Have you installed custom firmware on your Xiaomi, but encountered bugs, poor optimization or simply missed the native MIUI interface? You can return the original firmware even after deep modifications - the main thing is to follow proven methods and not miss critical steps. In this article, we will analyze three working methods: through Fastboot, Recovery and the official Mi Flash Tool application, and also tell you how to avoid common errors when rolling back.
Itβs important to understand that the process of restoring native firmware is different from a regular update, requiring a complete flashing of the device, which can lead to data loss, resetting and even locking the bootloader if you do not act correctly. We will describe each step in detail, including preparing drivers, unlocking the Bootloader (if it is blocked), and choosing the correct firmware version for your model β whether it is Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery charge not lower than 60% (during firmware, the device should not turn off).
- π» Availability of a Windows PC 7/10/11 (The Mi Flash Tool is required for Windows).
- π₯ Backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
- π Cable USB Original or high quality (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
1.Preparation: What to do before the firmware
The first step is to determine the current state of your device. If you have previously installed custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), chances are you already have Bootloader unlocked. If not, you will have to unlock it officially through the Mi Unlock Tool, otherwise you will not be able to flash your native MIUI.
To check the status of Bootloader:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
- If you see Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you need to unlock.
Critical: If you've been running a device through informal tools (like TWRP), it may have a modified anti-rollback protection, in which case the firmware of the older version of MIUI can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. Always use the latest stable firmware version for your model!
Also prepare:
- π Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your smartphoneβs processor).
- π Firmware archive for your model (download only from official sources: miui.com or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- π Mi Flash Tool (latest version) or XiaomiTool V2 flattened.
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If you are not sure about your Xiaomi model, check it through the code ##4636## in the phone app or look at the sticker under the lid (for devices with removable battery).
2. Method 1: Fastboot firmware (recommended method)
This method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. It involves a complete rewriting of all partitions, which ensures a clean installation of MIUI without traces of custom firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with extension.tgz or.zip). Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters, C:\miui_fastboot).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (buttons Volume down + Power).
- Connect the device to a PC. In Mi Flash, press Refresh, and the name of your model should appear.
- In the Select field, specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
Install the Mi Flash Tool|Download the firmware for your model|Unpack the archive to the root of the disk|Check the drivers (Device Manager)|Charge the phone. >60%|Connect the original USB-cable-->
Note: If an anti-rollback check fail occurs during the firmware process, it means that you are trying to flash a version of MIUI older than the one installed earlier.
- Download a newer firmware (check the release date on Xiaomiβs website).
- Or use the XiaomiTool V2 tool, which will automatically select a compatible version.
After successful firmware, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process! If the screen has been getting stuck on the MI logo for longer than 20 minutes, try flashing it back through Fastboot or using the Recovery method (described below).
Method 2: Installation via Recovery (for a blocked Bootloader)
If your Bootloader is locked, but you want to return your native MIUI without unlocking, you can try flashing the device through standard Recovery, a method less reliable than Fastboot, but sometimes works on devices with MediaTek processors or after an update crashes.
Algorithm of action:
- Download Recovery firmware (file with.zip extension) for your model from the official website.
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it at the root of the phoneβs internal memory (not in folders!).
- Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion.
What if Recovery doesnβt see update.zip?
Limitations of the method:
- β Does not work on devices with damaged Recovery.
- β Does not clean user data (may be left with custom firmware debris).
- β Not suitable for firmware with modified anti-rollback.
If the device is loaded into an endless bootloom (cyclical reboot) after installation via Recovery, you will have to use the Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool for complete flashing.
4. Method 3: Automatic firmware via XiaomiTool V2
For users who donβt want to manually deal with Fastboot and commands, there is a handy tool β XiaomiTool V2. This program automatically determines the model of the device, downloads the appropriate firmware and flashes it in the correct order, minimizing the risk of errors.
How to use XiaomiTool V2:
- Download the program from the official website and install.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loud down + Power buttons).
- Launch XiaomiTool V2 and wait until the program determines the model.
- In the main menu, select Clean and Flash (cleaning + firmware).
- The program itself downloads the latest stable version of MIUI and starts firmware.
Advantages of the method:
- β Automatic firmware selection (excludes errors with incompatible versions).
- β Support for most models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
- β Ability to unlock Bootloader directly from the program interface.
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XiaomiTool V2 is the safest way for beginners, as the program itself checks the compatibility of the firmware and prevents critical errors (for example, anti-rollback).
Note, however: XiaomiTool V2 requires an internet connection to download firmware, and the process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the connection speed. Also, the program is paid (there is a free version with restrictions), but for a one-time firmware this is enough.
5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't find a device in Fastboot | There are no drivers or faulty cables | Install drivers manually through Device Manager or try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) |
| The device does not turn on after firmware | Incompatible version of MIUI or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware via Fastboot with another firmware version |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to flash the old version of MIUI | Download a newer firmware or use XiaomiTool V2 to automatically select |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Conflict with the remains of custom firmware | Run Wipe Data in Recovery or re-sweeten with Clean All |
| Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the device | Incorrect connection mode | Reconnect your phone to Fastboot (clip Volume Down + Power) |
β οΈ Warning: if after firmware the device requires a Mi Account that was tied before the reset and you donβt remember it β do not try to bypass the lock through informal methods! IMEI. Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check or box).
Another common problem is that you don't have a network after you've run a firmware, and that's because the new firmware resets the IMEI or Baseband settings, and it works like this.
- Go to Settings β About the phone β All the parameters.
- Check if IMEI and Baseband are displayed.
- If you donβt have an IMEI, then you can re-sweeten the device with the Clean all and lock option.
6. Checking the success of the firmware and the first settings
Once the firmware is complete, you need to make sure that the device is working correctly.
- π Check the version. MIUI: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI. It should be the same as what you asked for.
- πΆ Make sure your mobile network and Wi-Fi are working (if not, restart your device).
- π Check battery power: after firmware may show an incorrect percentage (calibrated after 2-3 charging cycles).
- π΅ Test speakers, microphone and camera β sometimes after firmware reset permissions to access.
If everything works, you can start setting up:
- Sign in to your Mi Account (or create a new one).
- Restore data from the backup (if you did backup via Mi Cloud or Google).
- Update all apps through the Play Market.
- Disable unnecessary system applications (but donβt delete them completely so as not to disrupt MIUI).
β οΈ Attention: After returning to the home MIUI Some custom firmware features (e.g. Google Camera or Google Camera) ViPER4Android) They may stop working. To get them back, you'll need to re-unlock the Bootloader and install Magisk.
7. How to avoid problems in the future
To avoid having to restore your native firmware again, follow these recommendations:
- π² Update regularly MIUI through settings β Updating the system (reduces the risk of conflict).
- π Do not install custom firmware unless you are sure of its compatibility with your model.
- π Before experimenting with firmware, make a full backup through TWRP Mi Cloud.
- π‘οΈ Use official tools (Mi Flash, XiaomiTool) instead of questionable scripts.
If you still decide to try custom firmware again, remember:
- First, check if your model supports Project Treble or Dynamic Partitions (this makes installation easier). GSI-firmware).
- Always check out firmware reviews on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
- Have the original MIUI firmware on hand in case of rollback.
Native. MIUI Optimized for Xiaomi hardware, so even if custom firmware seems more attractive, they rarely boast the same stability and support for all functions (for example, for example, the most attractive ones, IR-blaster).