Installation of third-party firmware on Xiaomi: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing custom software

Xiaomi smartphones have long gained popularity due to the combination of powerful hardware and affordable price, but standard firmware MIUI Some people want to get rid of advertising and unnecessary services, some want a more recent version of Android, and some just want to experiment with alternative shells like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. Installing third-party firmware is a way to transform a device to suit your needs, but the process requires care and understanding of the risks.

In this article, we'll go all the way from unlocking the bootloader (without which custom software is impossible to install) to choosing the right firmware to solve typical problems. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid a "brick" (turning your phone into a "brick"), and what to do if something goes wrong. Important: the procedure voids the warranty and can lead to loss of data - make sure to back up before you start.

Smartphone firmware is not just a software update, but a complete replacement of system software. ADB, Fastboot or custom recavers like TWRP, We recommend that you study each step carefully. For beginners, the process may seem complicated, but with the right approach, it is quite feasible even without deep technical knowledge.

Before proceeding to the instructions, answer the question:

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Installation

Installing third-party firmware is not a reversible process, even if the launcher decides to go back to standard. MIUI, You're going to have to go through all the steps again, including unlocking the bootloader, so first of all, you're going to have to assess whether you're ready for the next consequences:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty: Manufacturer considers interference with system software to be a breach of warranty conditions.
• 📱 The risk of a “brike”: wrong actions can render the phone inoperable (although 90% of cases are fixable).
• 🔄 Reset. All data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted — be sure to backup.
• 🔋 Battery problems: Some custom firmware can impair autonomy due to unoptimized power consumption.

If you still decide to continue, check the compatibility of your model with the selected firmware. For example, LineageOS officially supports not all Xiaomi devices, and some builds (for example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may have camera or sensor bugs. The list of supported models is usually published on forums. XDA Developers or on project sites (e.g. lineageos.org).

Also note that some firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) requires Android 12.+, And your device can only officially support Android 11, so you'll have to look for unofficial ports, which are often less stable.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without special tricks.Clarify the model by labeling on the box or in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step zero

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that prevents uncertified software from being installed, and to unlock it, you need to get permission from the manufacturer through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

The process takes between 72 hours and 1 week (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and includes the following steps:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power when the device is off) and follow the instructions of the tool.

After you send the unlock request, you'll have to wait for confirmation.

• 🔄 Signing out of your Mi Account on your phone.
• 📱 Reset the device to factory settings.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to another PC (use the same computer from which you sent the request).

If the unlocking is not done after a week, try:

• Repeat a request from another Mi Account (sometimes helps).
• Use it. VPN India or China (according to user feedback, this speeds up the process).
• Contact Xiaomi to speed up the verification (specify the serial number of the device).

Mi Account linked to phone|Developer mode is on|Activated. OEM Unlock and Debugging by USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool|The phone is charged at least 60 times%-->

3. Selection of firmware: MIUI, LineageOS, Pixel Experience and more

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to decide on the firmware, and you can divide them into three categories:

For most users, the best choice is the Pixel Experience (if you want a naked Android with Google Pixel chips) or LineageOS (if stability and long-term support are important). K60) consider MIUI EU — It's the same. MIUI, but without advertising and with extended settings.

Where to download firmware:

• 🌍 Official assembly: MIUI EU, LineageOS.
• 🛠️ Informal ports: forum XDA Developers (Search for the theme of your model).
• 📦 Archives with tools: AndroidFileHost.

Before downloading, check:

• 📋 Compatible with your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G Redmi Note 11 Pro and different devices!).
• 🔢 Android version (some firmware requires a pre-update to a specific version) MIUI).
• 📅 Build Date (fresh versions are usually more stable, but may contain new bugs).

💡

If you’re choosing between LineageOS and Pixel Experience, consider the former offering more under the hood settings, while the latter offers a sleeker interface and chips from Google Pixel (like Now Playing for music recognition).

Installation TWRP: custom-recavator

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery that allows custom firmware, backups and system repairs to be installed, and without it, most third-party firmware cannot be installed.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the image TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me or trusted sources (for example, XDA). The file must have the.img extension.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Open the command line (or Terminal) Mac/Linux) The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-your_device.img Replace. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-your_device.img in the name of your file.
4. After successful firmware reboot in TWRP, clamping up + Nutrition.

If, after the reboot, TWRP It doesn't start, and the phone loads into a standard recap, which means it's overwritten, and this is a common problem on new Xiaomi devices (like the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12). POCO F5). Decision:

• 🔄 Repeat the firmware. TWRP And immediately after the command fastboot flash recovery execute: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-your_device.img It'll load. TWRP without memory, which will allow you to install the firmware before rewriting.
• 📦 Install firmware with anti-rollback support (if available for your model).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5 Pro for installation TWRP You need to first patch the patch. disable_anti_rollback.zip Or the phone may lock after trying to install custom software.

5. Firmware of the device: step-by-step instructions

Now that the boot loader is unlocked, TWRP You can start the firmware. You'll need it:

• 📱 Firmware file (usually in.zip format).
• 🔧 Magisk (if you need root access, download the latest version from GitHub).
• 💾 Backup of data (remind me again: everything will be erased!).

Procedure:

1. Copy the firmware file and Magisk (if needed) to your phone’s internal memory or microSD.
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. In the main menu, select Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (if required) Confirm the swipe.
4. Go back to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the firmware file. You can also flash Magisk (if you need root).
5. After the installation is complete, press Reboot System.

The first download can take 5-15 minutes -- don't interrupt the process -- if the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, something has gone wrong.

• 🔄 Try to reflash the device with a clean Wipe.
• 📥 Check the integrity of the firmware file (it may have been downloaded with errors).
• 🔧 Make sure the chosen firmware is compatible with your model.

6.Setting up the system after firmware

After successful firmware installation, you will have to first set up the system, depending on the type of firmware, the process may differ:

• 📱 MIUI EU/Pro: It is almost no different from the standard MIUI, but with advanced settings (for example, the ability to disable all advertising services in Settings) → Special facilities → Advertising).
• 🤖 LineageOS/Pixel Experience: pure Android, where you will have to manually adjust gestures, theme and link your Google account.
• 🔧 Magisk firmware: After the first download, check for root access through the Magisk Manager app.

General recommendations after firmware:

• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play.
• 📡 Check your mobile network and Wi-Fi (sometimes manual input is required) APN).
• 🎵 Make sure the sound works in headphones and speakers.
• 📸 Test the camera (some custom firmware has photo processing bugs).

If something doesn't work, don't panic. Majority problems are solved:

• 🔧 Installation of patches (e.g, NFC_fix.zip to correct contactless payment).
• 🔄 Re-flashing to another version of the software.
• 📥 Manual installation of drivers (for example, for a camera module).

💡

After installing custom firmware, be sure to check the work of Widevine L1 (Responsible for high-resolution video playback at Netflix, Disney+ If the status L3, download the patch Widevine_L1_fix.zip and run it through TWRP.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be difficulties.

If your problem doesn’t make it to the table, try:

• 🔍 Find a solution XDA Developers (Search for the theme of your model) + firmware).
• 📥 Reflash the device to another version of the software (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
• 📧 Seek help in thematic forums (e.g, 4PDA or MIUI Su Su Su Su Su Su).

⚠️ Note: If Google services stop working after the Pixel Experience or LineageOS firmware (for example, the Play Market does not open), there is likely no GApps package. Download the appropriate version from the Open GApps site and go through the TWRP.

8. Return to standard MIUI: how to roll back

If custom firmware did not meet expectations or critical bugs arose, you can always return to the standard firmware. MIUI. For that:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive and run the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware in the program.
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version. MIUI, It's more than the one that was installed earlier:

• Download a newer firmware (check the build date).
• Use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

After returning to MIUI The bootloader will remain unlocked and the device status in Fastboot will be marked as Unlocked:

• 🔒 Block the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (not always possible).
• 📥 Switching a special “factory” firmware (for example, global_stable for your region).

💡

Back to standard. MIUI You can do this at any time, but remember: the unlocked bootloader will remain so, and this can cause problems when contacting the service center (even if the firmware is standard).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions