How to change the firmware on the Xiaomi phone: official and informal methods

Changing the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can dramatically change the way a device works, from fixing bugs to adding new features. However, the wrong actions lead to a “bricking” of the phone, loss of warranty or security problems. This article will help you understand when to update the software, what tools to use for official and custom firmware, and how to avoid typical errors.

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for the Redmi, POCO and Mi lineup, but not all of them are available for all regions at once. In addition, many users prefer alternative builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience for more customization. We will look at both approaches, from automatic updates through Settings to manual firmware through Fastboot and Recovery.

It’s important to understand that the procedure for 2020-2026 models is different from older devices (before the Redmi Note 7).Modern Xiaomi smartphones use a secure bootloader, and some features (such as unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool) require a wait of up to 720 hours. If you’re a beginner, start with the official methods.

1. When to change firmware to Xiaomi

Software updates are not always warranted. Here are the key cases where a firmware change is really needed:

• 🔄 Hanging and lag: If the phone brakes after the update MIUI, A rollback to a stable version could solve the problem, for example, many Redmi Note 10 Pro users have complained about bugs in the system. MIUI 14.0.3 - Return to 14.0.2 eliminates them.
• 🔒 Region lock: Some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro for India) have restrictions on regional services. Global firmware removes these restrictions.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Critical patches (e.g., to fix vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel) are only closed in the latest versions MIUI.
• 🎯 New features: In custom firmware (such as ArrowOS) there are options that are absent in the stock MIUI — For example, support for Seamless Updates or advanced camera settings.

But there is a downside: informal firmware deprives you of warranty, and improper installation can lead to a loss of IMEI or a problem with the NFC module. For example, on Xiaomi 12T, contactless payment often stops working after LineageOS firmware.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased on credit or under a contract with an operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), changing the firmware may violate the terms of the contract.

2. Preparation of the phone for firmware

Before any software manipulation, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or the inability to restore the device.

First, back up. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → Phone → Backup) or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contact and SMS (export to.vcf and.xml)
• 📷 Photos and videos (transfer to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Application data (passwords, game saves – use Swift Backup)
• 📋 IMEI Serial number (write on paper or take a photo of the sticker under the battery)

Second, check the model and version of MIUI. This is critical, as the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (veux) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 11 Pro (peux).

1. Enter the combination ##4636### in the phone app.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the Kernel line.
3. Use the Device Info HW app (shows Model Number and Codename).

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the code name of the model|Charge the phone before 60% more|Download the correct version of the firmware|Prepare the cable. USB (preferably original)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->

Third, unlock the bootloader if you plan to install custom firmware.

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Activate debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps on the line → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run in cmd: adb reboot bootloader fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false status, use Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).

⚠️ Note: Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking. for new models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO F5) Requires up to 30 days after account binding, and older devices (up to Redmi Note 10) unlock in 72 to 168 hours.

3. Official ways to update MIUI

The safest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in tools, which are suitable for installing stable and beta versions of MIUI without risking losing warranty.

Updating by Air (OTA)

If you want to update to the latest version:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it (the file weight is usually 1.5-3 GB).
3. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

For models with Seamless Updates support (such as the Xiaomi 12), the phone will reboot twice: first for installation, then for activation of the new firmware.

Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA-Update not available (for example, for regional firmware), download the full package MIUI official website:

1. Go to the downloads page and select your model.
2. Download a file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_VEUXGlobal_V14.0.4.0.TLCEUXM_...).
3. Move it to the root folder of the phone (not in the folder!).
4. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system, tap the icon ⋮ → Select the update file.

Important: The file should be named strictly according to the template. 11 (Spes only fits a firmware with a name miui_SPESGlobal_.... You cannot rename the file!

💡

Official firmware via OTA or Recovery does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains a warranty. Use them if you do not need custom features.

4. Install custom firmware (TWRP + Custom ROM)

If you don't like stock MIUI, you can install an alternative firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – Google Pixel interface with Now Playing feature.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between productivity and customization.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS – maximum settings for enthusiasts.

The installation will require:

1. Unlocked boot loader (see section 2).
2. Custom recovery is usually TWRP. Download the version for your model from twrp.me.
3. Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services). For example, LineageOS 20 + NikGApps will be suitable for POCO X3 NFC (surya).

Step-by-step:

1. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-surya.img fastboot reboot recovery
2. In TWRP, make Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (don’t touch Internal Storage!).
3. Install the firmware (Install → select the.zip file), then GApps (if necessary).
4. Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10 to 15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) custom firmware breaks the job 5G-modem 6E. Before installing, check out reviews on the XDA-Developers forum.

5. Firmware via Fastboot (MiFlash Tool)

This method is used to restore a “brick” phone or install an official Fastboot ROM.

• 🔧 The phone is not switched on or stuck in the Fastboot.
• 📉 You need to do a downgrade (downgrading version). MIUI).
• 🔄 Reflash the device after the failed installation of custom firmware.

Instructions:

1. Download MiFlash Tool (version 2023.4.28.0 or later) and Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\veux_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone, press the power. + Vol− for the entrance to the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlash. Press Select, specify the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, choose clean all (full cleaning) or clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after firmware).
6. Press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes.

On models with Snapdragon chipset 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) when you run through Fastboot, you need to disable the antirollback check, otherwise MiFlash will give you an error "anti-rollback check fail." flash_all.bat replace the line with --anti on --anti=off.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them.

6.1. The telephone shall not be switched on after firmware

If the screen is black or only the MI logo is on:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Try to log in to Recovery (Power) + Vol+) Make Wipe Data.
• 📥 Fastboot phone via Fastboot (see section 5).

6.2 Loss of IMEI or network

If the mobile Internet is missing after firmware or the phone does not catch the network:

1. Check IMEI in Settings → About Phone → General information. If it is missing (null), restore it using the Maui META or SN Write Tool.
2. For models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 10C), use the MTK Engineering Mode:

Errors in unlocking the loader

If the Mi Unlock Tool makes a mistake:

• 🔗 Couldn't unlock: Mi Account is not tied to phone. Repeat the link and wait 7-30 days.
• 🕒 Wait XX hours: Unlock timer hasn't expired. Connect your phone to the Internet and wait until the countdown is over.
• 🔌 USB debugging not authorized: Debugging permission will appear on the phone – confirm it.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t recognize your phone, try using version 5.5.224.24 (works with older models) or run the program on behalf of the administrator.

7. How to get back the official firmware

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can roll back to stock MIUI.

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website.
2. Install the MiFlash Tool and Qualcomm drivers (for Snapdragon) or MediaTek (for Helio/Dimensity).
3. Log in to Fastboot (Power + Vol−) and connect your phone to your PC.
4. In MiFlash, select the firmware folder and press Flash. Use the clean all and lock option to lock the bootloader.

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart, the first turn on can take up to 10 minutes. SIM-card in PUK-code (it can be found by the operator).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after returning to the official firmware may require re-activation of the Mi Account through the SMS. Make sure you have access to your phone number.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions