How to reinstall Android on Xiaomi Redmi phone: 3 proven ways

Why Reinstall Android on Xiaomi Redmi and When You Need It

Reflashing the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a procedure that can solve a range of problems, from system lags to complete failure of the device. But before you start, it is important to understand whether you really need it. MIUI, Android is not always to blame – often helps reset to factory settings through Settings → The phone. → If the smartphone doesn't turn on, or it's stuck on the logo, or it gives you a DM-Verity corruption error, reinstallation is the only way out.

Another good reason is to want custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that gives you access to pure Android without a MIUI shell, but requires unlocking the bootloader and can be insecure. Also, flashing it when you switch to a global version of MIUI from Chinese (like removing unnecessary services or adding Google Play).

In this article, we will look at the three official ways to reinstall Android on Redmi (via Fastboot, Recovery and MIUI Updater), as well as the nuances of unlocking the bootloader and selecting firmware. All the instructions are relevant for models 2018-2026 (Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13, etc.), but before you start, be sure to check the compatibility of your model!

Preparation for reinstallation: backup and charging

The first step before any firmware manipulation is to save data. Reinstall Android completely erases internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages. Even if you plan to use a non-reset method (for example, an update via MIUI Updater), the risk of data loss remains.

• 📱 Sync accounts: Check that contacts, notes and email are linked to Google or Mi Account. → Accounts.
• 🖼️ Copy media: transfer photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). SD-map - some firmware methods format and.
• 🔑 Save Passwords: Export data from Mi Browser or Google Chrome via Settings → Passwords.
• 📡 Remember. IMEI: type *#06# and write down the codes – they may be needed to restore the network after firmware.

It is equally important to ensure a stable power supply. If the phone runs out during firmware, it is almost guaranteed to lead to a brick. Charge the battery to at least 60%, preferably to 100%. If the battery is worn out (for example, the phone turns off at 30% charge), connect it to the charger with the original cable for the duration of the procedure.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Redmi with a non-removable battery (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro), do not try to remove the battery for resetting - this can damage the plumes. + Volume Up for 10 seconds).

Method 1: Reinstall via MIUI Updater (without PC)

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

• 📲 The phone is turned on and works stably (no stuck on the logo).
• 🔄 You want to update the version. MIUI, Not go to custom firmware.
• 🔓 The bootloader is not unlocked (the method works on locked phones).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (choose the Recovery ROM version, not Fastboot!).
4. Move the archive to the root of the phone’s internal memory (don’t unpack!).
5. Return to MIUI Updater, select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

It takes 5-15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, don't interrupt it. If you have a Can't verify update after the update, you've downloaded the firmware for another model or region. Check the file name: it must contain your device's code (e.g., ingres for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes after the update, force it to restart (Power) + If that doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot (mode 2).

Method 2: Fastboot firmware (with PC and bootloader unlock)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for resuscitating phones that don't turn on or give critical errors, USB-If your Redmi is not already unlocked, do this first:

• 🔗 Attach Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Unblocking is impossible without it.
• 🔓 Activate. OEM Unlock: In Settings → For developers, enable Unlocking OEM (If there is no item, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, to unlock the developer menu).
• ⏳ Wait 7-15 days: after the account is tied, Xiaomi blocks the unlock for this period (the rule is valid from 2022).

When the bootloader is unlocked, download:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📦 Fastboot ROM for your model (.tgz or.zip file from en.miui.com).
• 🔌 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (for example, Minimal ADB and Fastboot).

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Fastboot).
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot (a bunny with the words Fastboot will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The utility should identify the device (if not, install the drivers manually).
4. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all (full reset) or Clean all and lock (reset + lock the bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it finishes (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, It can lead to a hard brick! Always flash only the new version or the same version.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try slamming the Power + Volume Up for 30 seconds to force you out of standby mode. If that doesn't help, repeat the procedure with another firmware version.

Method 3: Installation via Recovery (for power users)

The Recovery method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS).
• 🔓 The bootloader is already unlocked.
• 📱 The phone's on, but MIUI floundering.

You'll need:

• 📦 Custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP Or OrangeFox for your model).
• 📄 Firmware in format ZIP (For example, Pixel Experience or official experience MIUI Recovery ROM).
• 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot on PC for installing custom recavery.

Step-by-step:

1. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img (replace twrp.img to your file name).
2. Download the firmware (.zip) transfer to the phone or flash drive.
3. Sign in to TWRP (press Power + Volume Up when you turn on).
4. Backup → Select Partitions: Check Boot, System, Data.
5. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
6. Press Install, select. ZIP-Firmware file and confirm installation.
7. Once completed, restart (Reboot → System).

The first run after installing custom firmware can take up to 10 minutes. If the phone is stuck on the logo, try repeating the steps or installing a different version of the firmware. Remember, custom firmware often lacks support for Widevine L1, so Netflix and other services can run in low resolution.

How to Choose the Right Firmware for Xiaomi Redmi

The bug in choosing the firmware is the main reason for the "bricking" of phones.

• 🆔 Model code: For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has the code sweet, and Redmi 9 - lancelot. → The phone. → Model or website Xiaomi Device.
• 🌍 Region: Firmware is divided into Global (EEA), China, India, Russia. Install only the one that fits your device (for example, if the phone is bought in Europe, take it from your home). EEA).
• 🔢 Android Version: Don’t stitch the old version over the new one (like Android 11 over Android 12) – it will cause an anti-rollback error.
• 🔓 Firmware type: - Recovery ROM — fitting MIUI updater TWRP. - Fastboot ROM — For Firmware with Mi Flash Tool.

Where to download:

• 🔗 Official firmware: en.miui.com (select Stable, not Developer, if you don't want bugs).
• 🔗 Custom firmware: XDA Developers or Telegram channels (e.g, 4PDA).

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Always check the hash amount (MD5) of the downloaded firmware! Compare it to the official Xiaomi website. If the amounts don't match, the file is corrupt, it's dangerous to stitch it.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 This package is for "ingres" devices; this is a "sweet" Reason: firmware is not suitable for your model. Solution: download the correct version (check the device code!).
• 🔌 Phone is not defined in Fastboot Reason: no drivers or faulty cable.Solution: install Mi USB Driver, try another cable (preferably original).
• ⏳ Hanging on the logo MI More than 20 minutes Cause: incompatible firmware or interrupted process Solution: Forced reboot phone (Power) + Volume Up for 15 seconds and repeat the firmware.
• 🔒 Anti-rollback error: Trying to roll back to the old version MIUI. Solution: Switch a newer version or the same one that was installed.
• 📵 No network after firmware Reason: flew IMEI Or an incompatible modem. Solution: Restore. IMEI Use Engineer Mode (#4636###) or run the modem separately.

If your phone has turned into a brick (no button response, no PC detection), try:

1. Connect to charging for 1 hour - sometimes helps with the discharge of the battery.
2. Press the Power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 30 seconds (emergency reset).
3. Use EDL Mode (emergency mode) with the Qualcomm 9008 box (requires soldering skills).

⚠️ Note: If you have lost your scalp and lost IMEI, Do not try to restore it through MTK Engineering or similar applications – this can lead to modem locking. Use only official methods (for example, through the use of a computer). QCN-file).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions