Modern Xiaomi smartphones often come with minimal internal storage, and many models have long been deprived of a microSD slot. This poses a serious problem for enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware, because the classic method requires moving the ZIP archive to an external drive.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods of Xiaomi firmware through the Recovery TWRP, when SD-You'll learn how to securely transfer files from your computer through ADB, use OTG-You can download the firmware directly to a locked phone, and understanding these nuances will allow you to avoid the “brick” and successfully upgrade your device to the current version of Android.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any partition manipulation, make sure that your smartphone bootloader is unlocked. Bootloader must be Unlocked, otherwise installing a third-party backup is not possible. It is also critical to make a full backup of data, since the firmware process often involves formatting the Data and Cache partitions.
You will need quality. USB-cable, preferably original and serviceable USB-Using cheap charging-only cables can cause a connection to break at a critical moment, which can cause errors in file transfers.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery level is at least 60%. interruption of the data writing process due to battery discharge can damage the boot partition.
To work, you'll need ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on your PC, without which your computer won't be able to properly interact with your phone in debugging mode. Download the current version of Platform-Tools from the official developer site.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Method 1: Transfer of firmware via ADB Sideload
ADB Sideload is the most reliable firmware option without using an external drive, which allows you to transfer the firmware archive directly from your computer to the RAM of the recovery, bypassing the internal storage of the phone, which is especially relevant when the internal memory of the phone is formatted or damaged.
To start, load your smartphone into TWRP mode. In the main menu, select Advanced, then ADB Sideload. After activating the mode, swipe the Swipe to Start Sideload slider. The phone screen will change, confirming readiness for data reception.
On your computer, open the command line in the ADB tool folder and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list with sideload status, you can start the transfer.
adb sideload name file.zipThe process will go automatically. Don't interrupt the connection until the success or total xfer message appears. The speed of the transfer depends on the quality of the cable and the USB port.
What if the ADB can’t see the phone?
Method 2: Use of the OTG-flash drives SD-map
If you don’t have the ability to use a computer near your phone, technology is a great solution. OTG (On-The-Go: Most modern Xiaomi smartphones support external connectivity USB-You're going to need a simple flash drive with a file system. FAT32 exFAT.
Write down the firmware archive on a flash drive, connect it to the phone through OTG-cable and run TWRP. Recaveri will automatically detect the external drive. Install menu, click the Select Storage button and select yours. USB-flash drive (usually marked as USB OTG).
- 📂 Find the firmware file in the list and click on it.
- ✅ Confirm swipe installation to the right.
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed and restart the system.
This method is convenient because it does not require drivers and command line configuration. However, the speed of reading from a flash drive can be lower than with a direct connection via ADB, so be patient.
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Use small flash drives (up to 32 GB) for maximum compatibility. Large drives may not be determined in recover mode due to power shortages or file system limitations.
Method 3: Download firmware inside TWRP via Wi-Fi
Some versions TWRP They have built-in Wi-Fi support, which allows you to download firmware directly to your phone without intermediaries, which is ideal if you have neither a PC nor a PC at hand. OTG-cable, but there is a stable wireless network.
In the main reclaim menu, go to Advanced and select WiFi. Connect to your network by entering a password. After successfully connecting, open your browser (if any in the build) or use the built-in bootloader if provided by the builder.
A more advanced option is to use the ADB Pull/Push function in reverse or run a local server, but this requires complex manipulation. The easiest way to download a file through an embedded browser, if any, saving it to internal memory /data/media/0/, which remains available after formatting only in certain scenarios.
| Method | Speed. | Difficulty | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB Sideload | Tall. | Medium | Maximum |
| OTG Flash | Medium | Low. | Tall. |
| Wi-Fi in TWRP | Depends on the network. | Tall. | Medium |
Solving problems with internal memory (Internal Storage)
A common problem with SD-free firmware is not being able to see the firmware file in internal memory after Data is formatted. This is because Android encryption blocks access to files if the backpacks don't have decryption keys, and as a result, TWRP sees an empty folder or requests a password.
To avoid this, copy the firmware file before running the Wipe. If you have already formatted the data, the only way out is to use ADB Push or OTG. Trying to write the file to an encrypted partition without unlocking will result in a write error.
If TWRP requests a password when logging into internal memory, and you just need to install a patch or magick, use the Data partition in MTP mode. Connect the phone to a PC, and the computer can recognize it as a media device, allowing you to manually toss the file through Windows Explorer.
⚠️ Note: Do not format the Data partition into a format FAT32 through TWRP, If you plan to use your phone as usual, it will delete all the data and require a complete flashing of the stock recap to return the encryption.
Install Magisk and patches without SD-map
Once you install the firmware, you often need to get superuser rights. Magisk.apk is renamed Magisk.zip and installed in a similar way to firmware. It also works perfectly with ADB Sideload or transfer via ADB Push to /data/media/0/.
To install patches that fix firmware bugs (such as camera or sound fixes), use the Install menu. If there are more files, add them to the installation queue (Add more Zips) so that they are installed in a cascade without intermediate reboots.
It is important to follow the order of installation: first the firmware, then GApps (if necessary), then Magisk and at the end various modes.
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The order of installation is critical: ROM -> GApps -> Root -> Mods. Breaking this chain is the main cause of broken touch input or black screen.