Resetting the firmware on smartphones Xiaomi is a procedure that may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal system glitches to critical failures after an unsuccessful update. Unlike a regular factory reset, flashing allows you to completely replace the device's software, return it to a "clean" state, or even install custom firmware for advanced features. However, this process requires caution: incorrect actions can turn the phone into a “brick” that will not turn on without specialized equipment.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of resetting the firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO —from official methods via Fastboot and Recovery to alternative solutions for blocked devices. We will pay special attention to preparation: unlocking the bootloader, choosing the correct software version and creating backup copies. You will also find a table of tool compatibility with popular models and answers to frequently asked questions that users have when flashing.

Preparing to reset the firmware: what you need to do before you start

Before you begin flashing, you need to complete several critical steps. Neglecting them can lead to data loss, device blocking, or even breakdown. Let's start with the most important thing - unlocking the bootloader. All smartphones have their bootloader locked by default. This is a security measure that prevents the installation of unofficial software. To reset the firmware via

All smartphones Xiaomi locked by default bootloader (loader). This is a security measure that prevents the installation of unofficial software. To reset the firmware via Fastboot or install a custom version, the bootloader will have to be unlocked. To do this:

  • 🔗 Link your account Mi Account to the device in the settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account). Without this, unlocking is impossible.
  • 📱 Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking in Settings → About phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
  • 🖥️ Download the official utility Mi Unlock Tool from the site Xiaomi and follow the unlocking instructions (you may need to wait up to 720 hours for new ones accounts).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Also, after this procedure, some functions (for example, Find Device or Mi Pay) may stop working.

The next step is choosing the correct firmware. For smartphones Xiaomi there are several types of software:

  • 📦 Stable —the official version with a minimum number of bugs, recommended for most users.
  • 🧪 Developer (For developers) —weekly builds with new functions, but possible errors.
  • 🔧 Fastboot —firmware in format .tgz, installed via computer.
  • 📱 Recovery —firmware in format .zip, installed via stock or custom recovery.

You need to download firmware only from official sources:

Do not use firmware from dubious forums! They may contain malicious code or be compiled for another model.

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

Charge the phone for at least 60%

Download the firmware for your model (check the device code in Settings → About phone → Model)

Install drivers Mi Flash Tool and ADB on your computer

Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)

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Method 1: Resetting the firmware via Fastboot (official method)

Installing the firmware via Fastboot is the most reliable method, recommended by yourself XiaomiIt is suitable for. restoring "bricks", updating to a new version of MIUI or returning to stock firmware. This method will require a computer with Windows and a utility. Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Unpack the archive with the firmware (format .tgz) folder without Cyrillic characters in the path.
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Powerto enter the mode Fastboot (a hare in an earflap hat will appear on the screen).
  4. Connect the device to the computer and run Mi Flash Tool. The app should detect the phone.
  5. In the field Select specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.
  6. Select the firmware mode:
    • 🔄 clean all —full cleaning (recommended in case of failures).
    • 📥 clean all and lock — cleaning + locking the bootloader (only for official firmware).
    • 🔧 save user data — saving user data (does not always work stably).
  • Press Flash and wait for completion (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
    • ⚠️ Attention: If Mi Flash Tool gives an error can't receive hello packettry:
    • Change the USB cable or port.
    • Disable the antivirus (it may block drivers).
    • Run the app as administrator.

    After successful firmware, the phone will automatically reboot. The first launch may take up to 15 minutes - this is normal. If the device is stuck on the logo MI longer than 20 minutes, try repeating the procedure by selecting a different mode (clean all).

    What to do if the Mi Flash Tool does not see the phone?

    1. Make sure that the drivers Qualcomm or MediaTek (depending on the processor) are installed.

    2. Check if the device is detected in Device Manager (should appear as Android Bootloader Interface).

    3. Try using a different computer or version of Windows (for example, Windows 10 instead 11).

    4. If the phone was previously unlocked, but is now not detected, the bootloader may be damaged - you will need a service center.

    Method 2: Installing the firmware via Recovery

    If you do not have access to a computer or you prefer to flash it over the air, you can use stock or custom Recovery. This method is suitable for updating the current version of MIUI or restoring after a soft brick (when the phone turns on, but is unstable).

    Important: Stock Recovery on Xiaomi does not support installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). TWRP or other custom recovery.

    Instructions for stock Recovery:

    1. Download the firmware in format .zip (for example, from the website Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
    2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of the phone's internal memory.
    3. Turn off the device and press Volume up + Powerto enter Recovery.
    4. Select a language (if there is such an option), then go to Install update.zip to System.
    5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (do not interrupt the process!).
    6. After completion, select Reboot to System.
    Xiaomi model Supported versions of Recovery Features
    Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) Stock, TWRP For TWRP you need to disable verification dm-verity
    POCO X3 Pro (vayu) Stock, OrangeFox Custom Recovery can block OTA updates
    Xiaomi 12 (cupid) Stock only Installing TWRP may result in data loss
    Redmi 9A (dandelion) Stock, PitchBlack Supports firmware via ADB Sideload

    If you use TWRP, the algorithm will be slightly different:

    1. Download the firmware (.zip) and move it to your phone or SD card.
    2. Log in TWRP (usually Volume up + Power).
    3. Click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you need a complete cleanup).
    4. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the firmware.
    5. After installation, it is recommended to flash Magisk (if you need root) or Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt to disable encryption.

    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot reboot

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    Method 3: Resetting the firmware without unlocking the bootloader (alternative methods)

    What to do if the bootloader is locked and unlocking is impossible for some reason? In some cases, it is possible to bypass this limitation, but such methods do not guarantee 100% success and may lead to the device being blocked. Let's consider two options.

    Method 1: Update via OTA with data deletion

    If the phone turns on but is unstable, try:

    1. Go to Settings → About phone → Update system.
    2. If an update is available, download it, but before installing, select Erase data (if such an option is available).
    3. After the update, perform a factory reset (Settings → Additionally → Recovery and reset).

    Method 2: Flashing via EDL (emergency mode)

    This method requires an authorized account Xiaomi with EDL or special box rights (for example, UFi Box or EasyJTAG). It is suitable for “bricks” that do not respond to the power buttons Algorithm:

    1. Connect the phone to the computer in EDL mode (this may require shorting the test points on the board).
    2. Use the app Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm) for firmware.
    3. Select the firmware file in the format .mbn or .elf (for MediaTek).
    ⚠️ Attention: Firmware via EDL without official access may lead to IMEI blocking! This method is recommended only for experienced users or service centers.

    Fastboot

    Recovery (stock or TWRP)

    EDL (emergency mode)

    Never flashed it myself

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    How to choose the correct firmware version for your model

    One ​​of the most common mistakes when flashing is installing software that is not intended for a specific model or region. This may result in non-functioning modules (for example NFC or 4G), errors in camera operation, or complete inoperability of the device.

    To avoid problems, follow these rules:

    • 📌 Check the model code name. It is different from the brand name. For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has code veux, and POCO F3 — alioth. You can find it out in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap several times on "Kernel Version").
    • 🌍 Select the correct region. Firmware is shared to:
      • Global — for international versions (supports Google Services).
      • EEA — for Europe (without some services Xiaomi).
      • Russia — for Russia (with pre-installed local services).
      • China — for China (without Google, many Chinese applications).
      • India — for India (may not support some 4G bands in other countries).
    • 🔢 Check the MIUI version. For example, for Xiaomi 11T Pro (vili) the current stable version at the time of writing is MIUI 14.0.6. Installing an older version may lead to errors.

    If you are not sure which firmware is suitable, use the tool Xiaomi Firmware Updater Archive. Enter the model code name, and the system will show all available versions indicating the region and type (Stable/Developer).

    💡

    Never install firmware from another model, even if it is “similar”! For example, Redmi Note 10 (mojito) and Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) have different hardware - the firmware from one model will not work on the other.

    Frequent errors when resetting the firmware and how to fix them

    Even if you strictly follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common of them and ways to solve them.

    Error Cause Solution
    This package is for "sweet" devices; this is a "mojito". The firmware is not suitable for the model Download the correct version for your device
    Couldn't mount /system (in TWRP) The file system is encrypted Flash Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt or format Data
    The phone vibrates when turned on, but the screen black Partition damaged boot or dtbo Flash these partitions separately via Fastboot
    Anti-rollback check fail Attempting to roll back to an older version of MIUI Update to the latest version, then try again
    Stuck on the logo MI Module conflict or incompatible kernel Run Wipe Cache/Dalvik in Recovery or flash stock firmware via Fastboot

    If after Some functions of the firmware stopped working (for example Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or camera), most likely the firmware was installed not for your region. In this case:

    1. Install the correct software version (see section above).
    2. If the problem persists, flash the modules separately: 
      fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

      fastboot flash fsd fsd.fsg

      (the files must be in the archive with the firmware).

    Another common problem — blocking Mi account after flashing. This happens if the account was not linked before unlocking the bootloader. Solutions:

    • Enter data from the account that was linked earlier.
    • If you don’t remember the password, use recovery form.
    • As a last resort, contact c Xiaomi support service with proof of ownership of the device (receipt or box).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about resetting Xiaomi firmware

    Is it possible to reset the firmware without a computer?

    Yes, but with limitations. Through stock Recovery you can install only official firmware in format .zip. For custom firmware or brick restoration, a computer is required.

    Will I lose the warranty after unlocking the bootloader?

    Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing unofficial software removes the device from warranty. However, in some countries (for example, in Russia), service centers can meet halfway if the problem is not related to the software part (for example, a broken screen).

    How to return stock firmware after installing custom?

    To do this you need:

    1. Download the official firmware in format Fastboot for your model.
    2. Flash it through Mi Flash Tool selecting the option clean all and lock (this will lock the bootloader back).
    3. If necessary, reset to factory settings.

    Please note that after this you will have to unlock the bootloader again if you want to return to custom software.

    What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

    First check:

    • Is the battery charged (connect to charger at 30 minutes).
    • Does the phone respond to pressing Volume down + Power (attempt to enter Fastboot).
    • Is the device detected in Device Manager when connected to a computer.

    If the phone shows no signs of life, the bootloader may be damaged. In this case, only firmware via EDL (requires special equipment) or contacting a service center will help.

    Can I flash Xiaomi via ADB? Sideload?

    Yes, but only if you have a custom one installed Recovery (for example, TWRP). To do this:

    1. Log in Recovery.
    2. Select Advanced → ADB Sideload.
    3. On the computer, run the command: 
      adb sideload firmware.zip

    This method is useful if the sensor or buttons do not work volume.