Xiaomi phone firmware: official and custom methods with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi’s smartphone firmware is a process that can both bring a device back to life and turn it into a “brick” if you approach it without preparation. Unlike the usual update through Settings → Phone → System Update, complete flashing requires unlocking the bootloader, choosing the right version of the software and carefully executing instructions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware — from official to custom — and also tell you how to avoid typical errors, such as a Mi Account block or loss of IMEI.

It’s important to understand: the procedure is different for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek, as well as models with locked and unlocked bootloader.We’ll look at the universal methods that work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5). If your model is older than 2019, check compatibility with MIUI 14 or HyperOS – new firmware may not support outdated devices.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before You Start

Before downloading firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and neglecting them can lead to loss of warranty (if the device is warranty) or software damage that can not always be corrected even in the service center.

First, check the status of your Mi Account. If your phone is tied to your account and you don't remember the password, unlocking the bootloader will become impossible. Second, make sure the device has enough charge of at least 60%. Third, prepare Windows PCs (for methods through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool), as official Xiaomi utilities do not support macOS or Linux.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, better 80%+ (during the process of scaling, a failure is possible).
• 🔐 Mi Account: Make sure you remember your username/password and your phone is not blacklisted (check with account.xiaomi.com).
• 💻 Computer: Windows 10/11 with Defender disabled and Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed.
• 📥 Backup: Save data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

Pay special attention to the firmware versions. For example, if your Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is running MIUI 13 and you're trying to install HyperOS for Xiaomi 14, the device just won't turn on. Use services like Xiaomi Firmware Updater or the official MIUI website to download the correct build.

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If you are flashing a device with MediaTek (such as Redmi 10C or POCO M5), install the MTK USB Driver driver and the SP Flash Tool. Mi Flash Tool and QDLoader HS-USB drivers are sufficient for Snapdragon.

2 Unlocking the bootloader: without this firmware is impossible

All Xiaomi smartphones from the factory come with a bootloader locked, a security measure that prevents unofficial software from being installed. To flash the device by any method other than MIUI Updater, the bootloader needs to be unlocked, a process that takes 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi's verification.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your phone to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. If you see a message saying "Wait 168 hours", wait 7 days and try again.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and all data will be deleted, so transfer important files to your PC or cloud beforehand. If you fail to unlock, check:

• 📱 Is the phone linked to a Mi Account (in some regions, such as India, unlocking is prohibited).
• 🔌 Is the phone connected to charging (some models require a network connection during the process).
• 🕒 168 hours have passed since the first attempt (the timer is reset only after successful unlocking).

3. Official firmware via MIUI Updater (without unlocking)

The safest way to upgrade or reflash Xiaomi is to use the built-in MIUI Updater.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for installing stable or beta versions of MIUI/HyperOS. However, it works only for official firmware and does not allow you to roll back to an older version.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (choose Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

If after the reboot the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo, reset via Recovery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume and power buttons).
4. After resetting, repeat the installation of the firmware.

This method is suitable for:

• 📱 Updates to the new version MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🔄 Restore phone after failure (if device is switched on).
• 🔒 Devices with locked loader.

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MIUI Updater does not allow custom firmware (like LineageOS) or firmware to be installed on another model, but requires an unlocked bootloader and Fastboot or TWRP method.

4. Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to flash Xiaomi if the device is not turned on or requires a complete system reinstallation. It works even on “bricks” (devices with damaged firmware), but requires an unlocked bootloader and Windows PC. For firmware you will need an official Fastboot ROM (not to be confused with Recovery ROM!).

Download Fastboot firmware for your model and unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom). Then:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save User Data - data storage (not always stable).

Flash

If the process ends in error, check:

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, try to go to Recovery (Loudness up). + Power) and run Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware with Clean All mode selection.

5. Install custom firmware (TWRP + Custom ROM)

Custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS allows you to get a clean Android without Xiaomi’s branded bells and whistles, as well as update legacy devices. However, installing them requires an unlocked bootloader, custom recovery (TWRP) and knowledge of the basics of ADB.

Pre-installing warnings:

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, such as non-functioning NFC or Wi-Fi. Check the forum reviews before installing XDA Developers for your model.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may block work on custom firmware due to the lack of Google SafetyNet certification.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. TWRP for your model from the official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lmi.img for POCO F2 Pro).
2. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
4. Download custom firmware (like LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Transfer files to your phone and install them via TWRP → Install (first firmware, then GApps).
6. Reset the device.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android with minimal improvements.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel design and features.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between productivity and customization.
• 🔒 Havoc-OS – firmware with advanced privacy settings.

6. Solving errors after firmware

Even if the firmware is successful, there can be problems ranging from no network to a cyclical reboot, and let's look at the typical bugs and how to fix them.

1.The phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo

• 🔄 Try to go to Recovery (Loudness Up). + Powering) and running Wipe Data.
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, swipe the device again through Fastboot with Clean All selection.
• 🔋 Check the battery power – sometimes the phone won’t turn on due to deep discharge.

2. no network (IMEI missing or incorrect)

This is a typical problem after you run your firmware through Fastboot or install custom firmware to restore your IMEI:

1. Download. QCN Rebuilder and original QCN-file.
2. Restore the IMEI via Diag mode (enter the dial number ##717717##).
3. Use the Maui META or SN Write Tool to rewrite the IMEI (root rights required).

3.Mi Account blocked after firmware

⚠️ Note: If you flashed a phone with a tied Mi Account and then reset, the device will require a login / password from the previous owner. Without this data, you can unlock the phone only through an official service (you will need a purchase check).

4. The sensors or camera are not working

This is typical of custom firmware.

• 🔍 Check if your model supports the selected firmware on the forum XDA.
• 🔄 Install another firmware version or kernel (kernel).
• 📱 Get back to the official one. MIUI via Fastboot.

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can re-installe the official MIUI or HyperOS.

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and swipe through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (this will block the bootloader back).
3. If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware, run Wipe Data in Recovery.

Important: After returning to the official firmware:

• 🔒 The bootloader will be blocked again (unlocking will require 7 days of waiting).
• 📱 The phone will return to factory settings (all data will be deleted).
• 🔄 Updates through MIUI Updater will be available again.

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If you sell the phone after firmware, be sure to return the official MIUI and lock the bootloader.Buyers often check the lock status through fastboot oem device-info (the Device unlocked: false string should be).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware