Home News Xiaomi firmware: official and alternative ways

Contents

• Why you should return the stock firmware
• Preparation: What to do before the start
• Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step
• 3 ways to install native firmware
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Features for different Xiaomi models
• What to do after a successful firmware
• Frequent questions about recovery MIUI

Returning native firmware to Xiaomi may be necessary for many reasons, from bugs in custom firmware to problems with updates or selling the device. MIUI, Users are often lost in the abundance of instructions, many of which are outdated or contain dangerous recommendations.This article will help you understand how to safely restore stock firmware on any Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone. POCO — From 2018 models to the latest flagships of 2026.

We'll look at all the current methods, from official recovery via the Mi Flash Tool to manual installation via Recovery and Fastboot, and focus on unlocking the bootloader, a key step without which most methods simply won't work, and to avoid common errors, checklists and compatibility tables for different models.

Why you should return stock firmware Xiaomi

Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience gives you more freedom, but often deprives the user of important functions. MIUI:

• 🔄 Update issues: custom firmware rarely gets security patches, and stockware MIUI updated monthly.
• 📱 Unstable work: if the phone overheats, discharges quickly or flies to the bootloop, the fault often becomes unofficial software.
• 💰 Sell or Exchange: Most buyers prefer devices with original firmware – this increases the cost in the secondary market.
• 🔒 Security issues: Stock firmware guarantees Google Pay, Widevine L1 (for Netflix HD) Other services that are blocked on custom assemblies.
• 🛠️ Warranty repair: Xiaomi service centers refuse to service devices with modified software.

Furthermore, starting with MIUI 14 Xiaomi actively blocks the possibility of installing unofficial firmware on new models (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+), So going back to the sewage software may be the only way to bring the phone back to life after a failed experiment.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed a firmware through EDL-Mod (emergency mode), return to the sewage software may require a special authorized cable, POCO F5) This is often the only way to restore the brick".

Preparation: What to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which will save you from data loss and unforeseen errors.

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the battery power (at least 60%)

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC

Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)

Disable Mi Account protection (if your phone is locked)

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Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. There are three types of files available on the Xiaomi Firmware website:

For most cases, the Fastboot is optimal. ROM — It allows you to restore your phone even if the system doesn't boot. 11 Pro+ 5G (codename veux) only a firmware marked veux_global.

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If you are not sure about the encoding of your model, check it through the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device or in the phone settings along the Settings path. → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Device information

Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step

Without the bootloader, most firmware methods simply won’t work. Xiaomi blocks it by default, but officially lets you unlock through the Mi Unlock service.

The process takes between 7 and 30 days (depending on the account) and requires:

1. Phone Links to Mi Account (required via SIM-map!).
2. Including debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Account Links to Device (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Find the device).
4. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official version only!).

Once you send out the unlock request, you have to wait, and you can speed up the process if you:

• 🔹 Use an account that has previously unlocked other devices (the term is reduced to a minimum of three). 3-7 days).
• 🔹 Connect to the Internet via a mobile network (not Wi-Fi) at first binding.
• 🔹 Do not leave your Mi Account or reset your phone until the process is complete.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. It will be difficult to restore it later – you will need specialized software like Maui. META.

If unlocking through Mi Unlock doesn’t work (for example, the utility gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error), try:

1. Disable antivirus and firewall on PC.
2. Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Run Mi Unlock on behalf of the administrator.
4. Try another PC (some Windows 11 laptops have driver issues).

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Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the phone! backup in advance, or you will lose photos, messages and apps.

3 ways to install native firmware

The choice of method depends on the state of the phone and your experience, and let's look at all the current options, from the simplest to the most reliable.

1. via Mi Flash Tool (recommended method)

Suitable for most cases, including "bricks" (phones that don't turn on) requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

1. Download Fastboot ROM For your model and unpack the archive.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool (version no lower than 2023.4.1).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and in the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader again).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is stuck on "waiting for device", check the drivers or try another one. USB-On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13 You may need to log in via Mi Account even in Fastboot.

