How to reflash Xiaomi phone: from unlocking to installing firmware

Reflashing Xiaomi’s smartphone is a process that can bring the device back to life and turn it into a “brick” if you approach it without preparation. Unlike standard “over the air” updates, hand firmware gives you access to the latest versions of MIUI, custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and eliminates critical bugs that the manufacturer is in no hurry to fix. However, every step here is important: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for your model.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of firmware, from tool preparation to the final configuration of the system, and pay special attention to the risks of blocking your Mi Account if you unblock the bootloader correctly, as well as the nuances of working with devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek. If you have never done firmware before, start with official methods – they are safer, but they must be executed strictly according to instructions.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. First and most important, save all data. The firmware, especially through Fastboot, completely erases internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copying on your PC for backup:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS and call log (export through Settings) → Google → Backup)
• 📸 Photos and videos (transfer to memory card or cloud)
• 🎮 Game savers (use Helium or manual folder copying) /Android/obb/ and /Android/data/)
• 🔑 Passwords and application data (synchronize via Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden)

The second is to check the device model and the current firmware version, which is critical, as the firmware from the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the POCO X3 Pro (vayu), even if they look similar.

• 🔍 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on “Kere Version” to activate the developer mode)
• 💻 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (C-suffix version in the model, for example Mi 11 Lite) 5G C), the firmware of the global version can block the network. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Unlocking the bootloader: why it is necessary and how to do it

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. This is a security measure that prevents the installation of unofficial software. To flash the device manually, unlocking is mandatory - otherwise you will get an Anti-Rollback error or simply will not be able to boot into Fastboot mode.

The unlocking process involves several steps:

1. Linking the Mi Account to the device (required! without this, unlocking is impossible).
2. Submit an application via the official Mi Unlock Tool app.
3. Waiting (usually 7-15 days, but can take up to 30 days for new accounts)
4. Confirmation of unlocking via PC.

Important: Xiaomi has tightened its unlocking rules in 2023, and new accounts are required to:

• 📱 Tie it down. SIM-card to device (minimum 30 days of active use).
• 🔗 Confirm email and phone in Mi Account.
• 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, unlocking may not be possible.In this case, contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

After successful unlocking, the bootloader will remain unlocked even after resetting, but the binding to the Mi Account is maintained, which means that after firmware, you may need to re-enter the login / password.

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

Before you run the firmware, decide which version of the software you want to install. Each version has pros and cons:

For official firmware, use MIUI Downloads. Choose the version that corresponds to your region:

• 🌍 Global - for international devices (Global suffix in the model).
• 🇷🇺 Russia – localized version with pre-installed Russian services.

For custom firmware, we recommend XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, but beware: some builds may contain spyware or be assembled based on leaked sources.

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Before downloading the firmware, check its hash amount (MD5 or SHA-256) using the HashMyFiles utility.

Firmware: Fastboot vs Recovery

There are two main methods of firmware Xiaomi: through Fastboot and through Recovery. the choice depends on the type of firmware and your goals:

1. Firmware via Fastboot (recommended for official builds)

This method involves a complete rewriting of all parts of the device, including boot, system and vendor.

• 🔄 Brick recovery (if the phone is not turned on).
• 📥 Installation of official firmware from scratch.
• 🔒 Reset Anti-Rollback (if you have been sifting through a newer version) MIUI, more current).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original to avoid breakages of the connection).

2. Firmware through Recovery (for updates and custom firmware)

This method is softer, and it doesn't affect user data (unless you choose Wipe Data).

• 🆙 Updates to the current version MIUI.
• 📲 Installation of custom firmware (required) TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery).
• 🔧 Patch installations (e.g. Magisk for root rights).

Important: for firmware through Recovery, custom recovery is needed, as Xiaomi stock recovery blocks the installation of unsigned recoveries ZIP-file.

Step-by-step: how to flash Xiaomi through Fastboot

This method is suitable for installing official firmware or restoring the device.

1. Install drivers and tools: Download Mi Flash Tool. Install ADB and Fastboot (or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot). Disable driver signatures in Windows (if you use unofficial drivers).

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:

Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect to the PC.

Start the Mi Flash Tool:

Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without spaces and Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\sweet_global_images_...). In Mi Flash, click Select and specify the path to the folder.

Select firmware mode:

There are three options at the bottom of the Mi Flash window:

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the MIUI version).
• Clean all and lock – Clean + lock the bootloader (dangerous if not sure!).
• Save user data – data retention (not always stable)
• Start the firmware: Press Flash. It takes 5-15 minutes. Don't turn off the cable or interrupt the process!
• First run: After successful firmware, the phone will restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't panic.

Important: some custom firmware requires additional patches, such as the GCam Fix for Google Camera to run on POCO F3, and the DRM Fix patch for Widevine L1 (for Netflix to run in HD).

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If the mobile network does not work after installing custom firmware, check the APN settings or run the modem from stock firmware through TWRP.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If your device has turned into a “brick” (no button response, no PC detection), try:

• 🔌 Hard reset: press the Volume up + Power for 20-30 seconds.
• 🖥️ Firmware in EDL-Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, the eMMC chip may be damaged.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions