How to reinstall the system on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways

Reinstallation of the operating system on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones can be required in a variety of situations, from bugs after the update to complete flashing to improve performance. However, the process is not as simple as it seems – the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of reinstallation. MIUI (including Fastboot, Recovery and the standard menu, we will tell you how to avoid typical errors, and give recommendations for choosing firmware for specific models of Redmi Note, Redmi K and other lines.

It is important to understand that reinstalling the system is not just a factory reset; it involves a complete software replacement, which can affect the warranty, the operation of sensors (for example, the operation of the system, NFC or IR-And even compatibility with some apps, if your goal is to just clean your phone of garbage, maybe you can do a hard Recovery reset (the instructions are lower). MIUI, fix critical errors or install custom firmware - read more.

Before you start, answer three key questions:

1. What is the Redmi model you have in your hand? (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or Redmi 10C — It depends on the choice of firmware.)
2. What version? MIUI Do you want to install? (Stable global, Chinese, custom type Pixel Experience?)
3. Do you have a backup? (Without a backup, it will be impossible to recover photos, messages, and passwords after reinstallation.)

1.Reinstallation preparation: what to do before starting

The first and most important step is to save all the data, and reinstall the system completely formats the internal memory, so without the backup, you lose:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage)
• 💬 Messages in messengers (if cloud redundancy is not enabled)
• 📁 Download files, documents and music
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and apps (unless you use Google Smart Lock)

For backup on Xiaomi Redmi, you can use:

• 🔄 Built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, System settings, but not photos).
• ☁️ Google Drive or Mi Cloud (for photos, contacts and parts of apps).
• 💻 Manual copying on PC through MTP (Put the phone on USB and transfer files manually).

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to move from MIUI China MIUI Global (or vice versa), note that once reinstalled, you may need to link to a new region.Some features (such as Google Services on Chinese firmware) may not work properly.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (must be at least 60% so that the phone doesn't turn off during the process).
• 🔌 Availability of original USB-cables (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).
• 🖥️ Access to a Windows computer (for Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool methods).

Method 1: Reinstallation via Recovery (without PC)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and loaded into the system (albeit with errors).
• 🔄 You want to install an official firmware MIUI (customless).
• 🚫 No access to your computer or you don’t want to use Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads. Choose a version marked Recovery (not Fastboot!) and the file will be.zip.
2. Transfer the downloaded file to the root directory of the phone's internal memory (not to folders!). update.zip convenienceally.
3. Turn off the phone. Press the Volume up combination. + Food to Enter Recovery Mode.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (navigation is done with volume buttons, the choice is with the power button).
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will have a clean system.

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware for another model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 instead of Redmi Note 11 Pro), the phone may stop loading.Always check the name of the firmware file - it must contain the exact code of your model (e.g., ingres for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require a computer.
• ✅ Save unlocking the bootloader (if it was performed earlier).
• ✅ Less risk of bricking compared to Fastboot.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not suitable for custom firmware (only official ones) MIUI).
• ❌ Does not always solve problems with the loader or damaged partitions.

💡

If after reinstalling via Recovery, the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Try repeating the process or using the Fastboot method. Sometimes resetting via Wipe Data in the same Recovery menu helps.

Method 2: Reinstall via Fastboot (from PC)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for complete flashing, especially if:

• 🐌 The phone is slowing down or not loading into the system.
• 🔧 You need to install a different version of the firmware (for example, with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (you can download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_ingres).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool or manually through Device Manager).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for a change of version) MIUI). Clean all and lock - cleaning + - lock the bootloader (only if you are sure that it is needed!) Save user data - saving user data (not always works correctly).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you are running Xiaomi Redmi with a locked bootloader, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to complete the process. First, unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool app (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-15 days for new devices).

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (alternative to reinstallation)

If your goal is to clean your phone of garbage, not change the version MIUI, You can do a hard reset, which will delete all the data, but it will save the current firmware:

• 🧹 Removing viruses or unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Correction of small glitches (hangs, overheating).
• 📱 Preparing the phone for sale.

How to reset:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not Reset Network Settings!).
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.
4. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

If the phone is not turned on, you can reset through Recovery:

1. Enter Recovery Mode (Loudness buttons up) + Nutrition).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) may require you to reset your old Mi password after resetting via Recovery, even if you don't remember it.

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Reset to factory settings does not update the version MIUI If the problem is in the system itself (for example, bugs after an update), you need a complete reflash through Fastboot or Recovery.

5. How to Choose the Right Firmware for Xiaomi Redmi

Mistakes in firmware selection are the most common reason Xiaomi phones get “bricked” here’s what to look for:

Types of firmware MIUI

5.2 How to find out the code of your model

Each Xiaomi Redmi model has a unique code (e.g., ingres for Redmi Note 10 Pro, surya for Redmi Note 9 Pro).

• In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click several times on the kernel version).
• On the phone box (on the sticker with the serial number).
• Through the team in ADB: adb shell getprop ro.product.device

5.3 Where to download the official firmware

Download the firmware only from verified sources:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose your model and your region).
• 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial but reliable archive).
• 🤖 XDA Developers (for custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: Firmware from torrents or little-known sites may contain viruses or be modified (for example, with pre-installed mining (MD5 or SHA-1) post-download.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when reinstalling the system.

6.1. the telephone shall not be switched on after firmware ("brick")

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Inappropriate firmware: Install firmware from another model. Solution: Sweat the correct version through Fastboot.
• 🔓 Forgot to unlock the bootloader: On new Xiaomi phones, the bootloader is locked by default.Solution: Use the Mi Unlock Tool.
• ⚡ Interrupted: Cable shut down or battery shut down. Solution: Try logging in. EDL Mode (black screen) and flash through the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized account.

6.2 Loss. IMEI or network problems

If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI or off-net:

• Check if the /nvram folder is saved (if not, restore the backup via TWRP).
• Enter. IMEI Manually via Engineer Mode (code #4636##) but this doesn’t work on all models.
• Reflash the modem module separately through Fastboot.

6.3. touchscreen or display is not working

If the screen does not respond to touch after firmware:

• Try flashing another firmware version (possibly the problem with the display drivers).
• Check if the screen plume is damaged (relevant if the phone falls).
• Sign in to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash touch your_touch_firmware.img (The touch driver file can be found in the firmware archive).

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If after reinstalling the system, the sensors (gyroscope, compass) stopped working, NFC), Try calibrating them via the engineering menu (#6484##) or scrolling the persist module separately.

7. reinstall custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

If official MIUI You don't like it, you can install custom firmware based on Android (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🛠️ Installed custom Recovery (TWRP).
• 📄 Compatible firmware for your model.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. V TWRP Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → System, Data, Boot).
4. Sweat the custom firmware (Install) → Choose. ZIP-file).
5. Install GApps (if you need Google services).
6. Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik, Cache and reboot.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support some Xiaomi features, such as: 📸 Full-featured camera (48MP or Night Mode may not work). 🔋 Fast charging (on some firmware limited to 10W). 🎮 Game turbo mode and other branded chips MIUI. Before installing, check the firmware reviews on forums XDA or 4PDA.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions