The Redmi Note 7, released in early 2019, is still a budget legend thanks to its robust body and high-quality main camera. However, the standard MIUI shell has become heavyweight over time for the device, overgrown with advertising and redundant services that slow down the system. Many owners are looking for a way to breathe a second life into the gadget, and one of the best solutions is installing custom firmware Pixel Experience.
This operating system is based on pure Android and provides the functionality of the Google Pixel smartphone line, including optimized camera algorithms and smooth interface animation. The flashing process requires care and strict follow-through, as any errors can lead to the failure of the device. In this material, we will discuss in detail each step, from unlocking the bootloader to the first boot in the new system.
Workplace preparation and backup
Before you start modifying the software, you need to make sure that all the tools are ready to go. You need a Windows or Linux computer that is working. USB-High-quality insulation cable and a battery charge of at least 60%. Unlocking the loader is a mandatory first step, without which installing a third-party Recovery is impossible.
Remember to make a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking and installing the new OS will result in the complete removal of information from the internal drive. It is also worth downloading current drivers. ADB Fastboot for your operating system.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader officially removes the warranty from the device and may cause some banking applications to reset security settings, although there are methods to circumvent these restrictions.
To work with the command line, create a separate folder on the C:\adb disk and put all the necessary files there. This will make it easier to navigate and enter commands later. Check that the smartphone has the option of debugging over USB in the menu for developers.
Unlock the bootloader and install TWRP
The unlocking process is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool, which you need to download from the manufacturer's website. Once you have your Mi Account tied to your device and wait for a set timer (usually 168 hours), you can unlock the bootloader. This action will clear all the data on the phone, so re-backing is critical here.
The next step is to install a modified TWRP recavator. Download the current recovery image specially assembled for the lavender device codename. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode, holding down the volume and power buttons at the same time, and execute a command in the terminal.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.imgAfter successful firmware, you need to immediately switch to Recovery mode so that the standard system does not overwrite the modified bootloader. To do this, press the power buttons and increase the volume until the MI logo appears, then release power, continuing to keep the volume.
- 📱 Make sure your battery is charged above 60% before any operations begin.
- 💻 Use the original. USB-cable or quality analogue with data transmission support.
- 🔓 Remember that unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Download and prepare firmware files
Files for installation must be downloaded exclusively from trusted sources, such as the official project site or the XDA Developers forum. For the Redmi Note 7, there are different versions of the Pixel Experience, including stable builds and versions for developers.
Except for you. ZIP-archive with an operating system, you may need a base-level firmware if you are moving from MIUI 10 to newer versions of Android. read the requirements carefully on the download page: sometimes you need to pre-installe a specific version of Android. MIUI.
Where do I look for drivers?
Copy the downloaded firmware archive into your smartphone’s internal memory or microSD card. If you’re using internal memory, make sure the file is at the root of the directory so it’s easy to find through the TWRP file manager. Check the integrity of the file by comparing the checksum, if that’s the option provided by the builder.
Installation process through TWRP Recovery
Once you enter TWRP mode, the first thing you need to do is clean the partitions of the system. Go to the Wipe menu and select formatting the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Vendor and Data partitions. Do not clean the Internal Storage partition if the firmware files are there, otherwise you will lose the installer.
Next, go to the Install menu and select the previously copied one. ZIP-Before starting the installation, make sure that the correct file is selected that matches your model. The installation process will take several minutes, during which the log of the operations performed will be displayed on the screen.
| Section | Action. | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART | Wipe | Cleaning up the app cache |
| System | Wipe | Removal of the old OS |
| Data | Format | Complete data reset |
| Cache | Wipe | Clearing temporary files |
When you have completed the installation, take your time to boot up the system immediately. It is recommended to flash the Google Apps (GApps) package immediately if they are not built into the default firmware, although Pixel Experience usually includes them in its composition.
First start and initial setup
Once successfully installed, go back to the main TWRP menu and select Reboot, then System. The first run of a clean Android system can take up to 5-10 minutes as it optimizes applications and creates cache. Don't panic if the screen stays black for a long time or the boot logo hangs.
When the system boots up, you will be greeted with a setup welcome window: Choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account. Pixel Experience will offer to move data from the backup if you have previously created it on Android devices.
⚠️ Note: If after installing the firmware, the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop), try cleaning the Data partition through the TWRP Format Data command (entry yes).
The interface will be significantly different from the usual MIUI. There is no unnecessary animation, advertising in system applications and intrusive services, navigation has become more intuitive, and the control gestures are consistent with Android One standards.
Solving common problems and errors
In the process of operation, there may be specific problems that are characteristic of custom firmware based on Redmi Note 7. For example, sometimes there is a malfunction of the camera in low light conditions or problems with autofocus. This is due to the fact that stock drivers Xiaomi camera is not always perfectly compatible with pure Android.
To solve problems with the camera, it is recommended to install a modified Google Camera (GCam) application specially assembled for the Snapdragon 660 processor.These versions often include corrections to image processing algorithms and allow you to unlock the potential of the sensor by 48 MP.
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To improve autonomy, turn off Always On Display in the screen settings, as AMOLED-This feature can consume a significant battery charge.
If the NFC or proximity sensor is not working, check if the firmware version is installed correctly. Sometimes it helps to flash the firmware partition again or reset the network settings. In difficult cases, you should refer to the topic on the developer forum where the build was laid out.
Optimization and additional opportunities
One of the main advantages of installing Pixel Experience is the ability to get the latest versions of Android long before the official release of updates for the device, you will be able to enjoy new security and interface features that Xiaomi no longer provides on this model.
For advanced users, the roots of the law are available through Magisk, which can be installed directly from the Recovery menu, which allows you to install modules that change system fonts, improve sound or block ads at the system level.
- 🚀 The system works much faster due to the absence of background processes. MIUI.
- 🔋 Autonomy increases by 15-20% by optimizing energy conservation.
- 🎨 The interface fully complies with the standards of Material Design from Google.
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Installing Pixel Experience is the best way to extend the life of the Redmi Note 7, ensuring software relevance and high performance.