How to install firmware on Xiaomi Redmi: official and alternative ways

The firmware of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a process that can both bring the device back to life and turn it into a brick if you approach it without preparation. → The phone. → Updating the system, completely flashing requires unlocking the bootloader, choosing the right version of the software and strictly following the instructions. This article will help you understand how to safely install firmware on any Redmi models from the budget Redmi. 9A up to the flagship Redmi K70 Pro, including devices with MediaTek and Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.

Many users face the need to flash the phone after an unsuccessful update, infection with viruses or the desire to install custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS. However, even the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool has nuances: For example, for models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi Note 12). 5G) You need a separate driver package, and for Snapdragon devices, you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, and we'll go through both scenarios in detail, and we'll also talk about how to avoid common bugs like Invalid image or logo getting stuck. MI.

Before you start, consider: the firmware of the smartphone will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may lead to data loss. → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud is a must. Also, prepare your Windows computer. 10/11 (for Mi Flash Tool, cable USB Type-C (original or certified) and at least 4 GB of free space on the system disk.

1. Firmware preparation: unlocking the bootloader

The first obstacle to the new firmware is a locked bootloader. Xiaomi locks it on all devices from the factory to prevent the installation of unofficial software. Unlocking takes 3 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi's policy) and requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

First, check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
4. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Please note that Xiaomi may require you to wait 72-720 hours (3-30 days) before unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously linked your Mi Account to your device, unlocking will not be possible. Also, the Mi Unlock Tool does not work on virtual machines - use a physical PC.

Some users use workarounds to speed up the process (for example, changing the region of the account to China), but this can lead to locking the device.

2. Selection of firmware: official MIUI vs. custom

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to decide on the type of firmware. Each option has pros and cons:

For official firmware, download files only from the official Xiaomi website.

• 📱 Model of device (e.g, m2101k7ag For Redmi Note 10 Pro, you can find out in Settings → The phone. → Model or via the Quickboot Getvar Product command.
• 🌍 Region: Global (world), China (Chinese, without Google), EEA (Europe), India (India).
• 🔄 Version: Stable (stable) or Developer (for developers, may contain bugs).

For custom firmware, use proven sources:

• 🔗 XDA Developers – the largest community with firmware and instructions.
• 🔗 Telegram channels, like, MIUI Russia or Xiaomi EU.
• 🔗 Projects: Pixel Experience, LineageOS.

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If you downloaded firmware in.tgz or.gz, unpack it before installing. Mi Flash Tool requires a.bat file or folder with the.images extension.

3. Install official firmware via Mi Flash Tool

This is the most reliable way to bring your phone back to life or upgrade to the latest version. MIUI. The Mi Flash Tool only works on Windows and supports firmware through Fastboot modes and EDL (emergency mode for bricks").

Step-by-step:

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|

Install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor)|

Unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note12_pro)|

Charge your phone at least 50% |

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1. Install drivers: For Qualcomm: download QDLoader HS-USB Driver. For MediaTek: Use SP Flash Tool + driver VCOM.
2. Launch Mi Flash Tool: Select a folder with unpacked firmware. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down). + Power. Press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.

Select firmware mode:

• Clean all – cleansing (deleting all data)
• Clean all and lock - cleaning + Locking the bootloader (for the sale of the phone).
• Save user data – saving user data (not always stable)
• Start the firmware: press Flash and wait for completion (5-15 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is flashing Flash is not allowed in Lock State, it means the bootloader is not unlocked. If the Anti-rollback check fail error, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, than the one already worth.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable, a method used by service centers to restore bricks. IMEI.

4. Install custom firmware through TWRP

To install Pixel Experience, LineageOS or other custom firmware, you will need custom recavers - usually TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project.This method is suitable for users who want to get rid of the problem. MIUI or get updates for older devices (e.g., the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which Xiaomi has stopped supporting).

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

• 🔧 Download. TWRP for your model from the official website (file with extension.img).
• 📱 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-miatoll.img (Replace the file name with yours).
• 🔄 Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

Step 2. Firmware through TWRP

• 📁 Copy firmware files (usually.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) to your phone or flash drive.
• 🧹 V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
• 📥 Click Install, select a firmware file and confirm installation.
• 🔄 After completion, repeat the step for GApps (if necessary).
• 🔧 Reboot to the system (Reboot) → Systems. The first launch can take 10 to 20 minutes.

If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo or went into a bootloop (cyclic reboot), try:

• 🔄 Repeat the Wipe and re-flash.
• 🔧 Install a different firmware version (maybe your model requires a special kernel).
• 📱 Check firmware compatibility with your device on the forum XDA.

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Custom firmware often requires additional patches for the camera (e.g, ANX Camera for GCam) or cores. Without them, the main camera can run in low resolution or not start at all.

5. Solving common firmware errors

Even with strict follow-up, errors can occur, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, and the phone turned into a “brick” (no buttons, no PC is detected), there are two options:

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL (requires an authorized account and special equipment).
• 🏥 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (if the warranty is valid, do not talk about firmware attempts).

6. firmware without computer: through Recovery and OTA

If you don't have access to a PC, you can update your firmware directly from your phone, which is suitable for official updates or custom firmware installations through your phone. TWRP, if it has already been established.

Method 1. Update via Recovery (for official use) MIUI)

• 📱 Download the firmware in.zip format from the official website.
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of your internal memory.
• 🔄 Turn off the phone and press the volume up. + Food to enter Recovery.
• 🌍 Choose a language, then Install update.zip to System.
• 🔧 Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware through TWRP (PCless)

• 📱 Download firmware and GApps (if needed) to your phone.
• 🔄 Enter in. TWRP (Loudness up + Nutrition).
• 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe (Tag System, Data, Cache).
• 📥 Click Install, select a firmware file and confirm.
• 🔄 Repeat the step for GApps.
• 🔧 Reboot to the system.

Please note: Firmware through Recovery will not work if:

• You've got a loader locked.
• The firmware file is designed to be installed via Fastboot.
• The device does not support.zip installation via stock Recovery (relevant for new Redmi models after 2022).

7. System optimization after firmware

After successful firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation of the device:

For the official MIUI:

• 🔧 Turn off advertising: go to Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings → Disable recommendations.
• 📱 Update all apps through Google Play or App Store.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

For custom firmware (AOSP):

• 🔧 Install Magisk for root rights (if necessary): download Magisk.zip and pass through TWRP.
• 📷 Set up the camera: install GCam or ANX Camera (seek configuration on the XDA for your model).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

If there are bugs after the firmware (for example, it does not work). NFC or fingerprint sensor, check it out:

• 🔍 Compatibility of firmware with your model on the forum XDA.
• 📥 Presence of patches or fixes in the theme of firmware.
• 🔄 Possibility of rollback to the previous version.

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After installing custom firmware, some functions (for example, IR-The blaster or the Game Turbo may not be there. That's OK -- they're part of it. MIUI and not ported to AOSP-firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi firmware