Backing up Xiaomi firmware is a critical step before any manipulation of the system, from manually updating to unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware. Without a backup, you risk getting a brick, a device that does not turn on or loads only in Fastboot mode. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to save firmware, from standard MIUI tools to advanced methods through TWRP and ADB, and explain how to store and restore backups correctly.
Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) have a closed ecosystem with boot lock and modification protection, which means that full-fledged backup often requires unlocking the bootloader or using informal tools. We will discuss in detail the nuances for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14) and explain which methods are suitable for devices with a locked bootloader and which are only for unlocked ones.
Why Xiaomi’s backup firmware is not a luxury, but a necessity
Many users neglect to backup, believing that factory firmware is always available for re-installation, but in practice it is not. Here are the key risks that the backup covers:
- 🔄 Failed update: Official OTA-updates sometimes contain critical bugs leading to a "bowthorn" (cyclical reboot). Without a backup, you will have to search for a full firmware package and reflash the device through Mi Flash.
- 🔓 Unlock bootloader: The procedure for resetting all data is mandatory when unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool. Backup will restore the system to its original state.
- 🛠️ Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often requires system partition formatting. MIUI difficult.
- ⚡ Hardware failures: If memory is damaged (for example, due to a fall), backup on a PC or cloud will be the only way to recover data.
Important: On devices with a locked bootloader (most new Xiaomi defaults), a full system partition backup is not possible without unlocking. However, even then, you can save user data, settings, and some system files.
Preparing the device for the creation of a backup
Before you start saving firmware, you need to follow several mandatory steps, which can lead to incomplete backup or even data corruption.
Check the battery (minimum 50%)
Make sure there is free space (10-15 GB on your device or PC)
Disable Mi Account protection (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete Account)
Enable USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version [7 times] → Additional → USB debugging)
Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->
On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the associated account can block access to memory parts via TWRP or ADB. If you do not plan to delete the account, at least temporarily disable protection in the security settings.
To work with ADB and Fastboot, download the official tools:
- 🖥️ Google Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot)
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (for working with firmware in.tgz format)
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and MIUI 13+ function OEM Lock default.If you haven't unlocked the bootloader beforehand, some backup techniques (e.g. via TWRP) Unlocked until unlocked via Mi Unlock Tool.
Method 1: Backup with standard MIUI (no root)
The easiest, but also the most limited way, is to save user data and some system settings, but it doesn't allow you to take a full snapshot of the firmware, and it works on all devices, including those that have the bootloader locked.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
- Select the items to save: contacts, messages, Wi-Fi settings, applications (without data!).
- Click Create a backup and wait for the process to complete.
- The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory.
| What's persisting | What's not saved |
|---|---|
| Contacts, SMS, call log | System applications and their data |
| Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Firmware (Boot, System, Vendor) |
| Wallpaper, themes, notification sounds | Application data (e.g. saves in games) |
| Notes, calendar | IMEI, serial number, NFC module data |
To restore, use the same settings section: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Restore from backup.
⚠️ Note: This method is not suitable for system recovery after firmware failure or bootloader unlocking.It is only for transferring data between devices or after resetting to factory settings.
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If you need to save app data (such as game progress), use the built-in backup function in Google Account: Settings → Google → Backup. This will allow you to recover data even after a full flash.
Method 2: Full backup via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to create complete images of all partitions of memory of the device, which provides the most reliable backup, but requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on Xiaomi's official website) and it erases all data from the device!
- Install. TWRP Download the correct version from twrp.me (for example, for Redmi Note). 10 Pro, it's gonna be a file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img).
- Reboot the device to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and run the TWRP command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, go to Backup and select the Save Partitions: Boot, System, Vendor, Data (optional).
- Select a save location (internal memory or connected microSD) and start the process.
Recommended backup settings in TWRP:
- 📁 Compression format: Select tar (slower but more reliable) or tar + gzip (less space).
- 🔄 Partitions: Be sure to include Boot, System and Vendor. the Data partition takes up a lot of space but saves all user data.
- 💾 Storage location: External microSD is preferred (internal memory can be formatted when restored).
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
Recovery from the TWRP backup:
- Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
- Go to Restore and select the saved backup.
- Mark the required sections and confirm the recovery.
- After completion, run the Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.
⚠️ Note: Restore the Data partition from a backup made on another version MIUI, It can lead to endless downloads, and then you'll have to reset it over Wipe. → Factory Reset.
Method 3: Backup via ADB (for a locked bootloader)
If the bootloader is locked, but you have access to ADB, you can save critical partitions manually, which doesn't give you a full firmware backup, but it saves data that you can recover after you unlock it.
Commands to save key sections:
adb shell
su
dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot of=/sdcard/boot.img
dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery of=/sdcard/recovery.img
exit
adb pull /sdcard/boot.img
adb pull /sdcard/recovery.imgTo save user data (if there is no root):
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.abThis command will create a backup.ab file on a PC with all applications and their data (except system ones).
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 It is impossible to save a system partition without root.
- 🔒 Some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) block access to partitions through the ADB even with the unlocked bootloader.
- 📱 Backup.ab does not contain system settings and may not be restored to another version. MIUI.
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ADB-The backup is suitable for saving user data before unlocking the bootloader, but does not replace the full firmware backup through the TWRP.
Method 4: Backup with Mi Flash Tool (for power users)
Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official firmware utility for EDL (Emergency Download Mode) devices, and it also allows you to create full memory dumps, but the process is more complicated than TWRP, and requires a special cable or test point to log into EDL.
Instructions:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Connect the device in EDL mode (this may require disassembling the phone and closing the test point).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select Advanced → Read and specify a path to save the dump.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take 30-60 minutes).
Advantages of the method:
- 🔧 Full memory dump, including boot partitions and module data.
- 🛡️ It even works on bricks (devices that don’t turn on).
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Requires physical access to the device's board (risk of damage).
- 💻 The dump takes up to 64 GB and contains service information that is difficult to restore selectively.
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL On devices with a locked bootloader, it can lead to a hard breeze (unable to recover without service equipment), a method recommended only for advanced users.
How to store and restore backups
Building a backup is only half the battle, and it's just as important to keep it properly and be able to repair it if needed.
- 💾 Storage location: For backups TWRP: copy the file TWRP/BACKUPS For Mi Flash dumps, don't just store the backup on your phone, use Google Drive, Mega, with encryption.
- 🔐 Security: Backups contain personal data (SMS, Encrypt your archives with your photos, passwords. 7-Zip Or VeraCrypt. Don't share backups in the open source, you can recover them. IMEI and other confidential information.
- 🔄 Frequency: Make a new backup before each update MIUI Keep at least 2 recent versions of backups (in case the latter is damaged).
The recovery process depends on the backup method:
- 📱 TWRP: Load to recovery, select Restore and specify the backup folder.
- 🖥️ ADB: For backup.ab, use the command adb restore backup.ab
- 🔧 Mi Flash: In mode EDL Choose Advanced → Write and put the dump.
Frequent errors in recovery:
- 🚫 "Invalid backup: Backup is made for another model or version MIUI. Check compatibility!
- 🔄 "Bootloop: Once Data is recovered, the device is loaded into a loop. Solution is reset via Wipe → Factory Reset.
- 🔌 "Device Not Found: Problems with Drivers ADB. Reinstall Platform Tools and check the connection USB.