POCO Custom ROM Installation Guide
POCO devices share Xiaomi's DNA but often have better community support. Here's your complete guide to custom ROMs on POCO.
POCO is Xiaomi
Important to understand:
- POCO is a Xiaomi sub-brand
- Uses same unlock process as Xiaomi
- Same Mi Unlock Tool
- Same MIUI-based system
Unlocking follows Xiaomi's waiting period process.
Popular POCO Devices
| Device | Codename | ROM Support |
|---|---|---|
| POCO F5 | marble | Excellent |
| POCO F5 Pro | mondrian | Good |
| POCO X5 Pro | redwood | Excellent |
| POCO X5 | stone | Good |
| POCO F4 GT | ingres | Good |
| POCO F4 | munch | Excellent |
| POCO X3 Pro | vayu | Excellent |
| POCO F3 | alioth | Excellent |
Step 1: Prepare for Unlock
Create Mi Account
1. In phone: Settings → Mi Account
2. Sign in or create account
3. Verify with phone number
Enable Developer Options
Settings → About Phone
Tap "MIUI Version" 7 times
"Developer mode enabled"
Bind Account for Unlock
Settings → Developer Options
Mi Unlock status → Add account and device
Sign in with Mi account
Wait for "Added successfully"
The Waiting Game
After binding, wait required period:
- Usually 168 hours (7 days)
- Can be longer for new accounts
- Cannot skip or bypass
Step 2: Unlock Bootloader
Download Mi Unlock Tool
Get from en.miui.com/unlock/
Unlock Process
1. Open Mi Unlock Tool
2. Sign in with Mi account
3. Boot phone to Fastboot:
Power off → Hold Power + Volume Down
4. Connect USB
5. Tool detects device
6. Click Unlock
7. Wait for completion
8. Device factory resets
Step 3: Install Custom Recovery
Download TWRP or OrangeFox
Check what's available for your codename at:
- twrp.me
- orangefox.download
Flash Recovery
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot recovery
Important: Immediately boot to recovery, don't boot to system first. MIUI may replace recovery.
Step 4: Flash Custom ROM
Preparation
Download:
- ROM for your device codename
- Firmware (if ROM requires)
- GApps (if ROM doesn't include)
Flash Order
In TWRP:
1. Wipe → Format Data → type "yes"
2. Wipe → Advanced → Dalvik, System, Vendor, Cache
3. Install → Firmware (if needed)
4. Install → ROM
5. Install → GApps
6. Optional: Install Magisk
7. Wipe → Dalvik only
8. Reboot → System
Best ROMs for POCO
POCO F5/F5 Pro
- Evolution X (excellent)
- Pixel Experience
- crDroid
- LineageOS
POCO X5 Pro
- Pixel Experience
- Evolution X
- ArrowOS
- crDroid
POCO F3/X3 Pro
These have exceptional ROM support:
- Almost every popular ROM available
- Very active communities
- Long-term support
POCO-Specific Notes
Firmware Matching
POCO devices need correct firmware:
Check ROM requirements
Flash matching firmware before ROM
Xiaomi Firmware Updater has POCO firmware
Camera on Custom ROMs
POCO cameras work well on AOSP:
- GCam works great
- Download device-specific config
- Many ROMs include camera optimizations
HyperOS to AOSP
If coming from HyperOS:
Same process as MIUI
Format data required
Clean flash recommended
Troubleshooting
Bootloop After Flash
1. Boot to recovery
2. Wipe data again
3. Check firmware compatibility
4. Try different ROM
No WiFi
Flash correct firmware version
Check ROM requirements
Mi Unlock Shows Error
Wait full 168 hours
Check account binding status
Re-bind if needed
Summary
POCO Custom ROM Process:
1. Create Mi account, bind device
2. Wait 168+ hours
3. Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool
4. Flash TWRP recovery
5. Format data, flash ROM
6. Enjoy!
Same as Xiaomi process - POCO is Xiaomi!
POCO devices are excellent for custom ROMs. Great hardware + great community = great experience!
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