Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) remains one of the most popular mid-range devices, despite the release of newer models. Many users are faced with a situation where the hardware base of the device fully satisfies the needs, but the software leaves much to be desired (CN ROM) It often contains unnecessary software, notifications in incomprehensible language and the absence of Google services out of the box. ROM) This is a priority for owners of this gadget.
The process of changing software requires carefulness and a clear adherence to the algorithm of actions. Wrong actions can lead to the failure of the system, but with all the steps, the risk is minimal. From tool preparation to final setup of the Android operating system, you'll need a stable Internet connection, a serviceable one. USB-cable and battery charge of at least 60%.
Preparation for flashing and necessary tools
Before you start downloading files directly and connecting your smartphone to your computer, you need to prepare your workplace. Chaotic actions without prior preparation often lead to errors in the early stages. You will need a PC running Windows operating system (versions 7, 10 or 11), because drivers and utilities work best in this environment.
Make sure to back up all your important data. When you change region or unlock the bootloader, the device's memory will be completely cleared; keep your contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or external storage; and make sure that the USB cable you plan to use supports data transfer, not just charging.
To work, you will need to download and install the following components on your computer:
- 📦 ADB and Fastboot Drivers – a set of drivers for interaction of the PC with the smartphone in debugging mode.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool – the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware devices through Fastboot mode.
- 📱 Firmware Archive - Global File ROM.tgz (for Fastboot) or.zip (for Recovery).
You should only download firmware from trusted sources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative forums like XDA Developers. Using modified builds from unknown authors can pose a threat to the security of your personal data.
Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)
The most difficult and important step is unlocking the bootloader. Without this step, installing global firmware on the Chinese version of the device is impossible, since the security system blocks the launch of unverified software. First, you need to link your Mi Account account to the device. Go to Settings → About the phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer mode.
Next, go to Advanced Settings → Developer’s menu. Go to Mi Unlock Status and click “Add Account and Device.” The system will warn you of the risks, agree. Once you’ve successfully linked, you have to wait a certain amount of time, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), during which the device must regularly connect to the Internet via mobile network or Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Warning: After the waiting period expires, do not try to unlock the bootloader ahead of time. This will reset the timer and the wait will have to start again.
When the wait period has expired, turn off your smartphone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility, log in to your account and press Unlock. The process will take a few minutes, after which the device will restart.
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot
Users are often confused about firmware file formats. There are two main installation methods for the Redmi Note 7, each requiring a different archive format. Understanding the difference is critical so you don't get a compatibility error in the process.
Recovery ROM has the extension.zip. This method is suitable for upgrading from a newer version to a newer one or for changing the region without using a computer (although with a PC more reliable). It is less demanding, but has limitations: you can not switch from Chinese firmware to global if the versions of Android are radically different, and you can not roll back to an older version.
Fastboot ROM has the extension.tgz. This is a full system image that is written to memory sections directly. This is the method we will consider as the main one, since it allows you to perform a “clean” installation of Global ROM on any Xiaomi device. Fastboot firmware weighs more (about 2.5-3 GB) and requires you to unlock the bootloader.
Compare the main characteristics of the methods in the table:
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .zip | .tgz |
| The need for a PC | Not necessarily. | I'll be sure. |
| Unlocking BL | Not always. | I'll be sure. |
| Type of installation | Update/Regional change | Complete cleanup and recording |
Installation instructions via Mi Flash Tool
After you downloaded the Fastboot archive ROM, It's important that the path to the folder doesn't have Cyrillic characters or spaces. It's best to place the folder at the root of the disk, for example, C:\xiaomi_rom\. Inside should be a folder of images and several scripts.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clamping Volume Down + Power) and connect it to your computer. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press Refresh button, your device's serial number should appear on the list. If the number appears empty, check for driver installation.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
In the utility, click Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware folder. Below you will see three options. To install the global firmware clean, select Clean all mode. This mode will completely delete all data and divide the memory again, eliminating file conflicts.
Press the Flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the status of the installation. At this time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the power of the computer. The process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. Once completed, the smartphone will automatically restart to the new system.
Solving mistakes and problems
Unforeseen situations can occur during the firmware process, and one of the most common bugs is Missmatching image and device, which means you're trying to install firmware that's not designed for the Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender). Always check the code name of the device before downloading the file.
Another common problem is the Anti-rollback bug, which is a security mechanism that prevents you from rolling back to an older version of Android if the new version has already increased the security index, and if you encounter this, you can't legally install the older firmware.
⚠️ Warning: If the software fails to make a mistake during the firmware process and the process gets up to 90% or any other digit, don't panic. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), cable or reboot the smartphone in Fastboot mode again.
Sometimes the Mi Flash Tool utility simply “does not see” the device. In this case, go to Windows Device Manager. If there is an unknown device with a yellow exclamation point in the Other Devices section, you need to manually update the driver, indicating the path to the Xiaomi driver folder.
What to do if your phone is in Bootloop?
Primary setup and optimization
Once you successfully install Global ROM, your smartphone will be on longer than usual, with initial application optimization. Choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Google account. The system will offer to restore data from a backup — this is convenient if you have previously done a backup on Google Drive.
Global firmware is characterized by the presence of Google services pre-installed and the absence of Chinese software. However, some system applications can be in English or Chinese, and can be removed or frozen through settings if you do not need them. It is also recommended to check for updates in the Settings menu immediately. → The phone.
To keep the battery running smoothly after flashing, it is recommended to calibrate the device until it is completely turned off, then charge it when it is turned off to 100%, then turn on the phone and let it lie on the charge for another hour.
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After the first boot, take your time to install all the applications at once. Let your phone run for 15-20 minutes in the background to complete system processes and index.
Now your Redmi Note 7 is running on the latest global version of the software, you have access to all languages, stable notifications and no unnecessary debris.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will the warranty fly off after unlocking the bootloader?
Can I switch from Global to China ROM?
Which cable is best used for firmware?
Do I need to lock the bootloader back after the firmware?
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Installing global firmware via Fastboot is the only guaranteed way to turn China’s Xiaomi into a full-fledged international device with all Google services.