Reflashing the Xiaomi smartphone is a powerful tool that allows not only to update the operating system, but also to save the device after unsuccessful experiments, remove viruses or even change the firmware region from Chinese to global. Unlike the standard “over the air” update, the method using a personal computer gives the user full control over the process and allows you to install more recent or, conversely, stable versions of software that have not yet come to the table. OTA-However, this process requires careful and careful follow-up to the algorithm, as there are risks involved in interfering with system files.
The main advantage of using a PC is the ability to work with the device even if it does not load to the desktop, stuck in the logo or went into an endless reboot, USB-A good quality cable (preferably original), a Windows computer and special software. It is important to understand that before any manipulations, you need to back up all important data, since in most cases the contents of the internal memory will be completely destroyed.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparing, installing drivers, choosing the type of firmware and the direct process of flashing through the Mi Flash Tool utility. We will look at the nuances of working with Fastboot and Recovery modes, and also discuss the typical errors that can occur in beginners. Proper preparation of the workplace and the software environment is already half of the success, so do not neglect the preliminary settings of the system.
Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware type
Before you go to technical actions, you need to understand the types of firmware, as this choice depends on the entire further algorithm. For Xiaomi devices, there are two main formats of service packs: Recovery and Fastboot. firmware like Recovery has an extension.zip and is designed to be installed through the recovery menu of the phone itself or through the standard update menu, but it does not allow you to change the region (for example, from CN to Global) and often does not give the possibility of rolling back to an older version.
For computer flashing, we absolutely need the Fastboot format. These files have the.tgz extension and contain the full system image, including the bootloader, radio module and recovery sections. This type of firmware allows perform clean install, which is especially important when transitioning between different regions or treating software failures. You can download the current version from official resources or trusted third-party archives, making sure that the model of your device fully matches the code name of the firmware.
How to find out the code name of the model?
The critical point is to unlock the bootloader. If you plan to reflash with a change in region (for example, China ROM on Global ROM) or install a custom recover, unlocking is mandatory. For official global firmware on the global version of the device, unlocking is often not required, but in case of errors in access to memory parts, it may be necessary. The bootloader status can be checked by switching the phone to Fastboot mode: if the screen displays a bunny fixing an android and the inscription FASTBOOT, and the locking status bar is closed.
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Always use the archive with the.tgz extension (Fastboot ROM) to flash through your computer, as the Recovery firmware (.zip) via the Mi Flash Tool is not installed.
Installation of drivers and software
The computer must correctly recognize the smartphone in various modes of operation, which is impossible without installed Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor) and ADB/Fastboot. The easiest way to install the universal driver package Minimal ADB and Fastboot, or use the official Mi Unlock tool, which, when you first try to unlock, automatically tightens the necessary system components. Without this step, the firmware simply will not see the connected device.
The next step is to install the Mi Flash Tool itself. This is the official software from Xiaomi developers, which provides an interface between the user and the phone in Download mode. When installing, it is recommended to be careful and not to skip steps, agreeing to install all components, including Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, if the system requests them. After installation, it is advisable to restart the computer so that all system variables are updated.
Unpacking the firmware also requires certain rules to be followed: the.tgz archive cannot be stitched in a compressed form - it must be unpacked. Moreover, the path to the firmware folder must not contain Cyrillic symbols or spaces, otherwise the process may be interrupted by an error. It is recommended to create a folder with a short name, for example, C:\mi_rom\, And you put the unpacked files in there, and inside the folder, you have to show the image directories and the file. flash_all.bat.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode
To start the firmware process, the phone needs to be switched to a special diagnostic and boot mode called Fastboot, which does not boot the Android operating system, and the device is controlled directly through low-level commands from the computer, which is necessary to record system partitions and bypass locks that can interfere with the work of a standard bootloader.
There are two main ways to get into this mode: the first and most common is hardware: turn off your smartphone completely, then press the Volume Down and the power button simultaneously. Hold them until you see an image of a hare repairing an android or FASTBOOT on your screen. Once the button logo appears, you can let go. This method works even on completely non-working phones, if the power controller is working.
