How to reflash Xiaomi Mi 10: all the ways from official updates to custom firmware

Why do you want to re-flash Xiaomi Mi 10 and what are the risks?

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 10, released in 2020, still remains relevant device due to the powerful “hardware”: Snapdragon processor 865, 8 GB of RAM and support for 5G. However, over time, even flagship models begin to “brake” due to outdated software, accumulated system errors or manufacturer limitations. Firmware can solve these problems, but it is important to understand: this is not just an “update by air”, but a deep interference in the software part of the device.

The main reasons for reflashing the Mi 10:

• 🔄 Update to the current version MIUI (if official OTA-updates have stopped).
• ⚡ Accelerate work by installing “clean” Android or optimized custom firmware.
• 🔓 Unlock additional features hidden in the stock firmware (e.g. Google Camera support).
• 🛡️ Removal of pre-installed software and spyware modules (in case of custom assemblies use).

But the back side is also the opposite: Incorrect firmware can lead to a “brick” (complete device failure), loss of warranty or communication problems (for example, if you flash a version of software for another region), especially risky to experiment with the Mi 10 due to its separate firmware (separate files for, boot and system), where a vendor error in one component makes the smartphone inoperable.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to reflash, from the official update via MIUI Updater to install custom firmware via TWRP and Fastboot, and learn how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if something goes wrong.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, inability to restore the device, or even physical damage to the smartphone (for example, due to overheating during long periods of operation in Fastboot mode).

1. Back up all the data. The firmware is a complete rewrite of the system partition, so:

• 📱 Keep in touch, SMS and log of calls through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📁 Copy photos, videos and documents to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Move save games (use Helium or built-in game features).
• 🔑 Export passwords from your browser (if you use autocomplete).

2. Check the model and firmware version. Xiaomi Mi 10 has several modifications:

• 📱 Mi 10 (codename umi) is a global version.
• 📱 Mi 10 Pro (cmi) – flagship with the best camera.
• 📱 Mi 10 Ultra (cas) – Chinese version with a unique design.

You can find out the exact name in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version or through the command fastboot getvar product.

3. Charge your smartphone at least 70%. The firmware can take up to 30-40 minutes, and if the device runs out in the process, it's almost guaranteed to lead to a "brick."

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux (Fastboot-based).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers.

Method 1: Officially Update with MIUI Updater (without unlocking)

The safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable if:

• ✅ You need the latest stable version. MIUI for your region.
• ✅ The device is not locked (no messages about unlocking the bootloader).
• ✅ You don’t want to lose data (update is done over the air without resetting).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If the update is available, download it (file weight ~2-3 GB).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update is not automatically, you can download it manually from the official website. MIUI Choose the version for your model (umi, cmi or cas) and region (Global, China, EEA). The file must have a.zip extension and a name of the type. miui_UMIGlobal_V14.0.5.0.SJBMIXM_....

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If you have an error called “Can’t verify update” when you update, try renaming the downloaded file to update.zip and repeat the process.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 You can't downgrade the story. MIUI (Like 14th to 13th).
• 🚫 No custom firmware available (only official assemblies).
• 🚫 If the device is locked (for example, after a reset), the update may not install.

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The official update via MIUI Updater is the only way to flash the Xiaomi Mi 10 without unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (with bootloader unlocking)

If you want to completely flash (for example, to change region or recover from a crash), you have to use Fastboot mode. This method requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can be insecure, but it allows you to:

• 🔄 Install any version MIUI (including downgrading).
• 🌍 Change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).
• 🛠️ Restore the device after the "brick».

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the Build Number line to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb reboot bootloader The device will reboot to Fastboot mode.
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.Warning: Unlock time can be as long as 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts!

Step 2: Switch the device through the Mi Flash Tool

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads. The file will be in.tgz format (e.g, umi_global_images_V14.0.5.0.SJBMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global_...).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi10_Fastboot).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, press Refresh (the device should appear) and click Flash. Select Clean all or Clean all and lock (reset) option. + loader-lock).

Possible errors and solutions:

Method 3: Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

If you don't like stock MIUI, you can install custom Android firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS).

• 📱 «Clean Android without unnecessary Xiaomi apps.
• ⚡ Faster operation and long-term security updates.
• 🔧 Ability to fine tune (such as changing the kernel or installing Magisk for root rights).

Important: for custom firmware requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🛠️ Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 📥 Compatible firmware for the model umi/cmi.

Step 1: Install TWRP Recovery

1. Download the latest version TWRP for Mi 10 from the official website twrp.me (file) twrp-3.7.0_12-0-umi.img).
2. Reboot your phone in Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-umi.img
3. Immediately after that, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume Up (otherwise, stock firmware will overwrite recovery).

Step 2: Sweat the custom firmware

1. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20 for umi) and GApps (if you need Google services) from the LineageOS Wiki.
2. Transfer files to your phone or flash drive (in.zip format).
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
5. Install GApps (if necessary).
6. Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10 to 15 minutes.

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If the mobile network does not work after installing custom firmware, check if the modem model (vendor/firmware-misc) matches your version of MIUI. Sometimes you need to flash the stock vendor before installing custom software.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi 10:

Solving problems after firmware

Even if you follow the instructions, you may have some problems after the firmware is installed, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. the phone is not turned on (black screen or stuck on the logo)

• 🔋 Try charging the device for 30 to 60 minutes – sometimes the firmware drains the battery.
• 🔄 Hold the Power. + Volume Up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, swipe the device over to Fastboot (select Clean all).
• 🔌 In extreme cases, use the regimen. EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account and a Deep Flash cable).

2. No net (no catch) SIM-card)

• 📶 Check if the firmware matches your region (for example, global firmware may not support Russian carriers).
• 🔧 Refresh the modem and vendor sections from stock firmware: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
• 📱 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

3.Fast battery discharge after firmware

• 🔋 Let the battery settle down – the first 2-3 discharge/charge cycles can be unstable.
• 🛠️ Check the background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 🔄 If the problem persists, run the core (boot.img) assemblage MIUI.

Errors in the operation of sensors (gyroscope, NFC, camera)

• 📷 For the camera, install Google Camera with the correct config (e.g., Google Camera, BSG Or Wichaya for Mi 10).
• 🔄 Refresh the persist section from stock firmware: fastboot flash persist persist.img
• 🛠️ If it doesn't work NFC, Check if it is included in the settings (Settings) → Connected devices → NFC).

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Most of the problems after firmware are solved by re-installing the stock firmware through Fastboot with the choice of the "Clean all" option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware Xiaomi Mi 10