Firmware of Xiaomi smartphones through a file format.tgz is one of the most reliable ways to bring the device back to life after software failures or update it to the current version. MIUI. Unlike in the past. OTA-Updates that are loaded by air, TGZ-The packages contain the complete system image and are installed via a computer using the MiFlash utility. This method is often used to unlock the bootloader, restore the bricks or migrate to the global / Chinese version of the software.
However, the process requires caution: wrong actions can turn your Redmi into a real life, POCO In this article, we will discuss the official way of firmware through Fastboot, alternative methods for blocked bootloaders, as well as typical errors and their solutions. We will pay special attention to the preparation of drivers, choosing the right version of firmware and the nuances of working with different models - from Xiaomi. 11T Pro to budget Redmi Note 12.
What is it? TGZ Firmware and when to use it
A file with the.tgz extension (or.tar.gz) is an archive containing a complete firmware image for Xiaomi devices. Unlike.zip packets for Recovery, which are installed via stock or custom recovery, TGZ-Firmware is designed to be installed via Fastboot β low-level download mode.
The main cases where the firmware is required through TGZ:
- π Downgraid version MIUI β If there are bugs or brakes after the update.
- π Changing the region β switching from Chinese firmware to global (or vice versa).
- π§± Restore the βbrickβ β if the smartphone does not turn on or stuck on the Mi logo.
- π Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step before installing custom firmware.
- π οΈ Resolve critical errors such as endless reboot or camera module failures.
It is important to understand that TGZ-The firmware erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, so make sure to back up via Mi Cloud or manually before starting the process. Also note that some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require additional steps due to Anti-Rollback protection.
Preparation for firmware: unlocking the loader and installing drivers
Before installing the firmware, you need to follow two key steps: unlock the bootloader (if it is locked) and install the Fastboot drivers on your computer. Without this, MiFlash simply wonβt see your device.
1. Unlock the loader
On new Xiaomi devices, the bootloader is locked by default to unlock it:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in settings (Settings) β Xiaomi account).
- Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command in ADB: adb reboot bootloader
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (you can download from Xiaomi) to unlock, which can take up to 72 hours due to account verification.
π‘
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using another one. USB-cable (preferably original) or port USB 2.0 on a computer.
2. Installation of Fastboot drivers
For Windows:
- π₯οΈ Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack to the root of the disk C:\platform-tools.
- π Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with the device switched off).
- π οΈ Install drivers manually through Device Manager, pointing the path to the folder with the platform-tools.
For macOS/Linux No drivers are required, but you may need to give permission to execute scripts:
chmod +x /path/k/miflashLinking a Mi Account to a device
Turn it on. OEM-unlocking USB
Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
Install drivers Fastboot/ADB
Download the correct version TGZ-firmware
Prepare a backup copy of the data-->
Where to download the official TGZ firmware
Using unofficial firmware is fraught with security and stability issues. TGZ-Files from Verified Sources:
| Source | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi website | MIUI Downloads | Firmware for all regions (Global, CN, EEU, IN). Model selection is required. |
| 4PDA (Section Xiaomi) | 4PDA Forum | Alternative builds, patches for Anti-Rollback, modification instructions. |
| Xiaomi Firmware Updater | Project site | Firmware archive with version history, suitable for downgrade. |
| Telegram channels (for example, MIUI Updates Tracker) | Reference | Quick notifications of new builds, but requires checking the hash amount. |
When downloading, pay attention to:
- π The device model - firmware for the Redmi Note 11 Pro is not suitable for POCO X4 Pro, even if they're on the same chipset.
- π Global (Global) and Chinese Region (CN) Incompatible with no additional manipulations.
- π’ Version MIUI β Downgrade to old firmware can block the device due to Anti-Rollback.
- π File integrity β check the hash amount (MD5) post-download.
How to check the hash amount TGZ-file?
Step-by-step instruction: installation TGZ firmware through MiFlash
When you're done, we start the firmware. We use the official MiFlash utility.
Step 1: Preparation of the device
1. Turn off the smartphone.
2.Put Volume Down + Power to Enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the original computer USB-cable (important!).
Step 2: Launching MiFlash
1. Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
2. Open MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
3. Press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, select firmware mode:
Clean all β complete cleaning (recommended).
- Clean all and lock - cleaning + bootloader lock (only for experienced users!).
Save user data β data storage (not always stable)
Step 3: Starting the firmware
1. Press Refresh β your device should appear in the list (for example, COM3).
2.Click Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).
3. Upon completion, the smartphone will automatically restart. Do not disconnect it from the USB full load!
π‘
If MiFlash gives you a βcanβt find fastbootβ error, check the cable connection, drivers, and try another one. USB-port.
Typical errors in firmware TGZ and their decisions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid image format | Damaged or incomplete TGZ-file. | Download the firmware again and check the hash sum. |
| Device not found | Not installed drivers or problems with USB. | Reinstall the drivers, try another cable/port. |
| Anti-Rollback check fail | Downhraid's attempt at an incompatible version. | Use firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback number. |
| Flash not done | Connection is interrupted or rights are lacking. | Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator, repeat the process. |
| Hanging on the Mi logo | Incompatible firmware or partition error. | Repeat the firmware with a full clean (Clean all). |
If the device does not turn on after firmware or gives errors, try:
- π Repeat the process with another firmware version (e.g., stable instead of development).
- π§ Use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
- π± Contact the service center if the problem is hardware (for example, a flash drive is damaged).
π‘
If the network is missing after the firmware, check if the firmware region matches your region. SIM-For example, Indian firmware (IN) It may not support Russian operators.
Alternative methods of installation TGZ firmware
If MiFlash doesnβt work or you prefer other tools, consider these options:
1. via Fastboot and ADB manually
For experienced users, the method of step-by-step firmware through fastboot commands is suitable:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img
fastboot rebootList of files (boot.img, system.img etc.) is taken from unpacked TGZ-This way you can skip problematic sections if the firmware is interrupted on one of them.
2.Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)
Some of them TGZ-Firmware can be converted to.zip and installed via TWRP. For that:
- Unpack.tgz in a folder.
- Download the Xiaomi Firmware Updater script and convert files to flashable zip.
- Flow through TWRP Install section.
Warning for TWRP
3. Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode)
If the device is not defined in Fastboot, you can use it. EDL-The Emergency Download Mode (ED) is the mode for this:
- π Connect the device turned off to the PC by clamping Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
- π₯οΈ Use MiFlash or QFil to run through port 9008.
β οΈ Attention: Regime EDL The new models require the Xiaomi account to be authorized, without which the firmware will be blocked, and authorization can be obtained through the official service center.
Firmware of specific models: nuances and features
Some Xiaomi devices have unique firmware requirements. Consider popular models:
| Model | Features of firmware | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Anti-Rollback 4.0 protection, lockdown. | Use only firmware with ARB 4.0+. To unlock. EDL authorization required. |
| Redmi Note 12 Series | Different firmware for 4G and 5G version. | Check the exact name of the model in Settings β About the phone. |
| POCO F5/F4 | Support for Global and Indian Firmware (IN). | For Russian users, choose Global or EEU. |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Separate firmware for tablets, incompatible with smartphones. | Download files only with the Pad mark in the title. |
For devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) may require a utility SP Flash Tool instead of MiFlash. The firmware algorithm is similar, but requires separate drivers VCOM.
β οΈ Note: On devices with a chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) with incorrect firmware can work hardware lock Qualcomm Secure Boot. In this case, you can restore the phone only through an authorized service.