Modern mid-range smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro have powerful hardware that is often limited by the capabilities of the MIUI stock shell. Many users face intrusive advertising, excessive resource consumption in the background and rare security updates. The solution to these problems is the transition to custom firmware, among which the Pixel Experience occupies a leading position due to pure Android and stability.
The process of replacing the operating system requires care and accurate follow the algorithm of actions. Errors during the preparation of files or unlocking the bootloader can lead to the failure of the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn your Redmi Note 7 Pro (codename lavender) into a Google Pixel, getting the latest version of Android and maximum performance.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that any manipulation of the system partition carries risks. You act at your own risk, but if you follow all the instructions, the probability of success is 99%. Preparation takes longer than the firmware itself, so be patient.
Device preparation and backup
The first step is to create a full copy of all the important data, and the custom firmware installation process involves completely cleaning up the internal memory of the smartphone, and photos, contacts, messaging, all of these will be deleted without the ability to recover them using standard methods.
It is recommended to use cloud services or transfer files to your computer. Pay special attention to hidden folders and application data, which are not always synchronized with your Google account. Once you have firmware, it will be impossible to return them backup unless you make a backup through TWRP or specialized utilities.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting work, make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60%. interruption of the firmware process due to battery discharge can damage the boot partition.
It is also necessary to check the integrity. USB-Use the original wire or quality analogue that supports data transfer, not just charging. Unstable connection during system file writing often causes bricks or verification errors.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default, which prevents the installation of unofficial software. To remove restrictions, you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool and a tied Mi Account. This is a mandatory procedure, without which installing TWRP is impossible.
The process starts with activating the developer mode. Go to settings, find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row. Then turn on the "Factory Unlock" option in the "Developers" menu and link the device to your account via mobile Internet.
After the binding, you need to wait from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the account status and region), only after this timer, the Mi Unlock utility will allow unlocking. Attempts to bypass the wait can lead to a timer reset and an increase in the lock period.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically erases all data from the device and may affect the operation of some banking applications and services Google Pay (although there are methods of bypassing through Magisk).
To unlock yourself, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode, pressing the volume button when the power is turned off, and connect it to your PC. In Mi Unlock, press the Unlock button and wait for the process to be completed. The device will restart, and you will see the open lock icon when you start.
Installation of TWRP recavery
The regular recovery menu does not allow you to install third-party firmware, so you need to replace it with TWRP Recovery. For the Redmi Note 7 Pro model, it is important to use a version specially assembled for the code name lavender. Using a recovery from other models (for example, the regular Redmi Note 7) will cause the touchscreen or camera to fail.
Download the current.img image and place it in the ADB tool folder on your computer. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined, execute the command to temporarily load the recaveri:
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.imgIt's important to understand the difference between boot and flash. The boot command runs the Recovery once without writing it down. It's a safe first-installation method. Once you download it to TWRP, you can flash it back inside the menu or install the firmware.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Installation of the Pixel Experience
Once a successful TWRP launch is complete, partition cleaning needs to be done. Go to the Wipe menu and select Advanced Wipe. Tick the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, System, Vendor and Data sections. Don't touch the Internal Storage section if you want to save downloaded firmware files on your phone, although it's safer to use an external PC or flash drive via OTG.
Now go to the Install menu and select the downloaded zip archive with Pixel Experience firmware. If you also plan to install Google Apps (GApps) separately, make sure the firmware version already contains them (usually marked as "Plus" or "Gapps included") to avoid conflicts.
Run the swipe installation at the bottom of the screen. It takes a few minutes. There should be no red lines in the installation logs with errors. If the installation is successful, a green checkmark will appear.
| Section | Action in TWRP | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART | Wipe | Cleaning up the app cache |
| System | Wipe | Removal of the old OS |
| Data | Wipe | Complete data reset |
| Cache | Wipe | Cleaning the system cache |
After installing the firmware, take your time to boot the system immediately. It is recommended to install Magisk immediately (if root rights are needed) or simply format data if the system requires it when you first start.
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The main rule is never to miss the Wipe Data step when switching from MIUI to Pixel Experience, otherwise you will get a cyclic reboot.
First start and initial setup
Once you have completed the installation, select Reboot System. The first run can take up to 5-10 minutes as the system optimizes applications and creates a file structure. The Pixel Experience logo can appear on the screen, followed by an animation of Android boot.
Go through the standard setup procedure: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to a Google account. The interface will differ from the usual MIUI in its minimalism and smoothness. There are no unnecessary pre-installed applications, except for the basic set from Google.
Pay attention to the display settings and gestures. On pure Android, navigation may differ. Go to Settings → System → Gestures to get used to the controls. It is also worth checking the camera's performance, as photo processing algorithms may differ from stock ones.
⚠️ Note: First start, you may need to enter a password or pattern lock that was used on the device before the reset. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
If the system boots up but the touch screen doesn't work (a frequent problem when using the wrong TWRP), you'll have to reflash the recavers to the correct version for lavender. In most cases, the current Pixel Experience builds for the Redmi Note 7 Pro are devoid of critical bugs.
Problem Solving and Optimization
Even stable builds can have minor drawbacks, such as sometimes experiencing rapid battery discharge in the first days of use. This is normal: Google Assistant’s system and AI take time (usually 2-3 days) to learn usage patterns and optimize background processes.
If you notice problems with VoLTE or calls, check your network settings. In some cases, you need to flash the modem or use patches. Also, users note that video shooting may be inferior to Xiaomi's stock firmware due to the lack of proprietary processing algorithms.
To extend autonomy, it is recommended:
- 🔋 Turn off Always On Display if it is not critical.
- 📶 Use the regime 4G/LTE instead 5G (if supported and not used, as network search 5G charge-off.
- 🌙 Activate dark theme and adaptive brightness.
- 🚫 Limit background activity of rarely used applications.
Check for updates regularly in Settings → System → System Updates. Pixel Experience developers often release security patches and bug fixes that improve the stability of the Redmi Note 7 Pro.
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Use the AccuBattery app to calibrate the charge indicator and analyze the battery health status after switching to a new firmware.