Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, despite its age, is still a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, over time, the software may become outdated, system errors or simply want to change the firmware region from Chinese to global. The process of updating or completely replacing the operating system requires care, but it is quite accessible even for inexperienced users, if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
In this article, we will discuss all available methods of repair and update firmware for the codename lavender model. You will learn how to safely unlock the bootloader, install TWRP receptacles and install a clean version of Android. It is important to understand that any manipulation of the system partition carries risks, so preparation takes longer than the process itself.
Before you start, make sure your device is at least 60 percent charged. USB-The cable, preferably original, and the computer running Windows. Don't neglect backing up data, as in most cases the information will be completely deleted.
Tools and drivers preparation
The first step is to install the necessary software on your PC. Without the right drivers, communication between your PC and your smartphone is impossible, which will lead to errors when you try to write data. You will need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as Qualcomm specific drivers for EDL mode.
Download the archive with the platform tools Android SDK Platform Tools from the official website of the developers. Unpack the archive in the root of the disk C, so that the path to the files is short and does not contain Cyrillic characters, which often causes malfunctions in the console utilities.
You also need to install Mi Flash Tool for Fastboot and Mi Unlock for unlocking the bootloader, all of which must be installed before the smartphone is connected to the computer.
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Use it. USB-ports on the back of the system unit (motherboard), as the ports of the front panel may not provide enough voltage for stable data transfer.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default to prevent uncertified software installation. To flash through Fastboot or install custom Recovery, this protection must be removed. The process takes 7 to 168 hours of waiting after submitting an application.
You need to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and press the build number seven times to activate the developer mode. → For developers and include a paragraph OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
In the Mi Unlock Status menu, click the add-on button. Then turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, pressing Volume Down and Power simultaneously, connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock utility, following the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will completely delete all data from the device’s internal memory. Be sure to back up important files before starting the procedure.
Types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot
Users are often confused about the types of firmware files. The Redmi Note 7 has two main formats: Recovery (.zip) and Fastboot (.tgz). Choosing the right type is critical to the installation method used.
Recovery firmware is designed to be upgraded through a built-in update menu or custom recavator. It doesn't require an unlocked bootloader if you're just upgrading from one version of MIUI to another within one region. Fastboot firmware contains images of all partitions and requires an unlocked Bootloader.
When downloading files, pay attention to the designations in the title. Global version is marked as Global, European - EEA, Russian - RU. Chinese versions (CN) may not have Google Play preinstalled and require additional configuration.
| Type of firmware | Expansion | Requires unlocking. | Saves the data. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | .zip | No (usually) | Yes (on update) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Yes. | No (full reset) |
| Recovery (Clean) | .zip | No. | No. |
Installation of firmware through Recovery (No PC)
The easiest way to upgrade or restore a system is to use the built-in recovery menu, which is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, you'll need to download the.zip firmware archive and put it in the root of the internal memory.
Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select "Select firmware file." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the action. The phone will restart and begin the installation process.
If the standard menu doesn't accept the file, you can use Recovery mode. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up and Power. From the menu, select the language, then Wipe Data (if you need a full reset) and go back. Select Connect with MIAssistant or just select the firmware file if the menu allows.
☑️ Checking before installing Recovery
Fastboot and Mi Flash Firmware
This is the most reliable method for recovery of bricks or complete region change. You will need unpacked Fastboot firmware (.tgz) and Mi Flash utility. Make sure the bootloader is unlocked.
Unpack the firmware archive. The path to the folder should not contain Russian letters. Launch Mi Flash on behalf of the administrator. Translate the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power) and connect to the PC. Press the Refresh button in the program, the serial number of the device should appear.
Press "Select" and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, select Clean all or Clean all and lock mode.
fastboot devicesThis command in the console will help check if the computer sees the device in Fastboot mode. If the list is empty, check the drivers.
⚠️ Note: When choosing the mode "Clean all and lock" on custom or regionally incompatible firmware (for example, Chinese Global), you risk getting a completely non-functional device that will not be possible to turn on without disassembling and using the programmer.
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The "Save user data" mode in Mi Flash only works if you are applying for the same version or newer within the same region, and if you change region, the data will be forcibly deleted.
Installation of TWRP and custom firmware
For advanced users, customized TWRP recavator installation is available. This allows you to install modified versions of Android, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which run faster than stock MIUI. There are many stable builds for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender).
The process requires an unlocked bootloader. Download the twrp.img image and place it in the folder with ADB. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
Then switch to Recovery mode immediately, holding Volume Up and Power to prevent the system from rebooting to standard mode.
From the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark the Dalvik, Cache, System, Data sections. After cleaning, go to Install, select the custom firmware zip archive and confirm the installation. Once complete, click Reboot System.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
The Missmatching image and device error in Mi Flash means you're trying to flash the firmware from another model. Always check the device's code name (lavender).
If the process is stuck in Programming or Flash All, try changing the process. USB-Sometimes it helps to run a utility on behalf of the administrator and disable the antivirus, which can block the recording of sectors.
When a phone goes into a bootloop, it is often solved by a full reset via Recovery (Wipe Data).If this does not help, you will need to flash through the Fastboot with a complete cleanup.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has stopped responding to the on buttons and the screen is black, but the computer makes a connection sound USB, Maybe the device got into mode. EDL (Emergency Download: The exit often requires short-term closure of test points on the board or the use of a specialized cable.