How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi phone: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi’s firmware is a process that can solve performance problems, add new features, or even bring the device back to life after a software failure. However, the wrong actions lead to “bricking” (turning into a “brick”), loss of data or cancellation of warranty. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of flashing, from official updates through MIUI Updater to manual installation of custom firmware through Fastboot and TWRP Recovery.

It is important to understand that the procedure for different Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi 10C) may differ due to the processor versions (Qualcomm vs MediaTek) and Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions in view of the latest changes in 2026, including the requirements for the Mi Account and unlock restrictions for devices with HyperOS.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, follow the mandatory preparatory steps to avoid data loss or damage to the device:

• 📱 Backup all important data (contacts, photos, messages) through Settings → Google → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% – when discharged during firmware, the device may fail.
• 🔐 Find out the bootloader version: type in ##4636##, go to Phone Information and check the Bootloader line. If Locked status, it needs to be unlocked.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for your Redmi model on your PC. Download them from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool.

Pay particular attention to unlocking the bootloader. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: new devices (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro) require a binding to the Mi Account and wait 72-168 hours after submitting an application. Old models (before the Redmi Note 11) unlock faster – in 24-48 hours.

⚠️ Note: If your device is purchased in China (suffix version) CN In the model, you may need a Chinese phone number to unlock the bootloader, in which case use global firmware (Global or Global). EEA) only after unlocking.

Method 2: Official update via MIUI Updater (without unlocking)

The safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for:

• 📲 Installations of stable and beta versions MIUI/HyperOS;
• 🔄 Updates by air» (OTA) data-free;
• 🔒 Devices with locked loader.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon «⚙️» (settings) in the upper right corner and select Select Service Package.
3. Download the firmware (.zip) from the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for your model!).
4. Transfer the file to the root folder of the device and select it in MIUI Updater.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the update is not automatically available, check:

• 🌍 Firmware region: Device with Global will not see an update CN;
• 📡 Internet connection stability (use Wi-Fi);
• 🔄 Free space (required) ≥ 3 GB on the system partition).

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If the phone is slowing down after the upgrade, reset to factory settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This will delete user data, but restore system stability.

Method 2: Firmware through Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

The Fastboot method is used to install official firmware on devices with a locked bootloader (if unlocking is not required) or for recovery from a crash. Suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi K40 and later.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged!);
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Flash\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool (the latest version is downloaded here).
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the screen will appear a bunny with the inscription Fastboot).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode (complete clean) or Save user data (save data, but glitch is possible).
6. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-20 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your bootloader is locked and you need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. For HyperOS devices (for example, Redmi Note 13), this method may not work - use EDL Mode (requires an authorized account).

Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP Recovery

For power users who want to install informal firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or gain root access, TWRP Recovery is a suitable method.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader;
• 🛠️ Established TWRP Recovery (the version should support your model!);
• 📦 Firmware in.zip and (optional) Magisk format for root rights.

Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP for your model from twrp.me (for example, for Redmi Note) 11 Pro+ 5G it twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img).
2. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (if you install custom firmware for the first time).
4. Transfer the firmware to your phone and install it through Install → Select Zip.
5. After installing the firmware (optional) flash Magisk for root rights.
6. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

Popular custom firmware for Redmi:

⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware on HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 13 Pro) may cause problems with the Widevine module L1 (lack of HD into Netflix/Disney+). Before installing, check compatibility on the forum XDA Developers.

5. Unlocking the bootloader: Step-by-step guide 2026

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to install custom recovery (TWRP) or informal firmware.The process changed in 2026, so keep an eye out for the current requirements:

Step 1. Linking your Mi Account

• 📱 Sign in to Mi Account (use the same account as on your PC!).
• 🔗 Link your phone number to your account (required for new devices).
• ⚙️ Turn it on. OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, link the device to the developer account).

Step 2. Application for Unblocking

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Launch the utility on your PC and log in to your Mi Account.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Press Unlock. If you receive a waiting message, wait for the specified time (24 to 168 hours).

Step 3: Status check

Once unlocked, restart your phone and check the bootloader status in Fastboot:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the unlock is successful.

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Since 2026, Xiaomi has been blocking unlock for devices under 30 days from the first activation.If your Redmi is new, wait or use official firmware.

6. Solving common firmware errors

Even when you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes.-5 problems and ways of solving them:

If the error is not shown in the table:

1. Check the firmware logs (in Mi Flash Tool or TWRP, they are saved in the folder with the utility).
2. Search for a solution in 4PDA or XDA by specifying the model and error text.
3. If the phone doesn’t turn on, try to enter. EDL Mode (clip the volume up) + Loudness down + USB-Cable and run through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option.

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, install an official firmware. MIUI/HyperOS:

Method 1. via Fastboot (recommended)

1. Download stable firmware for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack it and run it through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
3. After the firmware, reset to factory settings (Wipe → Factory Reset in Recovery).

Method 2. via MIUI Updater (if the bootloader is blocked)

• Download the firmware in.zip format and transfer it to the phone memory.
• In MIUI Updater, select Select Service Pack and specify the file.
• Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: After returning to the official firmware, Xiaomi can block the bootloader automatically (on HyperOS devices). To avoid this, turn off the Internet before you start firmware and do not connect your Mi Account in the first 24 hours.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)