Flashing your Xiaomi smartphone or tablet can be a necessary procedure for various reasons, such as upgrading to the latest software, downgrading to a more stable version, or even recovering your device from a bootloop or software malfunction. The Mi Flash Tool is an official utility provided by Xiaomi that simplifies this process, allowing you to install stock firmware (Fastboot ROM) on your device efficiently. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful flashing experience.
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to understand that this tutorial is specifically for flashing Fastboot firmware on Xiaomi devices using the Mi Flash Tool. Ensure you have the correct firmware type for your device before starting.
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Download and install the Xiaomi Flash Tool on your computer. If you’ve already installed it, you can skip this step and ensure you have the latest version for optimal performance.
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Download the appropriate Stock Firmware (Fastboot Firmware) for your specific Xiaomi device model. It is vital to download the firmware that matches your device model number and region to avoid compatibility issues. Once downloaded, extract the firmware files to a readily accessible location on your computer.
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Power off your Xiaomi device completely. This ensures that the flashing process starts from a clean state and prevents any interruptions.
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Boot your Xiaomi device into Fastboot Mode. This is a crucial step that prepares your device to communicate with the Mi Flash Tool and receive the new firmware. To enter Fastboot Mode, press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously for about 6-8 seconds.
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You will know you have successfully entered Fastboot Mode when you see the Fastboot screen on your device. This screen typically features the Mi Bunny logo and the word “FASTBOOT”.
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Connect your Xiaomi device to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure you are using a high-quality USB cable to maintain a stable connection throughout the flashing process.
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Launch the Xiaomi Flash Tool on your computer. Once opened, you will need to locate the extracted Firmware folder that you downloaded earlier. In the Mi Flash Tool interface, click the “Select” button and browse to the folder where you extracted the Fastboot firmware.
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Click the “Refresh” button in the Mi Flash Tool. This action allows the tool to detect your Xiaomi device that is connected in Fastboot mode. If your device is correctly connected and recognized, it will appear in the device list within the tool, usually displaying a device ID.
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Before proceeding with the flashing process, you’ll typically see options at the bottom of the Mi Flash Tool window, such as “clean all,” “save user data,” and “clean all and lock.” Choose the appropriate option based on your needs. “Clean all” is generally recommended for a fresh installation, which will wipe all data. “Save user data” attempts to keep your data, but it’s not always reliable and can sometimes cause issues. “Clean all and lock” will wipe data and lock the bootloader after flashing (only use this if you intend to relock the bootloader).
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Once you have selected your desired option, click the “Flash” button to begin the firmware flashing process.
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The flashing process will now commence, and you can observe the progress within the Mi Flash Tool interface. Do not disconnect your device or interrupt the process during this time. The duration of the flashing process can vary depending on the size of the firmware and your computer’s speed, but it usually takes several minutes.
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Upon successful completion of the flashing process, you will see a “success” message displayed in the Xiaomi Flash Tool, indicating that the firmware has been installed on your device.
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Congratulations! You have successfully flashed your Xiaomi device using the Mi Flash Tool. You can now close the Mi Flash Tool and disconnect your device from the computer. Your device should automatically reboot. If it doesn’t, you can manually power it on. The first boot after flashing might take a bit longer than usual as the system sets up the new firmware.
Important Considerations:
- Data Loss: Flashing stock firmware will erase all data on your device, including photos, videos, contacts, and messages. Always create a complete backup of your important data before proceeding with the flashing process.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure that you download and flash the correct Fastboot firmware specifically designed for your Xiaomi device model. Flashing incorrect firmware can potentially brick your device.
- Bootloader Unlock: For most Xiaomi devices, you need to have the bootloader unlocked to flash Fastboot firmware. Make sure your device’s bootloader is unlocked before attempting to flash.
- USB Drivers: Ensure you have the correct Xiaomi USB drivers installed on your computer. If you encounter issues with device recognition, downloading and installing the latest Xiaomi USB drivers might resolve the problem. You can find Xiaomi USB Drivers at: Download Xiaomi USB Driver
- Firmware Source: Always download your Xiaomi Stock Firmware from reputable sources to avoid downloading corrupted or malicious firmware. A reliable source for Xiaomi Stock Firmware is: Download Xiaomi Stock Firmware
Credits: The Xiaomi Flash Tool is developed and provided by Xiaomi Inc. Full credit goes to Xiaomi for creating and distributing this valuable tool for free.
By following these steps carefully, you can effectively use the Mi Flash Tool to flash stock firmware on your Xiaomi device and resolve software-related issues or upgrade/downgrade your device’s operating system. Remember to always back up your data and double-check firmware compatibility before proceeding.
