How to flash the Xiaomi Mi Pad tablet: official and custom firmware

Why do you want to use Xiaomi Mi Pad?

Xiaomi Mi Pad tablets (including Mi Pad 4/4 Plus/5/6 models) are often affected by unoptimized software despite the powerful hardware. The device’s firmware can solve performance problems, fix MIUI bugs, or install a clean Android without unnecessary services. But the wrong actions lead to a “brick” (complete failure) of the device – so it is important to follow the proven instructions.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to installing official or custom firmware. Relevant for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek (depending on the model), If your tablet is stuck on the logo or is unstable, firmware is often the only solution.

What are the firmwares for the Mi Pad?

The choice of firmware depends on your goals:

• 📦 Official. MIUI — A stable version from Xiaomi with support OTA-Suitable for recovery after failure.
• 🔧 LineageOS (Pixel Experience) – pure Android without Blaatware, but require an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔄 Portrait firmware - unofficial assemblies MIUI For other regions (e.g. Global on Chinese model).
• 🛠️ Fastboot firmware – full images for recovery via PC (for example, when “brick").

For beginners, we recommend starting with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Experienced users can try custom solutions, but they require additional manipulations (unlock the bootloader, install TWRP).

Preparation for firmware: what to do in advance

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Make a backup of data (photos, contacts, applications) |

Check the tablet model in Settings → About the phone |

Download firmware only for your model (e.g. Mi Pad 4) ≠ Mi Pad 4 Plus)|

Install Qualcomm/ADB drivers on PC|

Charge the tablet at least 60%|-->

Pay special attention to the version MIUI. For example, Mi Pad 4 (codenames: clover, olive) and Mi Pad 5 (nabu) use different firmware. HW team:

adb shell getprop ro.product.device

Mi Account lock warning: If the tablet is tied to a Xiaomi account, you may need to enter a login/password after firmware. Remember the data or untie the device in advance in Settings → Xiaomi Account.

Unlock the bootloader on the Mi Pad

Without bootloader unlock, it is impossible to install custom firmware or TWRP. The official procedure from Xiaomi requires:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Unlock OEM.
2. Wait 7 days (a mandatory requirement for new accounts).
3. Use the Mi Unlock Tool utility on a PC with authorization under the same account.

Important: once unlocked, all data on the tablet will be erased! Also note that Xiaomi may block unlocking for some regions (for example, for devices purchased in China).

- Disable antivirus on PC

- Use the original USB-cable

- Reboot the tablet to Fastboot mode (hold Power) + Vol− 10 seconds)-->

Install firmware via Fastboot (for official MIUI)

This method is suitable for restoring a tablet or installing an official firmware.

• 💻 Windows PC and Mi Flash Tool
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (download from the official website)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiPad_Firmware).
2. Turn off the tablet and press Power + Vol− to enter the Fastboot (screen with a rabbit in the hat).
3. Connect the tablet to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
4. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

💡

Clean all and lock mode will lock the bootloader back, only use it if you install official firmware and don't plan customization.

If the Mi Flash Tool freezes 99% with the message “anti rollback”, then you are trying to install an older version MIUI, It's not the one on the tablet, and you need to flash the latest version available or use it. EDL-regime.

Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS)

To install custom firmware (such as LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience) you will need:

1. Unlocked boot loader (see section above).
2. Installed custom TWRP recap for your model.
3. Firmware in.zip and (optional) GApps (Google services).

Instructions for Mi Pad 4 (clover):

1. Download. TWRP For your model and run it through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_clover.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_clover.img
2. In TWRP, make Wipe → Format Data (required!), then copy the firmware to the tablet via MTP.
3. Install the firmware (Install → select zip) and, if necessary, GApps.
4. Reboot. The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

💡

If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth doesn’t work after installing custom firmware, you probably don’t have proprietary drivers. Download them separately (look for “vendor zip” for your model) and run through TWRP.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If the tablet stopped turning on after a failed firmware, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored through a simple device. EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is required:

• 🔧 Cable EDL (circuitry).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions