is available, download it (the file weight is usually 1.5-2.5 GB).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Change region to India (often gets updates before others)
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet
• 🕒 Wait 2-3 days – sometimes updates roll out gradually

⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 10 minutes, forcefully restart it with a clamping power + Turn up the volume by 15 seconds. If that doesn't work, you'll need to run the Fastboot.

💡

Automatic updates via MIUI Updater are the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not reset data.

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (with data storage)

This method is suitable for manual installation of official firmware, if OTA-Unlike Fastboot, the firmware through Recovery does not erase user data, but requires the update file to be prepared in advance.

Download the firmware in.zip format from the official website (choose the version of Recovery ROM). Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folders!).

Installation instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
6. Select Reboot to System.

If the phone is unable to confirm the update after the reboot, it means:

• The firmware file is corrupted (pump it)
• You downloaded the wrong version (check the codename lavender)
• bootloader is locked (unlocking required)

Download the Recovery firmware ROM (.zip)|Rename in update.zip|Transfer to the root of memory|Check the checksum MD5|Disable antivirus on PC (can block download)-->

4. Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (full reset)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for recovering a "bricked" phone or installing custom firmware, but it completely erases all data and requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (MiFlash)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 🛠️ MiFlash utility
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format (choose Fastboot) ROM)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\lavender).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (download MiPhoneManager).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlash.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 10-20 minutes).

If MiFlash is a Couldn't Flash Cust error, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager
• 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)
• 📂 Move the firmware to C: (sometimes the space path causes failures)

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing Redmi Note 7 with a locked bootloader through Fastboot, MiFlash will stop at 99% with an anti-rollback check error. EDL (Only for experienced users).

5. Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware

By default, the bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked, which protects the device from unauthorized changes, but also blocks the installation of alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). Unlocking is officially allowed, but requires binding to the Mi Account and waiting 7-15 days (the period depends on the activity of the account).

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
3. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers (if there is no item, tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode).
4. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
6. Log in to Mi Account and press Unlock.

If the instrument makes an error:

Once successfully unlocked, you can install customized recaps (TWRPs) and firmware, but remember: unlocking the bootloader resets all data and may void the warranty (in some regions).

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on


bcdedit /set testsigning on

After restarting the PC, try again.-->

6. Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS)

Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience provides access to pure Android without MIUI shell, regular security updates and advanced settings, but requires:

• ✅ Unlocked loader
• ✅ Established TWRP Recovery
• ✅ Compatible firmware for lavender

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi Note 7 and firmware (like LineageOS).
2. Rename TWRP to twrp.img and transfer to the folder from fastboot.
3. Sign in to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Without turning off the phone, press Power + Volume Up to log into TWRP.
5. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
6. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the firmware file.
7. After installing the firmware, repeat step 5 for GApps (if you need Google services).

The first launch after installing custom firmware can take up to 10-15 minutes. If the phone is stuck on the logo, force it to restart to TWRP and re-install.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware does not support data encryption on the Redmi Note 7. If after installation the phone asks for a password, but does not accept it, format Data in the TWRP And re-install the firmware.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions, you can get into trouble, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone doesn't turn on, the last option is the EDL firmware.

• 🔧 Authorized account EDL (fee-payingly)
• 🖥️ MiFlashPro or QFil
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with support EDL (Not all cables fit)

Firmware through EDL restores the phone even after a major crash, but requires technical skills. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 7 flashing