How to Switch Xiaomi Through Mi Tool V2: full guide with unlocking EDL

Xiaomi Smartphone Firmware with Mi Flash Tool V2 (or Mi Tool. V2) — The only way to bring the brick back to life after a failed update, reset or experiment with custom firmware, which works even when the device is not turning on, does not respond to buttons or is stuck in Fastboot mode. Unlike the standard update via Recovery, firmware through EDL-The Emergency Download Mode bypasses all software locks, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a properly selected firmware.

In this article, the guideline for 2026 is relevant to the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (including the mandatory binding of the Mi Account to the device).

• 🔧 How to prepare a smartphone and PC for firmware through Mi Tool V2 (drivers, programs, firmware).
• 🔓 How to unlock the bootloader officially and unofficially (including bypassing restrictions for new models).
• ⚡ Step-by-step firmware process in mode EDL explaining.
• ❌ Invalid image, Flash not done, Anti-rollback and how to fix them.

Important: the method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO (including models from 2023 to 2026, but does not work for MediaTek processors SP Before you start, check the compatibility of your model!

1 What is the Mi Flash Tool? V2 and when you need it

Mi Flash Tool V2 (Previously MiFlash) – the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware devices in mode EDL (This mode is activated when the smartphone is activated:

• 💀 Not turned on at all (black screen, no reaction to charging).
• 🔄 Fixed with the Mi logo or download animation.
• 🚫 Blocked after a failed firmware (Anti-rollback error).
• 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader, but does not go to Fastboot.

Difference from other methods of firmware:

Mi Tool V2 — The only way to flash a device that doesn't respond to buttons and isn't determined by a computer in Fastboot mode, but there are downsides to this method: It erases all data (including internal memory), requires Xiaomi account authorization for new models, and can lead to hard-brick if the wrong firmware is selected.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL on devices with a locked bootloader (without unlocking) will lead to an error SLA Auth Error. for models of 2022 and later requires an authorized Xiaomi account with a device binding.

2. Preparation: drivers, firmware and unlocking of the bootloader

Before the firmware, you need to:

1. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers (for mode) EDL).
2. Download the right firmware for your model.
3. Unlock the boot loader (if it is blocked).
4. Prepare the cable. USB Type-C (preferably original).

Installation of Qualcomm 9008 drivers

Without these drivers, the computer will not see the smartphone in mode EDL. Download them at the link (version for Windows) 10/11) and set it up manually:

1. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC.
2. Hold the volume.+ and Loudness− At the same time, then insert the cable (the device must be determined as a cable). QHUSB_BULK).
3. In Device Manager, find other devices. → QHUSB_BULK, click on PCM → Update the driver → Select the driver manually.
4. Point the way to unpacked Qualcomm drivers.

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If the driver is not installed, disable the driver digital signature check in Windows. To do this, restart the PC with the Shift key clamped. → Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reboot. → Select Item 7 (Deactivate the Verification).

Selection of firmware: official or custom

For firmware through Mi Tool V2 fit:

• 📦 Official firmware from Xiaomi (.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot). Download from the official website or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience, LineageOS), but only if the bootloader is unlocked.

Critical moments when choosing a firmware:

• 🔍 The firmware should be exactly for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G ≠ Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
• 📅 Version. MIUI The risk of an anti-rollback error must be at least the current one).
• 🌍 For global firmware, look for versions marked Global (e.g., Global, veux_global_images...).

Unlocking of the bootloader: official and informal methods

Since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking. Now for new models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 newer) required:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (in Mi Account settings) → Mi Cloud → Find the device).
2. Wait 7-15 days after the binding (the period varies).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.

For older models (until 2021), you can bypass the expectation:

• 🔓 Use the patched version of the Mi Unlock Tool (risk of blocking your account).
• 🔧 Squeeze through EDL Authorized account (needs an auth file).

⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) requires additional manipulation with SP Flash Tool and file DA. For these Mi Tool models V2 wrong!

3. Step-by-step instruction: firmware through Mi Tool V2

When you're done, follow the instructions with your feet, and a mistake at any stage can turn your smartphone into a brick.

