How to install firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: official and unofficial ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, despite the release of new models, and owners of this device often face the need to reflash the device — whether it is a desire to get a fresh version of MIUI, fix software errors or install custom firmware for advanced features. However, improper installation of firmware can turn the phone into a “brick”, so it is important to follow the instructions clearly.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of firmware Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender): from official updates via Ota Updater to manual installation through Fastboot and the Internet. TWRP. You'll also learn how to unlock the bootloader, avoid common errors, and restore the phone if something goes wrong. Updated for 2026 with the latest versions. MIUI and alternative firmware.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, phone malfunction, or even complete failure, starting with backup.

Backing up data is a must, and even if you install official firmware, there is a risk of resetting. Use Xiaomi’s built-in tools or third-party apps:

• 📱 MIUI Backup: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and save data to Mi Cloud or locally.
• 🖥️ ADB Backup: for a full backup of the system via the computer (requires enabled debugging by USB).
• ☁️ Google Photos/Contacts: Sync your media and contacts with your Google account.

Check your battery power, make sure it’s at least 60 percent charge level, which will prevent your phone from suddenly shutting down while you’re running your firmware, and prepare a USB cable (preferably original) and a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Official firmware: Update via OTA and Mi Flash Tool

The safest way to upgrade to the Redmi Note 7 is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) system, which is suitable for installing stable and beta versions of MIUI officially released, to check for updates:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Download the latest version.
3. If the update is available, confirm the download and wait until it is completed.

If OTA-Update is not available or you want to install a specific version MIUI, You can use the Mi Flash Tool. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for clean installation:

Download Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi official website|Download the firmware for lavender (Fastboot version)|Install Qualcomm drivers on PC|Unlock the bootloader (unless done earlier)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\lavender).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All or Save User Data and press Flash.

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an error couldn’t find fastboot, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or reinstall the drivers through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Unlocking the bootloader: why it is necessary and how to do it

Xiaomi is locking the bootloader on all its devices to protect against unauthorized changes. To install custom firmware or modified restore (TWRP), you will have to unlock it. Note: this will lead to a complete reset of the phone and cancellation of the warranty.

Requirements for unlocking:

• 📱 Mi Account linked to phone (mandatory confirmation by email and number).
• 🔗 Stable Internet connection on PC and phone.
• ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days) after first linking your account to your device (Xiaomi rule for new devices).

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: If you see a Couldn't unlock message when you unlock. Current account is different from the account info on the device, then the account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool are not the same.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

If the official MIUI does not suit you, you can install alternative firmware, for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc OS. This will require custom recovery - TWRP.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi Note 7 (lavender) from the official website.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. After successful installation, restart to TWRP by clamping Volume Up + Power.

Step 2: Firmware custom software

• 📁 Download the firmware (for example, LineageOS-20-lavender.zip) GApps (if you need Google services).
• 🔄 Move files to your phone or flash drive (better to use) OTG-cable if the internal memory is not readable).
• 🧹 V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
• 📥 Click Install, select a firmware file and confirm installation.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware does not support encryption /data. If the phone does not load after installation, return to the TWRP and execute Format Data → Yes (this will delete all data!).

Recovery after a failed firmware

If the Redmi Note 7 doesn't turn on after the firmware, if it's stuck on the Xiaomi logo or if it's gone to the bootloop, don't panic. In most cases, the phone can be brought back to life.

If the phone is not defined by the computer in Fastboot, try:

1. Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Connect to another USB-port (better) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

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If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, which means the firmware has completely gone off, and in this case, only the firmware through the EDL-Mode using an authorized Xiaomi account (for example, through a service center).

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

Before you flash the Redmi Note 7, decide which firmware you need. Each option has pros and cons:

Official MIUI:

• ✅ Stable work and support of Xiaomi.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Compatible with Mi Account and Mi Cloud.
• ❌ Lots of pre-installed software and advertising (in global versions).
• ❌ Limited Customization Opportunities.

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.):

• ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary apps.
• ✅ Advanced settings and themes.
• ✅ Newer versions of Android (for example, Android 13 instead of Android 10 in the latest version) MIUI For the Redmi Note 7).
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera, sensors or mobile communication.
• ❌ No official support (updates depend on community).

For most users, the best choice would be an official MIUI with rooting through Magisk (if you need superuser rights), and custom firmware will suit enthusiasts willing to put up with possible shortcomings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes experience firmware problems, and here are the most common bugs and ways to prevent them:

1. Anti-rollback error:

If you try to install an old version of MIUI after a new one, the phone will lock with the message Anti-rollback protection.This is Xiaomi protection from rollback to vulnerable versions. Solution: only run a newer or the same firmware version.

2. the phone does not boot after installing GApps:

Some GApps builds (like OpenGapps) may conflict with firmware.Solution: Use a minimum pico or nano package, and check compatibility with the Android version.

Loss of IMEI or serial number:

This happens when modem partitions are not properly firmwareed. Solution: restore IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like Maui META.

Error 7 in TWRP when firmware:

Solution: download the firmware for lavender (not violet — this is Redmi Note 7 Pro!).

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Always check the hash amount (MD5 or SHA1) of the downloaded file before you run it, which will help you avoid installing corrupted firmware. Compare the hash to what you see on the developer's website.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions