Why is firmware over PC the best choice for Xiaomi?
Firmware on a Xiaomi smartphone via a computer remains the most reliable way to update or restore a device when standard methods through Settings → System Update do not work. The 4PDA forum has hundreds of firmware collected from official MIUIs to custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. But without proper preparation, the process can end in a brick.
Unlike in the OTA-You get full control of the updates, you get your PC firmware, you pick the Android version, you remove the unwanted bloatware, you fix bugs after a bad update, or you even bring the device back to life after a crash. From unlocking the bootloader (which erases all data) to the risk of installing firmware not for your model. This guide will help avoid typical errors and flash Redmi, POCO Or Mi right.
Preparation: What to do before the firmware?
The first step is to save all the data. Firmware through your PC (especially when you unlock the bootloader) will reset your phone to factory settings. Use Mi Mover, Google Photos, or manually backup on your PC for backup. Pay attention:
- 📱 Contact (export to) VCF via Contact → Management → Exports)
- 📸 Photo/video (check folders) DCIM and Pictures on hidden files)
- 🔑 Passwords (save backup codes for two-factor authentication)
- 🎮 Save games (use cloud or Helium for backup)
Check the device model and current MIUI version, and this is critical: the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).
- In Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on “Kerole” to turn on Developer Mode)
- Adb shell getprop ro.product.device (if ADB is already configured)
⚠️ Note: If your device is warranty, unlocking the bootloader will invalidate it. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but this is considered a modification of the system.
Selection of firmware: official MIUI or caste?
On 4PDA firmware is divided into three types:
| Type of firmware | Pluses | Cons | Where to download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Stable) | Maximum stability, OTA support, all camera features work | Advertising in system applications, long updates | Xiaomi official website or theme on 4PDA |
| Official MIUI (weekly) | New features earlier than all, fewer bugs than in custom | There may be critical errors, unstable work | Topics on 4PDA in the section "Firmware for developers" |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Clean Android, no advertising, long-term support | NFC, Widevine L1, camera may not work | Official Project Sites or Verified Topics on 4PDA |
For beginners, we recommend starting with an official stable MIUI. If you want to get rid of advertising, try MIUI EU (European build without bloatware).
Important: 4PDA firmware is often modified — check hash files (MD5) after download to avoid forgeries with viruses. Compare the hash to what is listed in the forum topic using a utility like HashMyFiles.
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If you download firmware through a torrent with 4PDA, disable the antivirus during the boot time - it can falsely trigger on recovery.img or boot.img files.
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for firmware
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices. Without it unlocking, you can’t install custom recovery or flash unofficial software. The process takes 3 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and requires:
- Mi Account linked to the phone.
- Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website)
- USB-cable with data transmission support (not all charging cables are suitable!).
- Find My Device disabled in Google settings.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Enable Developer Options (click 7 times on "Version") MIUI" customized).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to your Mi Account.
- If you see a message saying "Wait 168 hours," you have to wait.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will perform a full reset (wipe.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Installation of firmware: step-by-step instructions
When the bootloader is unlocked, you can start the firmware.
- 🖥️ Windows PC (for Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot)
- 📱 Firmware in.tgz format (for Mi Flash) or.zip (for recovery)
- 🔧 Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot, Platform Tools
- 🔄 Custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox – if you install a caste
We will look at two ways: through Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware) and through TWRP (for custom).
Method 1: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (official MIUI)
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Mi Flash
Algorithm of action:
- Unpack the firmware (.tgz file) into a short path folder (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol- when the phone is off).
- In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI) Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!) Save user data - data storage (risky, can lead to bugs)
Flash
Method 2: Firmware through TWRP (Castom firmware)
To install LineageOS or other custom firmware, you first need to install TWRP:
- Download the TWRP image for your model from the official website or a proven theme to 4PDA.
- Move the twrp.img file to the platform-tools folder.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- V TWRP Make a backup of the persist section (important for models with a IR-blaster NFC).
- Flip the firmware (.zip) through Install to TWRP.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro), custom recovery installation results in data loss due to encryption. TWRP!
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If you have your phone stuck on the MI logo after you have firmware, try TWRP and wipe the dalvik/cache section. If that doesn't work, re-sweeten the format data.
Solving problems after firmware
Even with the right firmware, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Conflict between MIUI versions or damaged partitions | Log in to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes) |
| No network (IMEI lost) | Modem partition or incorrect firmware is damaged | Flow the original modem.img through fastboot flash modem modem.img |
| The camera or NFC is not working. | There are no drivers in the custom firmware | Install the ANX Camera patch or run the official MIUI |
If the IMEI is missing after the firmware, you can restore it through the engineering menu:
- Enter the dialer ##4636##.
- Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.
- If IMEI is not available, use the SN Write Tool (instructions are on 4PDA in the themes of your model).
- Through OTA (If the bootloader is unlocked: Set the official MIUI through TWRP (zip file. After booting, go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system. OTA-Update to the latest version.
Important: If you lock the bootloader on custom firmware, the phone is guaranteed to turn into a brick. First return the official MIUI, and then lock the bootloader.