How to flash Xiaomi phone through Fastboot: a detailed guide to unlock the bootloader

Introduction: Why you need firmware through Fastboot and when to use it

Fastboot is one of the most reliable ways to update or restore a Xiaomi smartphone when standard methods (via Settings → Software Update) don’t work, and it’s a good way to solve critical problems such as endless boot, crashes after a failed “over the air” update, and custom firmware installations or a return to the stock version of MIUI.

Unlike firmware via Recovery, Fastboot allows you to work with memory partitions directly, which minimizes the risk of “bricking” the device when you execute instructions correctly. However, the process requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has its own nuances – from waiting for permission to unlock to potential data loss.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including the Mi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X/M), but before you start, make sure that your model supports unlocking the bootloader - some regional versions (for example, for China) may have limitations.

What you need to do for Fastboot

Before you start, prepare everything you need, and without the right tools, the process can end up in error or damage the device.

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60% (preferably 80.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 or Linux/macOS (Mac will require additional drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the kit) cheap cables may not transmit data in Fastboot mode.
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Unlock Tool (official utility for unlocking the bootloader), Mi Flash Tool (for firmware in Fastboot mode). ADB and Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download only from official sources).

⚠️ Note: Use of firmware from third-party developers (unofficial) ROM) It can cause loss of warranty, unstable sensors or problems with Widevine. L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+).

For models with Qualcomm processors (most Xiaomi), standard Fastboot firmware will be suitable. Devices on Mediatek (for example, Redmi 10A or POCO C-series) require the use of the SP Flash Tool - this process is described in a separate manual.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before you run through Fastboot. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires you to link your Mi Account and wait (usually 7 days for new accounts).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate: Debugging over USB Unlock OEM (may be called Factory Unlock).

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

"Couldn’t unlock, try again after XX hours"

⚠️ Warning: Once unlocked, all data on your phone will be erased, including photos, messages and apps. Backup in advance through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is not bound to this device, check:

• 🔹 Phone connected to the Internet via mobile data (not Wi-Fi).
• 🔹 Mi Account is linked to the device in Settings → Xiaomi account.
• 🔹 The phone's off. VPN proxies.

Step 2: Install ADB and Fastboot drivers

Without properly installed drivers, your computer will not be able to “see” your Xiaomi in Fastboot mode. For Windows, the easiest way to use the Android SDK Platform-Tools package is to use the following:

1. Download Platform-Tools and unpack to the root of the C:\platform-tools drive.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears).
3. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and execute: cd C:\platform-tools fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 1234abcd fastboot) - the drivers are installed correctly.

If the fastboot device team returns an empty list:

• 🔹 Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Update Driver) → Perform a search on this computer → Indicate a folder with Platform-Tools).
• 🔹 For Windows. 7/8 may be required USB-Google driver.
• 🔹 Nana Linux/macOS Check the port access rights USB (sudo chmod 777 /dev/ttyUSB*).

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If fastboot doesn't recognize the device, try another cable or USB port, and often the problem is a faulty cable, even if it's charging the phone.

Step 3: Selecting and Downloading the Right Firmware

Firmware error is the most common reason for Xiaomi to “brick”: you can only flash the version of MIUI that is designed for your model and region (Global, China, EEA, India). For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 Global will not work for the Redmi Note 11 China – this will lead to an “anti-rollback” error.

Where to download the official firmware:

How to determine your version of MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Remember the version code (e.g. V14.0.3.0.TKCCNXM).
3. Compare it to the firmware available on the site. The new version should be at least the current version (otherwise anti-rollback protection will work).

⚠️ Note: Firmware version of China on the global model (and vice versa) will lead to network loss, camera errors and other problems, ingres_global For the Redmi Note 12 Global).

Step 4: Xiaomi’s firmware is running through the Mi Flash Tool

When you're done, we move on to the firmware itself, and we use the official Mi Flash Tool, which supports all Xiaomi models.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\ingres_global).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click Select and point the way to the folder with unpacked firmware.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, your device will appear. Select the firmware method: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the MIUI version); Clean all and lock - cleaning + locking the bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data - saving data (not always stable).

Flash

5-10 minutes

If the process is stuck on "Waiting for device":

• 🔹 Check the cable connection and port USB.
• 🔹 Reboot the Mi Flash Tool and PC.
• 🔹 Try a different version of the utility (for example, Mi Flash 2018 instead of the latest one).

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Always choose Clean all when running another version of MIUI (e.g. 13 to 14).Save user data can cause system failures.

Step 5: Solving Common Firmware Errors

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

If the phone does not turn on or hangs on the MI logo after firmware:

1. Wait 10-15 minutes – the first download can be long.
2. If the screen is black: Press Volume up + Power for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If the device does not respond: repeat the firmware with the choice of Clean all.

Step 6: Checking the system after firmware

After a successful firmware, you need to make sure that the system is working correctly.

• 📶 Network: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi.
• 📷 Camera: Launch the app and take a test shot.
• 🔋 Charging: Connect the charger and make sure that charging is underway.
• 🎵 Sound: Check the speakers and microphone.
• 🔒 Widevine: Open Netflix – if the video is played in the video HD, It's Widevine. L1 active.

If something's not working:

• 🔹 No network: firmware is not suitable for your region. Install the correct version (e.g. Global instead of China).
• 🔹 Camera not working: Update Google Camera Mod or swipe vendor section separately.
• 🔹 Widevine L3: It means that the firmware is unofficial or corrupt. Try flashing the stock version with the choice of Clean all and lock.

To check Widevine status, use the DRM Info app. If L3 is displayed and you need L1 (for Full HD in streaming services), repeat the firmware with the official stock version.

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After firmware is done, it is recommended to reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset), even if you choose Clean all.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s firmware through Fastboot