How to Install HyperOS on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Unlocking the bootloader

What is HyperOS and why install it on Xiaomi

With the release of HyperOS in late 2023, Xiaomi has dramatically updated its operating system, replacing the usual MIUI with a more modern and optimized platform. The new firmware is built on Android 14 (for some models, Android 15) and offers users improved performance, a redesigned interface and advanced privacy features. However, not all devices are updated by air — especially for older models or smartphones from regions where official support is limited.

Installing HyperOS manually allows you to update your smartphone to the latest version of the OS even if Xiaomi has not released for it OTA-This is true for Redmi Note owners. 10/11, POCO F3/F4, Mi 11 And other popular models that often go unannounced, and manual firmware also allows you to choose the global, European or Chinese version of the system, depending on your preferences.

But there are nuances: the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all the data on the device, and there is a risk of “bricking” the smartphone when you do the wrong thing, and in this guide, we will go through all the steps from preparation to final setup to minimize the risks and achieve a successful installation.

What Xiaomi models support HyperOS?

The official list of devices that have received HyperOS is constantly expanding, and as of early 2026, firmware is available for most flagships and mid-budget models released after 2020. Below are the key series and specific models for which there is a stable version of the system.

For devices older than 2020 (such as the Redmi Note 9 or POCO X3), official HyperOS support may not be available, but enthusiasts are creating informal ports based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience with elements of the new interface.

Before starting the installation, be sure to check the presence of firmware for your model on official resources:

• 🔹 Official website MIUI Downloads (filter by model and region)
• 🔹 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (Firmware Base with Version History)
• 🔹 Developer Telegram channels (e.g, @XiaomiFirmware or @HyperOSNews)

Preparation for installation: unlocking the loader

The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom or official firmware through Fastboot. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default to protect against unauthorized changes, so the procedure requires confirmation through the Mi Account.

Important: unlocking completely resets all data on the device, including photos, apps and settings. Also some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for HD-streaming) may stop working. If you're using your smartphone to pay for or watch Netflix in high resolution, consider this point.

Backup your data (via Mi Cloud or locally)

Attach Mi Account to your device (in account settings)

Charge your smartphone at least 60%

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website

Prepare. USB-cable (original, without damage)-->

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number to turn on Developer Mode. Then in Settings → Additional → For developers, turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
2. Attach Mi Account: In the same developer settings, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account. Without it, Mi Unlock Tool won’t allow unlocking.
3. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website (Windows version). Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press the Power Button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot. Connect the smartphone to your PC.
5. Start unlocking: In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. It takes 5-10 minutes. Upon completion, the smartphone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Note: Once unlocked, Xiaomi may block the ability to re-lock the bootloader for 30 days (for some models, for 720 hours.

Selection of firmware: official vs custom HyperOS

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to decide on the type of firmware. Each option has pros and cons:

• 📌 Official firmware (Fastboot/Recovery): Xiaomi's stable version with full support for all features, suitable for most users, minus regional restrictions (e.g. Chinese firmware without Google services).
• 📌 Custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS: Third-party HyperOS ports often contain additional features (such as themes or advanced settings), but can be unstable.
• 📌 Port from another region: For example, installing European firmware on a Chinese smartphone. requires modification of the vendor and can lead to bugs with a mobile network or camera.

For beginners, we recommend the official firmware. You can download it on the sites:

• 🔗 MIUI Downloads (official source)
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative archive)

Note the code name of your device (e.g., alioth for POCO F3 or lmi for POCO F2 Pro) as indicated in the firmware file name, and you can find out the code name through the Device Info HW app or the ADB command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.device

⚠️ Note: If you choose firmware for another model (even in the same series), the smartphone may stop turning on. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 12 Pro (redwood) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ (toco).

Install HyperOS via Fastboot (recommended method)

Fastboot is considered the most reliable method for installing official firmware, it is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and allows you to flash the system even if the Recovery is damaged.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (Fastboot version)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack firmware: Use an archiver (for example, 7-Zip) To extract files from.tgz. Inside must be a folder with images files and script flash_all.bat.
2. Install drivers: For Windows, download Mi Phone Driver and install it. For Linux, there are enough permissions to access /dev/ttyUSB*.
3. Run Mi Flash Tool: Download the utility from the official website, unpack and launch XiaoMiFlash.exe. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then pinch the Power + Volume down. Connect the cable, Mi Flash Tool should be available. COM-port.
5. Select firmware mode: At the bottom of the program, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Start the firmware: Press Flash. It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, the smartphone will reboot automatically.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older firmware version than the one already on the device, in which case you need to download a newer build or reset the anti-rollback through the device. EDL-Regime (Authorized Account Required).

Critically, if the firmware is interrupted during the flashing vbmeta phase, do not turn off the cable or manually restart the device, wait for a timeout (10-15 minutes) or repeat the process from the beginning.

Install HyperOS via Recovery (alternative method)

If you already have custom Recovery installed (such as TWRP or OrangeFox), you can flash HyperOS through it, which is suitable for advanced users and avoids complete data cleanup (assuming firmware compatibility).

Important: Xiaomi's official Recovery does not support custom firmware installation.

• 📱 Device with unlocked loader
• 🔧 Established TWRP analogue
• 📁 Firmware in.zip format (Recovery version)

Instructions:

1. Download firmware: On the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site, select the version marked Recovery.
2. Reboot to Recovery: Turn off your smartphone, then press Power + Volume up. In TWRP, select Install.
3. Sweep through the firmware: Select the downloaded.zip file and swipe for confirmation. Wait for completion (3-7 minutes).
4. Clear the cache: After installation, go back to the main TWRP menu and select Wipe → Format Data (if you need a full reset).
5. Reboot: Select Reboot → System. The first run can take up to 10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware through Recovery, the smartphone has got stuck on the Xiaomi logo for longer than 15 minutes, then the firmware is incompatible with your model or damaged. Try repeating the process with another build or go back to the Fastboot method.

💡

Recovery is suitable for updating the current version of HyperOS without data loss, but does not guarantee stability when transitioning from MIUI 13/14.

First setup and solution of possible problems

Once HyperOS is successfully installed, the smartphone will launch in initial configuration mode, and there are a few key points:

• 🌍 Region selection: If you have a global version, select your country to work properly on Google's mobile network and services. Chinese firmware may require manual installation of GApps.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account: Link the same account you used to unlock the bootloader to sync your data and access the cloud.
• 📱 Customize gestures: HyperOS offers new navigation gestures, which can be changed to Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.
• 🔄 Update System Apps: After the first run, check for updates in the App Store or Google Play (for the global version).

Typical problems after installation and their solution:

If after installing HyperOS smartphone began to overheat or brake, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (wearing more than 80% can cause lags)
• 🗑️ Free space (the system requires a minimum of 5 GB on the system partition)
• 🛠️ Kernel version (in Settings) → The phone. → The kernel version must match the firmware)

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions