How to reflash Xiaomi Pad: official and custom methods with unlocking the bootloader

Reflashing the Xiaomi Pad is a process that can solve performance problems, add new features, or even bring the device back to life after a software failure. However, the wrong actions lead to “bricking” (turning into a “brick”), loss of warranty or blocking the Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware, from official updates through MIUI Updater to install custom builds through TWRP.

It is important to understand that the procedure for Xiaomi Pad 5/6 and newer models (Pad 6 Pro, Pad 6S Pro) is different from the older versions (Mi Pad 4). For example, modern devices require the mandatory unlock of the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, whereas on the Mi Pad 3 you could sift through without this step.

If your goal is simply to upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS, the official method is sufficient. For enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS or PixelExperience, you will need to unlock the bootloader and work with ADB/Fastboot.

1. Firmware preparation: Backup and unlock the bootloader

Before any firmware manipulation, make sure to back up. Even an official update can go wrong, and custom firmware almost always requires a full reset (Wipe Data).

• 📱 Local Copying: Transfer Photos, Videos, and Documents to PC MTP (connection USB).
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: sync contacts, notes and settings in Mi Cloud (Mi Account required).
• 🔧 Titanium Backup (for rooted devices): saves applications with data.
• 💾 ADB Backup: Adb backup team -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab creates a full backup (not working on all models).

To install unofficial firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi associates this process with the Mi Account and requires a wait (usually 7-15 days after the device is attached).

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Tablet → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Connect the tablet to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in to your Mi Account.
5. Start the utility, follow the instructions, and if you see a message that says "Wait XX days," wait for the deadline.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Xiaomi can also block the account if you often unlock different devices (suspicion of resale).

2. Official firmware via MIUI Updater (without unlocking)

The safest way to update is through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for:

• 📲 Updates to the latest version MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🔄 System Restores after Failures (if the tablet is turned on).
• 🛡️ Preserving the guarantee and operation of Mi Account services.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the tablet → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it.
3. After downloading, tap Reboot and install.
4. Wait until it is finished (usually 5-15 minutes) and the tablet will restart automatically.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔌 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by the provider).
• 📡 Download the full firmware package (.zip) from the site MIUI Downloads and install via Select the update file in MIUI Updater.
• 🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → Connections → Resetting the network.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro and newer when manually installing firmware through MIUI Updater may need confirmation via Mi Account if the device has been unlocked before.

💡

Official updates via MIUI Updater do not require unlocking the bootloader and retain a warranty, but do not always contain the latest bug fixes.

3. Firmware through Fastboot (for recovery or update)

The Fastboot method is used to:

• 🆕 Installation of official firmware in case of system damage.
• 🔙 Recoiling on the previous version MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🔧 Recovery after a failed firmware (if the tablet loads into Fastboot).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal (for Windows) Linux/macOS).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\pad6_fastboot).
2. Turn off the tablet, press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
3. Connect the device to your PC and check for detection by command: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install drivers or try another USB port.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-20 minutes). The tablet will restart automatically.

For Linux/macOS, use commands in the terminal (preliminarily go to the firmware folder):

chmod +x flash_all.sh


./flash_all.sh

⚠️ Warning: Clean All and Lock will block the bootloader, and you will have to wait 7-15 days to re-unblock it. Use it only if you are sure of firmware stability.

Download the firmware for your model|Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)|Disable the antivirus (can block the Mi Flash Tool)|Prepare a spare cable USB-->

4. Install custom firmware (TWRP + Custom ROM)

Custom firmware, such as LineageOS, PixelExperience or ArrowOS, give:

• 🆕 More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 14 on Xiaomi Pad 5, when the official firmware is still on Android 12).
• 🎨 Ability to fine-tune the interface.
• 🔒 Removal of Xiaomi’s built-in software (bloat).
• 🔧 Support for Root Rights (Magisk).

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 📵 Possible problems with Widevine L1 (Netflix HD doesn't work).
• 🖊️ Unstable operation of the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus on some builds.
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge due to unoptimized core.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlocked boot loader (see section 1).
2. Installed custom TWRP recap.
3. Firmware in.zip format (download only from trusted sources, such as XDA Developers).
4. Magisk (if you need a root) and GApps (if you need firmware without Google services).

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the image TWRP for its model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_nabu.img for Xiaomi Pad 5).
2. Reboot the tablet in Fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. In the terminal, run: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. Tablet will load in TWRP. Immediately make backup of the NVRAM partition (responsible for IMEI and serial numbers!).

Installation of custom firmware:

1. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
2. Transfer the firmware to the tablet via MTP or ADB Push.
3. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
4. After installing the firmware, repeat the step for GApps (if necessary) and Magisk.
5. Reboot → System: The first boot can take 10 to 20 minutes.

5. firmware compatibility table for popular models

Not all firmware is suitable for all Xiaomi Pad models. Below are the current data for 2026:

Important: Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro (codename xun) has no stable custom firmware yet due to the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and memory markup features. The risk of bricking is extremely high!

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

Mistake 1: “This MIUI "Version cannot be installed on this device" MIUI Updater

• 🔹 Reason: Trying to install firmware for another model or region.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the code name of your device in Settings → About the tablet → The model and download the firmware for it. For example, Xiaomi Pad. 6 The global market has a code pipi_global.

Error 2: Fastboot does not see the device (waiting for device)

• 🔹 Reason: There is no driver, faulty cable or port USB.
• 🔹 Solution: Try another cable (preferably original). Install the drivers. ADB manually through Device Manager. disable driver signatures in Windows (reboot with Shift clamped to do this). + Reboot. → Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Disable mandatory driver signature verification).

Mistake 3: Hanging on Xiaomi logo after firmware

• 🔹 Reason: Incompatible firmware or incomplete cleaning of the Data partition.
• 🔹 Solution: Load to Fastboot and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. If custom firmware is installed, repeat the installation with full Wipe in the TWRP.

Error 4: "Device is locked" when trying to unlock

• 🔹 Reason: Mi Account is not tied to device or 7 days of waiting.
• 🔹 Solution: Make sure you are logged in to Mi Account on your tablet and Mi Unlock Tool. Connect your device to the Internet and wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours). Try using another PC or version of the Mi Unlock Tool (sometimes it helps to roll back on the old version of the utility).