Reflashing the Xiaomi smartphone through the computer – a procedure that can bring the “brick” to life, update the outdated version MIUI Or you can install custom firmware with advanced features, but it requires precision, because a mistake at any stage can turn a device into a useless piece of plastic. OTA-updates, firmware through the PC gives full control over the process, but the responsibility lies with the user.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing drivers to choosing the right firmware version for your model, focusing on unlocking the bootloader (without it, most firmware will not install) and working with the Mi Flash Tool and fastboot tools. You will also learn how to avoid errors, such as losing IMEI after firmware on some Redmi Note 10 and POCO X3 models, and what to do if the phone does not turn on after a failed attempt.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Before you connect your phone to a PC, make sure you follow all the steps. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for "bricking" devices. Let's start with the most important thing: backup data. The firmware on a PC wipes away internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages, 90% of the time. Even if you plan to install firmware without cleaning (clean all), the risk of data loss remains.
The second critical point is battery power: the device must be charged at least 60%. When the charge level is low, the phone can shut down during firmware, which will cause software damage to the bootloader. Also check the USB-TypeC cable: it must support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).
- 📱 Save data: copy photos, videos and documents to your PC or cloud. Use Mi Cloud to back up your contacts and SMS.
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. Better charge to 80-100% for models with small battery (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31).
- 🖥️ Drivers: Install Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot (without them, the PC will not see the phone in fastboot mode.
- 🔍 Phone Model: Find out the exact modification in Settings → The phone. → For example, Redmi Note 11 has Pro, Pro versions.+ Regional modifications (Global, China, India).
Unlock the bootloader: without it anywhere
The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. This is a security measure that prevents unofficial software from being installed. To flash the phone through the PC, the bootloader must be unlocked. Except for the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with clean all and lock options, but they do not give flexibility in the choice of versions.
The unlocking process takes 3 to 15 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and requires you to link your Mi Account to your device.
- Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website and log in to the program.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off) and follow the program instructions.
Why does Xiaomi have to wait for unlocking?
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including associated Google accounts, will be deleted from the phone, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may stop working due to the changed status of the bootloader.
Selection of firmware: official MIUI or custom?
The type of firmware that determines not only the functionality of the phone, but also the stability of its operation, is divided into three types of official MIUI firmware:
- 🌍 Global Stable: stable version for the international market, suitable for most users, but updated less often.
- 🇨🇳 China Stable: Chinese firmware with local services, frequently updated but requires Russification.
- 🧪 Developer (Beta): Test builds with new features, but possible bugs. Not recommended for mainstream use.
Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) gives more freedom: pure Android, no advertising in the Internet. MIUI, However, they may deprive you of certain functions (for example, IR-blaster on the Redmi or POCO), You also need to install GApps manually (Google Services).
| Type of firmware | Pluses | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Stable | Stability, OTA support, all features work | Advertising in MIUI, slow updates | For most users |
| China Stable | Frequent updates, new features earlier | We need Russification, no Google services | For enthusiasts who are ready to set up |
| Developer | The most recent features, the possibility of a rollback | Bugs, unstable jobs | Only for testing |
| Castomic (LineageOS, etc.) | Clean Android, no advertising, flexibility | The camera may not work, NFC, IR-blaster | For advanced users |
Where to download firmware:
- Official: new.c.mi.com (choose the right model and region!)
- Custom: XDA Developers or Telegram channels (for example, MIUI Russia).
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Before downloading the firmware, check its hash (MD5 or SHA-1) using the HashMyFiles utility. This will prevent the installation of a corrupt file that can interrupt the firmware process.
Installation of drivers and Mi Flash Tool
Without the right drivers, the computer won’t recognize the phone in fastboot or EDL mode.
- Mi USB Driver – provides fastboot communication.
- Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 - is needed for EDL mode (used for the recovery of "bricks").
- ADB/Fastboot – to send commands from PC.
Download drivers from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool (the program itself will offer to install the missing components).
- Connect the phone in fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Open the command line and enter:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), the drivers are installed correctly.
Mi Flash Tool is the official firmware utility for Xiaomi via PC. Download the latest version from Xiaomi's website (avoid third-party sources!).
- Clean all – complete cleaning before firmware (recommended).
- Clean all and lock – firmware with bootloader lock (only for official assemblies).
- Save user data is an attempt to save data (risky, can lead to errors).
Download the latest version from the official website|Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Choose the Right Cleaning Mode|Connect your phone to fastboot|Tap Refresh in Mi Flash Tool-->
Step-by-step: Firmware via Fastboot
This method is suitable for installation of official and some custom firmware. Follow the instructions carefully - the order of action is critical!
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and check for device detection by the fastboot device command.
- Unpack the firmware into a short-cut folder (e.g., C:\MIUI\). Files should have the.tgz or.zip extension.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
- Select cleaning mode (clean all is recommended).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
If the process is hanging on 99% or a mistake anti_rollback, So you're trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's more like the one on the phone:
- Download a newer firmware.
- Or use the XiaomiTool V2 tool to bypass the restriction (risky!).
⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 8 Pro and POCO F1 When running through fastboot, it can fly. IMEI. To avoid this, save the folder before the firmware /nvram assisted TWRP utility MTK Droid Tools (for Mediatek).
Firmware via EDL: When fastboot doesn't work
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to restore the phone if it is not turned on or detected in fastboot. This method requires a special cable (EDL cable) or circuit test points on the board (for power users).
To run through EDL, you will need:
- 🔌 Cable EDL or the ability to solder test points.
- 💻 Mi Flash Pro (different from the usual Mi Flash Tool).
- 📄 Firmware in.mbn format (downloaded from official sources).
- 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi account (for new models released after 2021).
Instructions:
- Put your phone in EDL mode: For Qualcomm: Press Power + Volume up + Volume down (some models require pre-closing test points). For Mediatek: use the SP Flash Tool utility.
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Pro
Flash
Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 20 minutes).
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The firmware through EDL resets all settings to factory and blocks the bootloader. After recovery, you will need to re-unblock if you plan to install custom firmware.
What to do if the firmware failed
If you don't start your phone after you've run it, you freeze it on the MI logo, or you go to the bootloop, don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, you can restore it.
Symptoms and solutions:
- 🔄 Bootloop (Infinite Download): Try to reset the cache through TWRP (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache, check the phone with the clean all option.
- 📵 Phone not turned on (black screen): Check battery power (plug in to RAM for 30 minutes). Try logging in to fastboot or EDL and repeat the firmware.
- 📶 No network (IMEI invalid: Restore the folder /nvram Use the utility from the backup. SN Write Tool for Mediatek or QCN Rebuilder for Qualcomm.
If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB Diagnostics 900E or Mediatek Preloader, but the firmware is not running, possibly damaged NAND-In this case, only a service center with equipment for flashing through the eMMC will help.