Install MTZ on Xiaomi: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and solving errors

Installation MTZ-Firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that requires attention and preparation. This file format (.mtz) is used for full firmware via MiFlash or Fastboot, and is often the only way to recover a device after major failures or failed experiments with custom software. However, the wrong actions can turn a phone into a brick, so it’s important to understand every step from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version.

In this article, we will discuss the current methods of installing MTZ on Xiaomi in 2026, including nuances for new models with HyperOS and older devices on MIUI 12-15. You will learn how to avoid anti-rollback errors, where to download official files, and what to do if the process is frozen in the flashing stage.

What is it? MTZ-Firmware and why you need it

A file with the.mtz extension is a full-firmware archive for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. Unlike.zip firmware for recovery, MTZ is installed via Fastboot and overwrites all partitions of the device’s memory, including boot, system and. This makes it an indispensable tool for:

• 🔄 Restore a “brick” phone (for example, after a failed upgrade or reset).
• 🔒 Bypassing lockdowns MIUI, If the device is not loaded even in recovery.
• 📉 Downgrade firmware version (with anti-rollback limitations).
• 🛠️ Removing system errors that cannot be solved by OTA-update.

It is important to understand that the installation MTZ It erases all data on the device, including internal memory (userdata), and the process requires an unlocked bootloader - without this, MiFlash simply will not start firmware. If you have never worked with Fastboot, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the basic commands or use alternative methods (for example, for example, the first time you have worked with Fastboot, EDL-critical-case regime).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through MTZ On devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) you may need additional drivers and versions of MiFlash.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader. Without it, MiFlash won't be able to write the firmware. The process takes 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy, so start with it in advance.

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO battery-charged >50%.
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 🔑 Mi Account Linked to the Device.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Follow the instructions of the program. After sending a request, wait for the confirmation SMS (usually 3-7 days).

If the unlocking does not pass, check:

• 🔹 Mi Accounts on your phone and Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔹 Are antivirus/firewalls disabled on PCs (they can block the connection).
• 🔹 Do you use the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official website).

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If unlocking is stuck at the 50% stage, try using another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or disable all others USB-computer-operated.

Choosing the right one MTZ-firmware for your model

Mistake in firmware selection is the most common reason for “bricking». MTZ-files are strictly linked to model code (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro has sweet code), region (Global, China, EEA) version MIUI. To avoid problems:

1. Find out the code for your model: adb shell getprop ro.product.device Or look at Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. M2101K7AG for Redmi Note 10 Pro Global).

China

Global

Pay special attention to the anti-rollback version. If you try to install firmware older than the current one, the device will lock.

fastboot getvar anti

Compare it to the version in the name. MTZ-file (e.g, V13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM_20221107.0000.00_12.0_global, where 12.0 — It's an anti-rollback).

⚠️ Note: Firmware for HyperOS (for example, for Xiaomi) 14) They can have a different packaging format, if there's no file in the archive. flash_all.bat, Use MiFlash 2023+ manually.

MTZ step-by-step installation via MiFlash

When the bootloader is unlocked and the firmware is downloaded, you'll need to start installing it.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download through MiFlash).
• 📂 Unpacked MTZ-archive (must be files) images/ and flash_all.bat).
• 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and a Fastboot inscription).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device does not appear, install the drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Launch MiFlash.exe, click Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is suspended during the waiting for the device:

• 🔹 Reconnect. USB-cable (try another port).
• 🔹 Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔹 Check if the antivirus is blocking fastboot access.

Manual firmware via Fastboot (alternative method)

If MiFlash doesn't work, you can manually flash MTZ through fastboot, which requires command knowledge, but gives you more control over the process, and you'll need an archive with firmware and a computer with ADB/Fastboot installed.

Steps:

1. Unpack. MTZ-file-to-folder (e.g, C:\mtz\).
2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Connect your phone to Fastboot and check the connection: fastboot devices
4. Run the firmware command (example for Redmi Note) 10 Pro): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash --disable-verity --disable-verification vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash product product.img fastboot flash odm odm.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

For devices with HyperOS, an additional command for super.img may be required:

fastboot flash super super.img

⚠️ Note: If you miss the command --disable-verity For vbmeta, the device may not boot due to an integrity check error.

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Hand-held firmware via fastboot allows you to bypass MiFlash errors, but requires accurate adherence to the sequence of commands. An error in the order of the partition firmware (for example, system to vendor) can lead to a failure.

Solving Common Errors When Installing MTZ

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

If the phone does not turn on after the firmware:

1. Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and repeat the firmware.
2. If the device does not respond, use EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).
3. Newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13T) may require firmware via the XiaomiTool V2.

Firmware through EDL: the extreme case for "bricks"

If the device does not respond to buttons and is not detected in Fastboot, it remains. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).
• 🔌 Specialist EDL-cable-closure.
• 💻 MiFlashPro or QFil.

Instructions (for experienced users):

1. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL (via cable or test points).
2. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Start MiFlashPro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL On HyperOS devices, you may need to have auth files (signatures from Xiaomi), without which you will end up with a Sahara fail error.

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If you don't. EDL-cable, you can temporarily close the test points on the board (for example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, these are contacts near the battery connector). 4PDA for your model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing MTZ on Xiaomi