The second is software, and you can access it if it's on and running. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And then you can click on the build number several times to activate the developer menu «USB-Configuration or use the command through ADB. In the command line, connecting the phone with debugging enabled USB, squash:
adb reboot bootloaderOnce the command is completed, the device will reboot itself to the desired mode. Make sure that the screen is lit orange indicator (if the model allows) or displays the corresponding logo. USB-The system should make a sound of the connection of the new device, and in the Windows Device Manager in the section “Android Devices” or “Other devices” should appear Android Bootloader Interface.
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. At the top of the window, click the Select button and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. The program automatically counts files and, if the firmware is correct, your smartphone serial number should appear in the list of devices (top) in a few seconds. If the number appears empty, check the drivers and cable.
At the bottom of the window you will see three options for firmware mode, and the fate of your data depends on the right choice:
- 🟢 clean all - complete cleaning of all data and partitions, recommended when you first firmware, change region or if the phone is unstable.
- 🔵 Save user data is an attempt to save user data, suitable for updating the Android version without losing photos and contacts, but can cause errors if the difference between versions is too large.
- 🔴 Clean all and lock: Complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader. Use this mode ONLY if you are flashing the original regional firmware. If you lock the bootloader on someone else's firmware (e.g. Global on a Chinese device), the phone will turn into a brick».
After selecting the mode (usually choose clean all), press the "Flash" button in the upper right corner. The recording process will start, which will be displayed as a progress bar and a text log in the program window. USB-The port and the amount of data being recorded, and this one is absolutely not allowed to turn off the cable or interrupt the power of the computer.
When the process is complete, the device status will be marked success in green, and the phone will automatically restart. The first boot after flashing can last up to 5-10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files. Be patient and do not try to turn on the screen too often.
Analysis of errors and ways to eliminate them
When you run your firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, users often encounter a variety of bugs that can scare the newcomer. One of the most common is the Missmatching image and device error. It means that the firmware you choose doesn't match the device model. For example, you're trying to install the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (Indian version) on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global version).
Another common problem is Can't get the packet or Waiting for device, which indicates connection problems. USB-cable, poor port USB (It's better to use the ports on the back of the system, directly on the motherboard, or you don't have administrator rights, and you can have this error if the antivirus is blocking the drivers.
Errors starting with the Error: Sahara prefix or those related to the inability to log into EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode often require opening the case and closing contacts on the board (Test Point) if standard log-in methods do not work, this is true for older devices or cases of deep software lock.
⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears in the log, immediately stop the process.This means that you are trying to install an older version of the bootloader or system than the manufacturer allows.
To systematize possible problems and their solutions, the following table is compiled:
| Code/Error text | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Missmatching image and device | Wrong firmware model | Download ROM for the exact code name of the device |
| Waiting for device | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall drivers, replace cable, change USB port |
| Error: Flashing error | Insufficient rights or disk space | Run from the administrator, clear the C disk, disable the antivirus |
| Can not get boot mode | Phone is not in Fastboot mode | Reconnect the cable, re-enter Fastboot (Loudness + Power) |
Initial data setup and recovery
After the successful firmware and the first boot, you'll see a welcome screen, and since the clean all mode was used, the phone will be like new, at which point the system may require you to connect to Wi-Fi and enter a Google or Mi Account account that was synced earlier, which is standard anti-theft procedure.
It is important to note that when you change region (for example, from China to Global) or with a significant update to Android, some applications may not work properly due to residual files. Therefore, experts recommend that you use your phone carefully in the early days, watching battery consumption. If everything is stable, you can start installing apps from Play Market or GetApps.
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Don’t install all the apps at once, give the system 1-2 hours in the background to fully optimize databases and index files, otherwise the phone may warm up and run out quickly.
To recover data, use a backup created in advance. If you've synced with the Mi Cloud or Google Photos cloud, the process will go automatically. If you have a local backup, copy the files back to internal memory. Remember to check all the modules: camera, microphone, speakers and sensors to make sure that the device is fully functional after manipulation.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the first boot process after firmware, even if it seems to be hanging.The system performs critical operations to configure memory partitions, and a forced restart may damage the file system.