How to use Xiaomi FlashTool: a complete guide to the firmware of Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi FlashTool is the official tool from Xiaomi for firmware smartphones under the brands Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. It allows you to install stock and custom firmware, restore the device after crashes or “bricks”, and update the software manually. However, inexperienced users often face errors due to improper preparation or violation of the sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of working with FlashTool – from installing drivers to solving typical problems – so that the firmware goes smoothly and without risking turning the phone into a “brick”.

It is important to understand that FlashTool requires an unlocked bootloader. Without this step, the utility simply cannot interact with the device. It is also worth considering that the process erases all data on the phone, so be sure to back up before you start. If you have never flashed a smartphone before, follow the instructions carefully - errors in the process of choosing a firmware or connecting a device can lead to serious consequences.

What is Xiaomi FlashTool and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi FlashTool (or MiFlash) is the official utility from Xiaomi, designed to firmware smartphones through a computer. It supports all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including outdated devices.

• 📱 Installation of stock firmware (for example, when returning to factory settings or after a failed update).
• 🔄 Downgrade Po - a rollback to an earlier version MIUI, if the new one is not working properly.
• 🛠️ Recovery of a “brick” device (when the phone is not turned on or hovers on the logo).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (coupled with Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📦 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but requires an unlocked bootloader).

FlashTool differs from other firmware methods (for example, through fastboot manually or Recovery): the utility automates the process, reducing the risk of error when typing commands. However, it is not suitable for devices with a locked bootloader - you will first have to use the Mi Unlock Tool.

It is also worth noting that FlashTool only works on Windows (macOS or Linux support is not available), and alternative OSes will have to use fastboot via the terminal.

Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before FlashTool Launches

Before you open FlashTool, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, firmware failure, or even device failure.

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

Charge your phone at least 60%

Download the correct firmware version for your model

Install Xiaomi drivers on your computer

Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked)

Disable Antivirus (it can block FlashTool)

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First and foremost, you save all the data. FlashTool's firmware completely erases the device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos, or physical copying on your PC.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders, for example, DCIM/.thumbnails).
• 📞 Contact and SMS (Export through Settings → Google → Backup).
• 🎮 Save games (if the game is not synced to the cloud).

Next, check the phone model and download the exact firmware for it. You can find out the model at Settings → About Phone → Model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is veux).

• 🌐 Official website MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA Russia).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source with archived versions).

The firmware should be in.tgz or.zip format (only.tgz unpacked in a.img file folder is suitable for FlashTool). Do not download firmware from questionable forums - they may contain viruses or be incompatible with your model.

⚠️ Note: If you download firmware for another model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 instead of Redmi Note 10 Pro), the phone may stop turning on. Check the device's codename (veux, mojito, etc.) on Xiaomi Device.

Installation of drivers and unlocking the loader

Without properly installed FlashTool drivers, it simply won’t see your phone. Xiaomi uses its own drivers for fastboot and EDL (Emergency Download Mode) modes, which aren’t always automatically determined by Windows.

Download the official drivers from the Xiaomi website:

• 🖥️ MiFlash drivers (universal for all models).
• 🔌 Drivers. EDL (They need to repair the bricks").

Install them manually through Device Manager (if Windows does not recognize your phone in fastboot mode).

For the installation of drivers:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
2. Open Device Manager → find a device with an exclamation point (usually Android or Xiaomi).
3. Update the driver manually, specifying the path to the downloaded files.

Unlocking the bootloader is a must if you're flashing your phone for the first time. Without it, FlashTool won't be able to record the firmware.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and unlock tool.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased, Xiaomi can also block the unlock for 7 to 30 days if you are doing it for the first time. → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.

Step-by-step instructions for firmware through Xiaomi FlashTool

Now, to the firmware process itself, follow the instructions strictly in the steps, and any deviation can lead to errors.

Step 1: Download and install FlashTool

• Download the latest version of MiFlash from the official website.
• Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiFlash).
• Launch XiaoMiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.

Step 2: Preparation of firmware

• Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in a separate folder (for example, C:\ROM\veux_global_images_...).
• In FlashTool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.

Step 3: Connecting the phone

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot.
• Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).

Step 4: Set up FlashTool and firmware

• In FlashTool, click Refresh – a device should appear (e.g., COM3 – Qualcomm HS-USB...).
• Select the firmware method: clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for the first firmware). clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!), save user data – data storage (not always stable).
• Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 5-15 minutes).

If the process is 99% frozen longer than 10 minutes, don't turn off your phone! USB-port.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and below is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If the error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔍 Finding a solution in forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
• 📋 Take a screenshot of the error and ask a question in thematic communities (specify the phone model and FlashTool version).

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If the firmware is constantly crashing by 40-50%, try disabling the driver signature in Windows.

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off

Firmware in EDL mode: recovery of "bricks"

If the phone doesn't even turn on in fastboot (black screen, no button response), it will require firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode), a technique that works at the hardware level and can restore the device even after major crashes.

For firmware in EDL:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (usually a file with the.mbn extension or a special archive).
2. Install EDL drivers (see section above).
3. Connect your phone to your PC by holding the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons (some models require a junction on the board).
4. In FlashTool, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL If the phone was bought from hand, the previous owner must unplug the account in the Mi Account, otherwise FlashTool will give an error SLA Auth Error.

If FlashTool doesn’t see your phone in EDL, try:

• Use the edl utility for forced transfer to mode.
• Check the connection through Device Manager (a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) should appear.

Security and recommendations after firmware

After successful firmware, do not rush to use the phone immediately. Follow a few steps to work steadily:

• 🔄 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset (sometimes there are artifacts of old firmware left over).
• 🔒 Update to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📱 Check it out. IMEI (Type *#06# – if you choose to use the Null number, then swipe modem separately).
• 🔋 Charge the phone to 100% and calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge without interruption).

If there are problems after the firmware:

• Phone overheats → Check the background processes or run another version MIUI.
• The network is not working. → Make sure you have firmware for your region (e.g. Global instead of China).
• Quickly sit down the battery → perform a reset of battery statistics through Recovery.

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After you have firmware custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP), do not update through OTA, this will cause a crash. Use only manual firmware through FlashTool or Recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions