Chinese versions of Xiaomi smartphones often attract users with lower price and early access to new models, but their firmware has a number of limitations: no Google services, Chinese apps in the system and regional locks. MIUI solves these problems, but requires care - errors can turn the device into a brick".
In this guide, we will analyze all the stages of firmware: from unlocking the bootloader to installing custom recovery and choosing the right version of the software. Particular attention will be paid to the risks when working with Chinese versions on MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11T Pro or POCO X4 GT), where the unlock algorithm is different from Qualcomm. If you are a beginner, start by studying the firmware compatibility table and be sure to make a backup.
Why should Chinese Xiaomi be used?
The main problem with the Chinese version (China ROM) is the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS).
- 📱 Google Play Market and Automatic App Updates;
- 🗺️ Google Maps, Waze and other navigation services;
- 🔑 Authorization through Google Account in games and applications;
- 📧 Synchronize contacts, mail and calendar via Gmail.
In addition, Chinese firmware contains embedded software for the local market (for example, Mi Pay for China, Xiaomi Cloud with limited functionality), which cannot be removed without root rights. Global ROMs do not have these shortcomings, but their installation requires unlocking the bootloader, a procedure that Xiaomi complicated in 2023-2026.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps:
Download official firmware from Xiaomi website (Download → Select device section)|
Install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot | drivers
Check the device model in Settings → About Phone → MIUI| version
Create a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|
Charge your phone to at least 60% |
Prepare. SIM-card of a non-Chinese operator (for linking an account)
-->
Chinese devices often come with a Stable or Developer version of MIUI, but not all of them support unlocking. For example, smartphones on MediaTek Dimensity (such as Redmi K50 Ultra) require the additional step of obtaining SLA (Special Lock Authorization) through the official Xiaomi service.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China less than 30 days ago, unlocking the bootloader may be temporarily blocked, in which case you will have to wait or use informal methods (risky!).
Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions
Unlocking the bootloader is the most important step. Xiaomi requires linking the device to the Mi Account and waiting for confirmation (usually 7-14 days).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on the line to turn on Developer Mode).
- Link your device to your Mi Account in the Settings → Xiaomi Account menu. Make sure your account is confirmed by email and phone.
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and log in.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power) and monitor progress in the utility.
If the utility is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Waiting for 168 hours" error, it means that the device is not ready to unlock yet.
- 🔄 Reconnect your Mi Account and try again in 24 hours;
- 📱 Try using another one. SIM-map (non-Chinese operator);
- 🔧 If the error is 10008, check if your model supports unlocking (some devices, such as Xiaomi). 13T Pro for China, may have hardware limitations).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Selection of firmware: official vs custom
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to select the firmware type.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Global ROM | Stable work, support OTA-updates, Google services | May contain Bloatware, limited settings | Users who need reliability |
| EEA (European) | Optimized for Europe, less advertising | There is no Russian language in some versions. | EU residents or those who want minimalist software |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Pure Android, no Bloatware, advanced settings | No official support, possible bugs | Enthusiasts and experienced users |
For most users, the best choice is the official Global ROM. You can download it from Xiaomi's website (select the Stable version for your model). 12 Pro for China has the ruby code and the global version — ruby_global.
⚠️ Note: Firmware from another model (for example, installation) ruby_global Ruby will cause hard brick damage. Always check the device code in Settings → The phone. → Model!
💡
If you are flashing a device on MediaTek (like POCO X5 Pro 5G), download the firmware in.tgz format and use the SP Flash Tool utility instead of Mi Flash.
Installation of firmware through Fastboot
The most reliable way to flash Xiaomi is to use the Fastboot mode and the official Mi Flash Tool utility.
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
- In the utility, press Refresh – a device with a port indication (for example, COM4) should appear.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the region); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (only for experienced!); Save user data – data storage (risky, can lead to bugs).
Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
If the process is 99 percent dead or you have an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on the device.
- 🔍 Check the version of the current firmware in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI;
- 📥 Download a new firmware from the Xiaomi website;
- 🔧 If the error persists, use it. TWRP to circumvent the restriction (see the following section).
💡
When running through Fastboot, never turn off the cable or interrupt the process! this can damage the boot partition and "brick" the device.
TWRP Firmware: When it is Needed
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to install firmware in.zip format, make backups and bypass some of Xiaomi’s restrictions.
- 🔄 You need to flash custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience);
- 🔧 Bypass the anti-rollback error;
- 📦 Install Magisk to obtain root rights;
- 🔄 Restore the device after a failed firmware.
Instructions for installing TWRP:
- Download the current version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me (.img file).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-ruby.img (Replace the file name with yours).
- Boot into TWRP by clamping Volume Up + Nutrition.
- Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup section in TWRP).
- Sweep through the new firmware through Install → Select ZIP.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 series after installation TWRP It can trigger automatic stock recovery, so to avoid this, right after the firmware is installed. TWRP The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery
Solving typical errors in firmware
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock (10008) | The device does not support unlocking or account is not confirmed | Check the model on the Xiaomi website; use it SIM-map of a non-Chinese operator |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to install an older version of MIUI | Download new firmware or use TWRP with checkout disabled |
| This device is locked | The bootloader is not unlocked | Repeat the unlocking procedure with the Mi Unlock Tool |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Boot partition or incompatible firmware damaged | Sweep the stock firmware through Fastboot or EDL-Regime (Authorized Account Required) |
If the device stops turning on (brick), do not panic. In most cases, it can be restored through the use of a computer. EDL-The Emergency Download Mode (ED) is the mode for this:
- Download the firmware in.tgz format for your model.
- Connect your phone to your PC by holding Volume up + Volume down + Power (the device should not respond).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (authentication is required through a Xiaomi account with developer rights).
How to check if your device supports EDL-regime?
What do I do after the firmware?
After a successful firmware:
- 🔄 Perform reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting), even if the firmware is installed over the old;
- 📱 Check the operation of the main functions: camera, sensors, mobile network;
- 🔧 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system;
- 🔒 If it's installed TWRP, Scroll Magisk to obtain root rights (optional).
If the IMEI is missing after the firmware or the mobile network is not working, restore it through the engineering menu:
- Enter the number ##4636##.
- Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.
- If the IMEI is missing, restore it via TWRP (Nvram backup is needed) or contact the service center.
💡
After the firmware of the Chinese version on the global may lose support for some LTE-Check compatibility with your operator on the FrequencyCheck website.