Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to reinstall the operating system, which may be necessary in case of serious software failures, the appearance of errors in the interface or the desire to return the device to a factory state after experiments. Using a personal computer for this procedure is the most reliable method to avoid freezes and data loss, which sometimes occur when updating “over the air”.
The process of recovering or updating software via a PC requires careful preparation. You will need a stable Internet connection to download files, the original one. USB-Unlike the standard update via the settings menu, the computer-based method gives you complete control over the process and allows you to restore even “brick” devices if the bootloader is not critically locked.
In this guide, we will discuss all the steps of working with the official Mi Flash Tool. We will look at the preparation of firmware files, transferring your smartphone to a special mode and the procedure for recording data. Following the instructions will help you safely update the system or fix software errors.
Preparation of the workplace and choice of firmware
The first step is to find the right software version. For Xiaomi and Redmi devices, there are different types of firmware: Global (global), China (Chinese) and EEA (European). It is important to download the version that corresponds to your region or the one you want to upgrade to. Using incompatible firmware can cause communication modules to fail.
The files for system recovery are.tgz extension and weigh from 2 to 4 gigabytes. They should only be downloaded from trusted sources, such as the official website or specialized forums, to eliminate the risk of malicious code. After downloading, the archive should be unpacked into the root of the disk so that the path to the folder does not contain Cyrillic characters.
You also need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, and without them, your computer won't be able to recognize your smartphone in boot mode, and they're usually installed automatically when you install the Mi Flash platform, but in some cases, especially on Windows 10 and 11, you need to manually install it through Device Manager.
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Use it. USB-port located on the back of the system unit (direct to the motherboard) to avoid problems with power shortages or unstable connection.
Installation and configuration of the Mi Flash Tool
The official firmware utility is called the Mi Flash Tool. It's the only recommended way to record the system through Fastboot. Once you download the installer, run it on behalf of the administrator. During the installation process, the system can request confirmation of the driver installation — accept all warnings.
The interface is simple enough and contains the basic control buttons: Refresh (update the list of devices), Flash (run firmware) and Clear (clean data). Before starting, make sure that the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware is copied to the clipboard or simply open, as it will need to be specified in the program.
Importantly, to be successful, a utility often requires disabling the digital signature check of drivers in Windows if the system blocks their installation, this is done through the system boot settings. If the program does not see the phone even after you connect, check the Device Manager for unknown hardware.
What to do if Mi Flash does not start?
Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode
To start the recording procedure, the phone must be in a special Fastboot mode, in which the smartphone does not load the operating system, but waits for commands from the computer. You can enter this mode with a combination of buttons when the device is turned off, usually by pressing the throttle down button and connecting the USB cable simultaneously.
The smartphone screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android and the words FASTBOOT in orange or blue. Blue usually means that the bootloader is unlocked, which gives more features, but requires pre-unlocking through the Mi Account. Orange often indicates a blocked bootloader, which limits some actions, but allows you to stitch the official software.
If the phone only reacts to the connection with vibration or charging, but does not go into Fastboot mode, try another cable or port. Also make sure the device is completely turned off before starting the procedure. 10-15 seconds.
The process of firmware through Mi Flash
After connecting your device in Fastboot mode and running the program on your PC, press the Refresh button. Your device with a unique identifier should appear in the list. If the list is empty, check the drivers. Next, click the... (or "Select") button and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.
At the bottom of the program window, select firmware mode. To clean and install a clean system, select Clean all. This option removes all user data, settings and applications. If you want to save data (not recommended when switching between Android versions), choose Save user data, but this can cause conflicts.
Press the Flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the steps of writing partitions. The whole process takes 200 to 600 seconds. At this time, you absolutely cannot disconnect the cable or interrupt the power of the computer. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart.
☑️ Checklist before launch
Table of firmware modes and their description
There are several options available in the Mi Flash Tool, and understanding the differences between them is critical to the right outcome, and here is a table that describes the basic modes of operation of the utility.
| Rey's work. | Data retention | Description of action | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | No. | Completely clean all memory sections | With serious failures, viruses, selling the phone |
| Save user data | Yes. | Record system files without affecting the user section | Update the Android version without losing photos and contacts |
| Clean all and lock | No. | Clearing data and blocking the loader | Only to return to regional stock firmware |
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Using the “Clean all and lock” mode on the global firmware with a Chinese bootloader can lead to a complete lock of the device (Hard Brick).
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
There may be some errors in the process, such as codes or text messages, and one of the most common is Error: Flash all except data storage or driver problems, and if the process is stuck at a certain percentage and doesn't move for more than 10 minutes, the cable may have broken or the firmware file may have been damaged.
The error "Missmatching image and device" indicates that you are trying to flash firmware from another model. Carefully check the code name of the device (for example, ursa, dipper, wayne).
If your computer stops seeing your phone in the middle of the process, try replacing it. USB-Long cables often do not provide stable data transfer at the high speeds required for firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Breaking the process of writing data on partition:abl or boot with a high probability will cause the phone to stop responding to buttons and require a programmer to restore the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I flash my phone if it doesn’t turn on and only the indicator is on?
Is the warranty reset after firmware is run through a computer?
Where to find drivers if Mi Flash doesn’t put them?
How long does it take to get a full firmware?
⚠️ Note: Do not use computers with installed registry optimization programs or driver cleaners during the firmware process, they can block access to ports.
Xiaomi’s firmware through your computer is a powerful tool that should be in the arsenal of any advanced user. Properly following all the steps, from choosing a file to completing the process, ensures that your smartphone returns to full life.