What programs are needed on a computer for a Xiaomi phone in 2026: a full list with instructions

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just “phones” – full-fledged multimedia centers that require regular maintenance through the PC. Without special programs, you will not be able to flash the device, unlock the bootloader, restore data after a reset or even just transfer photos in their original quality. But what tools will be needed? The answer depends on your goal: some users want to just synchronize contacts, others – install custom firmware, and still others – to bring back to life the “brick” after a failed update.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current software to work with Xiaomi via your computer in 2026, from official utilities to advanced tools for enthusiasts, learn what you need to download for your model (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 14), how to avoid USB connection errors, and why some programs can block your Mi Account account.

1. Official programs from Xiaomi: what to install

To start with, the software is guaranteed to be compatible with your device and will not result in a loss of warranty (unless you violate the rules of use), and can be downloaded from the official Xiaomi Download Center website or through the Mi Community.

Mi PC Suite is the main tool for most tasks.

• 📱 Sync contacts, messages, and photos from your PC (including backups)
• 🔄 Update firmware over the air (OTA) frictionless"
• 🎵 Manage multimedia (transfer of music, videos, documents)
• 🔧 Check the status of the battery and storage

However, the Mi PC Suite has limitations: it does not support unlocking the bootloader and does not work with custom firmware. For this purpose, you will need Mi Unlock Tool, a bootloader unlock utility that is mandatory before installing unofficial software. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened requirements: now you need to link an account to the device to unlock and wait 720 hours (30 days) before the first attempt.

Another official program is the Xiaomi Flash Tool, which is used for “clean” installation of firmware through Fastboot mode, supports all current models, but requires prior unlocking of the bootloader. Importantly, the version of the program must correspond to the firmware version (for example, HyperOS needs a new version of the flash toe).

⚠️ Note: When using the Mi Unlock Tool, never enter your account details on third-party sites offering to "accelerate unlock"; this is 100% fraud that will result in your Mi Account being stolen.

2. Drivers: nowhere without them

Even the most advanced software is useless if your computer doesn't recognize your Xiaomi. №1 Errors Like "device not found" or "fastboot waiting for a device:

Official Xiaomi drivers (downloaded with Mi PC Suite or separately from the site) provide basic compatibility in modes:

• 📱 MTP (file transfer)
• 🔧 Fastboot (firmware)
• 🛠️ EDL (emergency mode for bricks")

For advanced users, you’ll need Qualcomm Drivers (if your Xiaomi is on a Snapdragon chip) or Mediatek Drivers (for Dimensity/Helio devices), which are drivers you need to work with tools like QFil or SP Flash Tool.

Check the installation of drivers through the Device Manager (Windows): in the section "Ports (COM and LPT)" should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for EDL mode) or Android Bootloader Interface (for fastboot).

Install Mi PC Suite| Download Qualcomm/Mediatek drivers (if needed)| Check device display in Manager | Disable driver signature (for Windows 11)|Reboot PC after installation-->

3. Firmware and modification programs

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), get root rights, or restore a brick, standard Xiaomi tools won’t be enough.

Custom firmware installation also requires ADB and Fastboot (part of the Android SDK Platform Tools), which allow you to send commands directly to your phone system, such as:

fastboot oem unlock

Important: Before using any firmware tools, make a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened its policy on modified devices - some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine L1) may stop working after installing custom software.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL (9008 mode can lead to hard-brick if you choose the wrong firmware version. Always check for model code compatibility (e.g., model code, 2304FPN69G For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).

4. Programs for backup and recovery of data

Data loss is one of the most painful problems when working with Xiaomi via PC. Even a simple firmware update can erase photos if you don't backup in advance.

Mi Cloud (cloud storage from Xiaomi) – automatically syncs contacts, notes and photos (if you have the option in the settings), however, the free account only has 5 GB of space, and download speed is limited.

