How to Change Xiaomi’s Chinese Firmware to Global MIUI: A Complete 2026 Guide

The transition from Chinese firmware to the global version of MIUI is one of the most popular procedures among owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. The reasons are obvious: the lack of Chinese services, support for Google Play, localization into Russian and stable operation without unnecessary restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of flashing from unlocking the bootloader to installing global firmware via Fastboot or Recovery. Relevant for Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and other devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek.

Why should we switch from Chinese to global?

Chinese versions of MIUI (CN) are optimized for the local market, but create inconveniences for international users.

• 🚫 Lack of Google Services – No Play Market, Gmail, YouTube, and other apps without manual installation.
• 📵 Limited localization – even when changing the language, part of the menu remains in Chinese.
• 🔒 Blocking regional functions, for example, NFC It may not work with foreign bank cards.
• 📡 Network problems - some frequencies 4G/5G It may be shut down for the Chinese market.
• 📱 Extra Chinese apps – Mi Video, Mi Music, Xiaomi Cloud (Chinese version) and others that can not be removed.

Global firmware (Global or EEA for Europe) solves these problems, but has its own nuances:

• ✅ Full support for Google Mobile Services (GMS).
• ✅ Russian language and other localizations out of the box».
• ✅ Optimization for international networks (including Russian operators).
• ❌ Some Chinese functions may be lost (for example, in the, IR Blaster can work differently).
• ❌ Updates may come later than the Chinese version.

Preparing for a firmware change: what to do before the start

Before you start flashing, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Back up your data. The process will change the firmware completely, and all files (photos, contacts, messages) will be erased. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.
2. Check the phone model. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and write down the exact model name (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro – sweet, Xiaomi Mi 11 – venus).
3. Make sure it's compatible. Not all models support global firmware. For example, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra doesn't officially have a Global version.
4. Charge the phone. The battery must be charged at least 60 percent to avoid being turned off during the process.

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Fastboot or Recovery firmware (download only from official sources!).
• 🔓 Mi Account with a linked phone number (to unlock the bootloader).

⚠️ Note: If your phone is bought in China and has a locked bootloader, you'll have to unlock it, which erases all data and resets it to factory settings, POCO F5) Unlocking can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting!

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can't install global firmware.

1. Link Mi Account to your phone. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in or create a new account. Link your phone number (required!).
2. Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
3. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking. Go to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock.

Mi Unlock Tool

.

• Download the official utility from the Xiaomi website.
• Run it on your PC, log in under the same account as on your phone.
• Some models will require a 3 to 30 day wait (e.g., on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will reboot and reset completely, and now you can start installing global firmware.

Choosing the Right Global Firmware for Your Model

Firmware error is the most common reason for a phone to “brick”: Never install firmware from another model! even if the names are similar (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G are different devices).

Where to download the official firmware:

• 🌍 Xiaomi (Global) official website – choose the Stable or Developer section.
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – an unofficial but reliable source with a firmware archive.
• 📦 4PDA — Russian-speaking community with discussions and alternative firmware.

Firmware types:

Before downloading, check the code name of your model (e.g. Mi 11 - venus, Redmi Note 10 Pro - sweet). It can be found in Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Model Number or through the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device.

Install global firmware via Fastboot (the most reliable way)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models and is considered the safest, as it flashes through all sections of the phone.

• 💻 Windows computer.
• 📥 Fastboot firmware (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Launch the Mi Flash Tool. Open the program on behalf of the administrator. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
2. Put your phone in Fastboot mode. Turn it off. Press Volume down. + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode.

Start the firmware.

• In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the program must identify the device.

Once complete, the phone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn it off!

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-cable (preferably original).

3. Run the program in compatibility mode with Windows 7.-->

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 20 minutes, try to enter Recovery (clamb the Volume up). + Power) and make Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, re-scan with Clean all.

Installation of global firmware through Recovery (without PC)

This method is simpler, but not suitable for all models, such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

What you need:

• 📱 Recovery firmware (file with.zip extension).
• 🔄 Stock or custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔌 Memory card or OTG-storage device (if internal memory is not available).

Instructions:

1. Download the Recovery firmware. The file should be called something like that: miui_SWEETGlobal_V13.0.2.0.SKFMIXM_... (For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
2. Move the firmware to the phone. Place the file in the root of the internal memory or on the phone. SD-map.
3. Boot in Recovery. Turn off your phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Recovery menu comes on.
4. Select Install update.zip to System. If you have stock recovery, select this item and confirm installation. If TWRP, click Install → select firmware file → swipe for confirmation.

Wait until it's finished and restart.

• The process can take 10-15 minutes.

If the phone doesn’t boot after installation, try:

• Make Wipe Cache in Recovery.
• Repeat installation by pre-selecting Wipe Data.

💡

The Recovery method saves user data, but does not guarantee 100% success. If the phone was on Chinese firmware with a locked bootloader, unlock it first!

What to do if there are problems after the firmware?

Even with the right actions, there can be problems. Let's look at typical situations and their solutions.

If your phone has turned into a brick, don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be recovered through a brick. EDL-The emergency mode:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (usually a file with the.mbn extension).
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized developer account).
3. Connect the phone in 9008 mode (this may require a special cable or circuit contacts on the board).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL — If you're not sure, you can go to the service center if you're not sure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing firmware to Xiaomi