How to install Chinese firmware on Xiaomi: from unlock to final setup

Installing Chinese firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular solution among enthusiasts who want early access to new MIUI features, test beta versions or get rid of global restrictions. However, this process carries many pitfalls, from the risk of “bricking” the device to problems with Google services and localization. Unlike the standard update through Settings → About the phone, switching to the Chinese version requires unlocking the bootloader, working with fastboot and following instructions accurately.

In this article, we will take a step-by-step look at the process, from device preparation to final system setup, and focus on the critical points that 90% of users miss: checking firmware compatibility with a regional modem, backing up IMEI and circumventing restrictions on Mi accounts. The instructions are relevant for all models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO 2020-2026 release, including the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series and the budget Redmi Note 12.

Why do users install Chinese firmware on Xiaomi?

The main reason is early access to updates. Chinese versions of MIUI get new features 2-4 weeks ahead of global builds. For example, in MIUI 14, Chinese users were the first to get dynamic AI-based wallpapers and optimized memory management for games. The second key factor is the lack of pre-installed applications (bloatware), which are often found in global and European firmware.

Among other benefits:

• 🔧 Advanced System Settings: Chinese firmware offers more options for fine-tuning the interface and performance.
• 🎮 Optimization for games: in some versions MIUI China has unique modes for gamers (for example, Game Turbo 5.0 with support for 144 Hz).
• 📱 Exclusive features: such as integration with Chinese services (WeChat, Alipay) or advanced management gestures.

However, there are significant downsides: first, the lack of Google services (they will have to be installed manually); second, localization problems: some system notifications and applications can be displayed in Chinese; and finally, the risk of loss of warranty – official Xiaomi service centers can refuse repairs if they find an unofficial firmware.

Preparation of the device: what to do before installation

The first and most important step is to back up all the data, and installing Chinese firmware will result in a complete reset of the device, so save:

• 📁 Photos and videos (e.g. via Google Photos or locally on PC).
• 📱 Contact and SMS (Use export to.vcf and SMS Backup & Restore).
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (synchronize through password manager or export from the browser).
• 🎮 Save Games (for cloud-saving games, check sync).

Further, it is necessary:

1. Check the model of the device and its encoding (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G can have variants toco or ruby). You can find the code of the model in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click several times on "Kernel version").
2. Make sure the MIUI version is compatible with your model, for example, the firmware for Xiaomi 13 Ultra (ishtar) will not work for Xiaomi 13 Pro (nuwa).
3. Download the official tools: 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader. 📦 Firmware MIUI China (select the Stable or Beta version depending on the purpose). 🔧 ADB and Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in Europe or Russia, check for support. LTE-Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G) Losing support for Band 20 (800 MHz) and Band 28 (700 MHz) bands can degrade network coverage.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the device model code|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Download firmware MIUI China|Install ADB and Fastboot|Disable antivirus (can block tools)-->

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can’t install Chinese firmware, which requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and wait for permission from Xiaomi (usually 7-14 days).

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.Make sure you're logged in and sync is enabled.Enable Allow OEM-unlocking → Additionally. → For developers (if there is no item, activate the developer mode by pressing 7 times on "Version" MIUI").

Connect the device to the PC

Mi Unlock Tool

Follow the instructions of the program

1. Click "Agree" to accept the agreement.


2 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account.




3. Connect the phone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume down + Power).




4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (the progress bar will appear on the phone screen).

If the program is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, check:

• 🔌 Connection to USB (Try another cable or port).
• ⏳ Unblocking timeline (if new account, it may take 720 hours – 30 days).
• 📱 Compatibility of the model (some devices, for example, POCO F5, Special versions of the Mi Unlock Tool).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the factory reset will be triggered. All data on the device will be deleted, even if you backed up through the Mi Cloud!

Select firmware: Stable vs Beta, and where to download

Chinese firmware MIUI is divided into two types:

Download firmware is recommended from official sources:

• 🌐 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – the most reliable aggregator with proven builds.
• 📥 Official website MIUI (Choose the region "China").
• 💾 Telegram channels (e.g, MIUI Stable – for quick access to the latest versions.

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔢 Android Version: Chinese firmware may lag behind according to OS version (for example, MIUI 14 based on Android 12 when the global version is already on Android 13).
• 📡 Support 5G/4G: Some Chinese builds turn off ranges for European operators.
• 🔋 Battery optimization: in beta versions, there may be increased charge consumption.

CertUtil -hashfile name file.zip MD5

Compare the result with the official value on the site, which will protect against fake or corrupted files.-->

Install firmware through Fastboot: a detailed process

The most reliable way to install it is through fastboot mode.

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools\). The firmware file should have the extension.tgz or.zip.
2. Connect your phone in fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. 3. Connect to your PC via USB.
3. Start installation: For Windows: Launch the file flash_all.bat (double click. Linux/macOS: Use the command: chmod +x flash_all.sh./flash_all.sh

It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. If the installation is interrupted with the error "remote: partition table doesn't exist," do:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After the first loading:

• 🌍 Select the language (Chinese will be default – look for English or ).
• 🔄 Skip Mi Account binding (unless you plan to use Chinese services).
• 📱 Set up the basic settings (Wi-Fi, date/time).

⚠️ Note: If after installation the phone is stuck on startup the logo MIUI If you're more than 15 minutes old, don't try to turn it off with the power button. Connect it to charging and wait another 30 minutes, and you may be optimizing your applications.

💡

Use only official firmware from Xiaomi sites or proven aggregators. Self-assembly or modification of firmware files can cause the camera module, sensors or network to fail.

Installation of Google services and system localization

Chinese firmware doesn't include Google Play Services, so you'll have to install it manually, and the most reliable way is through NikGapps.

1. Download the appropriate version from NikGapps (select Basic or Full depending on the application you need).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with platform-tools.
3. Restart your phone to fastboot and run: fastboot boot twrp.img (after downloading TWRP, select "Install" and specify the path to the NikGapps file)

For full localization:

• 🌐 Install MoreLocale 2 from Google Play to add Russian to system applications.
• 📱 Replace standard applications (such as Mi Browser) with global versions ADB: adb install -r -d --fastdeploy com.android.chrome_*.apk
• ⚙️ Turn off Chinese services in Settings → Annexes → Application management (look for Mi Pay, Mi Video, Xiaomi Cloud).

If the error “Google Play Services keeps stopping” appears after installing Google services, do:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms


adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gsf

Solving common problems after installation

Even with proper installation of Chinese firmware, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If the camera or fingerprint scanner stopped working after installing the firmware, the driver incompatibility is likely the problem.

• 📷 For the camera: install a modified Google Camera app (e.g., Google Camera, BSG or Wichaya for your model).
• 👆 For scanner: run the original persistent section through fastboot: fastboot flash persist persist.img

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions