Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to change the regional version of the operating system, which may be caused by the desire to get a global firmware with support for Russian language and Google services, if the device was originally purchased for the Chinese market, and the situation is also relevant when, after installing custom software or a failed experiment with root rights, a return to factory condition is required for stable operation.
The process of restoring or updating official software (Stock ROM) is the safest way to return the gadget to work. Unlike experiments with modified builds, factory images from the manufacturer ensure that there are no hidden vulnerabilities, viruses and compatibility with all hardware components. However, despite the apparent simplicity, the procedure requires carefulness and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions to avoid turning the phone into a “brick”.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the methods available, from simple updates through the built-in menu to using specialized MiFlash software on your computer. You will learn how to properly prepare your device, where to download current files and what to do if the process went wrong. The main thing is to take your time and read each step carefully, as models may have their own characteristics.
⚠️ Attention: Any manipulation of the software carries potential risks.The author of the article is not responsible for damage to your device as a result of improper actions.
Preparation of the smartphone and the choice of firmware method
Before you start taking action, you need to do a lot of preparation. The first step should always be to back up all the important data. Even if you plan to update without losing data, there is always a chance of a crash, and losing photos, contacts and correspondence can be a nasty surprise.
You can then determine the exact model of your device, and you can do this by going to Settings → Phone, and you will need to know not only the name of the model (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), but also its code name (like sweet), and it is by the code name that you will search for firmware files later.
- 📱 Charge the smartphone battery to at least 60-70%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 💾 Free up on the internal drive at least 5-10 GB free space for temporary files.
- 🔌 Use only the original. USB-cable and a good port of the computer when connected.
There are several basic installation methods: through the built-in menu (Recovery ROM), through the recovery mode (Recovery Mode) and through the Fastboot mode using PC (Fastboot ROM), the choice of method depends on the current condition of the phone and your goals. If the phone is turned on and running stable, the easiest way to use the first method.
Method 1: Update through the built-in menu (Recovery ROM)
This is the easiest and most secure way for most users who want to simply upgrade or change region without losing data (provided that the type of firmware matches) and you will need to manually download the firmware file with the.zip extension (Recovery ROM) from the official website or verified resources.
After downloading the file, you need to move to the root of the device's internal memory (not the folder, but the root so that it lies next to the DCIM, Download, etc. folders). Then you need to go to the System Update application, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file. The system will find the archive and prompt you to start installing.
What if the button "Select firmware file" does not appear?
It is important to understand the difference between firmware types: If you try to install the Global version on top of the Chinese version (or vice versa) through this method, the system will give an error and refuse to start the process, in which case a more complex method with a complete data cleanup or using Fastboot is required.
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To speed up the search for a firmware file by the system, make sure the zip archive is not damaged when downloaded. Check the checksum (MD5) if you have the ability to do so on the source site.
Method 2: Installation with Recovery (Clean Install)
If a regular update doesn't help or you need to completely clean up the system of bugs and debris, the installation method is used through the Recovery menu. This method is often called "Clean Install", because it involves the complete removal of all user data.
The firmware file (Recovery ROM, extension.zip) also needs to be renamed to update.zip and placed at the root of the internal memory. After that, the smartphone turns off completely. To enter the recovery mode, you need to pinch the combination of buttons: usually this is Volume Up + Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, the control is done with volume buttons (up/down) and confirmed by the power button. However, on most modern Xiaomi models, the Recovery menu supports touch control, which greatly simplifies the process. You need to choose the language (English or Chinese) and press the Wipe Data button.
| Action. | Description | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Complete data cleanup | Delete all files and settings |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Debugging mode via USB | Connecting to a PC for ADB |
| Reboot | Reboot. | System login or re-entry |
| Safe Mode | Safe regime | Starting with disabled third-party applications |
Once you have selected Wipe Data, confirm the action and wait until the process is complete. Then select Connect with MIAssistant (some menu versions simply select Install or connect your phone to your PC to make the installation menu appear). If you choose to go through the menu, find the update.zip file and confirm the installation. The phone will automatically sew and reboot.
⚠️ Warning: During the Wipe Data process and firmware installation, do not attempt to remove the battery (if it is not removable) or interrupt the power supply.
Method 3: Fastboot and MiFlash (for PC)
The most powerful and versatile tool is the MiFlash utility for Windows, which allows you to install Fastboot ROM (files with the extension.tgz), which is necessary if the phone does not turn on, hovers on the logo (bootloop), or if you want to change the region from China to Global with an unlocked bootloader.
To start, you need to download and install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor), as well as the MiFlash program itself. The Fastboot ROM firmware file must be unpacked into the root folder of the disk, it is desirable that the path is short and without Cyrillic, for example: C:\rom\.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, plug the device off with the Volume Down button. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT. In MiFlash, press the Refresh button to let the computer see the device. The list will show a serial number.
☑️ Checklist before firmware via MiFlash
The most important step is to choose the type of cleaning in the bottom menu of the program, and there are three options that determine the outcome of the operation:
- 🧹 clean all: Completely clean all data. The most reliable option for clean installation.
- 🧹💾 clean all and lock: Clean up data and re-lock the bootloader. Use only if you install the original firmware for this region.
- 💾 Save user data: Attempting to save data only works if the firmware versions (China/global) and their types match.
Once you select the mode, press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds. The log will display progress. Upon completion, success will be written in the status, and the phone will automatically restart. The first download can last up to 10-15 minutes.
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Using "clean all and lock" on a device with an incompatible region (e.g. Global in China) will result in a device lock (Hard Brick). Always choose "clean all" when changing region.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
Users often encounter various bugs during the firmware process, one of the most common being Error:2 or MiFlash incompatibility message, which means you are trying to install firmware that is not designed for this model, or the type of bootloader does not meet the requirements (for example, a closed bootloader and an attempt to Fastboot ROM firmware without unlocking).
Another common problem is endless reboot or hanging on the Mi logo. If this happened after a successful seemingly firmware, try going to Recovery and doing Wipe Data. If the phone doesn't respond to buttons and the black screen is on, it may have gone into deep sleep or EDL mode, in which case only flashing through test points or an authorized account will help.
Also worth mentioning is the "packet corrupted" error when updating through the menu.This is treated by re-uploading the firmware file (possibly downloaded a broken archive) or checking the integrity of the file. Make sure you only download files from trusted sources such as miui.com or xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
⚠️ Note: If the camera, proximity sensor or Bluetooth doesn’t work after the firmware, chances are you’ve confused the regional versions or installed firmware from another model.
Unlocking the bootloader: when is it necessary?
Many users are wondering about the need to unlock Bootloader. To install the official global firmware on a Chinese smartphone, unlocking is only required if you use the Fastboot method. ROM (via menu or Recovery mode, no unlock required, but change region (China) ↔ Globalization is not going to work that way.
The unlocking procedure requires a request via the Mi Unlock app on a PC and a wait of 7 to 168 hours (depending on Xiaomi's policy at the moment). Once the phone is authorized, it will unlock, but all data on it will be deleted.
Should you unlock the bootloader to install Google services on the Chinese version? MIUI and HyperOS Chinese versions often already have a built-in Google framework, which you just need to activate in the settings, or install. APK-Unlocking can result in loss of warranty and inability to use some banking applications due to security checks.