Removing standard firmware MIUI from a phone Xiaomi is not a task for beginners. Unlike a regular factory reset, here we are talking about completely erasing the operating system followed by installing alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or even Ubuntu Touch). But why do users decide to take such a step?

The main reasons: the desire to get rid of advertising in MIUI, the need for a more recent version Android (if the manufacturer has stopped updating the model), experiments with performance or just curiosity. However, the process is fraught with risks: incorrect actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick” - a device that does not turn on and does not respond to charging. In this article we will look at all stages —from preparation to installation of a new OS—and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

It is important to understand: Tearing down Android on Xiaomi is not officially supported by the manufacturer and will void the warranty. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consider alternatives: disabling advertising through settings, installing a launcher from third-party developers, or rooting without replacing the firmware.

Preparation: what you need to do before uninstalling Android

Before you start making radical changes, make sure that you have completed all the preliminary steps. Ignoring them can lead to data loss, the inability to restore the device, or even physical damage (for example, due to overheating during firmware).

First, create a backup copy of all data. This applies not only to photos and contacts, but also:

  • 📱 IMEI (unique device identifier) - its loss will lead to problems with the network;
  • 🔑 Keys encryption (if you use FBE or File-Based Encryption);
  • 🎮 Game saves (many titles are linked to the account Google Play, but not all);
  • 📄 Licenses applications (for example, purchases in Adobe Lightroom or Microsoft 365).

Secondly, check compatibility of your model with alternative firmware. Not all devices Xiaomi are supported by popular custom OS. For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro due to a proprietary chip Mediatek Helio G90T has a limited choice. firmware, while Poco F3 (Redmi K40) is compatible with almost all current assemblies. You can check support on the forums XDA Developers or in the database LineageOS Wiki.

⚠️ Attention: If your phone was purchased in China (version for the domestic market), there is a high risk of encountering a locked bootloader that cannot be installed. unlock legally. Check the model through Settings → About phone → MIUI version —if there is a letter at the end of the name C (for example, MIUI 14.0.3 CN), the device is intended for the Chinese market.

Thirdly, prepare hardware and software:

  • 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 or Linux (for MacOS additional drivers may be required);
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (cheap cables often do not transfer data when flashing);
  • 🔋 Charge at least 70% —the process may take several hours;
  • 🛠️ Tools: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB & Fastboot, TWRP Recovery (version for your model!).
📊 What firmware are you planning to install instead of MIUI?
LineageOS
Pixel Experience
Ubuntu Touch
Another custom
I don’t know, I’m exploring options

Unlocking the bootloader: the first and most important step

The bootloader (bootloader) on smartphones Xiaomi is locked by default. This is a security measure to prevent the installation of uncertified software. To unlock it, you need to obtain permission from the manufacturer through the official tool Mi Unlock Tool.

The process consists of several stages:

  1. Linking an account Mi to the device:
    • Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in;
    • Enable Settings → Advanced → For developers → Linking Mi account;
    • Connect your phone to the Internet and wait for synchronization (may take up to 24 hours).
  2. Installation Mi Unlock Tool:
    • Download the latest version of the tool from official website (registration required);
    • Run the app as administrator;
    • Log in using the same account Mias on your phone.
  • Unlock:
    • Switch the phone to mode Fastboot (turn off, then hold Volume down + Power);
    • Connect to the PC and press Unlock in the app;
    • Wait for completion (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

    After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deletedso check your backups again.

    ⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi limit the number of unlocks for one account If you have previously unlocked other devices, you may need to create. new account or wait 30 days. Also, the manufacturer sometimes introduces additional checks (for example, linking a phone number) for models released after 2022.

    ☑️ Checklist before unlocking the bootloader

    Done: 0 / 5

    Installing custom recovery (TWRP)

    Standard recovery (recovery) on Xiaomi does not allow you to install unofficial firmware. flash TWRP - an alternative recovery with advanced functions. However, there are nuances:

    • 🔧 For each model Xiaomi there is own version of TWRP. Installing an inappropriate one will lead to errors or a “brick”;
    • 🔒 Some new devices (for example, Xiaomi 12/13 series) use dynamic partitions (dynamic_partitions, which requires a special version of recovery;
    • 🛡️ After installing TWRP, you may need to disable signature verification (dm-verity), otherwise the system will not boot.

