How to install MIUI 13 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

Redmi Note 10S owners often want a fresh version of the operating system that brings not only visual changes, but also energy optimization. Moving to MIUI 13 gives access to new widgets, improved data protection and smoother interface animations. However, the update process does not always go smoothly, especially if the automatic notification never came to Settings.

There are several proven installation methods that can bypass the limitations of regional locks or speed up the receipt of an update. In this article, we will discuss in detail the manual method through the recovery menu and the more advanced version using the Fastboot. It is important to understand that any firmware reflash carries risks, so careful preparation of the device is a must-have step that can not be ignored.

Before you start taking action, make sure your device is fully compatible with the selected firmware version. Redmi Note 10S is codenamed rosemary, and using files for other models, such as the regular Redmi Note 10 (codename mojito or sunny), will cause the gadget to malfunction.

Preparing the device for system update

The first step is to create a full backup of all the important data. While an update through Recovery usually saves user files, a failure in the process can lead to their loss.Use Google cloud services or the built-in Security app to save contacts, messages and system settings to an external drive.

The battery should be at least 60% charged, and it is better to bring it to 100%. The process of writing new system files requires stable voltage, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment can damage the bootloader partition. Also free up at least 5-7 GB of free space on the internal drive for the correct decompression of the archive.

The global version of the stable MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 10S is distributed in.zip format for updating via Recovery or.tgz for the Fastboot method. Make sure you download the file for the Global region (if you have a global version) or EEA (for Europe), as mixing regions requires an unlocked bootloader.

Selecting the installation method: Recovery or Fastboot

There are two main ways to install: simple, through the built-in recovery menu, and complex, requiring a PC. Recovery method is suitable for most users, since it does not require unlocking the bootloader and special drivers. You just download the firmware file into the phone's memory and select it from the update menu.

Fastboot is necessary in cases where you need to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global) or restore the device after a failure. USB-cable and use of the Mi Flash Tool, which is faster but requires careful command selection.

If you plan to simply upgrade to a newer version within your region, choose Recovery. If your goal is to cross-regional upgrades or return to factory settings with full cleaning, then the only surefire solution is to use Fastboot mode and the appropriate archive.

Install MIUI 13 via Recovery Menu

This is the safest and most recommended method for ordinary users: download the firmware file in.zip format (don't rename it) and place it in the root of the device's internal memory. Don't put the file in folders, otherwise the system may not find it when scanning.

Next, go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file. The system will automatically find the downloaded archive and prompt you to start the update process.

⚠️ Note: If the system issues an error “File failed to verify” or “File corrupted”, this means that the version in the archive is older or equal to the current one, or the file is intended for another region without the possibility of direct installation.

Once confirmed, the check and install process will begin, the phone will automatically restart, and the MIUI logo will appear on the screen with a progress indicator, at which point it is forbidden to interrupt the process or remove the battery if it is removable (although it is not removable in the Redmi Note 10S).

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The Recovery method saves user data, but requires the current version of the system to be no older than the one installed if the settings are not reset.

Firmware through Fastboot with a computer

To implement this method, you will need a computer running Windows, USB-High quality cable and Mi Flash Tool utility. First you need to download the image of Fastboot ROM (Extension.tgz) and unpack it to the root of the disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic or spaces: C:\Xiaomi\rosemary_global.

Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn it off completely, then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show a picture of a hare in an uhanka repairing an android. Connect the phone to your PC with a cable.

Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button to allow the program to detect the device (serial number will be displayed). In the lower corner, select the firmware mode: Clean all (complete data cleanup) or Save user data (attempt to save data, but when changing the region is not recommended).

fastboot devices

This command in the command line (if you use the manual method via ADB/Fastboot) must output the serial number of the device, confirming the connection. If you use the Mi Flash GUI, just make sure that the status of the device is displayed as connected. Press the Flash button and wait for the process to be completed, which will take 300 to 600 seconds.

Comparison of firmware versions and compatibility table

Understanding the differences between firmware types is critical to choosing the right file. The Global version contains all the necessary languages and services of Google, optimized for the international market. The Chinese version (China) may not have Russian out of the box and requires additional manipulation to install Google services.

Here's a table that helps you determine the type of firmware in the file name, and always check those codes before you download them.

When switching from the Chinese version to the global version, the Unlock Bootloader procedure is mandatory. Without this step, installation is impossible, since key signatures vary. For the Redmi Note 10S, this is a standard procedure, taking from 7 days (waiting time for permission from Xiaomi) to several hours.

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Tip: After installing a new firmware, it is recommended to perform a full reset (Wipe Data) even when upgrading through Recovery.This eliminates conflicts of old system files and ensures maximum stability of MIUI 13.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them

One common problem is getting stuck on the MIUI logo (bootloop).If the phone doesn't boot for more than 10 minutes after the upgrade, try to force a reboot by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If that doesn't work, you'll need to log in to Recovery mode and reset data.

Another common mistake is the lack of network signal or the failure of Wi-Fi after flashing, which may indicate damage to the modem partition or installing firmware for another region without proper preparation, in which case only the re-routing of the original way through Fastboot with the choice of Clean all mode helps.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware process, even if it seems to be stuck. The indicator on the computer may not move for several minutes, this is normal when writing system partitions.

If the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone, check the Windows Device Manager.The device should show up as Android Bootloader Interface.If there's an unknown device, you should install Qualcomm drivers or ADB Hand-held, try another one. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, as some ports are USB 3.0 may cause compatibility issues with the loader.

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Most errors in installation MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 10S associated with the use of incorrect firmware files or faulty USB-cable, not with hardware defects of the smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)