Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro: from unlocking to installing MIUI or custom software

Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro

sakura

custom-based

LineageOS

Pixel Experience

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for firmware through Fastboot and Recovery, figure out how to unlock the bootloader and avoid common errors. We will also compare official and informal firmware, tell you how to save data before the process, and give recommendations for choosing software for specific tasks. If you are a beginner, don’t worry: all the steps are accompanied by explanations and screenshots (where possible).

⚠️ Important: Smartphone firmware voids warranty and may result in an inability to recover through official Xiaomi services if something goes wrong. Make sure you understand the risks and are prepared for them.

Before you start, check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 80%).
  • 💻 Availability of a Windows PC 10/11 Linux (for some tools).
  • 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
  • 📥 Backup of all important data (firmware erases internal memory!).
📊 Why do you want to replay Redmi 6 Pro?
Install a new version of MIUI
Try custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
Fix mistakes and lags
Remove Bloatware (embedded applications)
Other

Preparation: unlocking the loader

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. Without it, installing custom software or even official firmware through Fastboot is impossible. The process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi policy) and requires linking the Mi Account account to the device.

What you need:

  • 📱 Smartphone with tied Mi Account (be sure to confirm email and phone!).
  • 💻 Computer with Mi Unlock Tool installed.
  • 🔗 USB-Xiaomi cable and drivers (install automatically when connected).
  • 🔧 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB (see the instructions below).

How to turn on the developer mode and debugging:

  1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
  2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
  3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  4. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously linked Mi Account to the device, after unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone may require you to enter account data even after reset!

The unlocking process:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
  3. Sign in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions of the program.
  4. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (will come to the attached number).
  5. After successful unlocking, the phone will restart (it can take up to 5 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error after 50%, try using a different version of the program (for example, 3.5.1118.45) or wait 72 hours as Xiaomi requires.

2. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

Before you start the firmware, you need to decide which software you need. Each option has pros and cons:

Type of firmwareAdvantagesDeficienciesRecommendations
Official MIUI (Stable/Beta)✅ Full compatibility with iron ✅ Support OTA-update ✅ All functions are working (NFC, camera, sensors)❌ Lots of bloatware. ❌ Slowdowns on older versions ❌ Limited customizationFor stable work without "dancing with a drum."
Brush firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS)✅ Clean Android without Bloatware ✅ Longer supported by updates ✅ Flexible settings (root, cores, modules)❌ Camera bugs are possible/Wi-Fi ❌ No. OTA (You need to update manually) ❌ Requires an unlocked bootloaderFor enthusiasts who are ready for experimentation.
Port from Other Devices (MIUI from Redmi Note 7)✅ Unusual interface✅ Possibility of testing new features❌ Critical bugs (unstable work) ❌ No support from developersJust for tests!

Where to download firmware:

  • 📥 Official. MIUI: en.miui.com (select the version for sakura).
  • 📥 Custom firmware: XDA Developers or SourceForge (Look for themes for Redmi 6 Pro).
  • 📥 Tools: Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot), TWRP (for recovery).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain malicious code. Check the hashes of files (MD5/SHA1) Read reviews on forums before downloading.

3. Firmware via Fastboot (official MIUI)

This method is suitable for installing stock firmware (original MIUI) and recovering the phone after unsuccessful experiments, and you will need Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked into a folder).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
  2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\sakura_global_images...).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
  4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
  6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (only if you do not plan to cast!); Save user data - saving data (not always working correctly).

Flash

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Check the battery charge >60%|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable the antivirus (can block drivers)-->

⚠️ Critical error: If the process is suspended 99% or a message has appeared anti_rollback, So you're trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's better than the one on the phone, and in that case, it's just the firmware through the phone. EDL (Emergency mode), which requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

4. Firmware through Recovery (TWRP and custom software)

To install custom firmware or modified versions MIUI You will need a custom recovery – usually TWRP. It allows you to install ZIP-files, backups and restore the system.

How to install TWRP:

  1. Download the latest version TWRP Redmi 6 Pro (Sakura) What to do with TWRP Can't see the internal memory? TWRP It doesn't display files in the internal memory, it's probably encrypted. Solution: 1. Copy the firmware to the SD-and install it from it. 2. TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data, enter yes and confirm (this will remove encryption, but also all data!). 3. Use OTG-flash-drive. ⚠️ Important: After installing custom firmware, the first run can take 10-15 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen does not react for a long time! 5. Typical errors and their solutions Even with accurate follow-up to the instructions, problems can arise. Here are the most common errors and ways to correct them: 🚨 "This package is for 'sakura' devices; this is a' Reason: Firmware is not suitable for your model Solution: Download firmware specifically for sakura (Redmi 6 Pro). Check the file name – it should be sakura or sakura_in_global. 🚨 "Error 7" into TWRP Reason: Version conflict or incompatibility with current firmware. Solution: Sweat stock firmware through Fastboot first, then re-install customization. 🚨 Phone doesn't turn on after the firmware (bootloop) Reason: Mi Flash Tool mode or corrupted firmware file is wrong. Solution: Repeat the firmware with full cleaning (Clean all). If it doesn't work, run through the back. EDL (requires authorization). 🚨 "Mi Account locked" after reset Reason: Xiaomi account was tied, but data was not entered after reset.Solution: Enter username and password from Mi Account. If you forgot - restore access via account.xiaomi.com. 💡If the sensor, Wi-Fi or camera does not work after firmware, most likely, the firmware is incompatible with your Redmi modification. 6 Pro (for example, for the Indian version) sakura_in globalized sakura_global). 6. If experiments with custom software were unsuccessful or you want to sell your phone, you can return the stock firmware. MIUI for Redmi 6 Unpack the archive and swipe through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. If the bootloader has been unlocked, it can be blocked again by the command: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader erases all data and can lead to bootloop if the firmware is unofficial! After firmware, reset to factory settings in Recovery (Wipe data). If the phone doesn't turn on after returning to the official firmware: Check that the firmware is suitable for your model (sakura vs. sakura_in). Try to stitch through EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account. Contact the service center if you are not sure about your actions. 7. After successful firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation: 🔄 Cache reset: B TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Cache and reboot. 🔒 Disabling unnecessary applications: C Settings → Deactivate Bloatware applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music). 🛡️ Setting up superuser rights (if there is root): Install Magisk Manager to manage root access. 📡 Network optimization: In Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select the preferred network type (e.g, 4G car). Custom firmware (like LineageOS) may require additional customization: Open GApps Installation (choose pico or nano to save space); SELinux setup in Permissive mode (if there are module problems). Battery calibration (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions). 💡If the battery quickly goes down after firmware, turn off background activity for unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery. FAQ: Frequent questions on the Redmi 6 Pro firmware: Can I flash the Redmi 6 Pro without unlocking the bootloader? No. For installing any firmware (except for the hardware and hardware). OTA-updates) requires an unlocked bootloader. Except for firmware through EDL, But it requires authorization from Xiaomi and is only used in service centers. How do you check if the bootloader is unlocked? Turn off the phone and press Volume Down? + Nutrition. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked, you need to use Mi Unlock Tool. MIUI Or custom? For games, the official one is preferred. MIUI With optimizations from Xiaomi (like Game Turbo).Castom firmware can give better performance in benchmarks, but often suffer from overheating and lag in games due to unoptimized drivers. 6 Pro on Android 12 Or newer? Officially Redmi. 6 Pro will not get Android 12, Xiaomi has stopped supporting, but there are unofficial ports (like LineageOS). 19 or Pixel Experience 12), But they can be unstable. We recommend you stay on Android. 10/11 What if the camera doesn't work after the firmware is installed. Solutions: Install an alternative camera app (like GCam). Fix the camera fix (look for XDA or 4PDA). Return to the official MIUI if the camera is critical.