How to Refuse Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Owning a Xiaomi device often leads users to want to go beyond standard functionality. Flashing may be necessary not only to install custom Android build, but also to save the device after a failed update or removal of system viruses.

Before you start active, you need to clearly understand what type of procedure you need. There is a difference between simply reinstalling the system through the settings menu and deep firmware through Fastboot. Breaking the sequence of actions when unlocking the bootloader can lead to a complete loss of warranty and data.

In this guide, we will go through all the steps from tool preparation to the final launch of the system, and we will look at working with official utilities and third-party recoveries so that you can choose the safest path for your model.

Definition of firmware type and preparation

The first step is always to identify the current version of the software and select the target image of the system. Global versions differ from Chinese (Global) by the presence of Google services and language support. Recovery firmware is installed through the update menu, and Fastboot images require connection to a PC and special drivers.

You'll need to download the current firmware file from a trusted source. The official website or forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers are the best places to search. Make sure the file extension matches the method you choose:.zip for Recovery and.tgz for Fastboot.

Backup is critical, and even if you plan to save data, a failure in partition writing can destroy all information, either by using cloud services or by creating a full copy on your computer.

💡

Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up your contacts and photos to a Google account or external media, as the internal drive will be formatted.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't install unofficial firmware or custom recavator. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure, so the procedure takes time and account binding. You'll need the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your computer.

The process begins by linking the device to your Mi Account. In the phone settings, go to Developer's section and select bootloader Status. Once Wi-Fi and mobile are enabled, the system will request confirmation.

After the waiting time has expired, re-enter Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume buttons down) and connect the phone to the PC. In Mi Unlock, press the unlock button. The process will erase all data from the device.

• 🔓 Unlocking allows you to install TWRP Magisk.
• 📉 The guarantee for the program part may be lost.
• 🔒 The "Device Search" function will only work after entering the Mi Account password.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action for data: all files will be deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard means.

Tools and drivers for firmware

The right set of software is needed to successfully communicate between a computer and a smartphone, and the main tool for working with Fastboot mode is the Mi Flash Tool, which can only work with official images and requires the installation of ADB and Fastboot drivers.

Drivers are often installed automatically with Mi Flash, but in some cases they have to be installed manually through Device Manager. If the hardware list identifies the device as QDLoader or Unknown Device, firmware will not start.

Also worth mentioning is Google’s Platform-tools platform, which allows you to send commands directly through the command line, which is useful for advanced users who want to flash individual partitions or check the lock status.

The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool

This is the main method for completely reinstalling the system. Unpack the firmware archive at the root of the C disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic or spaces. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

Plug the path to the firmware folder into the address bar of the program and press the device list update button. The phone must be in Fastboot mode. If the device is found, its serial number will appear in the list.

At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode. Clean all will clear the data completely, save user data will try to save it (not recommended when changing regions), and clean all and lock will block the bootloader back.

flash_all.bat

Once you select the mode, press Flash. It takes 100 to 300 seconds. Don't turn off the cable until the Success green label appears.

Installation of custom Recovery TWRP

For enthusiasts looking to gain superuser (Root) rights or install modified builds, a TWRP is required. This third-party recavator replaces the standard recovery menu and allows full partition backups.

Installation is done via Fastboot command or via an app. If you use the command prompt, the command will look like fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. However, on A/B-encrypted devices, this method may not work the first time.

After the first installation, it is important to immediately boot into Recovery mode, not allowing the system to start normally. Android regular download often overwrites the Recovery partition to the standard, removing TWRP. To do this, use a button combination or the command fastboot boot twrp.img.

• 🛡️ TWRP allows you to backup EFS and Persist partitions.
• 📦 It is convenient to install through it. ZIP-retro-archive.
• ⚙️ Supports file manager and terminal inside the Recovery.

💡

If the TWRP phone boots into a regular MIUI after installing it, then Recovery has been overwritten. Repeat the procedure and immediately go into button recovery mode.

System Recovery and Error Solving

It doesn't always go smoothly. It can go to Bootloop or hang on the logo, often by resetting the Wipe Data through the Recovery menu.

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons and only the indicator is on, the bootloader may be damaged, in which case only flashing in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires an authorized account or a special cable, helps.

In difficult cases, when standard methods don't work, you have to use test points on the EDL board to log in without the phone on, which requires accuracy and understanding of circuitry.

⚠️ Warning: Trying to flash firmware from another model (e.g. Global to China version without changing region) can lead to a "bricking" device that cannot be fixed software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: Using firmware with a modified bootloader can block banking applications and Google Pay. To bypass will require installation of Magisk and setting up root rights hiding.