Reinstallation of the system on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven methods (with unlocking the bootloader)

Introduction: When you need to reinstall the system on Redmi

Reinstallation of the operating system on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from trivial failures after a failed upgrade to serious performance problems when the phone starts to “brake” for no apparent reason, but before you start taking drastic measures, it is worth realizing that firmware is not always a panacea.

Most often, users resort to a complete reinstallation. MIUI in three cases: after infection with viruses (which are not removed by antiviruses), with critical system errors (for example, endless download on the Redmi logo), or if you want to return the "clean" firmware after numerous experiments with customized software. ROM. It is important to note that the procedure carries risks, from data loss to “bricking” the device if you do not follow the instructions.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reinstall: through Recovery, Fastboot and using the Mi Flash Tool. You will also learn how to properly prepare your phone, unlock the bootloader and avoid typical errors. If your Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or other model is unstable, perhaps this guide will help bring it back to life.

Preparation for reinstallation: backup and unlock the bootloader

Before you start flashing, you need to take two critical steps: save all the data and unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked), without which you will either lose photos, contacts and messages, or simply cannot install a new firmware.

So, we'll start with backup. Even if you're planning on using the Mi Cloud, you'd better make a local copy on your computer.

• 📸 Photos and videos – copy folders DCIM and Pictures on PC.
• 📞 Contact and SMS — Export through the Contacts app (settings) → importation).
• 📁 Documents and Downloads – Check Download and Documents folders.
• 🎮 Save Games – If the game supports cloud backup (e.g., through Google Play Games), sync your data.

Now, let's talk about unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi locks it by default for security, but it also creates problems when you flash it over.

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and unlock tool.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
4. Run unlock in the program and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! also note that some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) require the account to be linked to the device before unlocking.

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If unlocking is delayed, check that the phone is debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).

Method 1: Reinstallation via Recovery (without a computer)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Recovery Mode, which is suitable if the phone is turned on but is unstable, or if you want to return the factory firmware without a computer, but there is a limitation: it will not work if the system is badly damaged or the bootloader is blocked.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Power before the Mi logo appears (release buttons when the Recovery menu appears).
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (this will delete all data!).
5. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after resetting problems remain, you can try installing firmware through Recovery:

• Download the official firmware for your model from the Miui Download website (select the Recovery version). ROM).
• Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
• From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 10 minutes after the reboot, it means that the firmware is not suitable or damaged.

Method 2: Install firmware via Fastboot (from a computer)

Fastboot is more reliable than Recovery, because the firmware is installed directly through the computer, which is true if the system does not boot at all or you want to install a stable global version instead of the Chinese one, but you will need an unlocked bootloader and an official firmware in.tgz or.zip for Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and unpack the archive.
2. Download the firmware for your model (choose Fastboot) ROM). For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it's gonna be a file of the view joyeuse_global_images_V13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM_20221012.0000.00_12.0_global_100d2a3a0d.tgz.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Fastboot).
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
7. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (it will appear). COM-port).
8. Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing version) MIUI). Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (only if you are sure that you will no longer be flashing). Save user data - saving data (not always working correctly).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Method 3: Using the Mi Flash Tool for deep flashing

Mi Flash Tool is an advanced tool from Xiaomi that allows you not only to install firmware, but also to restore the device after serious failures. It is especially useful if the phone has turned into a brick (does not respond to buttons, does not turn on) or if you want to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).

The difference from the usual Fastboot method is that the Mi Flash Tool can work even with damaged partitions of memory if the bootloader is unlocked.

Important: If you see an anti-rollback error (such as an anti rollback check fail), it means that you are trying to install firmware older than the one on the phone before, in which case only firmware of the same or newer version will help.

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The Mi Flash Tool is the only official way to restore the brick on Xiaomi Redmi, but requires an unlocked bootloader and the right firmware.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. "Couldn't verify device" or "Device not found" error in Mi Flash Tool

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-Cable – Use the original from Xiaomi.
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers USB Driver (you can download it on the official website).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🛠️ Disable the antivirus – it can block the connection.

2.The phone is stuck on the MI logo after firmware

• ⏳ Wait 15-20 minutes – the first run after firmware can be long.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t work, repeat the firmware with a full cleanup (Clean all).
• 📱 Check that the firmware is right for your model (for example, vili for Redmi Note 11, joyeuse for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Error 3: This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device

This means you're trying to install firmware for another model or region.

• 🔍 Check your device’s code name through Fastboot:
• 🌍 Download firmware specifically for your region (e.g. Global, EEA, China).

4. There's no network after firmware (IMEI missing)

This is a critical error that requires recovery. IMEI through an engineering menu or specialized utilities such as SN Write Tool:

• 📡 Incorrect firmware (for example, installed by China) ROM global).
• 🔧 Damage to the modem partition when firmware.

To restore the IMEI:

1. Download. QCN-file for your model (see forums like this) 4PDA).
2. Use it. QPST Tool or Maui META record IMEI.
3. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

How to Choose the Right Firmware for Xiaomi Redmi

One of the key things about reinstallation is choosing the right firmware. Xiaomi makes several types of firmware, and a mistake in choosing can make the phone inoperable, and we'll figure out what the options are and how to make no mistake.

Types of firmware by region:

• 🌍 Global ROM — International market (supported by Google Services, many languages).
• 🇪🇺 EEA ROM — European version (similar to Global, but with some limitations).
• 🇨🇳 China ROM — Chinese firmware (no Google Services, many Chinese services).
• 🇮🇳 India ROM — for India (may contain local applications).

Types of firmware by installation method:

• 📦 Recovery ROM — It is installed via the Recovery menu (suitable for updates).
• ⚡ Fastboot ROM — It is installed via the Mi Flash Tool (for full flashing).
• 🛠️ OTA Update – Small Updates Over Air».

3. Stable vs. Developer (weekly) version:

How do you know which firmware is right for your Redmi?

1. Check the model code name: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Slip a few times on the kernel version – code will appear (for example, vili for Redmi Note 11).

• Official MIUI website.
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (firmware aggregator).

⚠️ Warning: Never install firmware from third-party developers (unless it is a proven customizable one) ROM Like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the risk of getting a brick or spyware is extremely high!

What to do after reinstalling the system

Once your firmware is successful, your Xiaomi Redmi will be like new — but it's not the end of the process. To keep your phone stable and secure, follow a few important steps.

Initial setting:

• 🔄 Go through the initial setup (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, Mi Account login).
• 🔒 Enable Find Device in your account settings – this will help in case of theft.
• 📱 Update all apps through Google Play Market.

Data recovery:

• 📤 If you’ve been backing up through Mi Cloud, restore contacts, notes, and photos.
• 🖥️ Transfer files from your computer (photos, videos, documents).
• 🎮 Use cloud-based saves for games (e.g., Google Play Games).

3. Performance optimization:

• 🚀 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode.
• 🔋 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary applications (Settings) → Annexes → Auto-start).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

Safety check:

• 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
• 🔍 Check the permissions of the applications (Settings) → Confidentiality → Permits).
• 🔄 Update Google Play Services and MIUI Security.

5. Additional settings (optional):

• 🎨 Install theme from the Mi Theme Store.
• 🔔 Set up notifications in Settings → Notifications.
• 🔊 Optimize the sound through Settings → Sound and vibration → Equalizer.

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After you have firmware, be sure to check the basic functions: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and camera. If something doesn't work, re-sweeten the phone with complete cleaning.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reinstallation MIUI on the Redmi