Many users face a situation where standard software fails to meet their needs, or the device stops receiving official security updates. The firmware is the foundation of a smartphone’s performance, determining its speed, functionality and stability. In the world of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, this process has its own unique features that distinguish it from its competitors.
There is a myth that it is extremely difficult and risky to install custom or even official global firmware on a Chinese version of a smartphone. In fact, the MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools for modification, the main thing is to clearly understand the difference between the modes of operation of the bootloader and installation methods.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps from tool preparation to the final system setup. It is critical to understand that installing firmware with an incompatible region (e.g., Global on the Internet). CN-shift-over ID) This can lead to a bootloader lock or banking application problems.
Preparation for firmware: tools and backup
Before any manipulation of the system partition, it is necessary to ensure the security of data. The flashing process often involves the complete cleaning of the internal memory of the device. Backup is not just a recommendation, but a prerequisite. Save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to the computer.
You will need quality. USB-cable, preferably original, and a computer running Windows. ADB And the Fastboot has to be installed in advance, and without it, the computer won't see the smartphone in the right mode%.
Don’t forget to check your device model. You can find out the exact codename in settings or through special applications like CPU-Z. The firmware designed for the Redmi Note 10 (codename: mojito) is categorically not suitable for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (codename: sweet).
☑️ Firmware readiness
Check for free space on your computer. Firmware files can take anywhere from 3 to 6 GB unpacked, and it’s also worth disabling the antivirus while you’re running, as some system utilities can be falsely identified as threats.
Unlocking the bootloader: the first critical step
The company's official policy requires unlocking Bootloader to install custom recavators or unofficial builds, a process that ties a Mi Account to a device for a fixed period of time, typically between 7 and 168 hours.
First, you need to activate the "Factory Unlock" item in the "Developers" menu, and then you use the official Mi Unlock Tool. SIM-map, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to Mi-account. Without these conditions, the unlock button will be inactive.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Find Device function may not work properly, and some banking applications will require additional manipulations to run.
The unlocking process cleans the data completely, and even if you just asked for permission but didn't reflash the phone, the factory reset will happen when you successfully unlock it, and save your important passwords and access keys in advance.
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery vs Fastboot
Users are often confused about file formats. There are two main types of service packs for Xiaomi devices. The first is Recovery ROM. This is a file with the zip extension that can be installed through a standard update menu or custom recovery.
The second type is Fastboot ROM, which is an archive with the extension.tgz, which contains the complete system image, and is used for clean installation through the computer and the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you to change the region (for example, from China to Global), but requires an unlocked bootloader.
| Characteristics | Recovery ROM (.zip) | Fastboot ROM (.tgz) |
|---|---|---|
| Method of installation | Through the phone menu or TWRP | Through PC and Mi Flash Tool |
| Data retention | Possibly (update) | Just a complete cleanup. |
| Change of region | Impossible (CN on Global not possible) | Possibly (with unlocked BL) |
| File size | ~3-4 GB | ~4-6 GB |
If you plan to upgrade to a newer version within your region, the Recovery version is enough. If the goal is to change the region or restore the brick, you need a Fastboot package. Always check the checksum of the file after you download.
Where is it safe to download firmware?
Installation with Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
This is the most reliable way to install, which allows you to fully deploy the system. First, put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. This is usually done by pressing the volume button when the phone is turned off and connecting the cable to the PC, and the image of a rabbit repairing an android will appear on the screen.
Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button to let the utility detect the device. If the drivers are installed correctly, the serial number will appear in the list. Choose the path to the unpacked firmware folder.
flash_all.batAt the bottom of the utility window, it is important to choose the correct firmware mode. The "clean all" option will completely delete the data and unlock the bootloader (if it is already open); the "save user data" option will try to save files, but can cause errors when changing the region.
Press Flash and wait until it's done. It takes 5 to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the connection or touch the cable. At the end, the phone automatically reboots to the new system.
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If the Mi Flash Tool produces a Missmatching image and device error, check if you have confused the model, and this error occurs when you try to downgrade to an older version of Android without special rights.
Firmware through Recovery Mode and TWRP
The Recovery method is suitable for custom build upgrades or installations. The standard Recovery menu is limited: it checks for a digital signature. Therefore, unofficial firmware or regional updates often require TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to install.
To enter Recovery mode, press the volume button when your phone is off and plug in the cable. From the menu, select the language (if available) and "Wipe Data" if you want to clean it completely. Then select "Install" and specify the path to the file.zip.
Using TWRP makes it possible to create full backups (Nandroid), clean specific partitions (Dalvik, Cache, System), and install patches. However, improper partition cleaning can lead to a cyclical reboot.
⚠️ Note: When installing custom Recovery (TWRP) on devices with data encryption may require resetting the password of the lock screen. TWRP The phone is not loading, try formatting Data (Format Data) by typing "yes" into the console.
After installing the firmware through TWRP, be sure to clean the Dalvik/ART cache. This will help avoid "junk" from the old system and improve stability.
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TWRP allows you to install modified cores and patches that are not available for a standard bootloader, making it an indispensable tool for enthusiasts.
Solving common problems and errors
Even if you follow the instructions strictly, you can get a lot of problems, like Bootloop, and if your phone is stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes, try logging in to Recovery and doing Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
If the Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the phone, check the Windows Device Manager"QHSUSB_BULK" Or "Unknown Device." In this case, you need to manually update the driver, indicating the path to the folder with the drivers Qualcomm or Xiaomi.
The “Can’t verify update package” error when installed through a regular update is often due to the fact that you are trying to install the firmware of an earlier version or another region without the unlocked bootloader.
Also worth mentioning is the issue with Widevine L1. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the DRM level of protection can drop to L3, which will limit the quality of streaming on Netflix and other services to HD. Returning L1 on an unlocked bootloader is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible.