Full firmware on Xiaomi: official and custom installation methods

Installing full firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can radically change the operation of the device: from restoring the “brick” to obtaining the latest features MIUI Or switching to custom assemblies, unlike standard ones. OTA-The full firmware rewrites all system partitions, which requires special care and preparation. This instruction covers all the current methods, from official MiFlash to manual stitching through the system. TWRP, with the nuances for Redmi models, POCO and Xiaomi 2020-2026.

The main challenge is unlocking the bootloader, without which most methods simply won’t work. The manufacturer has tightened the rules: now, to unlock, you need to link your Mi Account to the device and wait up to 720 hours (30 days) on new models. We will discuss how to circumvent these restrictions legally, what tools will be needed (ADB, Fastboot, Mi Unlock Tool, and what to do if the firmware doesn’t get up due to bugs like anti-rollback or version incompatibility.

The procedure is different for China, Global and EEA For example, China Stable firmware on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Google will block Google services, and installing Global on Xiaomi 13 Ultra can lead to camera problems.

1.Preparation for installation: what you need to know before starting

Before you start the firmware, check out three key points:

• 🔓 bootloader status: run the command fastboot oem device-info in the terminal. If the answer Device unlocked: false - unlock is mandatory.
• 📱 Device model: firmware for Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (veux is not suitable for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G (Please specify the code name in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on "Core»).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: You can’t use the old version over the new one (for example, MIUI 14 → MIUI 13) because of the anti-rollback mechanism. Use only firmware with the same or higher version.

Also prepare:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (MiFlash is required.NET Framework 4.5+).
• 🔌 Cable USB Data-enabled (not all charging cables are suitable!).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when discharged during firmware, the device can turn into a “brick»).
• 📁 Backup: Firmware erases internal memory (except for the card) SD).

Critical mistake of beginners: many download firmware from the first sites they see, risking getting a virus or build with pre-installed mining. MIUI available only on resources en.miui.com/download.html (global and miui.com/download (For custom firmware (PixelExperience, LineageOS), use trusted forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA.

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step guide 2026

Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the unlocking process, and new devices require:

1. Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate the option OEM Unlocking in Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Wait 30 days (720 hours) from the moment you connect your account. Older models (Redmi Note 9 and earlier) unlock in 7 days.

After waiting:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 6.5.224.30).
2. Launch your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in with the same account you're linked to.
4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10–30 seconds).

Link Mi Account to your phone|Turn on OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings|Wait 30 days (for new models)|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Launch your phone in Fastboot-->

⚠️ Warning: If a Couldn't unlock error occurs when unlocking, or Current account is different from the account info on the device, check: Are you using the same account as the one linked to the phone? Is your phone connected to the Internet via mobile data (Wi-Fi may not work).

For models POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T And there's an additional limitation, which is that you can only unlock once every 30 days. If you've already unlocked the bootloader and then blocked it again (for example, through a fastboot oem lock), you'll have to wait a month to re-unblock it.

3. Methods of installing full firmware

There are three main ways to flash Xiaomi full firmware, depending on your goals and the status of the bootloader:

Let us consider each method in detail.

3.1. firmware via MiFlash (recommended method)

This method is suitable for installing official firmware and restoring devices that are not turned on ("bricks").

1. Download firmware in.tgz or.zip format from the official website (for example, here). Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, unpack the archive in a folder, C:\MiFlash\proshivka).
2. Install Mi drivers USB Driver (you can download here).
3. Start MiFlash (download the official version), connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
4. In MiFlash, click Select and point the way to the unpacked firmware. Select firmware mode: clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for changing the firmware region). clean all and lock – cleaning + Locking the bootloader (only if you complete experiments with custom firmware!) save user data (not always working correctly).

Flash

1. Use an older version of MiFlash (e.g. 2018.5.18.0).
2. Disable driver signature verification in Windows (via gpedit.msc).
3. Squeeze in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).

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3.2. Firmware through TWRP (custom-fix)

TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to install informal firmware, backup and root rights, a process that is more complex than MiFlash, but provides more options.

Instructions:

1. Install. TWRP For your model (you can download it on the official website or 4PDA). Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. Download firmware in.zip format (like PixelExperience or LineageOS) and place it on a memory card or phone memory.
3. Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data (if you need a clean installation) Cache

Then swipe for confirmation.

Install

Reboot System

⚠️ Attention: Installation of custom firmware on the Xiaomi model 12S Ultra, POCO F4 GT And newer can cause a broken camera or fingerprint sensor. Before you run the firmware, check the forums if your model has working fixes (for example, patches for libarcore or vendor).

4. Solving common mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

• 🚫 Anti-rollback check fail: means you’re trying to flash the old version MIUI. The solution is to find firmware with an equal or newer version of Android (for example, if you have a firmware that is similar to Android). MIUI 14 on Android 13, you can't flash MIUI 13 on Android 12).
• 🔌 USB device not recognized: driver problem.Try: Use the original Xiaomi cable.Put the phone to the rear port USB PC (front ports are often unstable) Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Mi Flashable Driver).
• 🔄 Stuck on Mi logo: usually caused by incompatible firmware or an interrupted process. Solution - re-stitch clean all via MiFlash.
• 📵 This package is for "veux" devices; this is a "peux": you downloaded firmware for another model.

For bootloop-related errors (cyclical reboot), Fastboot reset will help:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

5. How to Choose the Right Firmware

The choice of firmware depends on your goals:

• 🌍 Global Stable: official firmware with Google services, suitable for everyday use, minus the fact that updates are released less often than in China.
• 🇨🇳 China Stable: The latest version MIUI, You can manually install them through Google Installer, but some features (like Google Pay) may not work.
• 🧪 Global/China Beta: Test builds with new features but possible bugs Not recommended for main phone.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (PixelExperience, LineageOS, ArrowOS): pure Android without shell MIUI. Pros: no ads, quick updates, downs, camera may not work, NFC gesture.

To select the appropriate version, use the compatibility table:

💡

For models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M5) firmware SP Flash Tool may be required if the bootloader is damaged, but this method is risky - an error in the selection of the scatter file will lead to permanent damage to the device.

6. How to flash Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader

If you don’t want to wait 30 days or risk a warranty, there are legal ways to update your firmware without unlocking:

• 🔄 OTA-Update: Settings → The phone. → System update. It only works for official firmware.
• 📁 Local Update: Download the full service pack (.zip) and install via Settings → The phone. → Three points. → Select the update file.
• 🖥️ Mi PC Suite: the official utility from Xiaomi for updating via PC (download here).

To install full firmware (not incremental update) without unlocking, the method through ADB Sideload:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, from here).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb reboot recovery adb sideload firmware.zip
4. Wait until the end (the progress bar will appear on the phone).

⚠️ Attention: Method ADB Sideload only works for firmware with the same version MIUI, It's on your phone, for example, if you have MIUI 14.0.5.0, you can only flash MIUI 14.0.6.0, but not MIUI 13 or MIUI 15.

7.Recovery after failed firmware

If the phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo, act on the algorithm:

1. Try to boot up in Fastboot: pinch the power + Down Volume for 10-15 seconds. If your PC defines it as Fastboot, run it again through MiFlash in clean all mode.
2. Check it out. EDL-Mode: If Fastboot is not available, try to transfer your phone to the Fastboot EDL (For firmware in this mode, you will need an authorized Xiaomi account or help from a service center.
3. Use Testpoint: for some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) You can close contacts on the motherboard for forced transition to the EDL. Look for testpoint schemes on 4PDA or XDA.
4. Contact the service: if nothing helps, it is possible that the flash memory (eMMC or eMMC) is damaged. UFS). In the official service Xiaomi recovery will cost 1,500-3000 rubles (prices for 2026).

To diagnose the problem, connect the phone to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot devices

• If the device is displayed, flash through Fastboot.
• If not, try it. EDL testpoint.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware