How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 12 Pro: official and custom methods [2026]

Xiaomi Redmi 12 Pro is a powerful smartphone with a Snapdragon 732G processor, but even it requires periodic firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance or install custom builds. Firmware may be needed in several cases: if the device started to slow down, there were critical errors in the MIUI, or you want to install Global ROM instead of the Chinese version. However, the wrong actions lead to a “brick” (complete failure) of the device in 30% of Amateurized firmware, so it is important to follow the verified instructions.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to run Redmi 12 Pro (codename sky): from official upgrades via MIUI Updater to manual installation via Fastboot and Recovery. You’ll also learn how to unlock a bootloader, where to download the correct firmware files, and how to avoid common bugs like Anti-Rollback or Invalid Image. If you’re a beginner, start with the automatic method. Experience users will find details on installing TWRP and custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps. Neglect of preparation is the main cause of failures and data loss.

First, back up all your important data. Fastboot or factory resets erase internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (save in the password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (use Helium or root backup if there is root)

Second, check the current firmware version and the device model. Go to Settings → About the phone.

• 📋 Model number (should be Redmi 12 Pro, not Redmi Note 12 Pro – these are different devices!)
• 🔢 Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.3.0.TMCCNXM)
• 🔄 Firmware region (China, Global, EEA, Russia)

⚠️ Note: Install firmware with a lower version of Anti-Rollback (e.g., with a lower version of Anti-Rollback) MIUI 14 on MIUI 13) will cause the device to break. Check compatibility on the site MIUI Downloads.

Finally, prepare the tools:

2 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 12 Pro

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to flash the device through Fastboot or install custom recovery. Xiaomi blocks the default bootloader to protect against unauthorized changes.

The unlocking process takes 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure the device is linked to your account (check Settings → About Phone → All Options → Mi Unlock Status).
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility is available on Xiaomi's website. Install it on a Windows PC (Linux/macOS is not supported).
3. Enable the Developer Mode and OEM-Unlocking: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 OEM-unlock 🔌 Debugging by USB

Connect your phone to your PC and start unlocking.

Turn off Redmi 12 Pro, then press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect to your PC, launch Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. The system will request confirmation via SMS or mail.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device, including internal memory, will be reset, as will some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine). L1 for HD-The streaming may stop working.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|On. OEM-unlock|Xiaomi drivers installed|Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool|Data backup made.-->

3. firmware via MIUI Updater (the safest way)

If you need to upgrade Redmi 12 Pro to the latest official MIUI without risk, use the built-in MIUI Updater.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all data.

Instructions:

1. Open the Update app (or go to Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it.
3. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.
4. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

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Officially updating via MIUI Updater is the only method that does not reset data and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

4. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to install official firmware from a PC. It is useful if the device is not turned on, stuck on the logo or requires a downgrade (downgrading the MIUI version).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware: Choose the right version for Redmi 12 Pro (sky) on Xiaomi's website. The file will be in.tgz or.zip format (e.g.,.zip, sky_global_images_V14.0.3.0.TMCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global.zip).
2. Unpack the archive: Remove files to a folder (for example, C:\redmi12pro_fastboot). There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until the hare in the ear-headed hat (Fastboot logo) appears. Connect to the PC.
4. Open the firmware folder, open the firmware folder, launch it flash_all.bat (for full firmware) or flash_all_except_storage.bat (If you don't want to erase the data, wait until it's done (10–20 Fastboot %* getvar product 2>&1 | findstr /r /c:"^product: *sky" fastboot % getvar anti 2>&1 | findstr /r /c:"^anti: [0-9]" fastboot %* oem edl

If the process is interrupted with an Anti-Rollback error, you are trying to install firmware with an older version of ARB than the current one.

• 🔍 Check the current version ARB Fastboot team fastboot getvar anti.
• 📥 Download the firmware with ARB, equal or higher than the current.
• 🔄 Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option (full cleanup).

5. custom firmware installation (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience gives more customization options, but requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery installed.

Warning: Custom firmware can:

• 🚫 Deprive warranties (if the device is guaranteed).
• 📵 Disrupt the module NFC camera.
• 🔒 Block access to banking applications (due to lack of SafetyNet).

Installation instructions:

1. Install TWRP Recovery: Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 12 Pro from the official website. rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with ADB. Then do: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot
2. Backup in TWRP: In the TWRP menu, select Backup and save the Boot, System, Data, Vendor sections.
3. Sweeve custom firmware: Download a firmware.zip file (like Pixel Experience) and place it on SD-card or phone memory. TWRP Select Install, specify the file and confirm the installation.
4. If the firmware does not include Google services, download the appropriate Open Gapps package (ARM64, Android 12/13) and install it after you have firmware.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware requires formatting the Data partition into F2FS This will lead to total data loss! Use the command in the TWRP: Format Data → F2FS.

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Before installing custom firmware, check reviews on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums — some builds may not support 5G or Wi-Fi 6 on the Redmi 12 Pro.

6. Typical firmware errors and their solutions

Even experienced users have trouble with firmware, and here are the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

If the device does not turn on after firmware (brick), try:

1. Press Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to your PC and check if the device is detected in Fastboot or EDL (Emergency Firmware Mode).
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option to recover.
4. If nothing helps, contact the service center with the error code.

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If you’ve been experimenting with custom firmware and want to return to the official MIUI, follow this instruction:

Method 1: Fastboot (recommended):

1. Download the official Fastboot firmware for your region.
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (It'll delete all the data!).
3. After the firmware, the device will automatically block the bootloader.

Method 2: Recovery (if TWRP is installed):

1. Download the official ZIP-firmware archive (e.g, miui_SKYGlobal_V14.0.3.0.TMCMIXM_XXXX.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. In TWRP, select Install → update.zip and confirm.
4. After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).

⚠️ Warning: Return to official firmware after custom can lead to loss IMEI If you don't have a network after you've run the firmware, restore it. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or tool QCN Rebuilder.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 12 Pro