The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in early 2019, is still a popular device due to its high-quality screen and performance. However, official support for the model has long since ceased, and the Android update has stopped at MIUI 11 or 12, depending on the region.
The solution is to install custom firmware Pixel Experience, which provides a clean Android interface, smooth operation and a fresh version of the system. This process requires care and follow the steps precisely, as interference with the program code of the device always carries certain risks. In this guide, we will discuss in detail each step of the transformation of your gadget.
Before you start taking action, you have to understand that you take full responsibility for the outcome. Wrong actions can lead to the failure of the machine, so it is important to prepare all the necessary tools and files in advance. We will consider not only the process of firmware itself, but also the nuances that are often missed by beginners.
Preparation of tools and files
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and software, you will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, and also a working one. USB-A bad cable can interrupt the transmission at a critical moment, leading to errors.
You need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, and without these components, you won't be able to interact properly with your phone in bootloader mode, and you'll also need to download the Pixel Experience firmware file, which is specifically assembled for the lavender device code name.
Remember to back up all important data, and the installation process involves fully formatting internal memory, and photos, contacts, and documents will be permanently deleted if they are not stored in advance on a cloud server or external storage medium.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Download firmware files only from official sources or trusted forums, such as XDA Developers. Using modified builds from unverified channels can lead to personal data leakage or unstable communication modules.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first technical step is to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks the ability to change the system partitions by default, and this can only be avoided through the official Mi Unlock service. To do this, the phone must be logged in to the Mi Account, which will be used to unlock.
From the phone settings menu, go to About Phone and click on the MIUI build number seven times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu, look for Developer Debugging and enable the options “USB Debugging” and “Factory Unlock.”
⚠️ Warning: Once you have linked your account to your unlocking device, you may need to wait 7 to 168 hours.Do not try to bypass the timer by re-linking your accounts, this may result in the device being locked for a longer period of time.
After the waiting time has expired, turn off your phone and press down volume and power buttons simultaneously to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility, log in and press the unlock button. The process will erase all data on the device.
What to do if Mi Unlock is frozen?
Installation of TWRP recavery
Standard recovery does not allow you to install third-party firmware, so you need to replace it with TWRP Recovery. Find the current version of the.img image, designed specifically for the Redmi Note 7. Using a version from another model is guaranteed to lead to a “brick”.
Place the image file in the folder with the ADB tools installed. Open the command line in this folder and put the smartphone in Fastboot mode. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the serial number is displayed, you can continue.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-lavender.imgImmediately after the firmware is installed, don't boot into the system in the usual way. Press the volume button up and power to force the TWRP to start. On the first run, the system may request a password - this is data protection that can be skipped by a swipe if you have already done a reset.
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To prevent TWRP from being replaced by a stock recavator on the first boot, immediately after logging into TWRP, connect the phone to your PC and copy the firmware file to internal memory, and then execute the Dalvik/Cache cleaning command before installing.
Installation of the Pixel Experience
Now that you have custom recavers installed, you can start installing the operating system directly. ZIP-archive with firmware Pixel Experience in the internal memory of the smartphone or on the connected SD-Make sure the file is not damaged when downloading.
In the main TWRP menu, select Wipe, then Advanced Wipe. Tick the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Vendor, and Data sections. Don't touch the Internal Storage section if the firmware is on the phone. Swipe to clean.
Go back to the main menu and select Install. Find the firmware archive and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take a few minutes. If you plan to use Google services, make sure they are built into the build (usually Pixel Experience has them by default).
| Section | Action in TWRP | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART | Wipe | Cleaning up the app cache |
| System | Wipe | Removing the old MIUI |
| Data | Wipe | Complete reset of user data |
| Internal Storage | Keep | Saving the firmware file |
After successful installation, press the Reboot System button. The first download can last up to 5-10 minutes as the system optimizes applications.
Google Services and Security Setup
Once the language and Wi-Fi are set up initially, the system will prompt you to sign in to a Google account. Since the Pixel Experience is Google certified, all services run out of the box, including Play Store, YouTube and Google Pay (now Wallet).
The problem is that an unlocked bootloader can interfere with high-security applications such as banking clients. To circumvent this limitation, Magisk is often used, which must be installed through the same TWRP or patch on the running system.
Install Magisk Manager, find a boot.img file from stock firmware or a patched image, and follow the on-screen instructions for rooting and concealing modifications, which will hide the fact of unlocking from banking applications.
⚠️ Note: Installing Magisk and obtaining root rights opens up full access to the system, but reduces the overall security of the device.
It is also recommended to check the Widevine L1. On unlocked devices, the DRM level often drops to L3, which limits the playback of HD and 4K video on streaming platforms. Unfortunately, on some Xiaomi devices, it is impossible to return the L1 after unlocking the bootloader.
Problem Solving and Optimization
There may be specific problems in operation, such as sometimes a quick battery discharge or heating to a idle, which may be due to driver malfunctions or background processes, in which case cleaning the cache or flashing with full formatting helps.
If the camera isn’t working or the quality of the images is not good, it’s recommended to install the Google Camera (GCam) port. For the Redmi Note 7, there are special versions that reveal the potential of the matrix better than the standard application.
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The stability of custom firmware depends on the quality of the Recovery file used and the accuracy of the steps to clean the partitions before installation.
If you have a bootloop, don't panic. Go to TWRP, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache and Wipe Data command again. If that doesn't work, maybe the firmware file was downloaded with errors and needs to be downloaded again.