How to Remove Old Firmware on Xiaomi: Safe Ways for All Models

Removing old firmware on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that may be required when switching to custom software, fixing system errors or after a failed update. Unlike a conventional factory reset, completely removing firmware involves cleaning all memory partitions, including boot, system and. This avoids conflicts between old and new OS files, but requires care: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss three official methods of removing firmware (via Fastboot, Recovery and Mi Flash Tool), as well as the nuances for different product lines – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13 and gaming Black Shark. Special attention will be paid to preparation: without unlocked bootloader and the right drivers, even experienced users risk losing data or damaging the device. If you have never worked with firmware, start with the section “What happens if something goes wrong” – there we will honestly tell you about the risks and methods of recovery.

Why can't you just reset the settings?

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting through Settings → Recovery and Reset completely removes the old firmware. In fact, this method only cleans user data (data), leaving intact:

• 📁 System partitions (system, vendor) – here are stored OS files that may conflict with the new firmware.
• 🔄 Boot-partition – contains the kernel and loader, critical for starting the device.
• 📱 Modem – responsible for communication (mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
• 🔒 EEPROM — Non-volatile memory with unique device data (IMEI, serial).

It is because of the remnants of the old firmware after surface reset that users are faced with:

• 🐢 Slowdown of work - new versions MIUI They may be “stumbled” by old libraries.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) – a typical problem when updating “over” the old firmware.
• 📵 Communication problems – if the modem version does not match the firmware.

💡

If after the update, the smartphone began to overheat or discharge quickly, it is not the new firmware that is to blame, but a conflict with old files in the vendor section.

Preparation of the device: what to do before removing the firmware

Before proceeding with removal, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader. Without it, no method will work. On new Xiaomi devices (released after 2022), it requires a Mi Account to be linked to the device and a wait of 7-15 days (depending on the model) to unlock.
2. Download the correct firmware. Only Fastboot firmware (a file with the.tgz or.zip extension) will be suitable for complete removal. Recovery ROM versions will not clean system partitions!
3. Install drivers. To work with Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool, you need Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your device’s processor).
4. Charge your smartphone at least 60%, interrupting the process due to battery discharge can make the device inoperable.

To check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter the command: fastboot oem device-info If you see Device unlocked: true in the answer - the bootloader is unlocked.

Attention to models with MediaTek! processors! For MTK devices (e.g. Redmi 10C, Poco M5), unlocking the bootloader is different - through the SP Flash Tool.

• 🔧 I need authorization files (auth_file), Which Xiaomi offers on request.
• 📥 The firmware should be in.bin format (not.tgz).

Method 1: Fastboot Firmware Removal (Recommended for Experienced)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Poco F5, Redmi K50) and allows you to manually clean all partitions before installing a new firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website or the XDA Developers forum.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Open the command line (Win) + R → enter cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
5. Enter the command to clean all partitions: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase vendor fastboot erase data fastboot erase cache ⚠️ Erase userdata or erase persist commands can be deleted IMEI! Use them only if you are sure of the consequences.
6. Install a new firmware: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash data.img (file names may differ - see the contents of the firmware folder.)
7. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

🔹 Smartphone charged at 60%+

🔹 bootloader unlocked (checked through fastboot oem device-info)

🔹 Qualcomm drivers (for Snapdragon) or MediaTek installed

🔹 Downloaded the right Fastboot firmware for your model

🔹 Backup of important data (photos, contacts, SMS)-->

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?

• 🔌 Check the cable – use the original USB Type C.
• 🖥️ Reinstall drivers via Mi Flash Tool (Driver button).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🛠️ Disable driver signatures in Windows (via Run) → gpedit.msc).

Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (for beginners)

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official software that automates the firmware process and is suitable for users who are afraid of the command line but require strict adherence to instructions.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website (the version should match your model).
2. Unpack the Fastboot firmware into a folder (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\rom).
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous method).
5. In the utility, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Select Clean mode: Clean all deletes all partitions (analogue of fastboot erase). Clean all and lock - the same, but blocks the bootloader (use only if you plan to sell the device); Save user data - leaves user data (not suitable for completely removing firmware!).

Flash

Mi Flash Tool Errors and Their Solutions

Through Fastboot (manual commands)

Mi Flash Tool (automatically)

Recovery (via the recovery menu)

Castom Recovery (TWRP)

Never stitched.-->

Method 3: Cleaning through Recovery (without PC)

If you don't have access to your computer, you can try removing firmware through stock or custom Recovery, which is less reliable because it doesn't clean all partitions, but it's good for eliminating non-critical errors.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to Bootloader.
6. Connect the device to your PC and install the firmware via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool (as in previous methods).

For custom Recovery (TWRP):

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Enter TWRP (Put Volume Up + Nutrition).
3. Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
4. Check the boxes: 📁 Dalvik / ART Cache 📱 System 🔧 Data 🗑️ Cache 🔄 Vendor (if any)

Swipe to Wipe

Install

.zip

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Stock Recovery does not remove system and vendor partitions! you need a Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool to clean up completely.

⚠️ On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 11, Redmi Note 11) cleaning through TWRP This can cause partition loss. Before using, check the support for your model in the forum. XDA.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Even with strict adherence to instructions, there is a risk of problems, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 Device not turned on (brick): If the screen is black after firmware is flashed or the Xiaomi logo is on, try it: 🔌 Connect to charging on 30 minutes (sometimes helps with battery discharge during firmware). 🖥️ Repeat the firmware via Fastboot with the command fastboot flash boot boot.img. 📞 Contact the service center (if the loader is blocked, self-recovery is impossible).
• 📵 No network or IMEI: If the mobile Internet is lost after firmware or the device does not catch the network, the modem or nvram partition is most likely damaged: 📡 Sweat files separately modem.img and nvram.img via Fastboot. 🔧 Use the tool. SN Write Tool for Recovery IMEI (requires a backup nvram).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Is the device constantly restarting: 📁 Incompatible firmware (for example, firmware for Redmi Note) 10 on the Redmi Note 10 Pro). 🔧 Damaged files boot.img or vendor.img. Solution: Sweat the device again by selecting the correct firmware version.

How to recover data after a failed firmware?

If you don't back up, the chances of getting back the data are minimal, but you can try.

• 🔍 Use programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (efficiency) ~30%).
• 📁 Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and try to extract data via ADB pull (if the data partition is not damaged).
• 💾 Contact a data recovery lab (expensive but sometimes works).

Features for different Xiaomi lines

The process of removing firmware may vary depending on the series of devices, and below are the key nuances for popular lines.

Attention Xiaomi owners with MediaTek processor!

MTK devices (e.g. Redmi 9A, Poco C31) require a special approach:

• 🔧 I need firmware. SP Flash Tool + auth_file (requested by Xiaomi).
• 📁 The firmware should be in scatter-file format (not.tgz).
• ⚠️ A firmware error can lead to a loss IMEI (solve SN Writer).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing firmware