Changing the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is often the only way to get the device back on track or out of the “brick” state. Gadget owners resort to this procedure when automatic updates stop coming, the current version of MIUI is unstable or they need to change the region from China to Global. The process seems difficult only at first glance, but with the right instructions and the right software, it is available even for beginners.
Using a personal computer gives the user much more control over the process than updating "over the air", you get the opportunity to force a fresh build, roll back to an earlier version or completely clear the memory partitions of system debris. Interrupting the process of writing data to flash memory in 90% of cases leads to irreversible damage to the bootloader, so stable power to the PC and proper maintenance. USB-cables are critical.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, choice of firmware method and direct installation. We will touch on the work with Fastboot mode, the use of the Mi Flash Tool utility and the nuances of working with the Recovery menu. Understanding the differences between these methods will allow you to choose the best scenario for your particular situation and smartphone model.
Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware method
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to make sure that the hardware is serviceable. USB-cable (preferably original, as cheap analogues often do not provide the desired current) and a computer running Windows. ADB Fastboot must be installed correctly in the system, otherwise the computer will not see the device in the desired mode.
There are two main ways to flash through the PC: through Recovery mode and through Fastboot mode. The first method is less aggressive, it allows you to update the system by saving user data, but is not suitable for changing the region or recovering from serious crashes. The second method is complete and often requires an unlocked bootloader, but gives absolute control over the partitions of the device memory.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up all important data.The firmware process, especially through the Fastboot cleanup, will irrevocably delete all photos, contacts and applications from the internal drive.
The choice of method depends on your goals. MIUI, when OTA-If you bought a Chinese version of your smartphone and you want to install global firmware, or the phone stopped loading normally, the only option is Fastboot mode.
Necessary tools and software
To do this successfully, you'll need to download a few specialized web sites, the main tool is the official Mi Flash Tool, which provides an interface between your computer and your phone, allowing you to transfer system images to your device's memory, and you should only download it from trusted resources or the official XDA Developers forum to avoid malicious code.
The second critical component is drivers. In Windows 10 and 11, the underlying drivers are often installed automatically, but Fastboot and Diagnostics (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader) may require specific libraries. Lack of the right driver is the most common reason a firmware can't see the connected device.
You'll also need a firmware file. There are two types: Recovery (.zip extension) and Fastboot (.tgz extension). To work through your computer and Mi Flash utility, you need a.tgz file. It's important to make sure that the firmware version matches your model and is no lower than the version installed now if the bootloader is locked.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Instructions: Firmware through Recovery mode
This method is suitable for updating the system without losing data if the current version is working but requires manual file installation. First, place the downloaded firmware zip archive in the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Then go to the settings menu, select About Phone and click on the MIUI version. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.
If the automatic method through the settings is not available, you can use Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the phone and press the combination of the buttons Volume Up + Power. After the logo appears, release the buttons. In the Recovery menu (which is controlled by volume buttons and confirmed by the power button), select Install zip or similar, and specify the path to the file.
Once confirmed, the system will start checking the digital signature and installing updates. The screen can go out and light up several times, which is normal. Upon completion, the phone will suggest restarting. The first run after the update can take up to 10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
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If the system writes “Cannot verify update” or “Zip signature verification failed”, then you are trying to roll back to an older version or the firmware file is damaged when you download it.
Fastboot Firmware with Mi Flash Tool
This is the most powerful and versatile method that allows you to change the firmware region (for example, with the help of a computer). CN To start, unpack the firmware archive (.tgz) into the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short and does not contain Cyrillic, for example: C:\xiaomi_rom\. Long tracks often cause errors in the utility.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to connect the device to the PC by holding the Volume Down button. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator, press the Refresh button - your device with the serial number should appear in the list.
At the bottom of the program window, select firmware mode. The "Clean all" option will completely delete all data and install the clean system. The "Clean all and lock" option will do the same, but also lock the bootloader (use only with global firmware on a global device!). The "Save user data" option will try to save files, but when you change region it is not available. Press "Flash" and wait for completion, the indicator will turn green with the word "success."