How to flash Android 11 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: official and unofficial ways

Why upgrade Redmi Note 7 to Android 11?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) was released in 2019 with Android 9 Pie on board, and later received an update to Android 10 via MIUI 12.However, official support for the device has ended, and many users want to install Android 11 - not only for the new features, but also to improve security, performance and compatibility with modern applications.

In this article, we’ll break down all the available ways, from official (if they’re still available for your region) to install custom firmware based on LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI 12.5 Enhanced with a ported Android 11.

⚠️ Important: Unofficial Android firmware voids warranty and can lead to unstable work. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to consult a specialist or stay on stock firmware.

Requirements and preparation before firmware

Before you start the upgrade, make sure your Redmi Note 7 meets the following criteria:

• 📱 The device model is Redmi Note 7 (lavender) or Redmi Note 7 Pro (violet). 7S!
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60% (better than 100%).
• 💾 Free space: minimum 4 GB on internal storage.
• 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (for custom firmware).
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 or Linux (for the ADB/Fastboot).

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• ⚙️ Mi Unlock Tools, Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot), TWRP Recovery.
• 📁 Backup data (firmware will reset the phone to factory settings!).

If you've never stitched a smartphone before, we recommend starting with the official method (if available) Custom firmware requires more skill and can contain bugs.

Method 1: Officially Update with OTA or Mi Flash Tool

Although Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting the Redmi Note 7 with Android updates, in some regions (such as India or China) you can still get MIUI 12.5 Enhanced based on Android 11 via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

How to check the availability of OTA:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package.
3. If you can upgrade to MIUI 12.5 Enhanced, download and install it.

If OTA is not available, you can try flashing the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the latest stable version of MIUI for lavender from Xiaomi Firmware.
2. Uncancel the firmware file into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Flash.

Download the correct version of MIUI for your model | Check the integrity of the archive (MD5)| Disable antivirus on PC | Connect the phone with the original cable-->

⚠️ Warning: Firmware through the Mi Flash Tool will completely reset data! If the phone was with an unlocked bootloader, after firmware it can lock again.

Method 2: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If there is no official update, you can install an unofficial firmware based on Android 11.

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 – pure Android with minimal improvements.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between productivity and customization.

Steps for installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and 7 days waiting).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, make Wipe → Format Data (this will remove everything from your phone!).
4. Copy the firmware on your phone and install it through Install.
5. Install GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root).

🔹 Firmware links:

• XDA Developers (Redmi Note 7)
• LineageOS for Lavender

Method 3: Ported MIUI 12.5 Enhanced with Android 11

If you want Android 11, but you don’t want to lose the MIUI, you can install a ported version of MIUI 12.5 Enhanced.

Pros:

• 🔄 The usual interface is maintained. MIUI.
• 📱 All functions of the camera and sensors work.
• 🔋 Better battery optimization compared to AOSP-firmware.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Possible performance bugs.
• 🔒 There is no guarantee of regular security updates.
• 📵 VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling may not work.

Where do I download?

Ported firmware is published on forums:

• 4PDA (Redmi Note 7)
• Telegram channels MIUI-garment

💡

Before installing a ported MIUI, check user reviews in the firmware topic. Pay attention to comments from the last 1-2 months - old bugs could have been fixed.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

To install custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi has made this process more complicated, but it is still possible.

What you need:

• 📱 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone.
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable ADB/Fastboot.

The unlocking process:

1. Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and log in to the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Open the unlock - the process will take 7 days of waiting (if the account is new).
5. After the expiration of the period, repeat the procedure - the loader will be unlocked.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the phone, including files on internal memory! Xiaomi may also block some features (for example, Mi Pay or Widevine). L1 for Netflix HD).

Solving common errors in firmware

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

• 🚫 Anti-Rollback Error: Occurs when trying to flash the old version MIUI Solution: only flash firmware with an Anti-Rollback version not lower than the current one (check the file name, for example, ARBv4).
• 🔄 Bootloop: Usually due to firmware incompatibility or incorrect wipe. Solution: Repeat the installation with full data formatting.
• 📵 The network is not working (IMEI Missing: Often happens after the firmware custom ROM. Solution: Restore IMEI through QCN-file or reflash modem.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Typical for the first days after firmware.Solution: execute Battery Calibration in TWRP Wait for the system to adapt.

If the phone stops turning on (brick), try:

1. Press Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds (hard reset).
2. Connect to your PC in Fastboot mode and flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. If it does not help, contact the firmware service via EDL (requires an authorized account).

💡

If the phone does not turn on after firmware, do not panic: in 90% of cases it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to try to flash over the incompatible firmware again!

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating Redmi Note 7 to Android 11