Xiaomi Mi 10 firmware: official and custom methods with unlocking the bootloader

The Xiaomi Mi 10, released in 2020, remains a popular flagship among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 865, 108 MP camera) and active community support. However, over time, even top-end devices require firmware reflashing: someone wants to upgrade to a fresh version of MIUI after the end of official support, someone wants to install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and someone needs to restore the brick after a failed experiment. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of firmware Mi 10 (code name umi), from preparing for the typical errors.

It’s important to understand that firmware isn’t just about “updating through settings.” Depending on the goal, you may need to unlock the bootloader (which resets all the data!), choose between Fastboot, Recovery, or EDL-In the mode, and also to choose the correct firmware version for your modification (Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro or regional version).We will consider all scenarios, including firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, installation TWRP and manually upgraded through ADB Sideload.

If you’re a beginner, don’t be intimidated by the terms. We’ve broken the process down into simple steps with visual cues and checklists. Experienced users will find relevant tool links here (including bypassing Xiaomi’s restrictions on unlocking a bootloader in 2026) and firmware compatibility tables.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

The first and most important step is to save data, and by running a Fastboot or unlocking a bootloader, you will inevitably reset your device completely (including internal memory), and even if you plan to upgrade to Recovery without a Wipe, you should be safe:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (keeps contacts, SMS, system application settings).
• 🖥️ Copy photos, videos and documents to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Save passwords from accounts (use Google Password Manager or export through your browser).
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI Devices (type *#06# in the phone keyboard) - useful if the network disappears after firmware.

Check out the current MIUI and device model:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip the MIUI version several times to unlock Developer Mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi 10 was purchased in China (the domestic version), the firmware is global or European. MIUI It can block the network due to differences in modem files. → The phone. → Model (e.g, M2001J2E — Chinese, M2001J2G — global).

Also prepare the tools:

2 Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 10 in 2026

Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking the bootloader: now it requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 7 days (previously 72 hours). If you bought a used phone, the previous owner must untie your account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Xiaomi account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Enable data synchronization. In Settings → Additional → For developers, activate OEM Unblock Status and bootloader Unblock.

Connect your phone to your PC:

• Install Xiaomi USB Drivers (you can download here).
• Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
• Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
• Start unlocking: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume down. + Power to log into Fastboot. 3. Connect USB-4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If you see a message Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168 hours, wait 7 days.

⚠️ Warning: Once the boot loader is unlocked, this device is unlocked.This is not an error, but normal behavior. However, some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may block work on unlocked devices.

Xiaomi account linked to phone

USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled

Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC

The phone is charged at least 60%

Backup of all data.-->

3. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware depends not only on the functionality, but also on the stability of the device.

Official MIUI firmware

Suitable for recovery of the brick, updating to the latest supported version or returning to the drain state.

• 🌍 Global Stable: for international versions (M2001J2G, M2001J2E). Updates are less frequent, but undergo rigorous testing.
• 🇨🇳 China Stable: Chinese models only, more features, but no Google services.
• 🧪 Developer (Beta): weekly builds with new features, but possible bugs.

You can download it on the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for umi).

Custom firmware

For installation via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.

• 📱 Pixel Experience: pure Android without shell MIUI, with features from Google Pixel.
• 🔄 LineageOS: lightweight firmware with a long support life.
• ⚡ crDroid or Paranoid Android: Balance between performance and customization.

Download only from verified sources:

• XDA Developers (Section Mi 10)
• Telegram community channels (e.g. Mi 10 Updates)

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check XDA reviews about camera and modem performance. For example, some Pixel Experience builds for Mi 10 don't work with 8K video recording.

4. Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is suitable for installing an official MIUI or recovering a device after a crash. It erases data completely, so only use it if you're ready to reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware: Select the version for umi on the official website. Uncancel the file (you should get a folder with.img files).
2. Install Mi Flash Tool: Download the latest version from this site. Unpack the archive and launch XiaoMiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:

1. Turn off the device.


2.Put Volume down + Nutrition before the appearance of the bunny (Fastboot).




3. Connect the USB- cable to the PC.

Squeeze the device:

• In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.

If the process is hanging on 99% or make a mistake anti_rollback, signifier:

• 🔙 You are trying to recreate an older version. MIUI, The current policy (banned by the Anti-Rollback policy).

5. Install custom firmware through TWRP

To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom builds, you will need TWRP Recovery. The official version for the Mi 10 (umi) can be downloaded here.

Instructions:

1. Install. TWRP: 1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-umi.img (or newer). 2. Rename him in recovery.img and put it in a folder with platform-tools. 3. Turn off the phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Nutrition). 4. The command is fastboot flash recovery. recovery.img 5. Boot in. TWRP: fastboot boot recovery.img
2. Backup in TWRP: In the main menu, select Backup. Tap the Boot, System, Data, Vendor sections. Swipe to start the backup (save a copy to PC!).

Sweep through the custom firmware:

• Download the.zip firmware file to the phone or flash drive.
• In TWRP, select Install → specify the firmware file.
• Additionally, go through GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root rights).
• Run Wipe → Format Data (required for first installation!).
• Reboot to the system.

If you have an E: Footer is wrong:

• 🔄 Download the firmware again (maybe the file is corrupted).
• 📥 Check that the file is for your model (umi for Mi 10, cmi for Mi 10 Pro).