Xiaomi’s official method of firmware is a procedure that allows you to upgrade to the current version, restore the device to work after crashes or remove custom assemblies. Unlike informal methods, the official firmware retains a warranty, does not violate the MIUI security policy and minimizes the risks of “bricking” the device. However, even here there are nuances: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right type of firmware (Fastboot or Recovery).
In this article, we will look at all the steps from the device preparation to the final system check, and answer key questions: how to avoid firmware errors, what tools will be needed and what to do if something goes wrong. POCO,Released after 2018 (including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ and POCO F6). Older devices (up to Mi 8) may require additional steps, which we have made separate. FAQ-block.
1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware
The first and most important step is to check the current state of the smartphone, and without that, the official firmware could end up in error or lead to data loss.
- 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Write down the exact name (e.g., model, 23113RKCIC For the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G). This is critical for choosing the right firmware.
- 🔋 Battery charge: level must be at least 60%.When you are running through Fastboot, connect the device to charge.
- 🔐 Backup: Official firmware does not always store user data. Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools (like Swift Backup) for backup of contacts, photos and apps.
- 🔗 Cable USB: Get the original Xiaomi cable (or certified) USB-C/Micro-USB). Cheap cables can interrupt the connection during firmware.
Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader, without which the firmware on the Fastboot is impossible.
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
- If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (more on this below).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Xiaomi may also require you to link your Mi Account to the device for 72 hours before unlocking (the rule applies for new models).
2. Selecting firmware type: Fastboot vs Recovery
Xiaomi offers two official methods of firmware, and their difference is fundamental:
| Criteria | Firmware through Fastboot | Firmware through Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| File type | .tgz or.zip (for the Mi Flash Tool) | .zip (for MIUI Recovery) |
| Do you need to unlock the bootloader? | Yes. | No (but I need an official firmware) |
| Are the data stored? | No (full reset) | Yes (if you choose Update, not Wipe) |
| Suitable for | Recovery after disruptions, region change, downgrade | Update the current version, fix minor bugs |
When to choose Fastboot? If you need to:
- 🔄 Switch from custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) to official firmware MIUI.
- 🌍 Change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).
- 🛠️ Restore the device after a major failure (bootloop, DM-Verity error).
When is recovery enough?
- 📱 You are updating the current version MIUI to a new one (for example, from 14.0.5 to 14.0.6).
- 🔧 You need to fix small bugs without losing data.
- 🚫 The bootloader is locked and you don’t want to unlock it.
3 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
If you chose firmware through Fastboot, but the bootloader is locked, you have to unlock it. Xiaomi has made this procedure more difficult in the latest models, but the algorithm remains the same:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Enable sync and confirm administrator rights. Wait 72 hours (for new devices) This is a mandatory requirement for Xiaomi to protect against theft.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility is available at en.miui.com/unlock (autonomy required). Select the Windows version (Linux/macOS not supported).
Launch unlock.
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, check: Internet connection (utility requires online verification); the version of Xiaomi drivers on PC (download the Mi Flash Tool - it installs them automatically); Account binding: If the device was purchased from hand, the previous owner could not untie his account.
Mi Account linked to device | It's been 72 hours since the link | Downloaded the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool | Installed Xiaomi drivers on PC | Smartphone in Fastboot-->
4. Step-by-step instruction: firmware via Fastboot
This is the most reliable way to flash Xiaomi, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and a complete data reset.
- Install Mi Flash Tool: Download the utility with 5. Firmware through Recovery: Update without losing data This method is simpler and safer, but only suitable for updating the current version MIUI or recovering from non-critical failures, the main advantage is the preservation of user data (unless you choose a full reset). MIUI Downloads select the model of the device. Download the file marked Recovery ROM (zip extension. Rename the file to update.zip (I'll be sure!) and move to the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Go to Recovery: Turn off the device. + Food before the appearance of the logo MIUI Recovery. Install firmware: Select a language (usually English or Chinese). Go to Install update.zip Confirm installation and wait until completion. Cache Cleanup (optional): After installation, select Wipe Cache. Reboot the device.
If the device is stuck on the MIUI logo after the firmware, perform a hard reset (Wipe Data in Recovery) that will delete user data, but restore functionality.
What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
6. Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with official firmware, there can be errors, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | 72 hours have passed since the account was linked or the server error | Wait 3 days or try another Mi Account. |
| Flash Not Made in Mi Flash Tool | Incorrect firmware, driver or cable problems | Check the device model, reinstall the drivers, try another USB-port |
| The device does not turn on after firmware | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with the choice of Clean all |
| DM-Verity corruption when downloaded | Damage to the system partition | Check out Fastboot with Clean All and Lock |
| Recovery does not see update.zip | File corrupted or not at the root of memory | Upload the firmware, check the file name and location |
If your error is not listed in the table, try:
- 🔍 Find solutions on XDA-Developers forums or 4PDA (Specify the exact model of the device!).
- 📧 Contact Xiaomi via the official website (attach screenshots of the error).
💡
90% of firmware errors are due to the wrong firmware version or a failure to unlock the bootloader. Always check that the file is compatible with your model!
7. After the firmware: what to do next
Successful firmware is only half the battle, so to keep the device running smoothly, follow a few additional steps:
Check the efficiency