Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have a powerful operating system, but sometimes there are situations when standard updates via Wi-Fi are not enough. Users may face software errors, the need to change the firmware region or the desire to install custom Android build.
This process requires care and preparation, as any actions with system files carry certain risks, but if you follow the algorithm carefully and use proven tools from developers, you can not only restore the device to work, but also get a fresh version of MIUI or HyperOS before the official release in your region.
In this article, we will look at all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to the final installation of the system image, you will learn how the global versions differ from the Chinese versions, how to correctly transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode and what to do if the installation program gives an error. Proper preparation is 90% of the success of the entire operation.
Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware method
Before you connect the cable to your computer, you need to decide on the type of firmware that is suitable for your model. There are two main file formats for Xiaomi: Recovery (ZIP-archives and Fastboots. For installation via PCs, we absolutely need a Fastboot. ROM, which has a.tgz extension and weighs significantly more, usually 3 to 5 gigabytes.
It is important to understand the difference between release regions. Global versions have built-in Google Play and support for many languages, including Russian, out of the box. Chinese versions (China) often lack some Google services and require additional configuration, but update faster. When choosing a file, make sure that the region codes match or you know exactly how to change the region after flashing.
⚠️ Note: Using firmware from another phone model (e.g., trying to flash Redmi Note 10 firmware from Redmi Note 10 Pro) will cause permanent damage to the device (the “brick”). Always check the code name of the model.
You will need quality work to do. USB-cable, preferably original or certified, as cheap analogues may not provide stable data transfer. Also make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of writing system partitions.
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi has implemented a strict security policy that prohibits flashing a locked bootloader device, which is protection against data theft and malware installation, but for enthusiasts this is the first obstacle, and the unlocking process requires linking a Mi Account to the device and waiting for a certain period of time.
To start, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version) until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
Inside the developer menu, find the Mi Unlock Status section and activate it. You also need to link your account, then wait 168 hours (7 days) or 360 hours (15 days) depending on the account region and current company policies, re-assigning resets the timer.
- 🔓 Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the developer’s website and install it on your PC.
- 📱 Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode, clamping the power buttons and volume reduction at the same time.
- 💻 Connect the phone to your computer and press the “Unlock” button in the program, confirming the action on the smartphone screen.
Why do you have to wait 7 days?
Once successfully unlocked, all data on the phone will be deleted for security reasons, a one-time procedure: after the first unlock, repeat the wait for subsequent flashings is not required unless you lock the bootloader back.
Installation of ADB and Fastboot drivers
A Windows computer may not recognize a smartphone in deep firmware mode without the appropriate drivers. Standard MTP drivers used for file transfers will not work here. You will need specific ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers for low-level modes.
The easiest way to install everything you need is to use Google’s SDK Platform Tools or Xiaomi’s dedicated ADB/Fastboot Tools package. When installing drivers through Device Manager, make sure that a device called Android Bootloader Interface appears in the USB Controllers or Portable Devices section.
adb devices
fastboot devicesThese commands, entered in the command line in the tool folder, must output the serial number of your device. If the list is empty or an error appears, the problem lies in the drivers or the device. USB-Device Manager must not have unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks.
⚠️ Note: When installing drivers in Windows 10 and 11, you may need to disable driver digital signature verification, especially if you’re using modified versions for older devices.
Connection stability has a direct impact on firmware speed. Use ports. USB 3.0 (blue) on the back of the motherboard, as they provide better voltage stability compared to ports on the front of the case or through the back. USB-hub.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
The main tool for this operation is the official utility Mi Flash Tool. It allows you to write system images directly to the device memory, bypassing the standard Android interface. Before starting the program, you must unpack the downloaded firmware archive (.tgz) into the root of the disk or a folder with a short path that does not contain Cyrillic characters.
Run Mi Flash on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button to detect the connected smartphone. The list should show a device with a code name. If the code shows the path to the device, the drivers are installed correctly. Now select the folder with the unpacked firmware by clicking the Select button.
At the bottom of the utility window, you'll see three options: Clean all is the safest and most recommended mode. It cleans the device's memory completely and installs a clean system. Save user data tries to save user files, but often leads to errors and cyclical reboots when you change the Android version.
| Firmware mode | Description of action | Data retention | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| clean all | Complete cleaning and installation | No (all removed) | Recommended for stability |
| save user data | Updating with preservation | Yeah (photos, contacts) | Not recommended for changing versions |
| clean all + lock | Cleaning, installation and locking | No. | Only for global firmware |
After selecting the "clean all" mode, press the "Flash" button, which takes 200 to 600 seconds, during which time you can not turn off the cable or interrupt the program, the status bar will show progress in percentages, and in the log at the bottom - current executable commands.
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If the process is 99% frozen and does not move for more than 10 minutes, try replacing it. USB-Cable or plug it into another port without interrupting the process with the Stop button.
Error analysis and problem solving
Even with the exact following of the instructions, errors can occur, and one of the most common is error: can't load image or space-short messages, which often indicates that the firmware is chosen for another type of memory (for example, firmware for UFS trying to stand on an eMMC) or simply a broken archive file.
The “Miss matching image and device” error means that you are trying to install a version of the system that is not compatible with the current bootloader or region, for example, you can not without additional manipulations put Chinese firmware on the device with the unlocked bootloader, waiting for global services, without changing the region of the bootloader.
- 🔴 Mistake. 0x000037: Usually associated with drivers or port USB. Solution: Reinstall Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🔴 Not enough space error: Internal memory overflows or damaged partition table. requires formatting via Fastboot.
- 🔴 Device not identified: Check cable, port USB and availability of drivers ADB Interface in Device Manager.
In some cases, especially when you switch from Android 11 to Android 13 or 14, you may need to have a firmware in between. If you jump through too many versions, the security system may block the installation, and in such cases, you need to find a bridge, the version of the software that stands between your current and desired.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is gone EDL (Emergency Download Mode (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008, standard firmware through Mi Flash may not pass without an authorized Mi Account. Requires disassembly of the phone and closing test points.
First start and set up system
Once the process is completed successfully, the green “Success” indicator will light up in the Mi Flash window. The phone will automatically restart. The first run after the firmware (“clean all”) can last up to 10-15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates system files again. Don’t panic if you see the MI or Android logo longer than usual.
When you first set up, the system may request a Wi-Fi connection and a Google account login. If you installed global firmware, all services will work normally. In the case of Chinese firmware, you will need to additionally install Google Play Services through the built-in installer or third-party methods.
It is recommended to check the version of the software in the settings immediately and make sure that it matches the downloaded file, and it is also worth checking the main modules: the camera, sound, sensor and communication module, if everything works correctly, you can restore data from the backup.
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Successful firmware is not only the appearance of the desktop, but also the stable operation of all communication and multimedia modules in the first hours of use.
Now your device is updated to the current version. Check for updates regularly, as after manual firmware, automatic updates may come with a delay or, conversely, immediately, depending on the installation region.