Xiaomi’s firmware through three points (EDL): a complete guide with drivers and instructions

Xiaomi’s three-point firmware (or EDL) is a lifeline for devices that stop loading, get stuck on the Mi logo, or get damaged firmware, and can restore the phone even in the most critical cases when standard methods (via Fastboot or Recovery) are not available.

But EDL requires caution: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick that won’t respond to any manipulation. In this article, we’ll break down the step-by-step firmware algorithm through three dots, talk about the tools you need, and warn you of key bugs. And also explain why this method doesn’t always work on new Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5) and what to do in such cases.

If your Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, freezes on the screensaver or gives an Invalid IMEI error after a failed firmware, this guide is for you. But first check if your model is suitable for recovery through EDL (the list of supported devices is below).

What is Three Point Mode (EDL) and When is It Needed

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that is activated at the Qualcomm processor level. It allows you to flash your smartphone directly, bypassing the bootloader and operating system. On the device screen, three dots are displayed in this mode (hence the name), and the computer identifies it as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

When you need an EDL:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on after a failed firmware.
• 🚨 The device is stuck on the Mi logo or bootloop (cyclic reboot).
• 🔧 Boot or recovery area that blocks access to Fastboot damaged.
• 📱 Invalid errors IMEI, Baseband unknown or network loss after update.

Important: EDL does not work on devices with Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3). They use BROM mode, which requires different software and drivers. Also, some new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) may have a locked EDL at the bootloader level, as we will discuss in the error section.

Three-point mode is the only way to restore a smartphone if the preloader area is damaged or Fastboot is blocked, but it requires authorization of the Mi Account (if the device is linked to the account) and correctly installed drivers.

Preparation for firmware: drivers, programs and files

Before you put your smartphone into EDL mode, you need to prepare your computer and download all the necessary files, without which the firmware process is impossible.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (On MacOS or Linux, the process is complicated).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📂 Firmware for your model in.tgz or.zip format (download only from official sources!).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, QFil (for older models) or EDL Authorizer (for new ones).
• 🔑 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Where to download:

1. Firmware: the official site of Xiaomi Firmware or resources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Mi Flash Tool: xiaomiflashtool.com (Not lower than 2020 version)
3. Drivers: QcomDLoader or DriverSignature Enforcement Overrider (if Windows blocks installation).

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from questionable forums! fake files may contain viruses or incompatible versions of bootloader, leading to full bricks.

How to Enter Three Points (EDL) Mode on Xiaomi

There are several ways to activate EDL – the choice depends on the state of your smartphone.

Method 1: Through a button combination (if the phone is responding)

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-computer-wire.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until a black screen with three dots appears.

Method 2: ADB (if the phone is turned on but not loaded)

adb reboot edl

This command will transfer the device to EDL if you have access to ADB.

Method 3: Through Testpoints (for "bricks")

If the smartphone doesn't respond to any buttons, you'll have to close the test points on the motherboard, which requires disassembly of the device and accuracy:

• 🛠️ Remove the back cover (heating with a hair dryer or using suction cups).
• 🔍 Find two contacts with the signature on the board EDL Test Point (usually near the battery).
• 🔌 Lock them with tweezers and plug them in. USB-cable.

⚠️ Warning: Closing the wrong contacts can damage the fee! If you are not sure, you should contact the service center.

Step-by-step: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

When the smartphone is in EDL mode, you can start to run the firmware. We'll use the Mi Flash Tool, the official utility from Xiaomi.

Step 1: Installation of drivers

1. Connect your phone in EDL mode to your computer.
2. Open Device Manager and find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the QcomDLoader drivers.

Step 2: Set up the Mi Flash Tool

1. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware (should be a file) flash_all.bat).
3. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – cleans all data. Clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (for official firmware); Save user data – save user data (not always working).

Step 3. Starting the firmware

1. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (appears) COM-port).
2. Click Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).
3. Turn off the phone and try to turn it on (the first start can take up to 15 minutes).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Firmware running through EDL is often accompanied by errors, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to solve them.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not turned on and detected by the computer after firmware, the preloader area may be damaged. In this case, only soldering of the memory chip in the service center will help.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, try using the QFil (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) utility with the file. prog_emmc_firehose.mbn firmware.

Xiaomi’s new models (2022–2026) have changed

Starting with Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 and POCO F4, the company has tightened up the bootloader protection, and now firmware via EDL may require:

• 🔐 Authorization of Mi Account (if the device is tied).
• 🔧 EDL Authorizer - a special utility for unlocking.
• 📄 Official permission from Xiaomi (for some regions).

If your model is newer than 2022, the algorithm of actions will be different:

1. Download the EDL Authorizer (e.g. Mi Account Bypass Tool).
2. Log in to your Mi Account through the utility.
3. Connect your phone in EDL mode and wait for unlocking.
4. Then, start the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

On new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T), firmware via EDL is not possible without authorization of the Mi Account. If you forget your account data, restore it in advance!

What to do if the firmware does not help

If after all the manipulations the phone still does not turn on, check the following points:

• 🔋 Battery: it's probably completely drained. Connect the charger for 30 minutes and try again.
• 🔌 USB-Port: Try another cable or computer (sometimes Windows drivers are to blame).
• 📱 Damaged board: If the phone does not respond to charging and is not detected by the computer, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, the power chip burned down).

If nothing helps, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center (especially if the warranty is still valid).
2. Re-sweeten the memory chip (for experienced users or masters).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions