Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco have powerful functionality, but sometimes face software errors that require radical measures. The user may notice that the device began to work slower, there are system glitches or you just want to change the firmware region to access certain functions.
Unlike an air upgrade, the PC-based method allows you to completely clear the device’s memory of old software, eliminating accumulated software debris. This process requires care and preparation, but the result is worth it: you get a clean, stable system without unnecessary pre-installed applications. Using the official Mi Flash Tool software ensures you install a proven system image, which is critical for the security of your data.
Before you start taking active actions, you need to understand the importance of each step, since interference in the system section carries certain risks. Incorrect execution of instructions can lead to the inability to boot the operating system, so theoretical preparation is as important here as the availability of quality. USB-We'll go through all the steps in detail to minimize the likelihood of error.
Preparation of equipment and software
The first step is to collect the necessary tools, without which the process of recovery or updating is impossible. USB-cable (preferably original, supporting data transfer) and a computer with Windows operating system. You also need to download the archive with firmware corresponding to your model in advance from the official website. MIUI bootloader.
You should install Xiaomi USB Driver drivers on your computer, which will ensure the correct interaction between the phone and the PC at a low level. Without these drivers, the computer will not be able to recognize the device in bootloader mode, and the firmware will not see the connected gadget.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60% battery power. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the boot sector.
To work with firmware files, you will need an archiver, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR. Standard Windows tools do not always unpack the archive with firmware correctly, especially if the path to the folder contains Cyrillic, an important nuance that is often missed by beginners.
☑️ Checklist before start
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Official firmware via your computer is only available on devices with unlocked Bootloader.This is a security mechanism that prevents you from changing system partitions without permission from the owner of the Mi Account. The unlocking process takes time, since Xiaomi has implemented a mandatory wait of 7 days (168 hours) after submitting an application.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device through the settings menu, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the build number several times to activate the developer menu, then in the advanced settings, turn on “Debugging over USB” and “Unlock the bootloader”.
Once you have enabled these features, download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. Launch the program, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions on the screen. The system will warn you of the risks and the need to clean up the data. If the status indicates that the device is tied, but the waiting time has not yet gone out, you will have to apply the specified number of hours.
- 🔓 Unlocking allows you to install custom Recovery and modified firmware.
- ⏳ The standard waiting time for an application is 168 hours (7 days).
- 🧹 The unlock process completely removes all data from the internal drive.
It is important to understand that unlocked bootloaders reduce the security of the device, making it more vulnerable to attackers in the event of physical access to the phone, but for a user who wants to have full control of their device, this is a necessary step.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Selecting the type of firmware: Fastboot or Recovery
When downloading an update from the official resource, you will encounter a choice of file type. To run through the computer, we need Fastboot option, which has the extension.tgz. Files with the extension.zip are designed to be installed through the recovery menu of the phone itself and to work with the Mi Flash Tool are not suitable.
Fastboot firmware contains a complete system image, including a bootloader, a radio module and data partitions, which allows you not only to update the system, but completely rewrite its structure, which effectively solves problems with software conflicts. Recovery version only updates system files on top of existing ones, saving user data and settings.
| Characteristics | Fastboot (.tgz) | Recovery (.zip) |
|---|---|---|
| Method of installation | Through the computer (Mi Flash) | Through the phone menu |
| Data retention | Cleaning Only (Clean All) | Possible preservation |
| File size | 3-5 GB | 2-3 GB |
| Requirements | Unlocked Bootloader | Doesn't require unlocking. |
When choosing a firmware version, also pay attention to the region. Global version (Global) contains many languages and services of Google, Chinese (China) may not have Russian and pre-installed Google services without additional modification (EEA) adapted to EU standards.
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Pay attention to encoding the path to the firmware folder. Avoid Cyrillic symbols along the way, for example, C:\Firmware - this can cause unpacking error or Mi Flash Tool operation. C:\Xiaomi_ROM\.
Installation of firmware through Mi Flash Tool
The main tool for the task is the utility Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool. After unpacking downloaded archive with firmware (make sure that the path does not contain Russian letters), run the program on behalf of the administrator. In the program interface, you need to press the "Select" button and indicate the path to the unpacked folder with firmware.
Now we turn the phone into Fastboot mode, and we turn the phone off completely, and then we press the volume down button and the power button at the same time, and we have a bunny in an orange cap on the screen that repairs the android, and we connect the device to the computer with a cable.
The Mi Flash Tool should show a string with the serial number of the device. Before starting the process in the lower right corner, select the firmware mode. There are three options available, each of which affects the final result in different ways.
- 🧹 Clean All – Clean all data and install a clean system (recommended).
- 💾 Save User Data – Installation of a system with saving user files (may cause errors).
- 🔒 Clean All and Lock – Complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (only for global firmware on global devices).
Once you select the mode, click the Flash button, and you start writing data that takes 200 to 600 seconds, during which time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the program, and when you complete the status, you will see the word "Success" and the phone will automatically restart.
Solving errors and problems in firmware
Flashing can cause errors that appear in the program log, and one of the most common is the "Missmatching image and device" error, which means that the firmware chosen is not intended for that device model, in which case you need to recheck the model code and download the correct file.
The error “Can not check” MD5» or connection problems often indicate a cable malfunction or a lack of drivers. If the computer stops seeing the phone while you're firmware, try it. USB-Also, antivirus software or Windows firewall can block the Mi Flash Tool, so they should be temporarily disabled.
⚠️ Warning: If you run your phone into an endless bootloop after you run it, don't panic. Try the Clean All procedure again. If it doesn't work, you may need to use it. EDL-A mode that is only available on authorized services.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the status in the Mi Flash Tool changes to "Flash Done", but the phone does not turn on. In such cases, prolonged retention of the power button (about 15-20 seconds) for a forced reboot helps. If the screen remains black, leave the device on charge for 30-40 minutes.
The difficulty may arise when trying to flash the Chinese version of the device with global firmware without unlocking the bootloader, the system will give a version check error, and this can only be avoided through special methods of flashing the region, which require additional manipulation of configuration files.
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Key takeaway: 90% of firmware errors are due to an incorrect firmware file or a bad firmware file USB-Careful testing of model compatibility and connection quality minimizes risks.