Installing pure Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, released in 2018, originally came with a MIUI shell, which, despite its functionality, is often overloaded with advertising modules and unnecessary services. Device owners often face the desire to free the device from software restrictions and return it to the speed of the first days of use. Installing custom firmware based on pure Android (AOSP) is the only proven way to radically change the experience of interaction with the gadget, prolonging its life.

The process of replacing the operating system requires care and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, since any deviation can lead to the failure of the device. You will go from unlocking the bootloader to the first boot in a new environment, which will require the use of a PC and specialized software. The procedure of unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi permanently erases all data from the device, so creating a backup is a must before work begins.

The benefits of switching to stock Android are obvious: no system advertising, the presence of current versions of Android where the manufacturer has already stopped supporting, and the possibility of deep customization of the interface. However, it is worthwhile to understand that you take responsibility for the performance of the device, since official service centers may refuse warranty service if traces of third-party interference with the software are detected.

Before you start manipulating the code, you need to make sure that you have all the tools and files you need. Without prior preparation, a firmware attempt can turn into a long process of restoring access to the system or, in the worst case, require soldering of the programmer.

Preparation of equipment and software

To successfully install LineageOS or other custom firmware, you will need a personal computer running Windows, Linux or macOS. ADB And Fastboot, which provides communication between the computer and the smartphone in special boot modes. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery.

On the smartphone side, you have to do a series of presets in the developer menu. USB permit OEM-Unlock if such a clause is available in your version MIUI. Without these actions, the computer will not be able to send the necessary commands to the device.

It is important to download images of the necessary files in advance: the firmware itself (usually in the format.zip),_recovery_ (for example, TWRP Or OrangeFox and, if necessary, Google Services Package (GApps) all files must be placed in the root of the smartphone’s internal memory or on the phone. SD-Map for later access via the recovery menu.

Unlocking the Mi Unlock bootloader

The first and most difficult step for Xiaomi owners is to unlock the bootloader. the company has implemented this security measure, so you will not be able to simply flash third-party software.

After waiting, download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. Launch the program, log in to your account and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, clamping both the power and volume buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and press the unlock button in the utility.

⚠️ Warning: The Mi Unlock Tool unlock process will force a full Wipe Data reset. Make sure all important photos, documents and correspondence are stored in the cloud or on external media, otherwise it will be impossible to restore them.

In some cases, the utility may tell you to wait a few more days or hours, a standard Xiaomi security check that cannot be bypassed by software, and once successfully unlocked, the download screen will display an open lock icon or the words "Unlocked".

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Xiaomi’s regular recovery menu does not allow third-party firmware to be installed, so it needs to be replaced with a modified one, such as the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which is done via Fastboot mode using a command sent from the computer. First the phone is transferred to Fastboot mode, then a command is entered in the command line to temporarily download the image.

fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-dipper.img

After loading into TWRP The first thing you need to do is protect the recovery menu from overwriting with stock firmware. TWRP Select "Advanced" and then "Flash Current" TWRP" or simply set up ZIP-a patch file if required for a particular model, then the device is rebooted to recovery mode.

Interface. TWRP It supports touch control, which makes navigation much easier, so you can clean partitions, install new ones. ZIP-archives and make a full backup of the current system. This menu will be your main tool for managing the software part of the smartphone in the future.

Installation process for LineageOS and GApps

Now that you have a modified bootloader and recavers installed, you can go to the operating system installation directly. In the TWRP menu, you need to go to the "Wipe" section and format the Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache partitions. You don't need to touch the Internal Storage section if the firmware files are there.

After cleaning, go to the "Install" section, select the archive with the LineageOS firmware and confirm the installation of the slider swipe. The process will take a few minutes. Immediately after that, without restarting the system, you need to install the Google Services Package (GApps) corresponding to the Android version of your firmware (for example, Android 10 or 11).

If you need superuser rights, the third step is to install Magisk. Once you have all the components installed, select Reboot System. The first download can last up to 5-10 minutes, which is normal for the application optimization process.

System setup and optimization

After the first download, you will see a pure Android welcome window. The interface will be radically different from the usual MIUI: there are no unnecessary pre-installed applications, and navigation is built on gestures or three buttons depending on the choice.

To work properly, it is recommended to immediately connect Wi-Fi and log into your Google account. This will synchronize contacts, calendar and install the necessary applications from the Play Market. Pure Android works much faster, since the background processes do not load the Snapdragon 636 processor installed in the Redmi Note 6 Pro.

⚠️ Note: In clean firmware, some specific camera functions that were implemented in software may not work. MIUI. For the best photos, it is recommended to install a Google Camera (GCam) tailored specifically for your sensor.

Optimization also includes customization of animations. In the "Developers" menu, you can reduce the scale of animation of windows and transitions to 0.5x, which visually speeds up the response of the interface, and it is worth checking the battery settings and disabling unused background processes for maximum autonomy.

Possible problems and solutions

In the process of operation, you can experience typical problems such as idle sound, Bluetooth malfunctions or fast battery discharge. Often the cause is incorrect installation or conflict versions. If the smartphone goes to bootloop (cyclic reboot), you need to return to TWRP and perform a full reset (Format Data), then repeat the installation.

Problems with VoLTE or calls can be solved by flashing the modem or installing a special patch. It is important to make sure that the firmware version corresponds to the region of the device (Global, EU, CN), although this affects less on custom builds than on stock ones.

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Use the Device Info HW app to know exactly the model of your camera sensor. For the Redmi Note 6 Pro, this is important, as different batches could have been different modules, and each requires a different version of Google Camera.

If you are stuck in the download phase and nothing helps, the only way out is to return to the official firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires an authorized Mi Account or the use of special paid services.

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Installing custom firmware is an irreversible process for warranty status, but it gives complete freedom over the device and allows you to use current versions of Android on old hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)