Xiaomi Redmi 7 firmware without authorization: all working methods in 2026

Introduction: Why Redmi 7 requires authorization when running a firmware

Xiaomi Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) has become one of the brand’s most popular budget devices due to its balanced specs and affordable price. However, owners often face a problem: when trying to reflash the device through Fastboot or Recovery, the system requires data from the Mi Account, even if the device was reset to factory settings. This lock is part of Xiaomi’s policy to combat theft and unauthorized use of devices.

Complicating matters, many users buy Redmi 7s with their hands without access to the original account of the previous owner. In such cases, standard firmware methods through the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP become unavailable. Fortunately, there are workarounds, both official (through unlocking the bootloader) and informal (using modified firmware or exploits). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update Redmi 7 without binding to the Mi Account, their pros, cons and potential risks.

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting

Before you start firmware, it is important to assess the current state of the device and prepare the necessary tools. Redmi 7 can be in one of three states:

• 🔄 Works normally but requires authorization when resetting or updating;
• 🚨 Blocked on Mi-account after reset (This device is locked);
• 💀 «Brick" (not included, got stuck on the Xiaomi logo).

The state of the firmware depends on the choice of method, for example, for a working device, unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot is suitable, and for a locked one, you will need to unlock the bootloader through Fastboot. EDL-Emergency Download Mode or special scripts:

Download the official firmware for Redmi 7 (version) V12.x.x.x or newer)|Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for the EDL|Prepare. OTG-cable-in EDL|Backup the data (if the device is turned on)|Charge the battery at least 50%-->

Critically, firmware through informal methods (such as TestPoint or Deep Flash Cable) can result in loss of IMEI, denial of warranty service or complete failure of the device.

Method 1: Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot (official method)

The safest, but longest way is to officially unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi, which is suitable if the device is turned on and you have access to the developer's settings.

1. Activate Developer Options by clicking 7 times on the Build Number in Settings → About Phone.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu.
3. Link the device to the Mi Account in Settings → Additional → Unlock the bootloader.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
5. Connect Redmi 7 in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol−) and follow the instructions of the program.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if the device was purchased less than 7 days ago or the account is not tied to the phone.

Officially via Mi Unlock Tool|Through EDL TestPoint|Used custom Recovery.|Never unlocked.|Another way.-->

Method 2: Firmware through EDL-mode (for locked devices)

If Redmi 7 is locked on a Mi Account or turned into a brick, the only way to work is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-A (adapter OTG);
• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008;
• 📁.mbn firmware (e.g. Redmi 7 Global Stable);
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Instructions for entering the EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Connect the cable to the PC, but not to the phone.
3. Press the Vol button on your phone.+ vol− simultaneously.
4. Connect the cable to the phone, holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds.
5. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI. To avoid this, use a firmware marked EDL Authorized or reinstate IMEI after the firmware with tools like SN Writer Tool.

Method 3: Using Deep Flash Cable (alternative to TestPoint)

Deep Flash Cable is a modified version of the USB-cable that simulates a short circuit on the Redmi 7 contacts, forcibly transferring it to the EDL. This method is suitable if the standard method of entering emergency mode does not work:

• 🔧 Stolen iron and solder;
• 🔌 USB-cable;
• 📌 Resistor 300-500 kΩ;
• 🔍 Tester for circuit check.

Connection diagram:

USB (from the PC side)




|




✳ (seal the resistor between +5V and D+)




|




Micro-USB (from the phone side)

After the cable is assembled:

1. Connect the cable to the PC.
2. Press the Vol+ phone and connect the cable.
3. Hold the button for 10-20 seconds until Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

💡

If you don’t want to solder the cable yourself, you can buy the Deep Flash Cable ready for Xiaomi on AliExpress (search on “Xiaomi EDL Cable”).

Method 4: Firmware through custom Recovery (TWRP)

If the Redmi 7 bootloader is already unlocked, but the device requires authorization when reset, you can install custom Recovery (such as TWRP) and flash the modified firmware. This method is not suitable for devices with a locked bootloader!

Step-by-step:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 7 (version 3.5.2 or later) from twrp.me.
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img
4. Download to TWRP (Press Power + Vol+).
5. Make Wipe → Format Data (this will remove the link to your Mi Account).
6. Sweep through custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP standard OTA Xiaomi won't work. To get the original Recovery back, run it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img

IMEI Recovery After Firmware

One of the most unpleasant consequences of the unofficial firmware Redmi 7 is the loss of the product. IMEI (Without it, the phone will not be able to connect to mobile networks. IMEI:

1. Find out the original IMEIs of your device (they are listed on the box or under the battery).
2. Download the SN Writer Tool or QCN Rebuilder.
3. Enter IMEI manually via Engineer Mode (type ##4636## → Information → IMEI SV).
4. Or pass it. QCN-file via QFil in EDL-mode.

If you can't recover the IMEI, try flashing the modem part (non-hlos.bin and modemst1.bin) from the official firmware.

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn

💡

Never use generators. IMEI orthodox IMEI-This is illegal and could result in the device being blocked by the operator.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you run Redmi 7, you often run into typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (minimum 30%);
• 🔌 Quality. USB-cable (it is better to use the original cable);
• 🖥️ Windows Version (Windows 11 may have problems with Qualcomm drivers).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions