How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it eventually begins to “slow down” due to outdated software or factory restrictions. Flashing can return the device to its former performance, add new features or even install an alternative OS like LineageOS. However, the process requires accuracy: wrong actions will turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to flash for Redmi Note 10 (codename mojito/sunny), including official updates via MIUI Updater, manual installation through Fastboot and Recovery, as well as the nuances of working with custom firmware.

If you have never been involved in firmware Android devices, it is better to start with official methods. Custom firmware and manipulation of Fastboot require experience - a mistake at any stage can lead to a loss of warranty or breakage of the phone.

1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start

The first and most important step is to save all the data. Flashing, especially through Fastboot, completely erases the phone's internal memory. Use Mi Mover, Google Drive or physical porting to your PC for backup:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📞 Contacts (export to) VCF-file through Contacts → Settings → Imports/exports)
• 📱 Application settings (for example, browser passwords, game saves)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (unless you use a manager like Bitwarden)

Next, check the current version of MIUI and the device model. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone.

• 📱 Model: Redmi Note 10 (codename mojito) or Redmi Note 10 5G (camellian)
• 🔢 Version. MIUI: for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5 (stable) or MIUI 15 Beta
• 🔒 bootloader status: blocked/unlocked (you can find out through the command fastboot oem device-info)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 10 is purchased in China (the domestic version), the firmware is global. MIUI It can block the network. Check the frequencies you support before installing it!

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows PC 10/11 or Linux (for Fastboot and Linux) ADB)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when discharged during firmware, the phone may turn off)
• 🛠 Mi drivers USB Driver (download from the official Xiaomi website)

2.Official Update Methods: MIUI Updater and Recovery

If you don't need custom firmware, but you just need to upgrade MIUI to the latest version, start with the official methods. They're safe and don't require unlocking the bootloader.

Update via MIUI Updater (OTA)

The easiest way is to check the updates in the phone menu:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you have a new version, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

If the update doesn’t come automatically, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by providers).
• 📅 Change the region to India or Europe (sometimes updates are released earlier).

Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA-Update doesn't work, you can manually install firmware through Recovery:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use firmware for other models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro instead of Redmi Note 10)! this will cause the camera module, sensors or a complete blink to fail.

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after installation, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data).

3. Unlocking the bootloader: a must-do step for Fastboot and custom firmware

By default, the bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked, a security measure, but it also limits the user’s ability. To install firmware through Fastboot or custom builds (for example, LineageOS) requires unlocking.

3.1. Obtaining permission from Xiaomi

Xiaomi requires that the Mi Account be linked to the device before unlocking, which takes up to 72 hours:

1. Create or sign in to your Mi Account on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate OEM Unlocking.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false is in the answer, continue.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.

You'll have to wait until you send the request, and you can check the status in the Mi Unlock Tool, and when the Unlocked successfully message appears, you can start the firmware.

Alternative methods of unlocking (at your own risk)

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to a Couldn’t unlock error), some users use workarounds:

• 🔓 EDL-Mode: requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (Deep Flash Cable.
• 🛠 Patch loaders: informal tools like XiaomiTool V2. Could disrupt work. OTG and NFC.
• 📱 Change of region: sometimes unlocking is faster if the phone settings are India or Russia.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! Also, it voids the warranty (if it's still valid).

4. Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

The Fastboot method is suitable for installing official firmware (for example, when recovering from a crash) or custom builds. You will need a PC with Mi USB Driver drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool tool.

4.1. Download the necessary files

To run through Fastboot, you need:

• 📱 Fastboot ROM: Download from the official website (select the version for your model!).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool: Download here.
• 🔧 ADB and Fastboot: Part of Android SDK Platform-Tools.

Unpack the Fastboot ROM in a folder without gaps in the path (for example, C:\mojito_fastboot).

The firmware process

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data - saving data (risky, can lead to errors).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disabling the antivirus (it can block drivers).

5. Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

Custom firmware opens up new possibilities: clean, ad-free Android, regular security updates and additional features, but installing them requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery.

Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP is an alternative recovery that allows you to install unofficial firmware. For the Redmi Note 10 (mojito):

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for your model from the official website.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enable USB Debugging in the developer settings and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

If the TWRP is not saved after the restart (replaced with stock recovery), repeat the command fastboot flash recovery and immediately follow it:

fastboot boot twrp.img

5.2 Popular custom firmware for Redmi Note 10

Here are a few verified builds:

Before installing any custom firmware:

1. Make a full backup through TWRP (Backup → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
2. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
3. Install your firmware via Install → Select ZIP → Swipe to Confirm.
4. After installation, run GApps (if necessary) and Magisk (for root).

For most users, it is better to stay on MIUI. Castom firmware is suitable for enthusiasts who are ready to put up with bugs.