Modern Xiaomi smartphones require regular software updates for stable operation and security. Users often fear that installing a new version of MIUI or switching to Global ROM will lead to the complete removal of personal information. Fortunately, there are several proven methods to update the system, saving all photos, contacts and application settings.
In this article, we will discuss the technical details of the flashing process so that you can act confidently, you will learn about the differences between Recovery and Fastboot modes, and you will understand when data is deleted inevitably. Proper preparation of the device is the key to successfully completing the procedure without having to restore backups from the cloud.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand what type of update you need. Often users confuse a simple reset with a complete flashing, although the consequences of these operations are different. We will look at secure algorithms that minimize the risk of losing important files.
Risk analysis: when data is stored and when deleted
The first thing to understand before you start is the fundamental difference between the firmware installation modes. There are two main types of service packs in the Android ecosystem: Recovery ROM and Fastboot ROM. The fate of your personal data depends on the choice of a particular file.
If you use the standard upgrade method via your phone’s menu or download the.zip archive to install through Recovery, your files tend to stay in place.This method is designed to routinely update the system. However, if you choose to use Fastboot mode with a full clean command, then the userdata partition will be formatted and it will be almost impossible to return information without a prior backup.
⚠️ Attention: Use of the team flash_all Fastboot is guaranteed to delete all data. To save information, you need to use modified scripts or select Recovery mode.
If Bootloader is unlocked, standard upgrade methods may not work properly and the system may require resetting. Owners of custom Recovery devices (such as TWRP) should be especially careful when choosing partitions for firmware.
Preparation of the device for the update procedure
The success of the operation depends on the preparatory stage, and even if you plan to save data, backing up on external media or in the Google Drive cloud is a prerequisite for security, and no one is immune to power surges or software failures in the process of writing memory sectors.
Make sure your smartphone has a battery charge of at least 60%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge can cause the device to turn into a brick and require complex recovery through an engineering port. Also check for free space in internal memory: about 5-10 GB of free space is required to unpack and install the package.
☑️ Checklist for firmware preparation
Don’t forget to check the current firmware version. Transitioning between regions (e.g., from China to Global) without unlocking the bootloader is impossible and can cause a reboot cycle. Such operations require complete deletion of data, so in this article we are only considering upgrading within one region or from China to Global if the Bootloader with pre-backup is unlocked.
Method 1: Update with Recovery without losing data
The safest and easiest way to upgrade Xiaomi is to use the built-in Recovery mechanism, which does not require a computer connection or special utilities, you only need a firmware file in.zip format that corresponds to your model and the current region.
Download the current version of MIUI from the official website or a trusted source. Place the file in the root of the device's internal memory. Next, go to the Settings menu → About the phone and click on the MIUI version. In the window that opens, click on three dots in the corner and select Select the firmware file.
Once the archive is selected, the system will check its integrity and suggest that the system files be upgraded, but the user data (/data) partition is not affected, and the process can take 10 to 30 minutes, during which time the phone will be restarted several times.
What if the system says “I couldn’t check”?
It is important to note that when you upgrade with a wide variety of versions (for example, from Android 10 to Android 13), the system can automatically request data cleanup for stability, in which case you can not circumvent the requirement, since the structure of the file systems can vary.
Method 2: Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All but Data mode
For more advanced users who need to install a clean version of the system or restore the phone after a crash, the Mi Flash Tool is designed for PC. A key feature of this method is the presence of a special mode to avoid data loss.
First, you'll need to put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until you see an image of a hare repairing an android. Connect the device to your computer through high-quality USB-cable.
In the Mi Flash Tool, after selecting the folder with the unpacked firmware (.tgz format), pay attention to the bottom of the window. There are three radio buttons. You need to select the option clean_all_but_data (This command scours system partitions, but leaves the userdata partition intact.
| Ream firmware in Mi Flash | Data retention | Risk of error | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| clean_all | No (full reset) | Minimum | Phone sales, region change |
| clean_all_but_data | Yes. | Medium. | System Restore, Update |
| save_user_data | Yes (partial) | High-pitched | Only for experienced (not recommended) |
⚠️ Attention: Use of the regime save_user_data Often leads to system instability and application errors. Always choose to get guaranteed results. clean_all_but_data.
When you press the Flash button, you start recording. Don't turn off the cable or touch the phone until the Success green label appears. If the process stops at the Sending image stage, try another one. USB-port.
💡
Use it. USB-ports located on the back of the system unit (direct to the motherboard) as they provide more stable power and data transfer than ports on the front panel or through hubs.
Solution: Errors and cyclical reboots
Even with all the instructions, there can be unexpected situations, and one of the most common problems is the “bootloop” – a cyclical reboot of the phone on the MI or Android logos, which often happens if the firmware version does not comply with the hardware revision of the device or if files were damaged during the download process.
If the phone doesn't boot after the upgrade, but the data on it is critical, don't rush to reset.Try to enter Recovery mode (clamping Volume Up and Power).