Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones face the need to change software.The Chinese version of the operating system often lacks important features such as Google services or has an inconvenient localization. Global firmware solves these problems, but requires a careful approach to the installation process.
Understanding how to reflash the device correctly will keep the device from becoming a brick. The modern shells MIUI and HyperOS have a complex security structure that requires preliminary preparation. We will look at all the steps from applying for unlock to the final screen calibration.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the risks and requirements. The change of software on Xiaomi Android devices is not a routine operation for the average user. It involves interference with the system partition memory.
The main difficulty lies in the company's policy, which requires the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader), without this step, installing third-party or regional software is impossible, and the unlocking process can take from 7 to 168 hours after submitting an application through the Mi Account.
Preparation for flashing: tools and backup
The initial stage is critical to the success of the entire operation. USB-The cable, preferably original, and the computer running Windows. Drivers must be installed correctly so that the system recognizes the smartphone in Fastboot mode.
Make sure to back up your data completely. In the process of flashing, the device's internal memory will be completely cleaned, and keep your contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on external storage.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to at least 60% to avoid power outages.
- 💻 Install current drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
- 🔐 Link the phone number to the Mi Account in the smartphone settings.
- 🌐 Provide a stable Internet connection on PC and phone.
☑️ Preparation for flashing
It is important to note that to unlock the bootloader on the device must be enabled SIM-card with mobile Internet. Wi-Fi in this case is not suitable for authorization in the security system MIUI. After the activation of the function “Unlock the bootloader” in the menu “For developers” will appear waiting status.
Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi
This is the longest step you can't get around, and you have to download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the manufacturer's website, and you start the program and log in to your Mi Account, which is the same one you use on your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the data protection mechanism will work, all files on the device will be deleted, and the quality of the low-light photo may temporarily decrease due to the reset of the camera algorithms, but this is corrected over time.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, pressing down and power at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility. If enough time has passed since you filed, the process will take a few minutes.
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot
Users are often confused about firmware file formats. For Xiaomi, there are two main types: Recovery (.zip) and Fastboot (.tgz), depending on the installation method and the desired result.
Recovery firmware is designed to be updated through a standard recovery menu, lighter weight and easier to install, but does not allow you to change the region (for example, from China to Global) without additional manipulation. Fastboot firmware contains a complete image of the system and allows you to perform cross-regional installation.
| Characteristics | Recovery (.zip) | Fastboot (.tgz) |
|---|---|---|
| File size | 3-4GB | 4-6 GB |
| Change of region | Not always possible. | Full support |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium/High |
| Clearing the data | I'll be sure. |
To install the Fastboot version, you will need Mi Flash Tool. Download the archive with the firmware, unpack it into the root of the disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic), and run the utility on behalf of the administrator. In Fastboot mode, connect your phone and select the Clean All method.
Installation of firmware through Mi Flash Tool
Once all the components are ready, the main step begins: Make sure that the Windows Device Manager defines the smartphone as Android Bootloader Interface. If there's a "Unknown device," reinstall the drivers manually.
In the Mi Flash Tool, click the "Refresh" button. If a device is found, its ID will appear in the list. Choose the path to the unpacked firmware folder and click "Flash." The process will take 200 to 600 seconds.
- 🔄 Don't turn off the cable. USB during the burning of the progress bar.
- ⏳ The first run after firmware can last up to 10 minutes.
- 📉 The charge level should not fall below 50% during the process.
The green status indicates successful completion. The phone will automatically restart. If the process has been suspended at any stage for more than 10 minutes, you may need to repeat the procedure or check the integrity of the firmware file.
Installation of custom Recovery and third-party OS
For advanced users, standard MIUI capabilities may not be enough, and TWRP Recovery gives you full control of the file system, allowing you to install modified firmware, make full backups (Nandroid) and gain root rights.
The TWRP installation process requires an unlocked bootloader and the use of the ADB command line. The fastboot flash recovery command twrp.img replaces the standard recovery menu. However, when first booted into the official MIUI, the system may attempt to restore the original Recovery.
⚠️ Warning: Installation of custom recavators and modified firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) voids the warranty. TWRP for your model may cause a touchscreen or camera to fail.
Once you install TWRP, you should immediately boot into it by pressing the button combination and allow modifications to the system partition, which will prevent automatic rollback to the effluent state when you first boot Android.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
The Mi Flash Tool's "Missmatching image and device" error means you're trying to install firmware that isn't designed to be your device's codename (e.g., the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro on the Redmi Note 9).
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop, try resetting via Recovery: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. In more complex cases, when the device does not respond to buttons, you may need to log into EDL (Emergency Download) mode, which is often only available at authorized service centers.
Problems with drivers QUSB_BULK Often solved by installing the original Qualcomm driver and disabling the driver signature check in Windows. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, PC-based.