Installation Rustor on Xiaomi: a complete guide from unlock to firmware

Installing Rustor custom firmware on Xiaomi devices is a way to get advanced functionality, Russian-language interface and optimized performance. However, the process requires care, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for your model. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparation to solving possible errors, so that you can flash the device without the risk of bricking.

It is important to understand that Rustor is an informal firmware based on sewage software. MIUI It's a HyperOS, but it's deep localized and it's got extra features, and it's a good fit for most smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T) and some Mi TVs. TV. But before you start, check the compatibility of your model on the official website of the project!

If you're a beginner, we recommend that you first get familiar with the basic concepts of what a bootloader, TWRP, and why you can't install firmware from another model, and for experienced users, we have prepared unique tips for optimizing Rustor after installation, which are not found in the standard guides.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before installation

The first step is to back up your data. Installing Rustor involves completely resetting your device (wipe), so all photos, contacts and apps will be deleted. Use Mi Mover or Google Drive, Mi Cloud, to save important information.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge - at least 60% (when discharging during firmware, the device can turn off).
• 📱 Device model – type ##4636## in the dialer or check in Settings → The phone.
• 🔗 Cable USB Type-C – Use original or certified to avoid connection breaks.
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 — A PC will be required to unlock the bootloader.

If you have a Mi TV TV, The preparation will be different: you will need USB-a storage device with a capacity of at least 4 GB, formatted in FAT32. For smartphones, be sure to install Mi drivers USB Driver and Mi Unlock Tool (you can download from the official Xiaomi website).

2 Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't install Rustor. Xiaomi officially lets you unlock the bootloader, but the process requires waiting and confirming your account.

1. Link your Mi Account: go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Make sure your account is confirmed by email/phone.
2. Activate USB debugging: in Settings → About phone tap 7 times on the MIUI version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
4. Start unlocking: the tool will prompt you to wait 72 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).

For Mi TVs, TV The process is more complex: ADB-access and manual file editing. For details see spoiler below.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the device, including the Google account binding, as well as some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine). L1 for Netflix 4K) They may stop working.

3. Selection of the version Rustor: which firmware to download

Project Rustor offers several types of firmware:

• 📱 Stable - stable version with minimal bugs, updated once in a while 1-2 month.
• 🔄 Weekly – weekly builds with the latest features, but errors are possible.
• 🎮 Gaming – optimized for gaming (improved cooling, overclocking) GPU).
• 📺 TV — Special assemblies for Mi TVs TV (for example, for Mi TV Q1E).

Download the firmware only from official sources:

• 🌐 Official website: rustor.pro (check hash amounts of files!).
• 💬 Telegram channel: @rustor_news (There are published relevant links and patches).

To choose the correct version, use the compatibility table:

⚠️ Warning: Smartphone and TV firmware are not interchangeable! Installing the wrong version will lead to hard brick. Always check the model code (e.g., check the model code, 22101320C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).

4. Install Rustor via TWRP or Fastboot

There are two main ways to install it: through the custom TWRP Recovery or the fastboot command. We recommend TWRP for beginners, as this method is visually simpler.

Method 1: Installation via TWRP

Steps:

1. Download TWRP for your model from twrp.me.
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
4. Transfer the Rustor file (.zip format) to your device and select Install → Select file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

Method 2: Installation via Fastboot (for experienced)

This is a good way to do this if you don't have a TWRP for your model.

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in the folder with fastboot.
2. Connect the device in fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when you turn on).
3. Fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot reboot

5. First setup and optimization Rustor

Once installed successfully, the device will restart to Rustor, and it can take up to 10 minutes to turn on the first one, which is normal.

• 🌍 Choose the language (Russian will be by default).
• 🔑 Skip Mi Account binding (unless synchronization is needed).
• 🔧 Enable Developers and Activate Optimization MIUI (improves smoothness).
• 🛡️ Turn off Auto Update in Settings → About the phone to avoid accidental return to stock firmware.

For Mi TVs after firmware Rustor recommend:

• 📶 Reconnect Wi-Fi (sometimes resets network settings).
• 🎯 Calibrate the screen in Settings → Display. → Color mode.
• 🔊 Check the sound through HDMI ARC (Some models require manual adjustment).

💡

If it's gone after the firmware. 4G/LTE, Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select 4G (This is a common mistake when switching from stock. MIUI rustor.

6. Solving common errors after installation

Even with the right installation, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the device doesn’t turn on at all (brick), try:

1. Power + Vol Up for 20 seconds (hard reset)
2. Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

💡

If after Rustor firmware, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stopped working, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate the root hiding. This bypasses SafetyNet check.

7.Rustor Update and rollback to stock firmware

Update Rustor directly from the system: upload a new.zip file to the device memory, then go to Settings → About Phone → Software Update → Three dots → Select a file. The system itself will suggest rebooting to TWRP for installation.

To return to stock MIUI or HyperOS:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com/a/miui/download.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode (delete all data!).
3. If you want to block the bootloader back, use the command: fastboot flashing lock ⚠️ This will reset the device to factory settings.

On Mi TVs. TV rollback is carried out through USB-accumulator:

1. Format the flash drive in FAT32.
2. Place a firmware file called update.zip in the root of the drive.
3. Insert the flash drive into the TV, go to Settings → About device → Software Update → Local Update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Rustor