Install firmware on Xiaomi through three MIUI 12 points: a complete guide with nuances

Installing custom or official firmware via the “Three Dots” mode in MIUI 12 is one of the most reliable ways to update or restore a Xiaomi smartphone when standard methods do not work. This method is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader (if it is unlocked), as well as for installing global, Chinese or modified versions of the software. However, the process requires accuracy: an error at any stage can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of MIUI 12, explain how to avoid typical problems (for example, anti-rollback errors or invalid image), and give recommendations for choosing the right firmware for your model.

If you've never flashed a smartphone before, start by learning the theory of what a fastboot is, what makes a fastboot different from a fastboot, and why it's important to check the anti-rollback version before you run it, which will save you hours of error correction.

1.What is the Three Points Mode and When to Use It

Three Dots (or fastboot) is a low-level Xiaomi smartphone download mode that allows you to install firmware directly through your computer, bypassing the operating system, so called because of the characteristic screen with a rabbit in its hat and three menu items: Fastboot, Recovery and Normal Boot.

This method of firmware is relevant in the following cases:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo MI («bootloop»).
• 📱 You need to switch from Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Global (Global) ROM) vice versa.
• 🔧 Repeat to an older version is required. MIUI (with anti-rollback restrictions).
• 🛠️ The device is not updated through OTA due to errors or modified recavity.

Important: Three Dots is not a universal solution, for example, if you have a bootloader blocked, you will first need to unlock it through Xiaomi’s official service, and it is not suitable for installing custom recavators (TWRP) on new models with arb protection.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via fastboot erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If the smartphone turns on, back up via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

2. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you go to firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and neglect of preparation is the main cause of errors like flash not allowed or device not found.

2.1 Verification of the firmware model and version

Each firmware is designed for a specific model and code of the device (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has the code sweet, and the Poco X3 NFC is surya). You can’t install firmware from another model – this will lead to a “brick”.

You can find out the device code:

• 📱 On a working smartphone: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI And you tap 7 times on the "Core" line, and you'll open a menu with the model code.
• 🖥️ On the device turned off: in fastboot mode, type the command: fastboot getvar product

Unlocking of the bootloader (bootloader)

If the bootloader is locked (by default on all new Xiaomi), you will not be able to flash the device through the Three Dots. Unlocking takes 3 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi's policy) and requires:

1. Linking the Mi Account to the device.
2. Request permission through the official website.
3. Use the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings. Also some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

Installation of drivers and tools

To run through fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original, as cheap cables may not transmit data to fastboot).
• 🛠️ Archive with firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from official sources: MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (latest version) or Fastboot Enhance for advanced users.

Important: Disable the antivirus and firewall before installing drivers – they can block the Mi Flash Tool as potentially dangerous software.

I got the device model code.|I have unlocked the bootloader (if necessary)|I downloaded the right firmware for my model.|Install drivers and Mi Flash Tool|Backed up the data (if the smartphone is working)|Prepared the original USB-cable-->

3. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

So the type of firmware that you use not only determines the functionality of your smartphone, but also the risk of errors, so let's figure out what to choose.

3.1 Official firmware from Xiaomi

The official firmware is divided into:

• 🌍 Global ROM — International market, with Google Services and localization support.
• 🇨🇳 China ROM — Chinese version without Google services, but with additional features (e.g. Mi Pay).
• 📱 Stable/Beta — stable or test branch (beta may contain bugs).

Download official firmware only from verified sources:

3.2. Castom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, etc.)

Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience, LineageOS) offers:

• ✅ Pure Android without shell MIUI.
• ✅ Longer support for older models.
• ✅ Additional features (e.g. root access).

However, they also have disadvantages:

• ❌ Possible bugs with camera, sensors or mobile network.
• ❌ No official support from Xiaomi.
• ❌ Risk of losing the warranty (if the device is under warranty).

⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware on an anti-rollback model (e.g. Redmi Note) 9 Pro or Poco X3 NFC) This may result in the inability to revert to the official MIUI. Check the anti version before firmware! How to check the anti-rollback version? The anti-rollback version is listed in the firmware name (e.g., the firmware name, V12.0.1.0.QJWMIXM_20200701.0000.00_10.0_global, where the last digit before the global is the anti version. You can't install a firmware with a lower version of anti than the current one, and it'll lead to a "brick». 4. Step-by-step: Firmware through three points MIUI 12 Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly by step, without missing a single point. 4.1. Translating your smartphone to fastboot To go into Three Dots: Turn off your smartphone. Press and hold the power buttons + Loudness downwards during 10–15 seconds. When the screen with the rabbit in the hat and the words Fastboot, connect the device to the computer: 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%). 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable. 🖥️ Make sure that the Fastboot drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager). 4.2. Start Mi Flash Tool and select firmware Download and unpack Mi Flash Tool, then: Run the program on behalf of the administrator. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware (should be files with the.img extension). At the bottom of the window, select the firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for changing the firmware region). Clean all and lock - clean + bootloader lock (only for official firmware!) Save user data - data storage (not always working correctly). Press Refresh, your device should appear on the list. Click Flash and wait until it's finished (usually 5-15 minutes). If flash not allowed or critical partition flashing is not allowed occurs during the firmware process, it means that the bootloader is locked or the wrong mode is selected in the Mi Flash Tool. A repeat attempt without unlocking the bootloader will result in the same result. 4.3. Completion of firmware and first setup After successful firmware: The smartphone will automatically restart (may take up to 10 minutes). MI longer than 15 minutes, hold the power + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot. When you first turn on, set up as for the new device: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Make sure the version matches the one that was made. 🔍 Check the operation of the main functions: mobile network, Wi-Fi, camera, sensors. 💡If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI If the mobile network is not working, try to restore it through the engineering menu (#4636##) or reflash the modem module separately. 5. Typical errors and their solutions Even if you follow the instructions accurately, errors can occur. Let's take a look at the most common. 5.1. This error appears if you are trying to install firmware with a lower version of anti-rollback than the current one. Solutions two: Find firmware with the same or higher version of anti. Use special patches (for example, Anti-Rollback Patch from the current one). XDA), 5.2 The device is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool Reasons and solutions: 🔌 The problem with the cable/port: Try another one USB-cable or port (preferably) USB 2.0). 🖥️ No drivers: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (you can download from Google website). 🔄 Make sure your smartphone is in fastboot, not recovery. 5.3. Error "Invalid sparse file format at header magic" This error is associated with damage to the firmware files. Solution: Download the firmware again (maybe the archive has not downloaded completely), Unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters on the way (for example, download it again, C:\MIUI\proshivka). Check the checksum (MD5) If nothing helps, try stitching through an alternative tool, Fastboot Enhance or SP Flash Tool (for devices on MediaTek). 💡Most firmware errors through fastboot are due to a device model firmware mismatch or a locked bootloader. Always check the model code and bootloader status before starting. 6. Firmware without unlocking the bootloader: myth or reality? Many users are looking for ways to flash Xiaomi through the Three Dots without unlocking the bootloader. Technically, this is only possible in two cases: Install the official firmware of the same version that is already on the device (for example, to recover from a crash). EDL-mode (emergency firmware via Qualcomm), but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account or box (Mi Account with service center rights). Bypassing this requirement by using left-handed methods (e.g., through vulnerabilities in fastboot) can lead to a risk of a risk of a risk: ❌ Loss of warranty. ❌ Blocking of Mi Account. ❌ Irreversible device "brick" Conclusion: If you need another firmware (for example, switch from China) ROM Globally ROM), Unlocking the loader is an inevitable step. Don't risk your device for the sake of questionable time savings. EDL-regime? EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode used in service centers to restore "bricked" devices, which allows you to flash a smartphone even with completely erased memory, but requires special equipment (Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and authorization from Xiaomi. EDL Unlicensed can lead to blocking IMEI. 7. Post-firmware tips Successful firmware is only half the battle. To keep your smartphone running smoothly, follow a few extra steps. 7.1. Check the health after you first turn on: 📶 Mobile network and IMEI (dial *#06#). 📷 Camera operation (take a test photo). 🔊 Sound, microphone, speakers. 🔋 Charging (connect the charger). 🌐 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 7.2. Update to the latest version if you have stitched through the old version MIUI, Update it through Settings → System update. This will fix any bugs and improve performance. 7.3. Data recovery If you backed up through Mi Cloud or Google Account, restore data: Connect to Wi-Fi. Sign in to your Mi or Google account. Follow the cues of the customization wizard. Attention: Do not restore data from a backup made on another version MIUI Or custom firmware - it can cause conflicts. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware through three points ❓ Can you flash Xiaomi through three dots without a computer? No, fastboot requires a connection to a computer. Alternatively, firmware through recovery (if it's modified, for example, the software is modified, TWRP), But it's a different method. ❓ Why Mi Flash Tool Writes “Flash Done” but the Smartphone Doesn’t Turn on? This may be due to: Incorrectly selected firmware mode (e.g. Save user data instead of Clean all); damaged firmware files (download again); conflict of anti-rollback versions; Solution: repeat the firmware with full cleanup (Clean all) or try another version of the firmware. MIUI. ❓ How to return the official firmware after custom? MIUI: Download the stable firmware version for your model. Unlock the bootloader (if it was blocked); Sweat through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean all and lock mode (this will block the bootloader back). TWRP, It must be removed, otherwise it is official. MIUI may not be loaded. ❓ What if, after firmware, the smartphone asks for a password from the old Mi Account? This means that the smartphone is tied to the Mi Account (Mi Account Lock function. If you do not remember the password, restore it through the Xiaomi website. If the account is not yours (for example, a used smartphone), contact the previous owner or service center. ❓ Can you flash Xiaomi through three dots on a Mac or Linux? Technically yes, but it's harder because of driver issues. SDK Platform Tools. Use the terminal to manually type fastboot commands. You may have to compile the drivers manually.