Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools is a powerful tool for advanced users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, allowing you to unlock the bootloader, flash custom recovery, install official and informal firmware, and perform other low-level operations. Without this software, it is impossible to carry out many manipulations with the device through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot modes.
However, installing and configuring the tool often causes difficulties for beginners, from driver problems to device connection errors. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of installation on Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux, as well as discuss common errors and how to fix them.
What is Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools and Why You Need It?
Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools is a graphical interface utility that makes it easier to work with the ADB and Fastboot console commands. It combines the features of standard tools from Google (platform-tools) and adds specific options for Xiaomi devices, such as:
- π Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader unlock) for installing custom firmware;
- π± Firmware for formal and informal ROM via Fastboot;
- π Installation of custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox);
- π οΈ Reset FRP (Reset protection and deletion of Mi Account;
- π‘ Switching between global and Chinese firmware.
Without this tool, users would have to manually type dozens of commands into a CMD or Terminal, which is fraught with errors. Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools automates the process but requires pre-configuration.
Important: The tool only works with Android devices and is not suitable for firmware on Mi TVs or other Xiaomi gadgets (such as Mi Band or Mi Robot Vacuum).
System requirements and compatibility
Before installing, check if your computer meets the minimum requirements. Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools is compatible with the following operating systems:
| Operating system | Minimum version | Architecture | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | 10 (1809+) / 11 | x64 (64-bit) | Administrator rights,.NET Framework 4.8+ |
| macOS | 10.15 (Catalina) or later | Apple Silicon / Intel | Homebrew to set dependencies |
| Linux | Ubuntu 20.04+ / Debian 11+ | x64 / ARM64 | adb and fastboot in repositories |
Also make sure your Xiaomi device is supported by a utility.Most models starting with the Redmi Note 4 (2017) and newer are compatible, but older devices (such as the Redmi 3S or Mi 5) may require additional drivers.
β οΈ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot may be limited. SP Flash Tool.
Preparing Xiaomi devices to work with ADB/Fastboot
Before installing the utility on the computer, you need to prepare the smartphone itself, and skipping this stage will lead to connection errors.
Enable Developer Mode |Activate debugging over USB|Allow OEM|Unlock Device in File Transfer mode |Unlock Mi Unlock Status (if required)
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Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version and tap the build number 7 times until the notification βYou became a developerβ appears.
- Enable USB debugging: Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and activate the USB debugging switch.
- Allow OEM unlock: In the same menu, find the OEM unlock option and turn it on. On some devices, this item may be called Factory unlock.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC: Use the original USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models). From the phone's notification menu, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
If you plan to unlock the bootloader, additionally link the device to your Mi Account: Settings β Xiaomi Account β Mi Unlock Status β Add Account and Device. Without this binding, unlocking will not be possible!
π‘
If the "OEM Unlock" option is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI, which appears only after the update on some devices.
Installation of Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools on Windows
The installation process on Windows includes downloading the utility, installing drivers and setting up the environment. Follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid errors.
Step 1: Downloading the utility
The official source for download is the repository on GitHub. Download the latest version by link (select the file). XiaomiADBFastbootTools_vX.X.X.zip).
Warning: Do not download the utility from third-party sites β they may contain viruses or outdated versions.
Step 2: Installation of drivers
For the correct operation of ADB and Fastboot, Google USB Driver and Xiaomi Mi USB Driver are required. Install them in the following order:
- Download Google USB Driver and unpack the archive.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Open Device Manager (Win + X β Device Manager), and find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
- Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with unpacked Google drivers.
If the device is not detected, install Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website β this will automatically install the missing drivers.
Step 3: Start and set up
Unpack the downloaded archive of XiaomiADBFastbootTools.zip in any folder (for example, C:\XiaomiTools\). Run the file XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe on behalf of the administrator.
When you first run the program will offer to update the platform-tools. Agree - this guarantees compatibility with the latest versions of Android.
How to check the platform-tools version?
Installation on macOS and Linux
On macOS and Linux, the installation process is different because of the drivers and access rights, and the instructions for each OS are below.
macOS (Catalina and newer)
1. Install Homebrew (if not already installed):
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"2. Install the platform-tools:
brew install android-platform-tools3. Download Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools for macOS (version with.dmg extension) and install it in /Applications.
4. Grant rights to perform:
chmod +x /Applications/XiaomiADBFastbootTools.app/Contents/MacOS/XiaomiADBFastbootToolsβ οΈ Note: On macOS with Apple Silicon chip (M1/M2) You may need to install Rosetta 2 compatible x86-Run the terminal and type in: softwareupdate --install-rosetta
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
1. Update packages and set dependencies:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y adb fastboot libusb-1.0-02 Download the archive with the Linux utility (.AppImage version) and make it executable:
chmod +x XiaomiADBFastbootTools-*.AppImage3. Connect the device and check the access rights:
lsusb | grep -i xiaomiIf the device is not displayed, add a rule for udev:
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2717", MODE="0666"' | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rulessudo apt install -y libfuse2-->
Typical errors and their solution
Even when installed correctly, users often encounter errors, and below are the most common problems and ways to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| device not found in ADB | Not enabled debugging on USB or no drivers | Check the developerβs settings and reinstall the drivers |
| Waiting for a device in Fastboot | The device is not in Fastboot mode or the cable is faulty | Reboot your phone in Fastboot (adb reboot bootloader) and try another cable |
| Mi Account locked | The device is not tied to a Xiaomi account | Link your Mi Unlock Status account and wait 72 hours (for new devices) |
| The utility does not run on macOS | There is no Rosetta 2 or execution rights | Install Rosetta and grant rights via chmod +x |
If the utility is not found in Java, install OpenJDK 11+.
- πͺ Windows: Download from Adoptium website;
- π macOS: brew install --cask temurin11;
- π§ Linux: sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk.
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot-->
Security when working with ADB/Fastboot
Misuse of Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools may result in data loss, device blinking or warranty breach.
- π Always back up your data before you run the firmware (via adb backup or TWRP).
- π Check firmware compatibility with the device model (for example, firmware for Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for the device model). POCO X3 Pro).
- π Use the original cable β cheap analogues can interrupt data transmission.
- π Make sure the battery charge is at least 50% β discharging during firmware will lead to a breeze.
Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, messages and apps, and it also voids Xiaomiβs warranty (if itβs still valid).
If you're a beginner, start with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool - they're easier to install and less likely to cause errors. Custom ROMs (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) require experience.