How to completely reinstall Xiaomi phone: from reset to firmware

Reinstallation of software on Xiaomi smartphone is a procedure that may be necessary in a variety of situations: from banal slowing down of the device to critical failures after a failed update. Unlike a normal reboot or reset, a complete reinstallation involves either restoring factory firmware. MIUI, Or installing an alternative version (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but not all users understand that this process requires preparation, otherwise the risk of turning the phone into a brick increases significantly.

In this article, we will discuss all stages of reinstallation: from backing up data to unlocking the bootloader and choosing the right firmware. We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often missed even by experienced users – for example, why some Xiaomi models automatically reset after unlocking the bootloader. IMEI, You'll also learn when a standard Settings reset is enough, and when you can't do without a computer and cable.

When to reset and when to reset enough

Many users confuse two concepts: hard reset and firmware reflash: the first erases user data but leaves the system intact, the second completely replaces software. Here are the key scenarios when each method is required:

• 🔄 Resetting will help if: the phone slows down due to filled memory, bugs in the interface appear after the update, you need to delete all personal data before selling.
• 📱 Reinstallation MIUI necessary if: the device does not turn on (hangs on the logo), after firmware disappeared IMEI Mobile network or mobile network, you need to downgrade the version MIUI, You need to install a global firmware instead of Chinese.
• 🛠️ Installation of custom firmware is relevant for: removal of built-in Xiaomi software, getting current Android updates on old models, experiments with alternative shells (for example, Pixel Experience for pure Android).

Important: If your goal is to speed up your phone, try Settings first. → Memory. → Clean up and disable the autoload of unnecessary applications, 70 percent of the time enough to avoid drastic measures, but if the audio is gone after the upgrade or the camera is not working, then you can't do without flashing the firmware.

Preparation for reinstallation: backup and unlock

Before you start manipulating firmware, be sure to save all the important data, even if you plan to just update. MIUI There's always a risk of failure through system updates:

1. Synchronization with Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, SMS Make sure you have enough space (free 5GB).
2. Local Copy: Connect your phone to your computer and copy folders DCIM (Photo/video, Downloads and WhatsApp (if you use it). PC Suite.
3. Conservation IMEI: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO F1) After the re-flashing, it can be reset IMEI. To avoid problems with the mobile network, write it down in advance: enter in the dialer *#06#.

If you are planning to install custom firmware or an informal version MIUI, This process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has limitations:

• ⏳ Unlocking takes 72–168 hours (3–7 days) – a measure of protection against theft.
• 🔗 Requires a link to your Mi Account (make sure it is not blocked).
• 📱 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Unlocking can lead to loss DRM-The keys that will stop Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix).

Create a backup copy of the data|Link Mi Account to your phone|Make sure the version MIUI less than 10|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)

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⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader.

Reinstallation methods: from standard reset to Fastboot

Depending on the purpose and condition of the phone, you can choose one of four methods of reinstallation, below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each:

The safest way is to reset via Recovery, which is suitable if the phone turns on but is unstable.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone is not turned on or you need to install another version MIUI, It's a more complicated method, but it's more reliable. We'll go through the detailed instructions for it in the next section.

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Before resetting via Recovery, remove SIM-card and memory card. Some Xiaomi models also format external drive.

Step-by-step: Firmware via Fastboot

Fastboot is a universal method that works even if the phone doesn't turn on. USB-The cable and official firmware from Xiaomi's website. Here's the detailed instructions:

1. Downloading firmware

The official firmware for Xiaomi can be downloaded from en.miui.com. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).

• 🌍 Region: Global (world), China (Chinese), EEA (Europe, India (India) is usually suitable for Russia Global or EEA.
• 📅 Android Version: For example, MIUI 14 based on Android 13. You can not install firmware with a newer version of Android on old hardware.
• 🔧 Type: Stable (stable) or Developer (developer). For everyday use, use Stable.

2. Installation of drivers and Mi Flash Tool

Download and install:

• Mi Flash Tool (official firmware utility).
• Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot (can be found in the archive with firmware or download separately).
• ADB Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).

Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\). Run MiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.

3. Phone firmware

Now connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Nutrition + Volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, and the device should appear.
4. Select a folder with unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete clean (recommended); Save user data – save user data (risky); Clean all and lock – clean up + Loader lock (only for official firmware).

Flash

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error occurs during firmware, you are trying to install an older version. MIUI. In this case, you either need to search for firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback number (indicated in the file name), or stitch through the file. EDL-Mod (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

If you are not satisfied with the standard shell MIUI, You can also install an alternative firmware, for example:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – the shell as close as possible to Google’s Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS - firmware with wide customization possibilities.

However, before installation, consider:

• ⚠️ The phone warranty will burn (if it is still in effect).
• 📵 Widevine may stop working L1 (no HD Netflix), NFC, Camera (if there are no ported drivers).
• 🔄 Updates will have to be installed manually.

The process of installing custom firmware includes the following steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as described above).
2. Installation of custom Recovery (usually) TWRP). Download the version for your model from twrp.me and scroll through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Formatting sections. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Format Data (this will delete everything, including internal memory!).
4. Install the firmware. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (Google services, if they are not included), transfer them to your phone and install them via Install in the TWRP.
5. First run. Once installed, run the Wipe. → Dalvik / ART Cache and reboot.

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Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports your Xiaomi model on the forum. XDA Some firmware only works on certain modifications (for example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, there may be a separate build for the version with a Snapdragon processor and for MediaTek).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when reinstalling Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes after firmware is installed, don't try to turn it off with the power button! this can damage system files:

1. Wait another 10-20 minutes (the first run after firmware can be long).
2. If nothing changes, then shut down the food. + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If the phone doesn’t respond, repeat the firmware via Fastboot.

Another common problem is loss. DRM-keys after unlocking the bootloader:

• Widevine's absence L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+, Prime Video).
• A broken camera in some applications (e.g. Google Camera).
• Errors in Google Pay (not certified by SafetyNet)

Decisions:

• For Widevine. L1: Flick the official firmware through Fastboot with the Clean all and lock option, then unlock the bootloader again.
• For Google Pay: Use the Magisk module to navigate SafetyNet.

Data recovery after reinstallation

If you backed up before reinstalling, it's easy to recover the data. Here's how to do it depending on the backup method:

1.Recovery from Mi Cloud

When you first turn on the phone after reset, the system will prompt you to log in to Mi Account.

1. Select Restore from backup.
2. Please note the required data (contacts, SMS, photos, applications).
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom firmware, Mi Cloud may not work due to the lack of Xiaomi services. In this case, manually restore the data (see below).

2. Manual recovery from computer

If you have copied files to your PC, just transfer them back:

• 📁 folder DCIM — in the internal memory or SD-map.
• 📱 Contacts – import from the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 💬 Messages – Restore from backup via SMS Backup & Restore (Google Play app).

3. Recovery IMEI

If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI (No mobile network, and you can restore it in two ways:

Method 1: Engineering Mode (for Qualcomm processors)

1. Install the app MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or QCN Rebuilder (for Qualcomm).
2. Enter the engineering code for your model (e.g. ##4636## or #36446337##).
3. Move to the CDS Information → Radio Information.
4. Enter commands (replace) IMEI1 and IMEI2 yours): AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI2"
5. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Through QCN-file (for Qualcomm)

This method is more complex and requires:

• Backup copy QCN (if you did it before the firmware).
• Programme programmes QPST or QCN Rebuilder.
• Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

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If you have not made a backup copy IMEI, Try to find the original QCN-file for your model in forums (for example, XDA). Be careful, though, of using someone else. IMEI unlawfully!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions