Modern Xiaomi smartphones have a huge potential that is not always revealed in the factory assembly. Users often face the need to change the region, remove ads or install a newer version of the operating system when the official version of the operating system. OTA-The firmware of the device is a process of replacing software that can dramatically change the experience of interacting with the gadget, but this action requires carefulness and strict follow-up of instructions, since errors can lead to the inoperability of the device.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to restore and update software for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models. We will look at methods for both advanced users and beginners who want to simply upgrade without unnecessary difficulties. It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader is a key step for most custom manipulations, but it is not always required for official firmware.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of the risks. Any interference with system files carries the potential threat of data loss or, in rare cases, the transformation of the smartphone into a brick. When you run through Fastboot, the data on the internal drive will be completely destroyed, so backup is critical. Next, we will describe the preparation and the process in detail.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for flashing
90% of the success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. You will need the smartphone itself, a Windows computer (Windows 10 or 11 is recommended for better driver compatibility), and a high-quality device. USB-Do not use cheap cables to charge headphones, as they often do not support data transmission, which will lead to connection errors.
The first step is to create a full backup. Even if you plan to use a data-saving method, a crash can occur at any time. Copy photos, videos and documents to a cloud service or external hard drive. Also make sure that the battery is charged at least 60-70% so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune time.
On the computer side, you need to install specialized drivers. Windows standard tools are often not enough to work correctly in Fastboot or Recovery mode. Download and install ADB Drivers and Qualcomm Driver (or MediaTek, depending on your device's processor). Without these components, the computer simply will not see the phone in the desired mode.
⚠️ Attention: Use of damaged equipment USB-cable or connection USB-Hub instead of a direct motherboard port is the most common reason for interrupting the firmware process and causing errors.
Selection of firmware type: Global, China, EEA and Recovery
Understanding the differences between software versions is key to making the right choice: official firmware is divided into regional ones: Global (international), EEA (Europe), RU (Russia/CIS) and China (China), Chinese versions often come with English and Chinese, as well as pre-installed Google services that need to be activated manually.
Also, firmware is divided by installation method. Recovery ROM has the extension.zip and is installed via the recovery menu or the regular updater. This is the most secure method, which usually does not require unlocking the bootloader if the firmware region coincides with the region of the device. Fastboot ROM has the extension.tgz and requires the use of a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
What is the difference between Recovery and Fastboot ROM?
Recovery ROM (zip) updates the system without data loss (in most cases) and is smaller. ROM (tgz) contains a complete system image, allows you to downgrade (rollback version) and requires an unlocked bootloader for complete cleaning. For users from CIS countries, the issue of switching from the Chinese version to the global version is relevant. This is possible, but requires the mandatory unlocking of Bootloader. Official unlocking takes 7 to 168 hours to wait after you submit your application via Mi Unlock. Without this procedure, you can't reflash the region. Method 1: Update via Recovery (no computer) This method is suitable for those who want to upgrade to a newer version or restore the system in the presence of cyclic reboots, if the recovery menu is available. ROM) for your model. Important: The firmware version should be newer than the current one, or match by region. Copy the downloaded archive to the root of the phone's internal memory. Don't put the file in folders, it should be separate from other files. Then go to the Settings menu → About the phone and click on the version of the shell MIUI or HyperOS several times to add an additional menu. In the menu that appears, select three dots in the upper right corner and click Select the firmware file. Find the previously copied archive and confirm the action. The phone will reboot and the device will start the full installation process of the Fast and the device will not be cleaned. First, download the Fastboot archive. ROM (expand.tgz) and unpack it into the root of the C disk so that the path is short, for example: C:\xiaomi_rom\. Long paths with Cyrillic can cause errors. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode: turn off the phone, then press the volume down button and plug in. USB-Windows Device Manager should have an Android Bootloader Interface in the "Universal Serial Bus" section. In Mi Flash, press the Refresh button to find the device. Choose the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. In the lower right corner, select Clean all or Clean all and lock mode, the latter option will return the phone to the "out of the box" state with the lock locked. BL, What is important for banking applications and NFC. Firmware mode Save data Requires unlocking BL Risk of Recovery Errors (OTA) Yes No Low Fastboot (Clean all) No Yes (to change region) Medium Fastboot (Lock) No Yes High (if region doesn't match) 📊 What firmware method do you use more often?Through Recovery (from your phone)Through Fastboot (from PC)Through TWRPOfficial Air Updates Only ⚠️ Warning: Never select the "Clean all and lock" option if you are flashing a phone with Chinese firmware on a global one, which will result in a Hard Brick device being blocked, as the signatures of the regions will not match. In the process of firmware, users often encounter error codes. Miss matching image and device error means you are trying to flash firmware from another model. Check the code name of the device (eg, ginkgo, cepheus), it must match. If the process is stalling at the Programming or Writing stage, try changing the process. USB-port (use ports) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit, replace the cable or reinstall the drivers, sometimes it helps to run the program on behalf of the administrator and use Windows 10 instead of Windows 11, where there may be driver signature conflicts. Another common problem is the Can't verify update error when installing via Recovery.This happens if the firmware file is corrupted when downloading (check checksum) or if you're trying to roll back to an older version. 💡90% of Xiaomi firmware errors are due to improper operating mode USB, Bad cable or trying to flash a region without unlocking the bootloader (FAQ) Will the warranty fly after the phone firmware? The official global flashing through the bootloader unlocking formally deprives Xiaomi of warranty in some service centers, as the integrity of the software is violated. However, if you return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader (Clean all and lock), it will be difficult to visually determine the interference if the hardware components have not been replaced. Can you flash Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader? Yes, but only within one region. You can upgrade from China to China or Global via Recovery. Transition between regions (for example, CN -> Global) or downgrade versions are possible from the data release button (Bootpe is only able to go up and reload). If that doesn't work, you'll need to run a firmware through Fastboot with full partition erasure. In the worst case scenario, if even Fastboot doesn't turn on, you'll need a paid box to solder memory or recover it through the back of a computer. EDL-Is it safe to use custom firmware like LineageOS? Custom firmware allows you to get fresh Android on older devices, but they are not warranty and can have bugs in the camera or NFC. For everyday use with banking applications, it is better to stay on official ones. MIUI or hyperos.