Xiaomi’s modern smartphones allow users to conduct deep reconfiguration of the operating system using only built-in tools. MIUI Without connecting to a personal computer, it remains one of the most popular among owners of devices of this brand. Local updates make it possible to return to the system after critical errors or simply switch to the desired version of the shell if automatic. OTA-update unavailable.
Recovery mode allows you to bypass the standard restrictions imposed by the system during a regular update “over the air”, this is especially true when the current version of the software contains bugs that block normal loading, or when you need to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and installation, where to get official files, how to prepare the device correctly and what steps to follow in the engineering menu, and following the instructions will help avoid common errors that often lead to data loss or the need to flash through Fastboot.
Preparation of the firmware file and model verification
The first and critical step is to find the right installation package: you need to find an archive in.zip format that matches your smartphone model. Using a file from another device can lead to irreversible consequences, since the hardware of different Xiaomi models is significantly different.
When downloading, pay attention to the firmware type: it should be labeled Recovery, not Fastboot. Fastboot files have the.tgz extension and are intended to be installed via a computer, whereas we need a zip archive. Also make sure that the Android and MIUI version is compatible with your current system state, especially if you plan to roll back to an earlier version.
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Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA) of the downloaded file, if possible, to ensure the integrity of the archive.
Once you download a file, don't rush to start the installation immediately. First, make sure the archive is intact and fully loaded. Place the file in the root of the internal memory or on the back of the file. SD-If you have a memory extension on your device, the path to the file should be simple, without complex folder names and Cyrillic characters, so that the recovery menu can read it correctly.
Diagnostics of the device and backup creation
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to make sure that the device is in a state of technology. The battery should be at least 60% charged, since the process of firmware is energy-consuming. If the phone turns off at the time of recording data, it will be extremely difficult or impossible to restore it without soldering the programmer.
Make sure to back up all your important data. Local reinstallation often involves cleaning up the user partition. Use the built-in Security app or Google services to save contacts, photos and documents. Remember that once you switch from global firmware to Chinese or vice versa, the Data section will be fully formatted.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
You should also log out of some heavy apps beforehand or break the sync if you plan to reset completely. Make sure you know the password from your Mi Account. Once you flash it, the security system will require it to be entered to confirm ownership of the device (Anti-theft protection).
Enter Recovery Menu mode
To access the engineering menu, you need to do a sequence of button actions: first turn off your smartphone completely, wait for the screen to go out and the vibration confirms the shutdown, then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time.
Hold both buttons until the Mi or Redmi logo appears. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released while holding the volume key. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open in front of you. The volume buttons (up/down) control the menu, and the power button confirms the choice.
What to do if the menu does not open?
The menu interface can be in English or Chinese. If you see Chinese characters, don't panic. Usually, these menus have the option to switch the language. Select the item corresponding to the language (often the second or third on top), and find in the list of English. After switching, the navigation will become clear.
Selecting the installation method: Clean Install or Update
There are several options on the Recovery menu, such as the Wipe & Reset section or the Install update.zip option (depending on the Recovery version), but you can choose the Choose update package or Install from internal storage option to manually install a pre-loaded file.
The system will warn you that data may be lost. It's important to choose the right scenario. If you're just updating within a single branch (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), you can try to save data. But if you change the region or version of Android, you need Clean Install.
| Type of installation | Data retention | When to use | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update (Update) | Yes. | Planned update of MIUI version | Low. |
| Clean Install (Clean) | No (all removed) | Change of region, rollback of versions, treatment of errors | Medium. |
| Wipe Data (Reset) | No. | Before sale or when blocked | Low. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Depends on the PC. | For advanced users with ADB | High-pitched |
Once you select a firmware file from the list (it will be called the same as your zip archive), the system will request confirmation. In some versions of Recovery, you will need to enter the screen unlock password or the Mi Account password to confirm the operation, which is a protective measure against unauthorized installation of software.
Firmware process and possible errors
Once confirmed, the installation process will begin. The Xiaomi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Do not attempt to interrupt this process, restart the phone or press any buttons. Interrupting the recording of system sectors will cause the phone to turn into a brick and stop responding to commands.
The process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of data being updated and the memory speed. If the installation is successful, you will see a message Success or Updated successfully. After that, the phone will prompt to restart (Reboot), the first on after the firmware can last longer than usual - up to 10 minutes.
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Successful installation ends with a Success message, after which a complete reset of user data (Wipe Data) is mandatory, unless this happens automatically, in order to avoid cyclical reboots.
In the event of an error (e.g. Can't verify update or Error 7), the system will cancel the installation. This may mean that the firmware file is corrupted, not suitable for this model or the bootloader version blocks the installation.
Initial data setup and recovery
Once you successfully reboot, you'll see a welcome screen. Select a language and connect to Wi-Fi. The system may require you to enter a password from a Mi Account that was used on the device before. This is the standard ownership verification procedure.
At the setup stage, you will be prompted to restore data from a Google or Mi Cloud backup. If you created a backup locally, it will be found through the Explorer or Mi Mover app after you completed the initial desktop setup. It is recommended not to install all the apps at once, but to do it gradually, monitoring the stability of the work.
Check the basic modules: the camera, the speakers, the sensor, make sure the firmware version in the About section of the phone matches the one you installed, and if everything works correctly, you can consider the procedure complete.