Step 1: Put the device into mode EDL

There are two ways:

1. Hardware method (for non-functioning devices): Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn't respond, keep Power for 20 seconds).+ and Loudness− You can connect the cable at the same time. USB PC (the device must be defined as Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
2. Software method (if Fastboot works): fastboot oem edl After this command, the smartphone will restart in the EDL.

Step 2: Launch the Mi Flash Tool V2 and firmware selection

Download the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool from the official website (or a modified version to circumvent restrictions).

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\veux_global_images...).
2. Run MiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
4. In the drop-down menu, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you need to lock the bootloader after firmware).

Step 3: Firmware and possible errors

Press Refresh – your smartphone should appear in the list of devices (for example, COM4). Then click Flash. It takes 5-15 minutes. Don't turn off the cable!

Typical errors and decisions:

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If the firmware is successful but the smartphone is not turning on, wait 10-15 minutes (the first run after the firmware can be long). If the screen remains black for more than 30 minutes, repeat the process with another firmware.

4. Unlocking the bootloader after firmware

If you have flashed a device with a locked bootloader (the Clean all and lock option), you will need to unlock it again to install custom firmware or root rights.

1. Turn on your smartphone and perform the initial setup.
2. Log in to the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
3. Activate debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → Return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
4. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.

For models 2023-2026 may require:

• 📱 Confirmation of unlocking through SMS number-bound.
• 🔗 Linking the device to the account 7-15 days before unlocking.
• 🔐 Use of official Xiaomi cable (some models are checked) UID cable).

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, replacing the new one) MIUI) Unlocking the bootloader may result in blocking some functions (e.g, NFC Widevine L1 for Netflix HD).

5. Data recovery after firmware

Firmware through Mi Tool V2 It erases all internal memory, including photos, contacts and applications:

• 🔄 From the backup of Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
• 💾 With the help of recovery programs (DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver), but the chances are small - after firmware, the data is overwritten.
• 📱 If the smartphone was determined in Fastboot before firmware, you could make a backup through ADB: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

To avoid future data loss:

• ⚙️ Enable automatic synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization).
• 🖥️ Regularly copy photos to your PC or Google Photos.
• 📌 Use backup apps SMS and calls, for example, SMS Backup & Restore).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems.

6.1 The device is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The problem with the cable/port: Try another one USB-cable (preferably original) and port USB 2.0 (on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Drivers not installed: Check Device Manager – the device should appear as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔋 Insufficient charge: Charge your smartphone by at least 30% (even if it doesn’t turn on).
• 🛠️ Incorrect mode: Make sure the device is in EDL (The screen should be black, without lighting).

The “Anti-rollback check fail” error

This error occurs when you try to run a version. MIUI older than the one that was established earlier:

• 🔍 Find firmware with a newer version of Anti-rollback (check in the file name or on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
• 📥 Download the full firmware (not an incremental update).
• 🔧 If nothing helps, run the Fastboot firmware through Mi Flash with the option Save user data (if the device is at least somehow turned on).

6.3 After firmware, the smartphone does not turn on

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try turning on.
• 📱 Incorrect firmware: Sweat again, making sure the model is compatible.
• 🔓 bootloader locked: Unlock it through Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔧 Damaged section. EFS: I need to re-examine. EFS (Need a backup or help from a service center).

7. Alternative firmware methods

If you're a Mi Tool V2 It didn't help, try other ways:

7.1 Firmware through Fastboot

Suitable if the smartphone enters Fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model.
2. Unpack it in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Start MiFlash, select Clean all and click Flash.

7.2 Firmware through Recovery

If the device comes into Recovery (menu with Android and exclamation point), you can flash through ADB Sideload:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format for Recovery.
2. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
3. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload firmware.zip

7.3. Firmware through SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek)

For devices on MediaTek processors (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro et al.) needed SP Flash Tool and file DA. The process is more complex and requires:

• 🔧 The Right Scatter File for Your Model.
• 🔓 Unlocked loader (for new models).
• 📥 Auth file (for Secure Boot devices).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions