How to reflash Xiaomi phone through your computer at home

Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide users with a huge amount of functionality, but sometimes it is necessary to completely reinstall the operating system. This may be necessary when switching from the Chinese version of firmware to the global, removing viruses or fixing critical errors in the work of Android.

Unlike an air update, a PC-based method gives you complete control over the file system and allows you to choose a specific version of the software. Fastboot or Recovery requires care and accurate follow-up to the algorithm to avoid turning the gadget into a brick. We will look at all the preparation steps, necessary tools and subtleties that will help you successfully perform the procedure at home without contacting the service center.

It's worth noting that complete data cleanup is an inevitable step when you change the type of firmware. If you just update within one region, the data can be saved, but when you switch from CN to Global, the memory partitions will be formatted, so backing up all the important data is the first and most critical step before you start any manipulation of the system files of the device.

Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware

The first step to successful flashing is to find and download the right image of the system. For Xiaomi devices, there are two main types of firmware: Recovery (zip) and Fastboot (tgz). To work through the computer, we need the second option, since it contains a full set of system partitions and scripts for writing them. You can find current versions on the official portal miui.com or on specialized resources like XiaomiFirmware.

When choosing a file, look for a model code name that is different from the marketing name. For example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro may be codenamed sweet or sweetin depending on the region. Installing an inappropriate image can cause communication modules or the camera to fail. It is also important to check whether your version of the bootloader supports Fastboot mode, although in modern models it is active by default for service operations.

In addition to the file itself, you will need a high-quality USB-Cheap charging cables often do not provide stable data transfer, which can interrupt the recording process and cause errors. It is recommended to use the original cable, came with the device, or a certified analog with support for high-speed data transfer.

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60% battery power to avoid sudden shutdown.
• 💻 Use a Windows computer, as drivers and utilities are best optimized for this OS.
• 🔌 Connect the device directly to the motherboard port, avoiding use USB-hubs.

Installation of drivers and utilities Mi Flash Tool

The main software is the Mi Flash Tool, the official Xiaomi utility, which allows you to download firmware images into the device's memory, check the integrity of data and monitor the status of the process. You should download the latest version of the program only from trusted sources to prevent the introduction of malicious code.

The critical point is to install drivers. The computer must correctly recognize the phone in Fastboot and Qualcomm boot mode. Often, the automatic driver installation along with the Mi Flash Tool is incorrect on Windows 10 and 11 due to the system security policy. In this case, you may need to manually install drivers through Device Manager or use a separate package Xiaomi USB Driver.

⚠️ Note: If an exclamation point appears in the Device Manager when you connect your phone in Fastboot mode or it is defined as an "Unknown Device", the firmware will not start».

After installing software and drivers, it is recommended to unpack the firmware archive. The path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the installation script may not find the files. The optimal solution would be to place the firmware folder at the root of the disk, for example, along the way. C:\MIUI_ROM.

Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode

Fastboot mode is a phone state where the bootloader waits for commands from the computer to perform low-level operations. In this mode, the Android operating system does not start, allowing you to change system partitions without file conflicts. To enter this mode on the device turned off, you need to pinch a certain combination of buttons.

The standard procedure for most Xiaomi and Redmi models is to simultaneously press the volume down button and the power button, hold them until the image of a hare repairing an android appears on the screen, or the inscription FASTBOOT in orange or blue. If the phone responds to the presses with vibration, but the screen does not light up, try connecting the cable to the PC after the buttons are pressed.

There are nuances for different models, for example, some devices with non-removable batteries may require a connection to the charger before entering mode, and it is worth knowing that exiting the Fastboot mode is carried out by holding the power button for a long time (about 10-15 seconds) until vibration and reboot.

The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool

Once all the components are ready, you can start the direct recording process. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button in the program interface - your device with an identifier, such as 7d354a2, should appear on the list. If the device does not appear, check the cable and drivers.

Then click Select and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Importantly, choose the folder itself, which contains images and scripts, not the archive. Once you select the path, the program will check the files for integrity. At the bottom of the window, you will see three options: clean all, save user data and clean all and lock.

The clean all option cleans the phone’s memory completely and installs a clean system — a recommended option for changing the region. Save user data mode will try to save user files, but it works unstable when changing versions of Android. Clean all and lock mode does the same as the first one, but additionally blocks the bootloader, returning the device to factory security restrictions.

Example of the logs of a successful start of the process in the Mi Flash console:



Checking for updates...




Current Version: 2023.10.25




Device detected: 7d354a2 (Fastboot)




Flashing firmware... OK




Sending 'boot' (32768 KB)... OKAY

Press the Flash button to start. It takes 200 to 600 seconds. At this time, you can absolutely not turn off the cable or interrupt the program. Once you complete the status, the message will appear success, and the phone will automatically restart. The first download can last up to 10 minutes.

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If the process is held at a certain percentage (for example, 4% or 53%) For a long time, don't be in a hurry to interrupt the process. Sometimes writing large partitions takes time. 10-15 minute.

Solving common mistakes

Even with careful preparation, there can be failures. One of the most common mistakes is the message "Miss matching image and device." This means that the firmware chosen does not match the phone model. This often happens if the user confuses the global version with the Indian or Chinese version, the solution is one - recheck the code name of the device and download the correct file.

The Not enough space error or path problems are often related to the path length of the firmware files. Windows has limits on the number of characters you travel. If you put the firmware deep in the folders, the program may not be able to "see" the files. Move the firmware folder to the root of the disk, such as C:\rom, to shorten the path.

⚠️ Warning: The “Anti-rollback check failed” error means that you are trying to install an older version of the bootloader than the one already on the device. This is downgrade protection. You can not circumvent it with conventional methods, you need to use special tools or service equipment.

Also, users often encounter a connection error when the Mi Flash Tool writes "device not found" during the firmware process. USB-A cable that provides power but loses contact with the data line under load. Try replacing the cable or using another cable. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, as drivers sometimes conflict with ports 3.0.

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another computer port without using a hub.
• 🔋 Make sure that the battery is charged at least on 50-60%.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable the antivirus that can block the scripts of the sewer.

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90% of Xiaomi firmware errors are not due to phone malfunction, but to incorrectly installed drivers or using inappropriate drivers. USB-cable.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions