Xiaomi Redmi 2 is the iconic budget smartphone of 2015, which is still used by many users. However, over time, official support for the device has ceased, and current versions of Android are no longer coming out. Flashing allows you not only to update the system to a more recent version, but also to improve performance, add new features or even resurrect the hung device. In this guide, we will analyze all available ways of firmware Redmi 2 — from official to custom, taking into account the features of the model HM2014811 (2/16 GB) and HM2014813 (2/8 GB).
It is important to understand that the firmware process on older Xiaomi devices has nuances. For example, unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 2 requires special permission from the manufacturer, and not all custom firmware supports Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 with 1 GB of RAM. We will discuss in detail at each stage so that you can choose the best method - whether it is an upgrade through MIUI Updater, installation through TWRP Recovery or firmware in Fastboot mode.
Preparation for Flashing: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you start firmware, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 2 is ready for the procedure.
- 🔋 The battery should be at least 60% charged. With a low charge, the device may shut down during firmware, which will lead to a "brick" (impossibility to turn on).
- 📱 Data retention: firmware erases all user files. Use Mi Cloud or local backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
- 🔑 Unlock bootloader: official firmware can be installed without unlocking, but custom (for example, LineageOS) will require unlock.
- 🖥️ Drivers and tools: PCs must be installed ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool drivers (for Fastboot firmware).
Pay special attention to the version of the device. Redmi 2 was released in several versions:
| Model | Code name | Processor | Support for custom firmware |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM2014811 | wt88047 | Snapdragon 410 (MSM8916) | Yes (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) |
| HM2014813 | wt86047 | Snapdragon 410 (MSM8916) | Yes, but with limitations. |
| HM2014819 | wt88047_pro | Leadcore LC1860 | No (no stable builds are available) |
⚠️ Note: If your device is on a Leadcore processor (HM2014819), The firmware is extremely limited, and most custom firmware doesn't support this modification because of the chipset's closed source code.
Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (official method)
The easiest and safest way to update is through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable if:
- 📲 You want to stay on the official firmware MIUI.
- 🔄 The device is not locked and has no damaged partitions.
- 🌐 There is a stable connection to Wi-Fi (firmware file weighs) ~1-1.5 GB).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
- Download the latest stable version of MIUI for Redmi 2 from Xiaomi’s official website (select the Redmi 2 section (wt88047)).
- After downloading the file (.zip format), go back to MIUI Updater and select it.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If after the update the device hung on the logo MI, Reset through Recovery: Press the Volume Up + Meals, select Wipe → Wipe All Data.
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The official method does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains a warranty (if it is still valid), however, it is limited to the latest versions of MIUI 9/10 - newer for Redmi 2 did not come out.
Method 2: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
The method through Fastboot is suitable for:
- 🔧 Brick recovery (if the device is not switched on).
- 📥 Installation of official firmware "from scratch" (for example, after a failed custom firmware).
- 🔒 Bypassing restrictions MIUI Updater (if you cannot update it through it).
This will require:
Download Mi Flash Tool (2018 or later)|Install Qualcomm drivers on PC| Download firmware in.tgz format from Xiaomi|Unarchivate firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters |Disable antivirus (it can block Mi Flash)
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Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 3-7 minutes).
What to do if Mi Flash gives you a "couldn't find fastboot" error
Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP
If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you will need to:
- Unlock the loader (instruction below).
- Install TWRP Recovery.
- Download compatible firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
For Redmi 2, unlocking is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
- Sign in to your Mi Account on your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate OEM Unlock.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Follow the program instructions (it may take 72 to 168 hours to confirm unlocking).
Step 2: Installation of TWRP
After unlocking:
- Download TWRP for Redmi 2 (version 3.2.3 or later).
- Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
- Enter commands adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
Step 3: Custom OS firmware
TWRP:
- Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Press Install and select a firmware file (e.g. lineage-16.0-20230510-UNOFFICIAL-wt88047.zip).
- After installing the firmware, repeat the step for GApps (if needed).
- Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).
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If the mobile network is not working after installing custom firmware, check the APN settings manually or install a patch for modems via TWRP.
Solving common errors in firmware
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error: could not send 'recovery' | Problems with drivers or USB-connection | Try another cable/port, install drivers manually |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Incompatible firmware or damaged partitions | Run Wipe Data in TWRP or scroll through Fastboot |
| E: Unknown command [log] in TWRP | An outdated version of TWRP | Update Recovery to the latest version |
| Mistake 7 in MIUI Updater | A damaged firmware file or model mismatch | Download the firmware again, check the code name of the device |
What if the sensor does not work after the firmware?
How to return the official firmware after custom
If the custom firmware experiments are unsuccessful, you can return the official MIUI.
- Download the latest stable firmware for Redmi 2 in.tgz format from Xiaomi website.
- Unclose it and put it in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
- Start Mi Flash, connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Select Clean All and Lock mode (this will block the bootloader back).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed.
After the reboot, the device will be on the official firmware with the bootloader locked.
- 🔒 All data will be erased.
- 📱 TWRP Replacement with stock recovery.
- 🔄 The ability to install custom firmware will disappear before re-unblocking.
Recommendations for choosing firmware for Redmi 2 in 2026
Given the age of the device, not all firmware works equally well on Redmi 2.
- 🏆 For stability: Official MIUI 10 (last supported version. minus is an outdated version of Android (4.4/5.0).
- 🚀 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) – optimized for weak iron.
- 📱 For Google services: Pixel Experience (Android 10), but possible lags due to 1 GB of RAM.
- 🔧 Experiments: Havoc-OS or Resurrection Remix, but require manual configuration.
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Redmi 2 does not recommend installing firmware on Android 11 and later – they are not optimized for 1 GB of RAM and will slow down.