2. via Recovery (no PC)

It only works if the phone is turned on and you have access to Recovery. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it's not suitable for all models.

1. Download Recovery ROM (.zip file) and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. After installation, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) this method can lead to the error "E: Footer is wrong.

3. Through OTA-Package (update over the current firmware)

The safest, but also the most limited way, is suitable if the current firmware is close to stock (for example, you want to upgrade customized). MIUI formal).

1. Download. OTA-The package for your model (see Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Transfer the file to your phone and rename it to update.zip.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
5. Specify downloaded update.zip and wait for completion.

This method will not work if:

• 🔸 The current firmware is very outdated (the difference in versions is greater). 2-3 points, for example, with MIUI 12 on MIUI 14).
• 🔸 Unofficial Recovery is installed (e.g, TWRP).
• 🔸 The phone was unlocked through unofficial tools (e.g., the phone was unlocked, EDL).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

One of the most insidious errors is “This device is locked” when trying to flash an unlocked phone, which means that the bootloader has locked again (for example, after resetting via Fastboot with the Clean all and lock option), solved by re-unlocking via Mi Unlock.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware (black screen, no button response), try:

1. Charge the phone. 30-60 Minutes (sometimes the battery is drained in the process).
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + Meals for food 20-30 seconds (emergency reset).
3. Connect to the PC and check if the device is detected in Device Manager (if yes, repeat the firmware).
4. Use it. EDL-Mod (requires authorized cable and Mi Flash Pro software).

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If your phone has turned into a brick after a failed firmware, don’t panic – 90% of the time it can be recovered via Fastboot or Fastboot. EDL. The main thing is not to try to stitch it again without diagnosing the problem.

Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are stitched the same way, here are the key nuances for the popular series:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra: Require Mi Account authorization even in Fastboot.Use the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool (2026.1.1 or newer).
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Series: On MediaTek models (e.g. Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) after the firmware can fly IMEI. Save it in advance via #4636##.
• 📱 POCO F5/F5 Pro: Do not support installation via Recovery - only Fastboot. SIM-card-to-account.

For models older than 2020 (e.g., Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) Alternative tools like XiaomiTool can be used. V2, They automate the unlocking and firmware process, but they often don't work on new devices because of tighter security policies.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X4 GT) If you fail, your eMMC memory can burn up. It's an incorrigible hardware defect that requires you to replace the motherboard. Always check the firmware integrity before installing it!

If your model is not listed, check its code name on the site. XDA Developers, and you look for firmware on that one. 11S It's fleur, and for Xiaomi. 11T Pro — vili.

What to do after a successful firmware

Yeah, the phone's loaded, but it's not finished yet, and this is what you need to do in the first few hours after you've recovered the stock firmware.

Complete the initial setup (don’t miss the steps!)

Update MIUI until the last version through OTA

Check the operation of sensors (camera, fingerprint sensor, NFC)

Restore IMEI (if)

Install the necessary applications and recover data from the backup

Block the bootloader (optional, if you do not plan further experiments)

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The first thing that catches your eye when you go back to stock firmware is the abundance of pre-installed apps (bloatware), which you can uninstall without root rights using the help of a browser. ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.global


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.scanner




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

A complete list of safe packets to remove can be found at XDA Developers.

If the mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working after the firmware:

1. Check it out. IMEI *#06# If it is missing, restore it via Maui META (for MediaTek or QCN Rebuilder (for Qualcomm).
2. Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
3. Update the modem firmware via Fastboot (look for files marked firmware-update on the Fastboot). 4PDA).

If you plan to sell your phone, lock the bootloader back:

1. Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
2. Connect to the PC and execute the command: fastboot oem lock
3. Confirm the lock on the phone (if you receive a request).

After blocking the bootloader, the installation of unofficial firmware will become impossible without re-unblocking.

Frequent questions about recovery MIUI