How to reflash Android on Xiaomi: from unlocking to installing custom firmware

Flashing a smartphone Xiaomi is a process that can solve performance problems, add new functions, or even bring a “bricked” device back to life. However, without proper preparation and knowledge of the nuances, you risk getting a device that refuses to turn on. In this article we will analyze all the stages: from unlocking the bootloader to installing official or custom firmware, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

The firmware Xiaomi is different from other brands due to the closed bootloader and proprietary shell MIUI. Even if you have previously flashed devices Samsung or Google Pixel, there are pitfalls waiting for you here. For example, linking your account Mi Account to the bootloader or mandatory waiting 7 days after unlocking. We will go into detail on each step so that you can confidently update or replace the firmware without the risk of losing data.

Why reflash Xiaomi?

The main reasons why users decide to reflash:

• 🔄 Updating to a new version of MIUI - if official OTA updates no longer arrive (relevant for older models like Redmi Note 4X or Mi 5).
• ⚡ Acceleration —custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) are often free of “garbage” and work faster.
• 🔓 Removing restrictions — unlocking the bootloader allows you to install unofficial modifications, root the device or remove built-in applications.
• 🛠️ Recovery after a failure —if The smartphone does not turn on (“brick”), flashing via Fastboot may be the only way out.

However, flashing is not always justified. For example, on new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) it can lead to loss of warranty or problems with the operation of the camera/sensors. Smartphones with processors MediaTek (for example, Redmi 10C or POCO M5) are more difficult to flash due to the closed bootloader architecture and the risk of “hard brick”.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through unofficial sources (for example, 4PDA) may contain malicious code or unstable assemblies. Always check the hash sums of the files and reviews from other users.

Preparing for flashing: what you need to do before you start

Before you start flashing, follow the required steps:

Make a backup copy of your data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the device model in Settings → About phone → Model

Download the official firmware from the site Xiaomi or a trusted forum

Charge the phone at least 60% (preferably 100%)

Prepare a cable USB Type-C (original or certified)

Install drivers Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot on PC

Disable Mi Cloud and Find device in account settings

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Pay special attention backup. Even if you plan to flash the device without resetting (OTA or Recovery), there is always a risk of data loss. Use:

• 📱 Built-in function Backup to Settings → Advanced (saves applications and settings).
• 🖥️ apps like Mi PC Suite or Titanium Backup (requires root).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) for photos and documents.

Also check bootloader version your device. Xiaomi there are two branches of firmware:

⚠️ Attention: If you are flashing the Chinese version (China ROM) on a global device, NFC may stop working, 4G bands or Google Pay. Before installation, check compatibility on the forum XDA Developers.

Official Global from Xiaomi

Chinese (China Stable)

Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

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Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: step-by-step guide

Without unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock), you will not be able to flash the device via Fastboot or install custom recovery (TWRP). The process takes a minimum 7 days due to policy Xiaomi.

Steps to unlock:

1. Link your account Mi Account to the device:
   • Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account data-i="129">Activate Settings → Xiaomi Account.
   • Turn on Synchronization And Find device.

Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times)

After waiting, repeat the process - the bootloader will be unlocked. Make sure what does Mi Unlock Tool status display Unlocked.

Xiaomi firmware methods: Fastboot vs Recovery

There are three main firmware methods Xiaomi:

• 📲 Via Recovery (MIUI) —the simplest way for official updates. Suitable if the bootloader is locked.
• 🖥️ Via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool) - a universal method for any firmware, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔧 Through TWRP (custom recovery) - for installing custom firmware and modifications.

Let's look at each method in more detail.

1. Firmware via Recovery (without PC)

Suitable for updating the current version MIUI or recovering from a failure. Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in format .zip (for example, miui_BLOCKNAME_Global_V14.0.1.0.TKWMIXM_...) from the official website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move to the root of the internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select file firmware → specify update.zip.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: If after flashing the firmware via Recovery the phone is stuck on the logo MI, try resetting the settings via Wipe Data in the same recovery menu. To do this, when loading, press Power + Volume Up.

2. Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is suitable for:

• Installing official firmware on a bricked device.
• Moving from China ROM to Global (and vice versa).
• Recovery after unsuccessful firmware via TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware in format .tgz (for example, whyred_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RDFMIXM_...) and unpack it.
2. Install Mi Flash Tool on PC and drivers ADB/Fastboot.
3. Switch the phone to mode Fastboot: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and start Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select, specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select the firmware mode:
   • Clean all —full cleaning (recommended when changing the firmware region).
   • Clean all and lock —cleaning + blocking bootloader (for selling the phone).
   • Save user data —saving data (risky, can lead to bugs).

If the process is stuck on 99% or an error appears anti-rollback, which means you are trying to install an older firmware version than the one that is already installed. In this case, you need to download new firmware or reset anti-rollback via EDL (requires an authorized account Xiaomi).

3. Firmware via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you will need TWRP RecoveryInstructions:

1. Install TWRP for your model via Fastboot:

   fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img
   fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img

2. Download the firmware (for example, lineage-20-20231010-nightly-whyred-signed.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services).
3. In TWRP execut Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check:
   • Dalvik / ART Cache
   • System
   • Data
   • Cache

Typical errors when flashing Xiaomi and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

If after the firmware the phone is stuck on the splash screen MI or reboots in a loop (bootloop), try:

• 🔄 Reset the cache via Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Cache).
• 📥 Repeat the firmware with complete data clearing (Clean all in Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔧 Install a different firmware version (for example, instead of Global try EEA).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3after flashing the firmware through Fastboot the bootloader may not be unlocked. To avoid this, do not use the option Clean all and lock.

How to return official firmware after custom one

If you have experimented with LineageOS or other custom firmware and want to return to MIUI, follow these instructions:

1. Download the official firmware from format .tgz for your model from the website Xiaomi.
2. Unpack the archive and connect the phone in the mode Fastboot.
3. Run Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
4. Select mode Clean all (if you want to save the data, you risk getting bugs).
5. Click Flash and wait for completion.

After returning to MIUI you may need to:

• 🔓 Re-unlock the bootloader (if it is locked).
• 📶 Setting up a mobile network (APN).
• 🔄 Update to the latest version via OTA.

If after returning to MIUI it does not work Google Pay or banking applications, check the status SafetyNet via the app SafetyNet Test. If necessary, install Magisk and activate the module Universal SafetyNet Fix.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Xiaomi firmware