Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its proprietary shell MIUI is not everyone likes. If you are tired of intrusive advertising, duplicate services and system slowdowns, the solution is: installing pure Android (AOSP) or custom firmware based on the stock interface. In this guide, we will analyze the entire process from unlocking the bootloader to the final configuration of the system, taking into account all the nuances of the Redmi Note 7 model (codename lavender).
Before you start, consider that the procedure requires technical training, you lose the warranty (if it is still valid), and if you make mistakes, you risk getting a brick, but you get a smartphone without extra software, with current security updates and the ability to fine-tune it. In this article, only proven methods for the Redmi Note 7 for 2026, given the changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock downloaders.
Why you should install a clean Android on the Redmi Note 7
The MIUI firmware has its advantages – regular updates, advanced camera features, close integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem – but for many users, its disadvantages outweigh the advantages:
- 📛 Advertising in system applications – even in settings and file manager.
- 🐢 Slowdown over time due to background processes MIUI and duplicate Google services.
- 🔒 System-level limitations: It is not possible to disable some system applications and some functions (e.g, ADB Wi-Fi is not working smoothly.
- ⏳ Update delays: Xiaomi often delays release of security patches for budget models.
Pure Android (or firmware based on it, like LineageOS, Pixel Experience) solves these problems:
- ✅ No advertising and unnecessary services.
- ✅ More smooth work thanks to optimized code.
- ✅ Quick security updates (if you choose supported firmware).
- ✅ Full control of the system: root access, the ability to disable any application, fine-tuning the interface.
However, there is a downside: some features of the Redmi Note 7 may not work properly. For example, the camera in custom firmware is often inferior in quality to the stock MIUI (due to closed Xiaomi drivers), and navigation gestures may be absent.
Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the loader
The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader, which is not necessary to install custom firmware. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process has become more complicated than in 2019-2020.
- Link your Mi Account to your device.
- Wait 168 hours (7 days) after the binding.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.
Important: unlocking will reset all data on your phone! backup photos, contacts and apps.
Link Mi Account to your phone settings
Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press)
Install ADB drivers on PC
Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi official website
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (Off → Hold Power + Vol−)
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Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and click on it 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point!)
Mi Account
Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
Mi Unlock Tool
⚠️ Note: If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" after 7 days of waiting, check: Mi Account is linked to the phone (in the settings displayed as "Device is connected"). The phone is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (unlocking requires verification through Xiaomi servers). You're using the original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will reboot to the stock firmware reset to the factory settings, and you can now start installing custom software.
Firmware Choice: What's Best for Redmi Note 7
For Redmi Note 7 (lavender), there are several types of firmware based on pure Android.
| Type of firmware | Examples | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOSP (Pure Android) | LineageOS, crDroid | Maximum stability, minimalist interface, quick updates | There may be no corporate functions (for example, IR-blaster) |
| Google firmware | Pixel Experience, Havoc OS | Pixel-like interface, support for Google features (e.g. Now Playing) | Higher battery consumption due to Google services |
| MIUI-mode | MIUI Mix, Xiaomi.eu | Keep the branded features of Xiaomi, but without advertising and unnecessary services | Still MIUI, so they don't solve the slowdown problem. |
For most users, the best choice is the Pixel Experience or LineageOS. The first one offers a similar experience to Google Pixel smartphones, the second one provides maximum stability and minimalism. Both firmware are regularly updated and have an active community.
Where to download? Official sources only:
- 🔗 Pixel Experience – Choose a version for Lavender.
- 🔗 LineageOS – Check your model’s support.
- 🔗 XDA Developers – here lay out unofficial builds and patches.
⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from little-known sites! Risk of running into modified software with malware or spyware modules. Always check the hash amounts of files before installing them (they are listed on the official firmware pages).
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Before choosing firmware, check out forum reviews (like 4PDA or XDA). Pay attention to bugs with camera, sensors and autonomy - these are common custom firmware issues for the Redmi Note 7.
Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)
To run a clean Android firmware, you'll need a custom recovery called TWRP, which replaces stock recovery and allows you to install informal firmware, backup and restore the system.
Steps to install TWRP:
- Download the latest version of TWRP for lavender from the official website: twrp.me. The file will be in.img format.
- Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (hold Power + Vol− when turned on).
- Open the command line in the folder with ADB The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
- After successful firmware reboot in TWRP Team: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img
V TWRP First, make a full backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select Boot, System, Data partitions. That will save you if something goes wrong. SD-card.
What to do if TWRP does not start?
Firmware of pure Android: step-by-step instructions
Now that the TWRP is installed, you can start the firmware.
- 📱 Firmware file (e.g, PixelExperience_lavender-13.0-20260510.zip).
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
- 💾 GApps (if the firmware is without Google services; download the version) arm64, Android 13).
- 🔐 Magisk (optional, for root access).
Procedure:
- Copy firmware, GApps, and Magisk files to your phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
- Download to TWRP (Off → Hold Power + Vol+).
- Run a full reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe) by selecting the Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache partitions.
⚠️ Note: Do not erase the Internal Storage section, otherwise you will lose the copied firmware files!
Install → Choose. ZIP-file → Swipe to Confirm Flash
GApps
Magisk
Reboot → System
The firmware for the Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro (codename violet) is incompatible. Make sure you download the version for the lavender.
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If the phone is stuck on the logo after firmware or has gone into a bootloop (cyclical reboot), repeat the steps, but before firmware, format the Data partition into TWRP (not to be confused with wipe!).
Set up the system after firmware
After the first run, you'll have to set up a basic setup of pure Android, and depending on the firmware, the interface may be different, but the common steps are:
- Language and region: Choose Russian (Russia) or another language you want. In some firmware, Russian localization may not be complete, which is normal for custom builds.
- Network Connection: Set up Wi-Fi or mobile internet. If mobile isn't working, check APN settings in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Access Points (APN).
- Google Account: Link your account to access the Play Market and sync your data. If you don’t plan to use Google services, you can skip this step.
- Security: Turn on the screen lock (PIN or pattern lock) The fingerprint may not work - it depends on the firmware.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful firmware, there may be problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera's not working. | There are no proprietary Xiaomi drivers | Install GCam or a patch for the camera (look for XDA) |
| Not catching the mobile network. | Incorrect APN or modem settings | Check the APN or scrolle separately from the stock firmware modem |
| Fast battery discharge | Google Background Processes or Unoptimized Core | Disable unnecessary Google services or install the kernel with optimizations |
| Fingerprints are not working. | There is no support in the firmware | Try another firmware (e.g. Havoc OS often supports scanner) |
If the problem is not solved, go back to the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool and try a different custom build. Sometimes it helps to change the version of TWRP or firmware older / newer firmware.
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Before you ask for help on forums, collect an error log. In TWRP, you can do this through Advanced → Copy Log. The log will help firmware developers understand the cause of the problem faster.