How to Switch Xiaomi Phone Through Recovery: The Complete Guide

Recovery is one of the most reliable ways to update or restore a smartphone on Xiaomi devices when standard methods don’t work, a method that is suitable for installing official and custom firmware, fixing bugs after failed updates, or even “reanimating” a phone that doesn’t turn on.

Unlike Fastboot, Recovery is considered to be more gentle, as it doesn’t affect critical memory areas. But there are nuances, from choosing the right firmware version to unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we’ll take a look at the whole process from A to Z, taking into account recent changes in Xiaomi’s policy (including the mandatory binding of a Mi Account for new models).

If you've never flashed your own smartphone, don't worry: with the right preparation, the risks are minimal, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps. And for power users, we've added sections about circumventing restrictions on new models (for example, Xiaomi). 13/14 series) and data recovery after firmware.

1.Preparing the phone for firmware through Recovery

Before you get into action, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the procedure. Skipping this stage is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices.

First, check the phone model and current version. MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → Write down the exact name of the model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G or POCO X5 Pro is critical to choosing the right firmware. MIUI You can see it in the line version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5).

Secondly, it is imperative that:

• 🔋 Charge the phone at least 60% (better 100%) and the firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and the battery will run out in the process.
• 📱 Backup your data. Firmware through Recovery doesn't usually erase user files, but a factory reset may be required when you upgrade to another version of Android.
• 🔗 Prepare. USB-The cable (preferably the original) and the computer, although the firmware through Recovery doesn't always require a PC, you'll need it to download files and unlock the bootloader.
• 🔐 Make sure you have access to the Mi Account tied to the phone.Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened account verification when unlocking the bootloader.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 12 And now, without this step, you can't flash your phone through Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased in China (China version) ROM), for the firmware global version MIUI You will need additional permission from Xiaomi. Without it, the device will lock after installing an unofficial firmware.

2 Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: a mandatory step

Since 2016, Xiaomi has been blocking the bootloader on all its smartphones.This means that without official unlocking, you won't be able to install firmware via Recovery or Fastboot.The unlocking process changed in 2023 - now it's tied to Mi Account and requires waiting.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install the official Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version).
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your phone and to your PC utility. Make sure it's the same account!
3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press the Power button + Loudness down before the Mi Bunny logo appears.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Press Unlock and confirm unlock. on new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) A notification of the need to wait will appear 72–168 hours (3–7 days).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. This is normal, as Xiaomi protects against unauthorized access.

⚠️ Note: Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi models with Dimensity processor (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) may require additional confirmation through SMS. If you do not receive the code, check if the phone number is linked to the account.

3. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

Not only does the firmware type affect the functionality of the phone, but it also affects the stability of the phone, as Xiaomi offers several types of official firmware, as well as supports custom ones (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Official MIUI firmware:

• 🌍 Global Stable is a stable version for the international market, suitable for most users, updates are issued every 1-2 months.
• 🇨🇳 China Stable is a Chinese version without Google services, which may contain additional features, but requires manual installation of GApps.
• 🧪 Global/China Beta - test builds with new features, but possible bugs. Not recommended for basic use.
• 📱 EEA (Europe – version for EU countries, taking into account local regulations (for example, without pre-installed Chinese applications).

Castom firmware:

• 🤖 LineageOS – “pure” Android without shell MIUI. Suitable for fans of stock interface.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality (e.g. Now Playing and Call Screen).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS or Paranoid Android – firmware with advanced interface setting.

Where do I download the firmware?

• 🔗 Official firmware: website MIUI Downloads (select a version for your model!).
• 🔗 Custom firmware: XDA Developers or SourceForge (seek themes for your model).

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Before downloading the firmware, check its hash sum (MD5 or SHA-1). This will help you avoid installing a corrupt file. Compare the hash to what's listed on the developer's website.

4. Install firmware through Recovery: step-by-step instructions

Now, let's get to the firmware process itself.

• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (see section 2).
• 📁 The firmware is downloaded and renamed to update.zip (For official firmware) or has the correct name (for customized ones).
• 🔋 The phone is charged at least 60 times%.

