The process of installing a new operating system on a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S smartphone is often a necessity when official support for the device is terminated or the current version of MIUI is unstable. Owners of the popular gadget often turn to the 4PDA community, where enthusiasts post modified versions of Android that fix stock build bugs. Successful firmware requires careful attention to detail, as errors in preparation can lead to the failure of the device.
The main purpose of flashing is not just to get fresh Android, but also to expand the functionality of the smartphone by removing system debris. It is important to understand that the procedure affects the deep levels of the bootloader and the recovery partition, so following the algorithm of actions is critical. Below we will discuss the full path from tool preparation to the first launch of the updated system.
Preparation for the installation of a new version of the software
The first step before any manipulation of system software is to create a complete backup of the data, during the firmware process, all user files, contacts and settings will be permanently deleted, use cloud services or connect your smartphone to a PC to copy important documents, photos and music to an external medium.
You will need quality. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery. Cheap "charging only" cables can cause a connection to break at a critical point in the recording of memory sectors. 60-70%, So that the sudden power outage does not interrupt the process.
⚠️ Note: Use of unoriginal cables or damaged ports USB This is one of the main causes of firmware errors through a computer.
You also need to download and install the latest drivers for your device. To work with Xiaomi tools often require specific ADB-Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, depending on the hardware platform. Without properly installed drivers, the computer will not see the smartphone in the desired mode.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Official firmware custom recavator or third-party builds are impossible without unlocking Bootloader. This is a security mechanism that prevents the launch of untested software. owners of Redmi Note 10S need to apply through the official Mi Unlock Tool application on the PC.
The process is not instantaneous: once you have attached your Mi Account to your device, you have to wait 7 to 168 hours. This time is given in case the device is stolen so that the owner can remotely lock it. After the timer expires, re-enter Fastboot (clamping down volume and power buttons) and launch the unlock utility.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open padlock icon, which means that system partitions are accessed and you can start installing TWRP Recovery. Remember that an unlocked bootloader reduces data security and makes it impossible to use banking applications without additional manipulation.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s standard recovery menu has limited functionality and does not allow third-party installations. ZIP-To function properly, you need to replace stock recovery with stock recovery. TWRP (Download the current.img image, adapted specifically for the Redmi Note model 10S (codename alioth or aliothn).
To install, put your smartphone in Fastboot mode and connect it to your computer. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and type in the command to firmware the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-alioth.imgImmediately after the command is executed, you need to put the device into recovery mode, this should be done quickly, as the stock bootloader will try to restart the system. Use the Volume Up + Power button combination immediately after the reboot or the command:
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-alioth.img💡
The first start of TWRP is better done through the command fastboot boot, to avoid automatic replacement of custom recavery stock on the first boot.
In the TWRP menu, you'll see a touch interface. Before installing the firmware, it's recommended that you format the Data partition (Wipe → Format Data → yes) to avoid encryption issues, and then the device is ready to download the new software.
Search and Selection of Firmware on 4PDA
The 4PDA Forum is the main source of proven builds for Xiaomi devices. In the Redmi Note 10S theme, you can find both official MIUI ports and pure Android (AOSP) from developers like Xiaomi.eu, Pixel Experience or LineageOS. The choice depends on your preferences: whether you need a MIUI shell with all the chips or a lightweight Android.
When choosing, consider the build status: stable (Stable) or test (Beta). For everyday use, it is better to choose versions marked "Stable". The forum theme header usually contains a compatibility table and a list of known bugs.
| Type of firmware | Description | Who's good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Global Stable | Official global version | Users who value stability |
| xiaomi.eu | Modified Chinese/Indian version | Those who want MIUI without ads and with Google |
| AOSP / Pixel | Pure Android without shell | Lovers of minimalism and speed |
| Nightly | Daily test builds | Testers and enthusiasts |
It is important to check the checksum of the downloaded file (usually MD5 or SHA256) to ensure the integrity of the download.A damaged firmware file can lead to a device "brick.A link to files is often hidden behind an anti-spam script or requires logging into a forum account.
Firmware process through TWRP
After a firmware file (usually a.zip archive) is copied to internal memory or to a computer. SD-map, you can start installation. TWRP Select Install. Find the downloaded archive and click on it.
A slider will appear on the screen to confirm the action. Before swiping, make sure that the correct options are selected. If you are switching from another version of Android (for example, from Android 11 to 13), it is recommended to make a full vape (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, Cache, System, Vendor, Data). When upgrading within one version of Android, it is enough to clean only Dalvik and Cache.
Start the process by swiping. Installation can take 2 to 10 minutes. Installation log (View Log button) should not have red lines with errors. Successful completion is confirmed by the message "Successful".
⚠️ Note: If you are flashing a device with an unlocked bootloader for the first time, be sure to format the Data partition (Format Data), otherwise the system may go into a cyclic reboot.
Once you install the firmware, you often need to reflash GApps if you don't have them in the build, and the procedure is similar: without restarting the system, select Install, select an archive with Google services, and start the installation, and then you can reboot the system.
Possible errors and their solution
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be problems, and a frequent error is Error 7 when you install it, which indicates that the Android version or device model is not compatible, in which case you need to check whether the file is downloaded for the Redmi Note 10S (codename: alioth) and not for the Pro or 5G versions.
If the device is gone in Bootloop, go back to TWRP and try to do a full reset (Wipe → Format Data).
💡
Always keep stock firmware and partition images before experimenting, the only way to quickly return to factory status in case of serious problems.
Driver problems are often solved by reinstalling the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 platform. If the computer can't see the phone in EDL mode, try clamping both volume buttons when connecting the cable or use the special ADB command: adb reboot edl.