How to install custom firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete guide with unlocking and TWRP

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) remains one of the most popular smartphones for experimenting with custom firmware years after its release, for obvious reasons: the powerful Snapdragon 660 processor, 4 GB of RAM in the top version and the active support of the development community. However, installing unofficial software is a risky process that requires accurate follow-up to instructions and understanding the possible consequences.

In this article, we will take a look at the whole way from unlocking the bootloader to the first custom firmware download, including choosing the right software, installing TWRP and avoiding common errors. We will focus on the nuances specific to the Redmi Note 7 — for example, the problem with anti-rollback, which can turn a device into a “brick” if you choose the wrong firmware version. If you are a beginner, we recommend you carefully study each section: skipping even a small step often leads to irreversible consequences.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Starting

Installing custom firmware on the Redmi Note 7 is not just a replacement for standard software, but a deep intervention in the system files of the device. Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔋 The battery is at least 70% charged (better 100%), and interruption due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to lead to a brick).
• 📱 On the device unlocked OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → Return to Additional Settings → For developers).
• 💻 You have a computer with Windows. 10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional drivers).
• 🔗 Cable USB Type-C original or high-quality (cheap cables often cause firmware errors).

A critical feature of the Redmi Note 7: the device has anti-rollback (ARB) protection that blocks rollbacks to older versions of MIUI. If you install firmware with the ARB version below the current one, the phone will turn into a “brick” without the possibility of recovery even through EDL. Check the current version of ARB in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version) and compare with the version in the selected custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: custom software firmware voids Xiaomi warranty. If the device is warranty, first check the conditions in the service center - some centers restore warranty after returning to stock firmware.

2. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

The bootloader on all Xiaomi devices is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing TWRP or custom firmware.The process takes 3 to 30 days due to Xiaomi's policy, which requires waiting for confirmation.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock (the version must match your OS).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account on your phone and utility (use one account!).
3. Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume Down before the Fastboot logo appears).
4. If you receive a message about the need to wait, wait for SMS or notifications in your account (usually 72-720 hours).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't miss this step - trying to install TWRP on a locked bootloader will result in a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State').

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If the Mi Unlock Tool utility doesn’t see the device, try disabling driver signatures in Windows or using another one. USB-port (preferably 2.0).

3.Selection of custom firmware for Redmi Note 7

The Redmi Note 7 supports dozens of custom firmware, but not all are equally stable, and we recommend that you look at the following options (given the relevance for 2026):

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 📅 Last Update Date (Firmware older than 6 months may contain unpatched vulnerabilities).
• 🔄 Version ARB (It should be no lower than the current one on your device!).
• 📥 User reviews on forums (look for mentions of camera bugs, Wi-Fi, or battery discharge).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware based on Android 12+ They may not support Widevine. L1 (will not HD into Netflix/Disney+). If it is critical, choose firmware with Android 11 or check the information in the firmware topic.

4. Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required for installing firmware, backups and modifications. For Redmi Note 7, use only versions adapted to the codename lavender.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for lavender from the official website: twrp.me (at the time of writing - TWRP 3.7.0).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume Up (if you skip this step, stock recovery will overwrite TWRP!).

In the first run, TWRP will suggest allowing modifications to the system partition — swipe right (this is necessary for further actions). If a password request appears (if encryption was enabled), enter a pattern lock or PIN.

SHOWS official twrp.img lavender|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Phone in Fastboot mode|File. twrp.img platform-tool folder|Battery charge >70%-->

5. Backup creation and partition cleaning

Before installing the firmware, be sure to create a full backup of the current system through TWRP. This will allow the device to return to working condition if something goes wrong.

How to make a backup:

1. In TWRP, go to the Backup section.
2. Check boxes for Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
3. Select a save location (preferably on microSD or connected) OTG-accumulator).
4. Press Swipe to Backup and wait until it is completed (it can take 10-20 minutes).

After the backup, do partition cleaning (wipe) to delete all data from the device, but it is necessary to avoid conflicts:

• In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
• Note: Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Cache.
• Swipe for confirmation.

Installation of custom firmware

Now we can start installing firmware. We'll look at the process with LineageOS, but the steps are similar for other firmware.

Instructions:

1. Download firmware (e.g. lineage-20.0-20260515-UNOFFICIAL-lavender.zip) and, if necessary, Gapps (for Google services).
2. Transfer files to your phone (via MTP to TWRP or microSD).
3. In TWRP, select Install, find the firmware file, and swipe for installation.
4. If you need Gapps, install them immediately after you have firmware (no reboot!).
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download can take up to 10-15 minutes, and if the firmware logo is on the screen for more than 20 minutes, then an error has occurred (possibly an incompatible version or a corrupted firmware file).

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Always check check checksums (MD5/SHA1) for downloaded firmware files. A damaged archive is one of the main causes of bootloop.

7. Solving typical problems after firmware

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If the device is not turned on at all (hard brick), try to restore it through the device. EDL-This will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (or the closure of test points on the board).

8.Optimization and adjustment after installation

After the first download, we recommend following several steps to improve performance and stability:

• 🔧 Disable unnecessary services: Go to Settings → Apps and disable pre-installed services you don’t use (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music).
• 🔋 Set up a power plan: In firmware based AOSP Activate Battery Saver mode for background applications.
• 📡 Check the sensors: Install the Sensor Test app from the Play Market to make sure the gyroscope, accelerometer and proximity sensor are working correctly.
• 🔒 Update Magisk: If you need root rights, install the latest version of Magisk via TWRP (download from GitHub).

For advanced users: If the firmware supports kernel tweaks, you can further improve performance by editing the settings in /sys/module/ or installing the Kernel Adiutor application.

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If the fingerprint unlock menu is missing after the firmware, go to Settings → Security → Fingerprints and add fingerprints again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 7