How to Flash Xiaomi with MiFlash Pro: Detailed instructions with error solutions

Reflashing Xiaomi smartphones through the official MiFlash Pro tool is the most reliable way to bring the device back to life after software failures, update the firmware to the latest version or install a custom build. → About the phone, this method allows you to completely rewrite the system partition, which is especially important when you are bribing, hanging on the logo or after unsuccessful experiments with root rights.

However, the process requires accuracy: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick”, and errors like ERROR: Flash is not done or Invalid image format often confuses users. In this guide, we will explore the unique nuances of the 2026 MiFlash Pro, including working with new models on HyperOS, bypassing restrictions on unlocking the bootloader and how to recover from a failed firmware. If you have never done flashing before, don’t worry: the manual is adapted for beginners, but also contains expert advice for experienced users.

What is MiFlash Pro and when is it needed?

MiFlash Pro is the official software from Xiaomi, designed for low-level firmware devices via Fastboot or Fastboot mode. EDL (Unlike the MiFlash utility (which only works with.tgz firmware), the Pro version supports:

• 📱 All Xiaomi models, including the new Redmi Note 13 series, POCO F6 Xiaomi 14 on HyperOS
• 🔄 Recovery after a blink (even if the device does not turn on)
• 🔓 Unlock the loader without waiting 72/168 hours (for some regions)
• 📦 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience)

When to use MiFlash Pro:

• ⚡ The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo Mi/POCO
• 🔄 We need to go back to the old version. MIUI/HyperOS (downgrade)
• 🛠️ System errors must be corrected after a failure OTA-update
• 🔓 You want to unlock the bootloader for installing custom recavery (TWRP)

⚠️ Note: If your device is warranty-free, flashing it through MiFlash Pro may cancel it.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, damage to system partitions, or even complete failure of the device.

1. Verification of the model and firmware version

Each Xiaomi model has a unique code name (e.g., Raphael for Redmi). K20 Pro or alioth for POCO F3). You can recognize him:

• 📱 In working device: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Device information
• 🔍 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device
• 🛠️ On the box or under the battery (for collapsible models)

Also write down the current version. MIUI or HyperOS (for example, V14.0.4.0.TKHCNXM). This information will be useful for choosing the right firmware.

Data backup

MiFlash Pro completely erases all data on the device, including:

• 📸 Photo and video at the gallery
• 📱 Contacts (if not synced with Google)
• 💬 Messages in messengers (if there is no cloud backup)
• 🎮 Save games and application settings

Backup methods:

• ⚙️ Through Settings. → Google → Backup (for synchronized data only)
• 📱 Using Mi Mover (App from Xiaomi for data transfer)
• 💻 Through ADB: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

⚠️ Note: If the device does not turn on, it will not be possible to restore data after firmware. Use specialized services like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData to extract data from locked phones.

Know the code name of the model|Download the correct version of the firmware|Backup all the data.|Install drivers Qualcomm/MTK|The loader is unlocked (if necessary)|Charge your phone at least to 50%-->

Download and install MiFlash Pro

The official version of MiFlash Pro can only be downloaded from the Xiaomi website, but there are nuances:

1. 🌐 Go to MiUI Download (for HyperOS, use hyperos.mi.com).
2. 🔍 Enter your model’s code name in the search box.
3. 📥 Select the latest stable firmware version (e.g. Fastboot for MiFlash Pro).
4. 💾 Download the archive and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).

The MiFlash Pro utility itself is available at:

• 📥 Official version for Windows (requires.NET Framework 4.5+)
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS Use Wine or a virtual machine with Windows

After installation:

1. 🔧 Launch MiFlash Pro on behalf of the Administrator.
2. 🔄 Update the utility through Help → Check for Updates.
3. ⚙️ Select English in Settings (Russian translation may contain errors).

💡

If MiFlash Pro doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Android Bootloader Interface”).

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware

Most Xiaomi devices have a locked bootloader by default, which means that you can’t flash your phone through the MiFlash Pro without unlocking (except in mode). EDL, which requires an authorized account).

The unlocking process includes several stages:

1. 🔓 Linking your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and log in. Enable Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM.

Waiting for confirmation

Mi Unlock Tool

• Download the official utility.
• Turn your phone into Fastboot (press Power + Vol−).
• Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (Internet required!).

Important nuances:

• 🔗 The Mi Account must be older than 30 days, otherwise unlocking will not be available.
• 📱 The device must have official firmware (castom assemblies block unlocking).
• 🔄 After unlocking all data will be erased!

⚠️ Note: Since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the unlock rules for HyperOS models. SMS to the linked phone number, even if the account is older than 30 days.

Step-by-step: firmware through MiFlash Pro

When all preparations are complete, you can start firmware. Follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid errors.

Step. 1: Putting the device on mode Fastboot/EDL

• 📱 Fastboot: Turn off the phone → clamp down the Power + Vol− before the appearance of a bunny with the inscription Fastboot.
• 🔌 EDL (for the breeches: Clip Vol+ + Vol− and plug in USB-cable (the screen will remain black).

Step 2: Connect to MiFlash Pro

1. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable (cheap cables can cause errors).
2. 🖥️ In MiFlash Pro, click Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
3. 🔍 Make sure the utility has identified the device (below should appear). COMX).

Step 3: Choosing a firmware method

There are three options in the MiFlash Pro:

• 📥 Clean all – complete cleaning + firmware (recommended for region change or after brik).
• 🔄 Clean all and lock – same, but with bootloader lock (for sale of the device).
• 🛠️ Save user data - firmware without data cleaning (does not work on all models).

Step 4: Starting the firmware

1. ⚙️ Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually). 5-15 minute).
2. ✅ After the appearance of the green tick and the inscription Success, turn off the device.
3. 🔄 The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

1. Reconnect. USB-cable to another port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Run the utility in compatibility mode with Windows 8.-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and below is a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If your error is not listed in the table:

1. 📸 Take a picture of the screen with an error.
2. 🔍 Find a solution in the forums: XDA Developers 4PDA (Xiaomi section) Official chat Xiaomi

Xiaomi

MiFlash Pro

Help → Save Log

1. Log into Recovery (click Power) + Vol+) Make Wipe Data.

2. Repeat the firmware with the choice of the Clean all option.

3. Install firmware through TWRP (if the loader is unlocked).-->

Firmware through EDL: breech

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is the last hope for devices that are not:

• 🔳 Not included at all (black screen).
• 🔄 Hanging on the screensaver. Mi/POCO.
• 🛠️ Have a damaged boot or recovery partition.

Features EDL:

• ⚡ It works even with a blocked bootloader (but requires authorization).
• 🔧 Allows you to flash any partition, including modem and efs.
• ⚠️ Dangerous for beginners – a mistake can lead to loss IMEI.

How to log into EDL:

1. 📱 Turn off the phone.
2. 🔌 Hold Vol.+ + Vol− and plug in USB-plug-in.
3. 🖥️ In Device Manager should appear Qualcomm device HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Firmware through EDL MiFlash Pro:

1. ⚙️ Select a firmware marked EDL (Usually there's edl in the title).
2. 🔄 In MiFlash Pro, select the mode EDL (drop-down).
3. 🛠️ Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account, it can lead to the blocking of the device SLA (Secure Local Authentication, in which case the phone can only be restored at the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions