Owners of branded smartphones Poco often strive to expand the capabilities of their device, going beyond standard software. Flashing Android allows you not only to update to a more recent version of the system, but also to install custom assemblies that work faster or consume less energy. However, this process requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to turn the phone into a “brick.”
The procedure for installing new firmware on Poco is fundamentally different from a regular over-the-air update. You will need a computer, special drivers and utilities to interact with the device bootloader. Before taking active steps, it is critically important to assess your risks and understand that any manipulations with the system partition can lead to loss of warranty.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from obtaining superuser rights to the final installation of the system image. We will look at both official recovery methods and advanced installation methods Custom ROM via mode Fastboot. Preparedness for unforeseen situations is the key to successful completion of the procedure.
Preparing tools and backup
The first and most important step is to save all your data. During the process of unlocking the bootloader or installing a custom recovery, the device's memory will be completely cleared. Save photos, contacts and important documents to cloud storage or external storage.
To work, you will need a personal computer running Windows or Linux, as well as a high-quality USB cable. Cheap cables often do not support data transfer in Fastbootmode, which can interrupt the firmware process at the most crucial moment. Make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 60-70%.
You need to download and install the package on your PC ADB and Fastboot. This is a basic developer toolkit, without which communication with the phone in service mode is impossible. You will also need specific drivers for chipsets. data-i="49">💾 Make a complete backup of your data to an external drive. Qualcomm or MediaTek, depending on your model Poco.
- 🔋 Charge your device to above 60% for smooth operation.
- 💾 Make a complete backup of your data to an external drive.
- 🔌 Use the original USB cable to connect to the PC.
- 💻 Install the latest ADB and Fastboot drivers.
⚠️ Attention: The bootloader unlocking process permanently removes everything data from the device’s internal memory. It will be impossible to restore them using standard means after formatting.
☑️ Ready for firmware
Unlocking the bootloader
Most smartphones Xiaomi and Poco come with a locked bootloader, which prevents the installation of unsigned software. First, you need to link your account Mi Account to the device in the developer menu. Without this procedure, the unlocking utility will not work.
After linking your account, you will have to wait a certain period of time, usually from 7 to 15 days. The company introduces this delay to prevent device theft and impulsive actions by users. Only after this time has passed, the status in the application Mi Unlock Tool will change to allowing.
To start the process, switch the phone to Fastbootmode by holding down the combination of the power and volume down buttons. Connect the device to your computer and run the unlock utility. If all conditions are met, the unlock button will become active and the process will take several minutes.
What to do if the timer does not run?
Sometimes the wait timer gets stuck at one value. In this case, try unlinking your account in the developer settings, restarting your phone and linking it again. Also make sure that mobile data is disabled in the SIM card settings, leaving only Wi-Fi, as the system sometimes incorrectly reads the connection type.
Please note that an unlocked bootloader makes the device more vulnerable to malware, since verification of the system’s digital signature is disabled at boot. In addition, some banking applications may refuse to work due to security mechanisms. Google SafetyNet.
Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step for installing custom firmware, but it voids the manufacturer's warranty and reduces the level of security of the device.
Installing custom TWRP recovery
Standard menu recovery Android has extremely limited functionality and allows you to install only official updates. To fully work with firmware, you need to install third-party recovery, the most popular of which is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
The recovery image file (.img) must be strictly adapted to your specific model. Poco. Using a version from another device, even from the same series, may lead to inoperability of the touch screen or malfunction of memory sections.
Installation is carried out through a computer in the Fastbootmode. After connecting the phone, run the command in the terminal pointing to the path to the image file. It is important to use the flag --no-slot for devices with updatable A/B partitions so that the recording takes place correctly.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImmediately after successful recording, you must manually switch the device to recovery mode so that the standard system does not overwrite the installed recovery with its stock counterpart on the first boot. To do this, hold down the power and volume up buttons until the logo appears.
- 📂 Download the TWRP image specifically for your processor model.
- ⚡ Use the command
fastboot flash recoveryto record. - 🚀 Immediately after flashing the firmware, reboot into the mode Recovery.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with data encryption, you may be required to enter a screen unlock password when logging into TWRP for the first time. If you forget your password, you will have to perform a complete data reset (Format Data), which will delete all information.
Selecting and preparing the firmware file
The quality and stability of the smartphone after flashing directly depend on the selected system image. Users can choose between official global firmware MIUI / HyperOS and custom assemblies based on “pure” Androidsuch as LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
Official firmware ensures full compatibility with all hardware modules, including the camera and NFC. Custom builds often offer better autonomy and the absence of pre-installed junk, but may have problems with shooting quality or the operation of some sensors.
When downloading files, always check their checksum (MD5 or SHA256). An archive damaged during loading may cause a verification error in the recovery menu or lead to a cyclic reboot of the device after installation.
| Firmware type | Stability | Functionality | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI | High | Full | Low |
| LineageOS | Medium | Basic | Average |
| Pixel Experience | High | Optimized | Average |
| Nightly builds | Low | Experimental | High |
Some custom firmware requires a version of Android on the base before installation. Carefully read the description (README) of the archive with the firmware to understand the requirements for the base version Android or the presence of a specific one firmware.
The process of installing the system via TWRP
After loading into the menu TWRP First of all, you need to clear old data to avoid file conflicts. Go to section Wipe and select formatting sections Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, System and Data. Do not format the partition Internal Storageif the firmware file is on the phone.
Next go to the menu Install and select the previously downloaded archive with the firmware. Swiping to confirm installation will start the process of unpacking and writing files to the system partition. At this time, a log of performed operations will be displayed on the screen.
If you install Google Apps (GApps) separately, this must be done immediately after flashing the system, without rebooting the device. Cache and temporary files take up space, so after installing all components, it is recommended to clear the partition Cache again.
If, after installing the firmware, the phone does not see the network or Bluetooth does not work, try flashing the modem.img file via Fastboot or installing a compatible patch in Recovery mode.
After completing all operations, press the button Reboot System. The first launch of a new system can take from 5 to 15 minutes, as applications are optimized and new system files are created. Do not interrupt this process, even if the screen remains black for a long time.
⚠️ Attention: If after installing the firmware the device goes into an endless reboot (bootloop), do not panic. Return to Recovery mode and try clearing the Data partition (Format Data), then repeat the installation.
How to enter EDL mode?
If the phone does not boot at all and does not respond to buttons, you may need EDL deep firmware mode. To enter, you usually need to close special contacts on the board or use a test cable, and then connect the device to a PC with the MiFlash utility.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the common problems is a signature verification error (Signature verification failed). This happens if you are trying to install firmware that is not intended for this model, or if the file was downloaded from an unreliable source.
Another common problem is the “bricking” of the device, when the screen remains black and the phone only responds when connected to the charger. In most cases, Poco can be restored through mode Fastbootby downloading a stock image of the system from the official website.
If the computer stops seeing the phone in mode Fastboot, try changing the USB port, cable, or installing a different version of drivers. Sometimes deleting the device from the Windows task manager and then reconnecting it helps.
- ❌ Error 7 in TWRP means incompatibility between the Android version and the recovery.
- 🔄 A cyclic reboot is often treated by completely formatting the Data.
- 💻 The problem with drivers is solved by disabling signature verification in Windows.
In case of serious software failures, when software methods do not help, hardware intervention may be required. However, for most users it is enough to return the stock firmware through the official utility Mi Flash Tool in the mode of clearing all data.
Most errors during firmware are reversible. The main thing is to remain calm, have a stock image of the system at hand and not unplug the power cable at critical moments.
Will the information be erased when flashing the firmware?
Yes, when you unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware via TWRP, the internal memory of the device is completely cleared. Be sure to make a backup copy before starting work.
Can the warranty be returned after flashing the firmware?
Formally, unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty. However, if you return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader again, it will be extremely difficult to visually determine the intervention at the service center, although software traces may remain.
Will banking applications work?
With an unlocked bootloader, many banking applications refuse to work due to non-compliance with Google security requirements. You can solve the problem using Magisk patches (Hide), but this does not give a 100% guarantee.
What are A/B sections?
This is a seamless update technology used in modern Poco. The device has two sets of system partitions. When flashing firmware, it is important to understand which slot (A or B) is being written to, so as not to damage the active system.
Where to download drivers for Poco?
Official ADB and Fastboot drivers can be found on the Android developers website. Drivers for EDL mode and specific utilities are often distributed on specialized forums such as w3bsit3-dns.com or XDA Developers.