    Installation instructions:

    1. Download the correct version TWRP for your model from the website twrp.me (search by device code, for example, raphael for Redmi K20 Pro);
    2. Set the phone into mode Fastboot;
    3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB/Fastboot and run the command: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-raphael.img

      fastboot reboot recovery

    4. If after rebooting the phone starts standard recovery again, repeat the command, but before rebooting do: 
      fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-raphael.img

      This will temporarily load TWRP without writing to memory (needed to bypass protection on some models).

    It is recommended to immediately make a backup of the current firmware (section TWRP It is recommended to immediately make a backup of the current firmware (section BackupThis will help restore). device if something goes wrong. Please note: backup takes up a lot of space (10–15 GB), so use external memory card or PC.

    What to do if TWRP does not start?

    If after installing TWRP the phone boots to standard recovery or gives an error, try:

    1. Use another version of TWRP (for example, an unofficial build from the community).

    2. Disable signature verification through the command fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img.

    3. Check whether your model supports A/B partitioning (on new devices you may need to flash the recovery). in both slots).

    Selecting and installing alternative firmware

    Now that the bootloader is unlocked and installed TWRP, you can start installing a new operating system. There are many options, but the most popular are:

    Firmware Peculiarities Xiaomi support Installation complexity
    LineageOS Pure Android without unnecessary applications, regular security updates Most models 2018–2023 Average
    Pixel Experience Interface as on Google Pixel, optimized performance Popular models (Poco F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) Low
    ArrowOS Maximum customization, support for themes and gestures Limited list (mainly flagships) High
    Ubuntu Touch Linux system with desktop support applications Only old models (Redmi 4X, Mi A2) Very high

    The installation process for most firmware is the same:

    1. Download the firmware (usually a file in the format .zip) and, if required GApps (services Google);
    2. Reboot into TWRP;
    3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark:
      • Dalvik / ART Cache
      • System
      • Data
      • Cache
    Do not erase sections Internal Storage i MicroSDif you don’t want to lose files!
  • Install the firmware through Install, then (if necessary) GApps;
  • Reboot into the system.

    • The first startup may take 10-15 minutes - this is normal. If the system does not boot for more than 20 minutes, it means something went wrong. In this case:

    • 🔄 Try repeating the installation, having previously formatted the partition Data in TWRP;
    • 📥 Check whether the firmware is suitable for your model (sometimes the versions for Global and China are different);
    • 🔧 Make sure that you have installed the correct version GApps (for example, arm64 for modern processors).
    💡

    If the mobile network does not work after installing custom firmware, check the APN settings. Often it is enough to manually add your operator's parameters to Settings → Mobile network → Access Points (APN).

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems when moving Android to Xiaomi. Here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

    1. Error "This package is for "xxx" devices; this is a "yyy":

      Cause: attempt to install firmware intended for another model. Solution: download the correct version, check the device code in TWRP (Settings → About).

    2. Stuck on logo MI or endless loading:

      Reasons:

      • Not disabled dm-verity;
      • Incompatible version TWRP;
      • Damaged firmware file.

    Solution: go back to TWRP, do Format Data (not Wipe!), then reinstall the firmware.

  • Error "E3004: This package doesn't have boot.img":

    Cause: the firmware does not contain a kernel (boot.img). Solution: download the full package or manually flash boot.img via fastboot.

  • Loss of IMEI or network functions:

    Cause: damaged partition modem or nvram. Solution: restore the backup via TWRP or use the tool SN Write Tool (requires authorization on some models).