Instructions for the official MIUI firmware:

1. Copy the file. update.zip The root of the phone’s internal memory (not the folder!).
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press the Power Button + Volume up combination to enter Recovery Mode.
4. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is such a item), then:
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

For custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the process is a bit more complicated:

1. Download the firmware file (usually in.zip format) also place in the root of the memory.
2. Enter Recovery (for example, TWRP, if it is installed).
3. Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache (Do not erase Internal Storage, otherwise you will lose the firmware!)
4. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the firmware file.
5. After installing the firmware (if required), install GApps (for firmware without Google services).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) firmware through Recovery can block the bootloader if the firmware file is not officially signed, in which case only use files with the.tgz extension from Xiaomi site.

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If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI For more than 10 minutes, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data.

5. Solving problems after firmware

Even if you install firmware properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

The phone is not turned on (black screen or stuck on the logo):

• 🔄 Try hard reset: press the power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.
• 📥 If it doesn’t work, swipe your phone over Fastboot (instructions on Xiaomi’s website).
• 🔧 MediaTek models may need a tool SP Flash Tool.

No network or no network. SIM-map:

• 📶 Check if the firmware supports your region. China, for example. ROM It may not work with European operators.
• 🔄 Perform a reset of network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
• 📎 Install firmware with the correct region (e.g. Global or Global). EEA).

Google Services are not available (in China) ROM):

• 📥 Download the GApps package (such as NikGApps or Open GApps) and install it via Recovery.
• 🔧 In the settings, enable Oem-unlock (for some firmware).

The phone is overheated or discharged quickly:

• 🔋 This is normal in the first 2-3 days after firmware (the system indexes files).
• 📊 Check the energy saving settings: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🔄 If the problem persists, try to flash another version. MIUI.

6. Data recovery after firmware

If you didn't back up before you ran the firmware, don't despair, you can recover some of the data, and the rule of thumb is, don't write new files to your phone so you don't overwrite deleted data.

Recovery methods:

• 🖥️ Through PC: Connect the phone in mode MTP and use Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, or 7-Data They scan the memory for deleted files.
• 📱 Recovery: If you have installed TWRP, You can create a section image. /data Try to extract data using DiskGenius.
• ☁️ Cloud Copies: Check if sync with Google Photos, Mi Cloud or other services is enabled.

For recovery. SMS call:

• Use applications like this. SMS Backup & Restore (if they were installed before firmware and backed up).
• Check the folder. /sdcard/SMSBackupRestore — There may be archives of messages.

⚠️ Note: On phones with encrypted storage (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 s MIUI 14+) It's almost impossible to recover data without a backup. Encryption is tied to an old password that is reset when you're firmware.

7. Firmware of new Xiaomi models (13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 newer)

Xiaomi smartphones released after 2022 have received additional security measures that complicate firmware.

New restrictions:

• 🔒 Link to Mi Account: On Xiaomi models 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and newer unlocking of the bootloader requires confirmation through SMS, Even if the account is already attached.
• ⏳ Increased waiting time: Instead of 72 hours, unlocking can take up to 168 hours (7 days).
• 🚫 Blocking unofficial firmware: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) custom firmware installation leads to blocking IMEI.
• 🔧 New firmware format: Official firmware is now distributed in.tgz format and requires a special utility for unpacking.

How to sew a new model:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section 2), wait for the end of the waiting timer.
2. Download the firmware in.tgz format from the official website and unpack it with the help of 7-Zip WinRAR.
3. There'll be a file in the archive. flash_all.bat — It needs to be run on a PC with a connected phone in Fastboot mode.
4. To install via Recovery, use the file update.zip sacked.

For models with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro may be required:

• Shutdown AVB (Android Verified Boot via command: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
• Use of patched recovery (e.g, TWRP Supported by dynamic partitions).

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On new Xiaomi models, firmware through Recovery is impossible without unlocking the bootloader. update.zip require an unlocked loader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware through Recovery