How to flash Xiaomi Redmi: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Redmi’s firmware is a process that can bring a device back to life and turn it into a brick if you approach it without preparation. Unlike a regular upgrade through Settings, full firmware reflashing requires a knowledge of nuances: From unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version MIUI This guide will help you understand when firmware is really necessary, and when resetting is enough, and how to avoid typical errors that cause users to lose data or break the device.

Redmi owners have a common misconception that firmware is only needed to fix critical bugs or install the latest version of Android. MIUI before you need to restore the phone after a failed update "over the air." We will look at all the current ways - from the official MIUI Updater to manual stitching via Fastboot and TWRP, — We also explain why some methods are only suitable for experienced users.

When you need Xiaomi Redmi firmware and when you don’t

Before you download your firmware and risk your data, make sure the problem isn’t solved any easier, for example, if your smartphone slows down after an update, it’s often enough:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleaning (does not delete personal files).
• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Reinstall problematic applications.

Firmware is justified in the following cases:

• 🚨 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI (so-called bootloop»).
• 🔧 You need to remove root rights or return official MIUI post-stitch.
• 📲 You need to update the Android version if the “over the air” update is not available for your model.
• 🛡️ Fix critical bugs that Xiaomi hasn’t fixed in the current version (e.g. module issues) 5G camera-wise).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is warranty-free, the independent firmware (especially custom) will cancel it. Xiaomi's official service centers will refuse repairs after detecting traces of manual software tampering.

Another important point is that firmware won't help if the problem is hardware, for example, if the phone doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or motherboard, flashing it will only make things worse. To tell the difference between a software failure and a hardware one, try clamping the power. + Volume up 10-15 seconds – if there is no reaction, most likely it is not the software.

Preparation for firmware: backup, drivers and unlocking the bootloader

Even if you've been flashing smartphones before, each Redmi has its own characteristics, such as for models running a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi). 9A or Redmi Note 10T) A separate set of drivers is required, and devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (like Redmi Note 11 Pro) are required.+) They're running through the Fastboot with other teams, and we'll start with the universal preparation steps.

1. Creation of a backup copy of data

Firmware via Fastboot or Recovery erases all data from internal memory, including photos, messages and installed applications.

• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account. → Cloud. → Backup (saves contacts, notes, SMS).
• 💻 Computer: Connect the phone to USB Transfer files and copy folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp (if any).
• 📱 Third-party apps: Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup for backup applications.

Important: If you are using Google Photos for backup, make sure that sync is complete before the firmware starts. Once reset, the device may not recognize the Google account and access to the photo will be blocked before entering the previous password.

Installation of drivers and tools

To run through the computer will require:

• 🖥️ Drivers: Download official Xiaomi drivers or Mi Flash Tool package (includes drivers for Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool - for firmware through Fastboot. ADB & Fastboot – to unlock the bootloader and debugging. TWRP (Unofficial Recavers – if you plan a custom firmware.

To check the connection of the phone to the PC:

1. Connect Redmi in Fastboot mode (click Power). + Volume down when the phone is off).
2. Open the command line and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), the drivers are installed correctly.

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can’t flash Redmi with official or custom firmware (except updates via Xiaomi’s Recovery), which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi’s policy:

1. Link the device to the Mi Account in Settings → The phone. → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions. The first unlock will take 168-720 hours (depending on the model).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the phone, and Mi Account settings (including those tied to your smart home) will reset.If you used Redmi to manage Xiaomi Home, you’ll have to reconfigure your smart devices.

Xiaomi Redmi firmware methods: which to choose

The choice of method depends on the purpose of the firmware and the condition of the phone, and below is a comparison of all current methods with pros and cons.

For most users, the best option is to run firmware through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable even for “bricks” (phones that do not turn on or hang on the logo). If you need custom firmware without advertising and unnecessary Xiaomi services, you will have to master it. TWRP.

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Before you run through Fastboot, check the bootloader version of your model. For example, there are two versions of the bootloader for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, vbmeta and anti-rollback. Installing firmware with an inappropriate bootloader will lead to the device's throw!

Xiaomi Redmi firmware via Fastboot (step-by-step instructions)

This method is suitable for setting an official MIUI (We'll look at the Redmi Note 11, but the steps are relevant for most Snapdragon models (mediaTek requires). SP Flash Tool).

1. Downloading firmware

The official firmware for Redmi is available on the following websites:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI (European and European versions).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese website MIUI (China version requires registration).
• 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions, including old ones).

Choose a firmware marked Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).

• 📌 Phone model: For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has the codename sweet, and Redmi 9T — Lime, check yours in Settings. → The phone. → Model.
• 🌐 Region: Global (Global), European (EEA), Chinese (China) or Indian (India) versions are different set of pre-installed applications and support for languages.
• 🔢 Android Version: For example, MIUI 14 can be based on Android 12 or 13 – this affects compatibility with applications.

2. Install firmware through Mi Flash Tool

Follow the instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect the Redmi off to the PC, keeping Volume down + Power (Fastboot mode).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: clean_all — Complete cleaning (recommended when changing region or version) MIUI). save_user_data — saving user data (risky, can lead to bugs). clean_all_and_lock — Firmware with bootloader lock (only for official firmware!).

Flash

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is running an anti-rollback error during the firmware process, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, This is a different type of firmware than the one on the phone, which requires you to flash a special "anti-recoil" firmware (available on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will turn on with factory settings. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

Firmware through Recovery: recovery without PC

If your Redmi is turned on but is not stable, you can try flashing it through the Recovery, which does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for installing official updates. MIUI. However, he has limitations:

• ❌ You can not change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).
• ❌ Custom firmware is not supported.
• ❌ If the phone is not turned on, this method will not help.

1. Download firmware for Recovery

On the website MIUI Choose your model and download the firmware marked Recovery:

• 🔄 Stable: Stable version, recommended for everyday use.
• 🧪 Developer: Developer version with new features, but possible bugs.

2. Installation of firmware

1. Copy the firmware file (.zip) into the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not nested!).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
5. Select the downloaded firmware file and confirm the installation.
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

If you see an E:footer is wrong error in the process, it means that the firmware file is corrupted. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5) using the HashMyFiles program.

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Firmware through Recovery does not erase user data, but if you install the version MIUI older than the current one, you risk an anti-rollback error).

Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you are annoyed by advertising in MIUI Or you want to get a clean Android, you can install custom firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS – as close as possible to the stock Android, stable, but without branded chips Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface and features from Google Pixel (including GCam camera).
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between productivity and customization.

However, custom firmware has disadvantages:

• 🚫 No official support from Xiaomi (risk of camera bugs, NFC or 5G).
• 🔋 Possible deterioration of autonomy due to unoptimized core.
• 🔒 Some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may not work due to lack of certification.

1. Installation of TWRP Recovery

To install custom firmware need an informal recaveri — TWRP. Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP for your model from the site twrp.me (file.img).
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img (Replace sweet with your model’s code name).
3. Right after the firmware. TWRP Reboot your phone in Recavator with the command: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img (This is a temporary download to avoid overwriting stock recaveri).

2. Custom firmware ROM

1. Copy firmware files (.zip) and GApps (Google services if not included in firmware) to internal memory or SD-map.
2. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Install

GApps

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Note 10 Pro) will stop using a wide-angle camera or fingerprint scanner after installing custom firmware. XDA Developers for your model.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users have problems with Redmi firmware, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

If the phone boots after firmware but has sensor or performance issues, try:

• 🔄 Reflash the device with mode clean_all.
• 📱 Install a different firmware version (for example, try instead of Global). EEA).
• 🔧 Hand-stitch the core (boot.img) Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img

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If after firmware lost communication (no network signal), check if the settings are lost IMEI. Enter the dialer *#06# - if instead of IMEI The zeros are displayed, restore them with the tool SN Write Tool (requires authorization in Mi Account).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi firmware