How to flash Xiaomi Mi Max 3: official and custom firmware

Why do you want to use Xiaomi Mi Max 3?

Xiaomi Mi Max 3, released in 2018, is still popular with users thanks to its large screen, powerful battery and balanced performance. However, over time, official support for updates from Xiaomi ceases, and custom firmware allows not only to update the Android version, but also to improve performance, add new features or even bring the device back to life after software failures.

There are a few things you might need to do: if your device is starting to brake on the latest MIUI, if you want to install Global ROM instead of the Chinese version, or if you want to try alternative builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but it's important to remember that doing the wrong thing can turn your smartphone into a brick, so you should take a closer look at the nuances before you start.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware for Mi Max 3 (codenamed nitrogen), including official and informal methods, as well as give recommendations for choosing the right firmware and solving typical problems.

Preparation for firmware: what to do in advance

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device or even breaking it.

First, back up all your data. The firmware, especially through Fastboot, erases your device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📷 Photo and video (transfer to memory card or PC)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (write down or use password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (if they are not synced to the cloud)

Second, check the bootloader version. The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 can have Anti-Rollback (ARB) installed, which blocks rollbacks to older firmware versions. You can find out the current version of ARB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (the last digit in the build number, for example, V10.2.3.0.OEDMIFD - here D stands for ARB version).

⚠️ Note: If you are running a lower version of the firmware ARB, The device is locked, but the device is locked, and always use the firmware. ARB equal or higher than the current.

Third, prepare the tools:

• 🖥️ Computer on Windows 10/11 (Fastboot is best avoided macOS/Linux because of driver problems)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during the process)
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Xiaomi Unlock Tool (unlock if necessary)

Xiaomi Mi Max 3: Which one to choose?

There are three main methods of firmware Mi Max 3, each of which is suitable for different purposes, the choice depends on your tasks, level of training and the current state of the device.

If your goal is simply to upgrade MIUI to the latest official version, just use MIUI Updater. To install custom firmware or modifications, you will need to unlock the bootloader and use TWRP or Fastboot.

Critical: If your device is already unlocked but you want to get back to the official firmware, use Fastboot with the clean all option – this is the only way to avoid Anti-Rollback issues.

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For beginners, the safest method is MIUI Updater. Fastboot and TWRP require experience and training.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

Most firmware methods (except OTA) require an unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process involves waiting and some limitations.

Step 1: Link your Mi Account to your device.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Sign in to your account (if not, register).
3. Activate the Device Search and Data Sync option.

Step 2: Ask for permission to unlock:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Run the program on your PC and log in to the same Mi Account.
3. Connect the Mi Max 3 in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
4. Press Unlock – the program will send a request to the server.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi requires waiting 72–168 hours (3–7 days) after the account is linked.

Step 3: After waiting, repeat the unlocking process. The device will be reset to factory settings! Now you can install custom firmware via TWRP or Fastboot.

Link Mi Account to device | Download Mi Unlock Tool| Connect phone in Fastboot | Wait 3-7 days |Repeat unlock-->

Firmware through Fastboot: a detailed guide

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to flash the Mi Max 3, especially if the device is not turned on or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. MIUI.

Step 1: Download the required firmware from the official Xiaomi website. For the Mi Max 3, select files marked nitrogen (device codename) and the.tgz extension. Unpack the archive into a folder on your PC.

Step 2: Install ADB/Fastboot drivers:

• Download the Google Platform Tools.
• Unpack at the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and check the connection with the command:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234567890abcdef fastboot), the drivers are installed correctly.

Step 3: Run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Open the program, press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
3. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the process is stuck on waiting for a device, check the cable, port USB Or try another PC. You can't interrupt the firmware at this point!

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes — that's normal.

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a flash not done error, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or disabling the antivirus.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you'll need TWRP Recovery, which is more flexible, but also more risky.

Step 1: Install TWRP for Mi Max 3:

• Download the current version of TWRP for nitrogen from twrp.me.
• Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the platform-tools folder.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Download to TWRP and backup:

• In the main menu, select Backup.
• Check the Boot, System, Data sections.
• Swipe to create a backup (save it to a memory card or PC).

Step 3: Install custom firmware:

1. Download the firmware (like LineageOS for nitrogen) and place it on a memory card.
2. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
3. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the firmware file.
4. Additionally, install GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root rights).
5. Reset the device.

Solving typical firmware errors

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

If the device is stuck on the MI (bootloop) logo, try:

1. Load into Recovery (Loudness up + Nutrition).
2. Run Wipe Data.
3. Flash the device through Fastboot.

If the Mi Flash Tool is flash not done, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try the back port of the PC).
• 🖥️ Turn off the antivirus and firewall.
• 🔄 Reinstall Fastboot drivers.

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90% of firmware errors are due to the wrong firmware version or an interrupted process. Always check file compatibility!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions