Installation of TGB firmware Xiaomi in Fastboot mode

Changing the region, recovering from a failed flash flash or wanting to get the latest version of Android before the official OTA – all of these tasks often require the use of the Fastboot method. Unlike Recovery mode, which works at the operating system level, Fastboot mode allows you to interact with the bootloader of the device directly, ignoring the damaged system.

The main firmware format for this method is the.tgz archive, which contains a complete image of all the memory sections of the smartphone. USB-Unlike an over-the-air update, you have full control over every step of the process, but the responsibility for the outcome lies solely with your shoulders.

Before you start doing something, you need to be clear about the difference between modes of operation. If you just want to upgrade, you might want to use the standard settings path. However, for deep recovery or region change (like Chinese to global), it's Fastboot mode. This is a low-level protocol developed by Google that allows you to send commands to a device before the kernel boots.

Preparation of software and drivers

The first step is to prepare the workplace. You'll need a computer running Windows, because the main firmware utility, the MiFlash Tool, works best in this environment, and although there are analogues for Linux and macOS, they require command line work and are less beginner friendly.

The critical thing is to install the right drivers, and without them, the computer won't be able to recognize the smartphone in bootloader mode, usually called the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or just Android Bootloader Interface, and if you see an unknown device in the Device Manager with a yellow exclamation mark, you can't get firmware until you fix this problem.

You'll also need the MiFlash utility itself, which is an official tool that automatically detects the connected device and allows you to choose the path to the firmware files. Only download the program from proven resources or the official MIUI forum to avoid malicious code.

Remember that the Fastboot process involves the complete deletion of all user data. Even if you choose the option to save data, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of important photos and contacts to the cloud server or external drive.

Where to find and how to properly download the firmware archive

Finding the right file is the foundation of a successful operation. Archives for Fastboot always have the.tgz extension, while files for updating through Recovery have the.zip extension. If you downloaded a file that weighs about 3-5 GB and has a zip extension, it won't fit the method described in this article.

Official firmware sources include miui.com or specialized aggregators like XiaomiFirmwareUpdater. When choosing a version, pay attention to the model code of your device. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro with the sweet code will not stand on the device with the sweetin code (Indian version), even if the model names are the same.

It is important to check the release date and version of Android. Sometimes it makes sense to roll back to an older but stable version if the new one contains bugs. However, remember to protect Anti-Rollback: some devices prohibit installation of an older version of the software than the one installed now, which can lead to “bricking”.

Once downloaded, the archive does not need to be repackaged or renamed. The only action you need to do is unpack the.tgz archive with an archiver (e.g., 7-Zip or WinRAR) into the root of the C disk or into any short-path folder that does not contain Cyrillic characters.

Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones come with a Locked Bootloader, a security measure that prevents untested software from being installed. If you try to flash a device with a locked bootloader, MiFlash will give you an error and the process won’t start.

To unlock, you need to apply through the Mi Unlock Tool app on your PC and link your Mi Account to your smartphone settings. After submitting your application, you usually have a waiting period of 7 to 168 hours (week to month), during which Xiaomi servers check the device.

⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader automatically initiates a complete reset of all data on the device (Wipe Data.

There are ways to get around the wait through paid services, but they carry additional risks and require the transfer of access to the account to third parties.The official path, although long, ensures that you do not get blocked by IMEI or other problems with the activation servers.

After successfully unlocking the smartphone in Fastboot mode, an open lock with the inscription Unlocked will appear on the screen, which is a visual confirmation that the path for installing custom or regional firmware is open.

Step-by-step: Firmware through MiFlash Tool

Now, to the most critical stage, make sure that the firmware archive is unpacked, the drivers are installed, and the smartphone is charged at least 60%. Connect the phone turned off to the computer, while holding the volume button. The screen should light up with an image of a hare repairing an android, labeled FASTBOOT.

Launch MiFlash on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button in the upper right corner. Your device's serial number should appear in the list. If the number shows an empty field or error, check the cable and drivers.

Press the Select button and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Importantly, you need to choose the folder that contains files with names like flash_all.bat, Once you've chosen a path, press Refresh again to check the integrity of the files.

adb devices


fastboot devices

At the bottom of the MiFlash window, you'll see three options, the safest and the most recommended for most cases — clean_all. This mode completely clears the memory and establishes a clean system. save_user_data It can be unstable when changing regions, and clean_all_and_lock locks the bootloader back, which can be dangerous if the firmware is not original for the region.

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Always choose the method "clean_all" When changing the region or version of Android to avoid system file conflicts and endless reboots).

Press Flash and be patient. It takes 200 to 600 seconds. The progress bar will be filled with green. Under no circumstances turn off the cable or turn off the computer at this point. Any interruption of writing to memory can lead to irreversible consequences.

Error analysis and solution of firmware problems

Even if you follow the instructions strictly, you can get errors, and one of the most common is Missmatching image and device, which means you're trying to flash firmware that's not designed for that particular device, and double-check the model code (like the cepheus for Mi 9) and the file's compliance.

Not enough memory error or path problems often occur if the path to the firmware folder is too long or contains Russian letters. Move the firmware folder to the root of the disk, renaming it, for example, to C:\mi_rom.

⚠️ Note: If there is a code error during the firmware process 0x... (Downgrade error, which means you've got Anti-Rollback protection on, you're trying to install the Android version below the one that the device used to run, and you can only roll back to the version with the same or higher Anti-Rollback index.

If the utility freezes at the “Flashing” or “Waiting” stage, try changing it. USB-Port (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the motherboard) or another cable. Cheap "charging only" cables are not suitable for data transfer in Fastboot mode.

In case the phone went into an endless reboot (Bootloop) after firmware, try a full reset via Recovery Mode. To do this, press the power and volume button "up" before the Mi logo appears, then select the language and press Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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After the first download of a new firmware, the smartphone can heat up and discharge quickly within 1-2 days. This is normal: the system performs file indexing and application optimization. Let the device lie on charge with the screen off for about an hour after the initial setup.