How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi phone: from unlocking to installing custom firmware

Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that scares many users from the risk of turning the device into a brick, but with the right approach, this process is not only safe, but also opens up new possibilities, from upgrading to the latest version of MIUI to install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. In this article, we will examine all the steps from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to choosing a firmware method and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different for different Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 9A) and firmware types. Official updates via Settings → About Phone → System Update does not require unlocking, whereas custom firmware or downgrade versions of MIUI will require deep intervention. We will consider both scenarios, and give recommendations for choosing software and tools.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which minimizes risks and simplifies the process.

Basic requirements:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60% (optimally — 80-100%). Interrupting the process due to discharge may lead to the inability to restore the device without service equipment.
• 📱 Backup. Firmware erases internal memory! Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for the Mi Flash Tool or Linux/macOS (Virtual machines are not recommended due to driver issues.
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables can cause data transmission errors.

Also check your Redmi model in Settings → About Phone → Device Model. For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is codenamed veux, and Redmi 10 is codenamed selene.

2 Unlock the bootloader: why it is necessary and how to do it

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that blocks custom firmware or modified cores. Officially unlocking requires a Mi Account account to be linked to the device and waiting (usually 72-168 hours).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
5. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. If you see a message that says "Wait 72 hours", wait until the time is set.

Important nuances:

• 🔐 Linking your Mi Account to your device is mandatory, and without it, unlocking is impossible.
• ⏳ The wait time (72-168 hours) varies by model and region, for example, for the Redmi Note 12 in 2026, the time limit can be reduced to 24 hours.
• 📵 Once unlocked, all data, including files in internal memory, will be reset.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error, try using a different version of the program (e.g. 5.5.224.30 instead of the last one). Also check that the Windows Device Manager displays the phone as Android Bootloader Interface.

3. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware depends on the functionality, stability and even battery life.

For official firmware, use MIUI Downloads. Choose the model code version (e.g., vili for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G). Look for firmware on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, but check your model's user reviews!

The criterion of choice: if you want stability, take Stable MIUI. If you want a pure Android – Pixel Experience. For maximum performance (but with the risk of bugs) – MIUI EU or LineageOS.

4. Firmware methods: Fastboot, Recovery and OTA

The way the firmware is run depends on the type of software and the state of the bootloader. Let's look at three basic methods:

Firmware via Fastboot (recommended for official firmware)

This method is suitable for installing official MIUI firmware and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Unpack the archive with firmware (format.tgz)|Install Xiaomi drivers (via Mi) PC Suite)|Turn your phone to fastboot (Loudness down) + Nutrition)|Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)-->

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note12).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
4. Select a firmware folder and press Flash. For a complete cleanup, choose clean all (washes everything, including internal memory!).
5. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

Firmware through Recovery (for custom firmware)

Used to install custom ROM or modified cores. Requires an unlocked bootloader and custom recavator (TWRP or OrangeFox).

Steps:

1. Download the firmware (.zip format) and place it on the external SD-card.
2. Reboot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on the phone off).
3. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
4. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install the firmware through Install → Select a file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

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Firmware via TWRP erases data only when you select the Format Data option. However, for custom firmware to work properly, it is recommended that the System and Data partitions be completely cleaned.

Update by Air (OTA)

The easiest way is through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Suitable only for official MIUI updates and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

If the update doesn’t come, try:

• 🔄 Forced to check for updates (click on three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package).
• 📥 Download the full service package (.zip) from the site MIUI Downloads and install it through Select Update File.
• 🔧 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

5. Typical errors and their solutions

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

If your phone is stuck on the MI (bootloop) logo, try:

1. Clip Volume up + Power to enter Recovery and make wipe cache.
2. Flash the device through fastboot with the clean all option.
3. If nothing helps, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

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If the sensor or camera doesn’t work after the firmware, it’s probably not compatible with your device modification (e.g., the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is installed on the Redmi Note 11 Pro without 5G).

6. Firmware without unlocking the bootloader: possible risks

Some users are looking for ways to flash Xiaomi Redmi without unlocking the bootloader, technically only for official updates via OTA or Recovery (if the firmware is signed by Xiaomi), but any other methods carry serious risks:

⚠️ Note: Using exploits to bypass bootloader lock (e.g., via fastboot oem unlock-go) can result in a permanent block IMEI Xiaomi is actively closing such loopholes, and by 2026 most methods no longer work.

What can be done without unlocking:

• 📲 Update through Settings → Update of the system (official versions only).
• 🔄 Install regional firmware (for example, change Global to EEA) Mi Flash Tool with the option to save user data.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB Remove System Applications (requires Debugging by USB).

What is impossible without unlocking:

• ❌ Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• ❌ Firmware of modified cores or Magisk for root rights.
• ❌ Downgraid version MIUI (for example, 14 to 13).

7.Optimization after firmware: what to do next

After successful firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation of the device:

General recommendations:

• 🔄 Make a reset of settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting the settings if you've been stitching custom firmware, which will eliminate any potential conflicts.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times in a row.
• 📡 Set up a network: if after firmware lost mobile Internet, check APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
• 🛡️ Update Magisk (if you have installed root) as after firmware modules may stop working.

For custom firmware (such as LineageOS):

• 🎯 Install GApps (Google Apps) via TWRP, unless they are included in the firmware.
• 🔧 Set up SELinux in Permissive mode (if you have problems with modules): su setenforce 0
• 📱 Check the operation of sensors (gyroscope, compass) using the Sensor Test application.

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After custom firmware is installed, the first download can take 10-15 minutes, and do not interrupt the process, even if the screen remains black for a long time or the logo flashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi firmware