    • If the device stops turning on ("hard brick"), do not panic. In most cases, it can be restored using Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware in the format .tgz. To do this:

    1. Download the firmware for your model from the site Xiaomi Firmware;
    2. Unpack the archive and run Mi Flash Tool;
    3. Connect the switched-off phone in mode EDL (this may require short-circuiting the test points on the board);
    4. Select mode Clean All and start flashing.
    ⚠️ Attention: Firmware via EDL requires account authorization Mi with developer rights. On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), this method may not work without special equipment.

    Restoring the warranty and returning to MIUI

    If you decide to return the standard firmware (for example, to sell the phone or repair under warranty), you can do this in two ways ways:

    1. Via Mi Flash Tool:

      Download the official firmware for your model (preferably the same version as was originally) and flash it in Clean Allmode. This will completely erase all data and return the device to its factory state.

    2. Via TWRP:

      If you have a backup MIUI, restore it via Restore. Please note that this method will not reset the bootloader unlock counter.

      3. To check whether traces of custom firmware remain:

      • 🔍 Go to Fastboot and run the command: 
        fastboot getvar all

        If there is line unlocked: yes or tampered: true, the service center Xiaomi may refuse warranty repairs.

      • 📱 Turn on the phone and check the lock status in Settings → About phone → Bootloader lock state.

      To completely reset the unlock counter, flashing firmware via EDL with mode selection Clean All and Locksometimes helps. However, this does not guarantee 100% results on new models.

      💡

      Even after returning to MIUI, the service center may detect traces of the bootloader unlocking. If the warranty is critical, avoid experimenting with firmware.

      Alternatives to completely uninstalling Android

      If your goal is to get rid of advertising in MIUI or get root access, a complete replacement of the firmware is not always necessary. Consider these options:

      • 🚫 Disable advertising:

        Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Advertising and disable all switches. Also install ADB and run the command: 

        adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

      • 🔓 Getting root access without changing the firmware:

        Use Magisk to rooting. This will allow you to remove system applications, configure the kernel and install mods without completely replacing the OS.

      • 📱 Installing an alternative launcher:

        Applications like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will replace the interface MIUI with clean Android, maintaining all the functions of the system.

      • 🔄 Update via Xiaomi.EU:

        This is an unofficial version MIUI without unnecessary water and with advanced settings. Installed via TWRP, but does not require a complete replacement of the firmware.

      If you are not satisfied with the performance, try optimize the current firmware:

      • 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleaning;
      • ⚡ Disable animations via Settings for developers;
      • 🔋 Replace the battery (over time, degraded batteries greatly slow down the system).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about uninstalling Android on Xiaomi

    Is it possible to uninstall Android on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?

    No. Without unlocking the bootloader, it is impossible to install custom recovery or alternative firmware. All attempts to bypass this limitation lead to the device being bricked.

    Which Xiaomi models best support custom firmware?

    The most popular models among enthusiasts: Poco F1, Poco F3, Redmi Note 7/8 Pro, Mi 9/9T, Mi A2/A3 (thanks to the app Android One). New flagships (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60) often have support problems due to proprietary drivers.

    What to do if the camera or fingerprint sensor does not work after flashing the firmware?

    This is a typical problem when using unofficial firmware. Solutions:

    1. Install a special patch for the camera (for example, ANX Camera for GCam);
    2. Check if there is an option in the firmware settings Enable HAL3 for the camera;
    3. Return to the official firmware and make a backup of the partition persist (sometimes restoring it helps).

    How can I find out which firmware is suitable for my Xiaomi model?

    Each model is assigned a unique code (for example, raphael for Redmi K20 ProFind it out). you can:

    • B TWRP: Settings → About;
    • B Fastboot: command fastboot getvar product;
    • On the box or under the battery (for older models).

    Then find the firmware using this code on the forums XDA or website LineageOS.

    Is it possible to return official updates after installing custom firmware?

    Yes, but to do this you need to return to the official firmware MIUI via Mi Flash Tool. data-i="331">OTA updates will not work if the bootloader is unlocked;

    • OTA updates will not work if the bootloader is unlocked;
    • To receive updates, you will have to manually flash new versions via Fastboot;
    • Some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 on MediaTek) may lose support for updates after the change firmware.