Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but sometimes standard software fails to meet the needs of the user. You may encounter intrusive advertising, lack of the right languages or just want to upgrade the device to the latest version of Android, which the manufacturer has not yet released officially, in such situations, the only right solution is to manually reinstall the system.
The flashing process is not just an update, but a complete replacement of system files, which allows you to bring the brick back to life or install custom build MIUI and HyperOS. However, this action requires care, since incorrect steps can lead to the loss of warranty or data. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, from the preparation of tools to the final launch of the updated system.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand the difference between firmware types. The global version (Global) is designed for the international market and contains all languages, including Russian. The Chinese version (China) often gets updates earlier, but lacks Google services out of the box and may not have the necessary localization. Choosing the right type of software is the first step to success.
Preparation of the smartphone and collection of necessary tools
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the device itself. USB-cable, preferably original, as cheap analogues can only provide charging, but not data transfer. Also make sure that the charge of the smartphone is at least 60%, so that a sudden shutdown does not interrupt the critical process of writing system files.
The computer must be installed driver package ADB and Fastboot. Without them, the system will not be able to recognize the phone in a special mode. Windows users often need to additionally install universal drivers Xiaomi USB Driver, which can be found on official resources or as part of specialized utilities.
The critical step is backing up. Flashing almost always involves a complete data reset, saving contacts, photos and important documents to the Mi Cloud or external media, and ignoring this step can lead to permanent loss of personal information.
☑️ Firmware readiness
In addition to the hardware, check the status of your Mi Account. To unlock the bootloader, which is often required before installing global firmware on a Chinese device, the account must be tied to the device for at least 7 days (168 hours), a security measure that cannot be bypassed instantly.
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory stage for custom firmware
Bootloader is a program that runs to the operating system and checks the integrity of the software. By default, it is blocked on Xiaomi smartphones, which prohibits the installation of unofficial firmware. Unlocking is the process of removing this restriction, allowing you to modify partitions of memory.
To unlock, you need permission from the company, through the official Mi Unlock Tool, the process requires you to log in to the account that is linked to the phone and wait for a set deadline, and after the waiting time has expired, the tool will allow you to unlock the device, completely clearing its contents.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the software warranty and certain aspects of the hardware warranty.In addition, some banking applications may stop working without further manipulation to hide root access rights.
There are two main types of bootloaders: Locked (locked) and Unlocked (unlocked).The transition from first state to second is irreversible without official tools, but returning to locked state is possible, although not always recommended if you use custom recovery.
Modes: Recovery, Fastboot and EDL
Understanding the phone’s modes is key to successful firmware. Recovery mode is designed to service the system: reset settings, clear cache, and install updates through ZIP-It has limited functionality in the runoff state, so enthusiasts often install custom Recovery, such as, TWRP.
Fastboot mode (often called bootloader mode) allows you to interact with the phone at a low level through the computer, which is where the firmware is run through the cable using the computer, and is usually entered by pressing the volume button when you connect the cable to the PC.
There is also an EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode that is used to restore the bricks when the phone is not turned on at all, which often requires disassembling the device and closing the contacts on the board, or using special ADB commands if the system is still partially functional.
How to enter Fastboot mode on different models?
It is important not to confuse these modes. Installation of firmware via Recovery is only possible if the type of firmware matches the region of the device (or if the bootloader is unlocked). Installation via Fastboot is more versatile, but requires a PC and cable.
Firmware methods: via Recovery and Fastboot
The method you choose depends on your goals and the state of the device. The method through Recovery is simpler and does not require a computer if the firmware file is already in the phone's memory.
To do this, download the firmware file with the.zip extension (Recovery ROM). Rename it to update.zip and place it at the root of internal memory. Then go to the update menu and select the file. The system will check the integrity and prompt you to start installing.
The Fastboot method is more powerful and allows you to change the region (for example, from Chinese to global), you need a file with the.tgz extension (Fastboot ROM) and the Mi Flash Tool program on your computer. This method completely erases the disk, so backups are mandatory.
The process of firmware through Fastboot is as follows:
- 📱 Unclose the downloaded firmware file in a folder without Cyrillic in the title.
- 💻 Launch the Mi Flash Tool and press the Refresh button so that the program sees the device.
- 📂 Click "Select" and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware.
- ⚡ Select Clean All and press Flash to start the process.
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Use the Fastboot method only if the Recovery method is not possible or requires a change of region, as it completely deletes all data from the device.
The installation time takes from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the speed. USB-Don't interrupt the process or shut down the cable, even if the progress bar is stuck at some percentage, so the system can continue to work in the background.
Using the Mi Flash Tool and Error Solving
The Mi Flash Tool is the official firmware tool for Qualcomm and MediaTek-based devices in Fastboot mode. The program interface may seem complicated to beginners, but it provides the necessary options for secure installation.
One common problem is the Flash All Lock error, which occurs if you try to lock the bootloader back when you install the firmware, but you don't have the appropriate keys. Always choose the Clean All option or Clean All and Lock option (only if you're sure of compatibility).
Another common error is "Missmatching image and device." This means you're trying to install a firmware designed for a different phone model. Always check the codename of the device, such as the gauguin for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which must match the firmware folder name.
| Type of error | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Device not found | Not installed drivers or bad cable | Reinstall drivers, change USB port |
| Flash error / Write error | Insufficient rights or blocked bootloader | Check the status of Bootloader, run from admin |
| Missmatching image | The firmware is not for this model. | Download ROM with the correct code name |
| Anti-rollback error | Trying to roll back on the old version | You can only use a version higher or equal to the current version. |
Also worth mentioning is the Anti-rollback mechanism, which Xiaomi has implemented a protection that prohibits rollbacks to older versions of the software if the new version has an increased protection index, and trying to do this can lead to irreversible bricking of the device.
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Before you start firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, close all unnecessary programs on your PC, especially antivirus and firewall, as they can block access to the utility ports of the device.
Post-compliant configuration and system optimization
Once the new system is successfully installed, the phone will restart. The first launch can take up to 10-15 minutes as the system optimizes applications and creates cache. Don't panic if the phone hangs on the MI or Xiaomi logo for a long time - this is normal behavior.
In the initial setup phase, it is recommended not to restore all applications immediately from a Google backup, but rather to configure the system as new, install only the necessary banks and messengers to check the stability of the work, this will help to identify possible bugs of the new firmware.
Be sure to check the basic modules: camera, microphone, speakers and fingerprint sensor. If you have changed region (for example, from China to Global), make sure that the communication frequencies (Band 7, 20) that are important for operators in your region work.
⚠️ Attention: After the first boot, it is not recommended to immediately install heavy games or load the processor. 30-40 minutes in the background to complete all system processes and indexing.
To extend the life of the battery after the firmware, it is useful to calibrate: discharge the phone before turning off, then charge to 100% when turned off, which will help the system correctly display the charge level.