Flash Custom ROM on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO

Xiaomi makes fantastic hardware at great prices. The software? MIUI is love-it-or-hate-it territory. If you're in the "hate it" camp, custom ROMs transform these devices.

This guide covers everything you need to know about flashing custom ROMs on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.

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The Xiaomi Unlock Experience

Here's the honest truth: Xiaomi has the most annoying bootloader unlock process of any manufacturer. But once you're through it, everything else is smooth sailing.

The Waiting Period

When you request an unlock, Xiaomi makes you wait:

Why the wait? Officially, to prevent phone theft. Realistically, to discourage casual modders.

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Phase 1: Prepare for Unlock

Step 1: Create Mi Account (If Needed)

1. Download Mi/Xiaomi app on any Android phone
2. Create account with email/phone
3. Verify your account
4. Wait 24h before using for unlock

Step 2: Enable Developer Options

1. Go to Settings → About Phone
2. Tap "MIUI Version" 7 times
3. "You are now a developer!" message appears

Step 3: Bind Mi Account to Device

This is the critical step that starts your waiting period:

1. Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Developer Options
2. Tap "Mi Unlock status"
3. Tap "Add account and device"
4. Sign in with your Mi account
5. "Added successfully" message appears

Note: The countdown starts NOW. Don't factory reset or you restart the wait.

Step 4: Wait It Out

Check your unlock status periodically:

Mi Unlock Tool → Sign in → Shows remaining time

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Phase 2: Unlock Bootloader

Download Mi Unlock Tool

Official download: en.miui.com/unlock/download_en.html

Only use the official tool. Third-party tools can brick your device.

Install Drivers

The Mi Unlock tool should install drivers automatically. If not:

1. Download Xiaomi USB drivers
2. Install with Device Manager

Boot to Fastboot Mode

1. Power off your phone completely
2. Hold Volume Down + Power simultaneously
3. Release when you see the Fastboot bunny logo
4. Connect USB cable to computer

Unlock

1. Open Mi Unlock Tool (run as administrator)
2. Sign in with same Mi account
3. Tool should detect your device
4. Click "Unlock"
5. Confirm warning about data loss
6. Wait for process (usually 10-30 seconds)
7. Device will reboot

Success!

Your device will factory reset and boot to initial setup with an unlocked bootloader.

Verify unlock:

Settings → Developer Options → Mi Unlock status
Should show "Unlocked"

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Phase 3: Install Custom Recovery

Most Xiaomi devices work great with TWRP. Some newer ones need OrangeFox.

Download Recovery

TWRP: twrp.me/Devices/ OrangeFox: orangefox.download

Make sure you download for your exact device codename.

Common Xiaomi Codenames

Find your codename: Settings → About Phone → All specs

Flash Recovery

# Boot to fastboot mode
adb reboot bootloader

# Flash recovery
fastboot flash recovery twrp-xxx-sweet.img

# Boot directly into recovery
fastboot reboot recovery

Important: Boot to recovery IMMEDIATELY after flashing, before booting to system. Some MIUI versions replace custom recovery automatically.

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Phase 4: Flash Custom ROM

Download Requirements

1. ROM: Compatible with your device codename
2. Firmware: If required by ROM (check XDA thread)
3. GApps: If ROM doesn't include them

Firmware Requirement

Many ROMs require specific firmware:

Check ROM XDA thread for:
- "Requires MIUI 14.x.x firmware"
- "Flash latest vendor before ROM"

Firmware sources:

• Xiaomi Firmware Updater
• ROM developer's provided links

Flashing Order

1. Boot to TWRP
2. Wipe → Advanced Wipe:
   - Dalvik/Cache ✓
   - System ✓
   - Data ✓
   - Cache ✓
3. Install → Select Firmware (if needed)
4. Install → Select ROM
5. Install → Select GApps (if needed)
6. Wipe → Dalvik/Cache
7. Reboot → System

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Phase 5: First Boot

Patience Required

First boot on Xiaomi devices can take 5-10 minutes. This is normal:

• ROM optimizing apps
• ART compilation
• System setup

If Stuck on Boot Animation

Wait 15 minutes before assuming bootloop. If still stuck:

1. Boot to recovery
2. Wipe Dalvik/Cache
3. Try rebooting

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Troubleshooting Xiaomi-Specific Issues

Anti-Rollback

Xiaomi devices have Anti-Rollback protection. Flashing older firmware can brick your device permanently.

How to check ARB level:

fastboot getvar anti

Safe practice: Always flash newer firmware, never older.

Virtual A/B Partitions

Newer Xiaomi devices (11T and later) use Virtual A/B:

• Need fastboot-compatible recovery, not just TWRP
• Install process differs slightly
• Check XDA for device-specific guides

Mi Account Lock (FRP)

If you're locked out:

1. Must have original Mi account credentials
2. Or contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase
3. Third-party unlock tools are risky and often scams

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MIUI to AOSP: What to Expect

You'll Gain

✅ Clean Android experience ✅ No MIUI ads ✅ Better battery life (usually) ✅ Faster updates ✅ More customization ✅ No bloatware

You Might Lose

⚠️ MIUI-exclusive features (Second space, Dual apps built-in) ⚠️ Some camera software features ⚠️ MIUI themes ⚠️ Xiaomi ecosystem integration

Camera Quality

Real talk: Stock MIUI often has better camera processing. Solutions:

1. Install GCam port (usually works great)
2. Use ROM that includes optimized camera
3. Accept slight quality difference

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Best ROMs for Xiaomi Devices

Based on community popularity and my testing:

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Returning to MIUI

Changed your mind? Here's how to go back:

Method 1: MiFlash

1. Download Fastboot ROM from mi.com
2. Download MiFlash Tool
3. Boot to Fastboot
4. Flash using MiFlash (select "clean all")
5. Device returns to stock MIUI

Method 2: Recovery ROM

1. Download Recovery ROM (.zip) from mi.com
2. Copy to phone
3. Settings → About → Update → Choose update package
4. Select the ROM file
5. Confirm and reboot

Note: Recovery method only works if you can boot to MIUI.

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Pro Tips

Speed Up Waiting Period

While waiting for unlock timer:

• Don't factory reset
• Keep device connected to internet daily
• Keep signed into Mi account
• Don't change system settings

Avoid Common Mistakes

❌ Don't use unofficial Mi Unlock tools ❌ Don't ignore anti-rollback warnings ❌ Don't flash without checking firmware requirements ❌ Don't skip reading ROM installation notes

Keep These Ready

Create a Xiaomi toolkit folder:

Xiaomi_Flash/
├── Mi_Unlock_Tool/
├── Platform_Tools/
├── Stock_Firmware/
├── Current_ROM/
├── TWRP_Recovery.img
└── Drivers/

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FAQ

Q: Can I unlock without waiting?

A: No legitimate method. Claims otherwise are scams or risky exploits.

Q: Does unlock reset the phone?

A: Yes, every time. Backup before unlocking.

Q: Can I lock bootloader again?

A: Yes, but you'll need to be on stock MIUI and it wipes everything.

Q: Why is my codename different from device name?

A: Xiaomi convention. Always use codename for ROMs.

Q: HyperOS vs MIUI - any difference for flashing?

A: Same process. HyperOS is just MIUI rebranded.

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Xiaomi's unlock wait is frustrating, but the hardware value makes it worth it. Once unlocked, these devices run custom ROMs beautifully. Enjoy your liberated Xiaomi!

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