For local backup on PC is suitable:

• 💾 Mi PC Suite – backs up applications and settings (but not system files)
• 📦 Titanium Backup (requires root) – saves applications with data (e.g., game progress)
• 🔍 Dr.Fone – Data Recovery – Recovers deleted files (works even without root, but does not guarantee 100% results)
• 📂 Syncthing – Open source software for synchronizing files between devices without a cloud

If the phone is not turned on, but is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, you can try UFi Box or EasyJTAG - professional tools for extracting data from damaged devices.

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Before resetting to factory settings, disable the Google and Mi Account binding in the Settings menu → Accounts. This will save you from having a problem with FRP-lock (request password after resetting).

5 Tools for unlocking and circumventing restrictions

Xiaomi is actively blocking the possibility of modifying its devices, and to circumvent these restrictions, enthusiasts have developed specialized programs:

XiaomiTool V2 is the most popular tool for unlocking a bootloader, bypassing official restrictions. It automates the process, but requires:

• 🔓 Unblocked Mi Account (without device binding)
• 📥 Installed LibUSB drivers
• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 10/11 (on Linux/Mac work is not guaranteed)

Anti-Rollback Downgrade Tool is used to bypass anti-rollback, which modifies the firmware before installation, but can cause IMEI loss or network problems.

If you encounter a “This device is locked” error when trying to flash a customized Recovery, try the Bypass Mi Account Tool. However, note that Xiaomi has implemented a new HyperOS protection system since 2026, and many workaround methods have stopped working.

⚠️ Note: Using Mi Account bypass tools (for example, after buying a used phone with a linked account) can lead to blocking IMEI It can only be restored through the official service center.

Programs for optimization and diagnosis

Even if you're not planning on flashing your phone, it's helpful to have a tool on hand to check it.

CPU-Z (or AIDA64) — shows complete hardware information, such as processor model, RAM volume, battery status, and even sensor temperature, useful for diagnosing overheating or checking performance before buying a used device.

AccuBattery analyzes the battery's condition and predicts its wear and tear, for example, if the capacity has dropped below 80%, it's time to think about replacing it. It works without root, but it shows advanced data.

To test the screen for broken pixels or sensor issues, use Screen Test (available on Google Play). and to test the camera, use Manual Camera Compatibility, which tests support for RAW and manual settings.

If your phone is slowing down, try SD Maid, which cleans the cache, removes junk files, and optimizes storage. For advanced users, there is Greenify, which freezes background processes, saving charge.

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Regular diagnosis via AIDA64 or CPU-Z can help identify problems early on, such as overheating of the processor due to thermal paste or battery degradation after 500 charging cycles.

7. How to choose a program for your task: step-by-step guide

In order not to get confused in dozens of utilities, use this instruction:

1. Identify a target: 🔄 Firmware update → Mi PC Suite or Xiaomi Flash Tool 🔓 Unlocking the loader → Mi Unlock Tool + waiting 30 days 📱 Installation of custom firmware → OrangeFox + ADB/Fastboot 💾 Data recovery → Dr.Fone or TWRP
2. Check out the phone model: QFil is suitable for Poco and Redmi on Snapdragon For Xiaomi on Dimensity - SP Flash Tool

Install the drivers.

Make a backup.

Follow the instructions.

Example: You want to flash Xiaomi 13T to HyperOS.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (30 days wait)
2. Download HyperOS firmware for your model from hyperos.mi.com
3. Install Xiaomi Flash Tool and flash in clean all mode
4. Recover data from the backup (via Mi PC Suite or Titanium Backup)

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face problems when working with Xiaomi via PC.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If you see the error "This device is locked" when trying to flash a custom recavator, then the bootloader is not unlocked.

fastboot oem device-info

If you look for Device unlocked: true, you'll have to use the Mi Unlock Tool.

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90% of Xiaomi firmware errors are due to three reasons: wrong drivers, a blocked bootloader or an incompatible firmware version.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions