How to install the downloaded firmware on the Xiaomi smartphone: 2 ways (Fastboot and Recovery)

Installing custom or official firmware on Xiaomi devices is a process that requires care and preparation. Many users face the need to reflash the smartphone due to slow work, lack of updates or the desire to get advanced features. However, the wrong actions can turn the gadget into a “brick”, so it is important to understand all the nuances from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss two main methods of installing firmware: through Fastboot (for full flashing) and Recovery (for upgrades or partial installation), and you will learn how to avoid typical errors, what tools you will need and what to do if something goes wrong. The instructions are relevant for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, issued after 2018.

⚠️ Warning: Smartphone firmware voids warranty and can lead to data loss.If you are not sure about your actions, contact a specialist. Xiaomi is not responsible for damage caused by self-firmware.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start installing firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to locking the device or loss of data without the possibility of recovery.

First, check your smartphone model and its encoding (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 Pro may have a sweet or sweetin version for India) and you can find it in the settings along the Settings route → About Phone → Model or through the fastboot getvar product command in the terminal. Model firmware mismatch is one of the main reasons for the “bricking” of devices.

Second, make sure you have:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 100%).
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Fastboot or any PC (for Recovery).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📁 Backup data (photos, contacts, messages) Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Also download the necessary tools:

• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot) – official utility from Xiaomi.
• 📲 ADB Fastboot drivers (install via Minimal) ADB and Fastboot or Platform Tools by Google).
• 🔗 Firmware in.tgz (Fastboot) or.zip (Recovery) format from the official website MIUI Downloads or Trusted Forums (for example, XDA Developers).

2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) - a mandatory step for Fastboot

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices by default. Without it, installing firmware via Fastboot is impossible.The process takes 3 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi's policy) and requires linking the Mi Account to the device.

To unlock the loader:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and run it on PC.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously unlocked the bootloader on this device, Xiaomi may require you to wait up to 15 days (720 hours) before first unlocking.This timer is reset when you change your Mi Account or reset your phone.

3. Install firmware via Fastboot (full firmware reflashing)

Fastboot is suitable for complete flashing of the device, including recovery from crashes or install custom firmware. It erases all data, so be sure to do a backup.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (black screen with a hare and the words Fastboot).
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader After Firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is stuck in the waiting for device phase, check:

• 🔌 Connection USB (Try another port or cable).
• 🖥️ Are Fastboot drivers installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, then try again.

Device charged at 100%|

bootloader unlocked |

Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot|

The firmware is unpacked in the root catalog of the disk |

Backup of important data is made-->

4. Install firmware through Recovery (update without loss of data)

Recovery is suitable for updating the current version of MIUI or installing custom firmware (like LineageOS).It does not require unlocking the bootloader if you are updating the official firmware, but does not work for downgrade (switching to an older version).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Boot in Recovery: Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.

In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then:

Install update.zip to System

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: If you install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), Check it for compatibility with your model. TWRP may not support data encryption, which will lead to the inability to boot the system.

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If you have your phone stuck on the Mi logo after you have firmware through Recovery, try resetting the settings via Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, which will delete user data, but restore the system to work.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If the device doesn’t respond to buttons and doesn’t boot, try EDL emergency mode:

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the PC identifies the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware in EDL mode.

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EDL mode is the last chance to restore the brick. It requires special drivers and firmware in.mbn format. Do not use it unless absolutely necessary, as this can lead to hardware failures.

6. Firmware check and first actions after installation

After successful firmware, several steps must be taken to ensure the stability of the system:

• 🔄 Reset the device 2-3 This helps to stabilize the work of new drivers.
• 📱 Check the basic features: Calls and mobile internet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Camera and sensors (gyroscope, compass).
• 🔒 If you have installed custom firmware, check SafetyNet status through the Magisk app (important for banking applications).
• 📊 Update apps via Google Play or Mi App Store.

If you notice lags or overheating, reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset) This will eliminate possible conflicts between old and new firmware.

To check the firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. Compare it to the one you installed. If the versions don't match, repeat the firmware process.

7.Security and advice from experienced users

Xiaomi’s firmware is a process that requires not only technical skills but also attention to detail. Here are some tips from experts:

• 🔐 Never use firmware from unverified sources. MIUI Downloads or Trusted Forums (XDA, 4PDA).
• 📡 Before you run your firmware, disable Find My Device and Mi Cloud Sync in your account settings.This will prevent your device from being locked after you reset.
• 🔧 If you install custom recovery (TWRP), Check it is compatible with the Android version on your device, TWRP Android 10 may not work for Android 12.
• 📅 Watch out for firmware updates. Xiaomi regularly closes vulnerabilities, so legacy versions may contain critical bugs.

If you are planning to experiment with custom firmware, we recommend:

• Try Ported ROM (like Pixel Experience) on a secondary device first.
• Use Magisk to obtain root rights instead of outdated methods like SuperSU.
• Create a full backup through TWRP before installing any unofficial firmware.

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For Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (like the Redmi 9A), use the SP Flash Tool utility instead of the Mi Flash Tool. The firmware algorithm is different, so pre-examine the guides for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)