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

Xiaomi Mi 10T (The codename apollo remains a popular flagship even years after its release, but over time, users are faced with the need to reflash the device. MIUI You may want to install custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS, but incorrect firmware actions can turn a smartphone into a brick — especially if you are unlocking the bootloader or using informal builds.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways of firmware for Mi. 10T (including versions of the Mi 10T Pro and Mi 10T Lite, with the new Xiaomi policy for unlocking the bootloader in 2026, will help you get around common bugs (such as anti-rollback or invalid image), what tools you’ll need, and how to bring the phone back to life if something goes wrong. We will also focus on the nuances of firmware through Fastboot, Recovery and MIUI Updater – with step-by-step instructions and checklists.

For example, installing firmware with a lower version of anti-rollback than the current one will lock the device permanently, and unlocking the bootloader now takes 7 days of waiting (even for authorized accounts). If you are a beginner, start with the official methods and only then experiment with custom methods. ROM.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before I wash out the Xiaomi Mi 10T, There are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and skipping one of them can cause data loss, a soft or hard "brick" of the device, and we'll start with the most important thing, backup.

Create a complete copy of all data, including:

• 📱 Contact and SMS (Use Mi Cloud or export to Google Account).
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud – Google Photos does not automatically save some formats) RAW wi 10T).
• 🔑 Passwords and tokens (applications like Bitwarden or KeePassDX should be synced).
• 🎮 Save games (use Helium or manual export for games without cloud sync).

Check the version further. MIUI And the build number. This is critical for choosing the right firmware. Go to Settings. → About the phone and write it down:

• 📋 Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5).
• 🔢 Assembly number (e.g, V14.0.5.0.SJDMIXM).
• 🔄 Android version (such as Android 13).

Also make sure your phone has enough charge (at least 60%) and connect it to the original charger while you are running the firmware.

• 🖥️ ADB Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google).
• 🔌 Xiaomi Drivers (For Windows – Official Package).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot Firmware Only, version no lower than 20230616).

2 Unlock the bootloader: why it is necessary and how to do it

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that restricts users from installing custom firmware or modified cores.

• 🔓 Installations TWRP Recovery.
• 📱 Custom firmware ROM (Pixel Experience, LineageOS, and others.).
• ⚡ Modification of system files (e.g., to remove Bloatware).

In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the unlocking rules, and now it takes 7 days to wait even for authorized accounts.

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (you should display your device).
4. Start unlocking with the command: fastboot oem unlock (confirm the action on the phone).
5. Wait. SMS or notifications to Mi Account about permission to unlock (usually 7 days).
6. Repeat the command fastboot oem unlock - the bootloader will be unlocked.

Once unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted, so backup (see section 1) is mandatory!

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If unlocking is suspended during the waiting stage, make sure your Mi Account is not restricted (e.g., not blocked for suspicious activity). SIM-The card in the phone is active – Xiaomi sends confirmation SMS.

3. Firmware through Fastboot: the official method from Xiaomi

Fastboot is considered the most reliable method for recovery of "bricks" or installation of official firmware.

• 🔄 You want to bring back the stock. MIUI post-stitch.
• 🚨 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 📦 We need to update the firmware without OTA (For example, from Android 11 to Android 13).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC (or Linux/macOS tuned ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📂 Official firmware for Mi 10T (Download from the official website by selecting the model apollo).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi10T_Fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection: fastboot devices
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should be displayed).
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (complete clean) or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader again).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

Download the official firmware for the model apollo

Install Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers

Enable debugging on USB and unlock the boot loader (if necessary)

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Use the original USB-cable-->

If the process ends with an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install firmware with an older version of the anti-rollback than the current one.

⚠️ Note: Install firmware with a lowered version of anti-rollback on Mi 10T This leads to an irreversible lock on the device, and the only way out is to flash a newer version. MIUI (Check the anti-rollback version in the firmware name (for example, V13.0.1.0.SJDMIXM — here SJD pointer).

4.Firmware through Recovery: TWRP and formal restoration

The method through Recovery is convenient for installing custom firmware or modified cores. 10T There is a caveat: official Recovery from Xiaomi does not support installation ZIP-Files must be installed first. TWRP.

Warning: TWRP for Mi 10T It may be unstable due to data encryption in new versions. MIUI. After installation TWRP The phone asks for a password to decrypt, and you don't remember it - you have to reset.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the current version TWRP for apollo (for example, from the official website).
2. Move the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-apollo.img file ADB.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
4. Install. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-apollo.img
5. Immediately after installation, go to TWRP, holding up + Food (otherwise stock recovery will overheat) TWRP).

Now you can sew it. ZIP-files (for example, Magisk for root rights or custom firmware:

1. Copy. ZIP-Firmware file on the phone (via MTP into TWRP).
2. V TWRP Choose Install → Choose. ZIP → Sweep.
3. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (if you need a clean installation).
4. Reboot to the system.

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Installation TWRP on Mi 10T shut off OTA-To get the official updates back, you need to go through the Fastboot stock. MIUI.

If, after the firmware is through TWRP The phone is on the screensaver, try it:

• 🔄 Freak through the core (boot.img) stock-stack.
• 🧹 Execute Format Data in TWRP (delete all data!).
• 🔧 Install a different firmware version (maybe the current one is incompatible with your anti-rollback version).

5. Install custom firmware: Pixel Experience, LineageOS and others

Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) allows you to get a “pure” Android without a shell MIUI, It's also a more recent version of the OS. 10T limitations:

• 🚫 No official support for LineageOS 20+ (only unofficial assemblies).
• 🔋 Some of the firmware does not support 5G Wi-Fi 6 because of proprietary drivers.
• 🔒 An unlocked loader is required and TWRP.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Pixel Experience:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (choose the version for apollo).
2. Download NikGapps (Google Services Package, version) arm64-13 Android 13).
3. Copy both files to your phone.
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install the firmware, then NikGapps.
6. Restart (the first launch can take up to 15 minutes).

Typical problems after installing custom firmware:

If the phone overheats or brakes after firmware, check:

• 🔋 Battery status (possibly needing replacement).
• 🔄 Firmware version (some builds are poorly optimized).
• 🛠️ Core settings (B) EX Kernel Manager can be adjusted to the frequency CPU/GPU).

6. Firmware through MIUI Updater: The easiest way

If you don’t need custom firmware and you just want to upgrade MIUI Before the latest version, use the built-in MIUI Updater. This is the safest method, because:

• 🔒 Does not require unlocking the loader.
• 📦 Stores all data (unless otherwise stated).
• 🛡️ Compatibility with anti-rollback.

How to update with MIUI Updater:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you have an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update does not come, you can install it manually:

1. Download the full service package (.zip) for your model from the official website.
2. Move the file to the root of the internal memory.
3. V MIUI Updater click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the update file.
4. Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: If you have a manual update, this package is for "apollo" devices; this is a "apollo_pro", You have downloaded the firmware for another modification (Mi). 10T Pro instead of Mi 10T). Check the exact model name in Settings → The phone. → Model.

7. Solving typical firmware errors

Even if you follow the instructions strictly, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')

This error means that the bootloader is locked and you are trying to flash the device through Fastboot.

• Unlock the bootloader (see Section 2).
• Or use the official update through MIUI Updater.

Error 2: Anti-rollback check fail!

The most dangerous error is to try to install firmware with an older version of the anti-rollback.

• Find and install a newer version MIUI (Check the anti-rollback file name).
• If there is no new firmware, the device is locked forever (motherboard replacement is required).

Mistake. 3: This package is for "apollo" devices; this is a "apollo_pro"

You're trying to flash firmware for Mi. 10T on Mi 10T Pro (or vice versa) Solution:

• Download firmware for an exact model (check in Settings) → The phone).
• For Mi. 10T Lite (codename gauguin) firmware is incompatible with apollo!

Error 4: Phone does not turn on after firmware (black screen)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead – plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then try turning it on.
• 🔄 The kernel is incorrectly stitched - re-sweep boot.img via Fastboot:
• 🧹 System damaged – run the full firmware through Fastboot (Clean All mode).

Mistake 5: Hanging on the Mi logo (bootloop)

Most often it occurs due to incompatibility of firmware or Magisk modules.

• Enter TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
• Remove files from /data/adb/modules (If there is a problem with Magisk).
• Do the Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
• Refresh the firmware.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)