Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones face the need to reinstall the operating system. The reasons can be different: from the banal desire to upgrade to a new version of MIUI or HyperOS before the official release, to the need to fix software errors or the “next” IMEI.
The safest and most affordable method for the average user is the use of the built-in Recovery Mode. Unlike complex firmware via Fastboot using a computer, this method does not require unlocking the bootloader and special drivers. You can perform all the actions with only the smartphone and the firmware file at hand.
However, despite the apparent simplicity, the process requires care, and an incorrect version of software or power interruption can cause the device to fail. In this article, we will discuss in detail the preparation, search for current files and the algorithm itself to minimize risks.
What is stock recovery and why it is needed
Stock Recovery is a minimalist operating system built into the memory of each Android smartphone, which is used for maintenance operations that do not require a full load of the main interface, and through this mode, the factory reset and install updates are performed.
Unlike custom recovery (for example, TWRP), The standard mode is closed, you can't do a full backup or flash third-party modifications. ZIP-The manufacturer’s archives are the perfect tool, as they automatically check the integrity and compatibility of the file.
Stock mode is especially important when the phone is unstable but the screen is turned on.If the system is booting but there are constant reboots or application errors, manual firmware through Recovery often solves the problem without losing data completely (when choosing the right type of firmware).
⚠️ Warning: Stock Recovery won't let you downgrade the Android version (downgrade) without first unlocking the bootloader.Trying to install the old firmware on the new Android version will result in a validation error.
Firmware Types: Recovery vs Fastboot
Before any manipulation is initiated, it is critical to understand the difference between firmware file types: Xiaomi files fall into two main types: Recovery and Fastboot. They are not interchangeable using standard installation methods.
Recovery files have a.zip extension and usually weigh about 3-4 GB. They are designed to be installed through the Recovery menu, which we will use. Fastboot firmware has a.tgz extension, weighs more and requires a connection to a PC and MiFlash utility.
Also, the firmware is divided into Global (Global), China (Chinese), EEA (Europe) and Russia. Regional affiliation must match. You can't flash the Global version over China (and vice versa) through stock Recovery without unlocking the bootloader and special manipulations.
How to distinguish Recovery from Fastboot?
When you download a file, pay attention to the name. If you see Global at the end of the name and you have a Chinese version of your smartphone, the installation will be interrupted by an error. Make sure the firmware region matches the region of your device.
Preparation of the smartphone and search for files
The first step is to find the current and appropriate version of the software. MIUI bootloader or proven resources like XiaomiFirmwareUpdater provide up-to-date data. ZIP-archive.
Once you download the file, you need to move it to the root directory of the internal memory of the smartphone, do not put it in folders with music or documents: /internal_storage/rom.zip. Rename the file is not necessary, but you can shorten the name for convenience, leaving only Latin letters.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Make sure to back up your important data. Even if you plan to upgrade with data, there is always a risk of failure. Sync your contacts with your Google account, and save the photos to the cloud or to your computer.
Although the process of firmware through Recovery consumes less energy than through Fastboot, a minimum threshold of 50-60% will provide a margin of safety. If the phone turns off at the time of writing system partitions, this can lead to a bootloop.
Enter Recovery Mode on Xiaomi
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Don't use reboot, just turn it off completely. Once the screen is out, press the key combination: the power button and the Volume Up button.
Hold both buttons until the Mi or Redmi logo appears. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released while holding the volume button. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery menu, which can be in English or Chinese, depending on the version of the software.
Navigation in the menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In some new versions of the shells, navigation can be touch-sensitive if the screen responds. The main menu items are Reboot, Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant.
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If the Recovery menu doesn’t appear and the phone just boots into the system, try clamping the buttons a little earlier or plugging the device into the charger before turning on.
It's important not to confuse Recovery with Fastboot mode. In Fastboot, you see a hare in headphones fixing an android. If you see a hare, you press the power button on the headphone. 10-15 seconds until the phone turns off and try again using the Volume Up button.
The process of installing firmware (Step-by-step)
The interface of stock Recovery is ascetic. You need to find the item responsible for installing the file. In the English version of the menu, select Install (or Install ROM). In the Chinese version, this is usually the second or third line on the top.
Once you select the installation site, the system will suggest you select a file. If you put the archive at the root of the memory, it should appear in the list. If the file is not, check if it is copied correctly. Select the file and confirm the action.
Then the Verifying process starts. The system checks the digital signature of the file. If the signature is correct and the version is correct, the installation will begin. The progress bar will appear on the screen. At which point the phone may reboot several times or the screen may go out, which is normal.
| Phase | User action | Expected system response |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selection of Install | Opening of the file manager |
| 2 | Selection of the rom.zip file | Request for confirmation of action |
| 3 | Confirmation (OK) | Start of inspection (Signature) |
| 4 | Waiting. | Data recording, progress bar |
The entire process takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the memory speed and the amount of updates. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot after the firmware can take longer than usual - up to 5-7 minutes.
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The main principle of successful firmware is not to interrupt the process and not press buttons while recording data, even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck.
Clearing data and solving errors
When updating the MIUI version (for example, from 13 to 14), a complete data cleanup is often required. If the phone goes into a cyclic bootloop or hangs on the logo after the firmware is installed, you need to run Wipe Data.
To do this, log in again to Recovery. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data), and you will be offered two options: Wipe All Data (full reset) and Reset Password (password reset).
⚠️ Note: Wipe All Data permanently deletes all photos, contacts, and applications. Use this method only if backup is not possible or previous steps have not helped.
A common error is the message "Can't verify update" or "Zip signature verification failed." This means that you are trying to install firmware with a lower version of Android than you currently installed, or the file is corrupted when you download it.
If a signature verification error occurs when you install the same version, it may not have been completely downloaded. Check the checksum of the file or download it again from another source. Also make sure that the file lies at the root of the internal memory, not on the back of the file. SD-map.