How to Switch Xiaomi Phone: All Ways and Step-by-Step Instructions

Xiaomi’s smartphone firmware is a challenge that scares many users from risking “bricking” or losing data. However, with the right approach, it’s no more difficult than installing Windows on your computer. The key is to understand which firmware method is right for your model, how to avoid typical bugs and where to download official files. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to update software on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices: from automatic OTA to manual installation via Fastboot.

Importantly, the firmware procedure is different for devices with locked and unlocked bootloaders. If you have never changed software on your Xiaomi before, start with the section on unlocking Bootloader - without this, most methods simply will not work. Also remember that informal firmware (custom ROM) can deprive you of warranty and stability.

We’ve gathered the latest information for 2026, including changes to Xiaomi’s bootloader unlock policy and new firmware tools. If your device is released before 2018, some steps may differ – check out the details for a specific model in official sources.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, follow the mandatory preparatory steps that minimize the risks of data loss or turning the phone into a brick.

First, back up all your important data. The firmware (especially through Fastboot) cleans up all your internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your computer. Note that some custom recovery (like TWRP) allows you to backup directly from your phone, but it only works on unlocked devices.

Second, check the current firmware version and device model. This is critical for choosing the right update file. Go to Settings → About your phone and write down:

• 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F5)
• 🔢 Assembly number MIUI (format: V14.0.5.0.TMSCNXM)
• 🔓 bootloader status (locked/unlocked – checked by fastboot oem device-info command)

First, charge your phone to a minimum. 60%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to cause a failure. USB-cable (preferably original) and computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.

Make a backup of data | Check model and version of MIUI| Charge phone >60%| Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC | Download the correct firmware for your model-->

2. Xiaomi firmware methods: which one to choose?

There are three main methods of software updates on Xiaomi devices, each with its pros, cons and limitations, depending on your model, status of the bootloader and goals (update, downgrade, custom firmware installation).

For most users, the best option is OTA-Fastboot is required if you want to change the region of the firmware (for example, from Chinese to global) or restore the device after a serious failure. EDL — extreme measure, which may require an authorized Xiaomi account and special equipment.

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If your device doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the logo, try first to go to Recovery (press Power + Volume up) and make a factory reset (Wipe Data).

3. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

Since 2017, Xiaomi has been blocking the bootloader on all its devices, meaning that it will require official unlocking to run through Fastboot or install custom Recovery, a process that takes up to 72 hours and requires a Mi Account to be linked to the device.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional settings → For developers).
3. Download the official utility Mi Unlock and log in to it.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the device is off).
5. Click Unlock in the program and wait for confirmation (it may take up to 3 days to wait).

Important nuances:

• 🔗 Unlocking resets phone to factory settings.
• 📱 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50 China market may require additional steps.
• ⚠️ Once unlocked, Xiaomi’s warranty is cancelled (officially).

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Without an unlocked bootloader, you can only flash through OTA or stock Recovery with official packages.

4. Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Fastboot is the most reliable way to completely flash, but requires an unlocked bootloader and erases all data. We recommend using the official Mi Flash Tool for Windows.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads.

• 🌍 Region (Global, China, EEA, India, etc.)
• 📅 Android Version (must be the same or newer than the current version)
• 🔧 File type (select Fastboot, not Recovery)

Unpack the downloaded archive in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.

Step 2: Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (you can use Android SDK or Minimal ADB). Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC.

Step 3: Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the unpacked firmware and press Refresh. The device should be determined.

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended)
• Clean all and lock – Clean up + lock the bootloader (beware!)
• Save user data – data retention (not always working)

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

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If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one you have installed now, which requires a special recoil file or firmware via EDL.

⚠️ Warning: Never choose Clean all and lock unless you are 100% sure that the firmware is right for your model.Blocking the bootloader on the wrong firmware will lead to a brick that can only be restored through the use of a computer. EDL.

5. Firmware through Recovery (stock and TWRP)

This method is suitable for setting official OTA-squash or squash (if installed) TWRP). The main advantage is that you do not need a computer, everything is done directly from the phone.

For stock Recovery:

1. Download the correct firmware.zip file (for Recovery) from the official website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Recovery (press Power + Volume up when the phone is off).
4. Select Install update.zip to System and confirm.

It takes 2-5 minutes. Once you're done, select Reboot to System.

For TWRP (Castom Recovery):

• 🔧 Install. TWRP Fastboot (Fastboot Flash Recovery) twrp.img)
• 📁 Download a firmware.zip file (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) to the SD-card
• 🔄 V TWRP Select Install, specify the file and make Swipe to Confirm Flash.
• 🧹 After the firmware, run the Wipe → Format Data (required for customized data) ROM!)

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware through TWRP It can disrupt the operation of the Widevine module L1, Why will streaming services stop working in HD-quality (Netflix, Disney)+ It can often be restored only by returning to the stock firmware.

6. Solving typical firmware errors

Even with the correct follow-up, you can get into a failure, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

If your device has become a brick (no button response, no computer detection), don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored through EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🔧 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuiting of test points on the board
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm devices)
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi account (for new models)

The procedure is complex and risky - if you are not confident in your abilities, contact the service center.

7. How to change the firmware region (from Chinese to global and back)

Many Xiaomi devices are sold with firmware for specific regions, which may have limitations: no Google Services (in Chinese versions), a different update rate or pre-installed apps. You can change the region, but there are nuances.

Option 1: via Fastboot (officially)

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 3).
2. Download the global firmware Fastboot for your model (for example, from miui.com).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and flash the device.

After the first download, you may need to reset via Recovery (Wipe Data).

Option 2: Through Recovery (informally)

Some enthusiasts create "converter" firmware that allows you to change the region without completely cleaning, for example, to switch from China ROM to Global ROM to Redmi Note 11, you can use packages from the XDA Developers community.

• ⚠️ It can lead to bugs (non-working). NFC, camera trouble)
• 🔄 Requires manual data backup
• 📵 Could block it. OTA-update

8. Update via OTA: The most secure way

If your goal is to simply upgrade your phone to the latest version of MIUI without risk, use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all the data.

How to update through OTA:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, download it.
3. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update does not come automatically, you can try:

• 🔄 You must check the updates through three points) → Update the package
• 📥 Download full OTA-Hand-held package with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and install via Recovery

Advantages of OTA:

• ✅ Data-safe.
• ✅ Doesn't require a computer.
• ✅ Maintained officially

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates may come with a delay (especially for older models)
• ❌ You can't change the firmware region.

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If so, OTA-updates phone began to slow down or quickly discharge, make a reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware