How to Flash Xiaomi Firmware Using Mi Flash Tool

Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool is an official Windows utility developed by Xiaomi for flashing Fastboot firmware on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. It is commonly used to restore stock firmware, fix bootloops, or recover devices that fail to boot properly.

This guide explains how to flash Xiaomi firmware using Mi Flash Tool safely, including requirements, preparation steps, and important bootloader considerations.

Who This Guide Is For

Use this guide only if all conditions below apply:

  • ✔ You are using a Xiaomi, Poco or Redmi smartphone
  • ✔ The device uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset
  • ✔ You have downloaded a Fastboot ROM (.tgz)
  • ✔ You are using a Windows PC

Do NOT use this guide if:

  • ❌ Your Xiaomi device uses a MediaTek (MTK) chipset
  • ❌ You are trying to flash a Recovery (.zip) ROM
  • ❌ Your bootloader is locked, and flashing is restricted

⚠️ Warnings & Important Notes

  • Flashing firmware will erase all user data
  • Flashing incorrect firmware can hard-brick your device
  • Interrupting the process may cause failure
  • Bootloader status matters — relocking can brick some devices

FlashGuideHub does not host firmware files. Always download the correct Fastboot ROM for your exact device and region from a trusted official source.

Flashing Disclaimer:
Flashing firmware always carries risk. While the methods described here are official and widely used, FlashGuideHub is not responsible for data loss or device damage resulting from incompatible firmware or improper use. Always verify your device model and firmware before proceeding.

For full details, read our Flashing Disclaimer.

Requirements

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

  1. Windows PC or Laptop
  2. Reliable USB cable (data transfer supported)
  3. Xiaomi USB Drivers installed
  4. Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool
  5. Correct Fastboot firmware package for your device
  6. At least 50% battery charge

Preparation Steps

  1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers on your PC
    (Restarting after installation is recommended.)
  2. Extract the downloaded Fastboot ROM (.tgz) until you see folders like images and flashing scripts.
  3. Extract Mi Flash Tool and launch XiaoMiFlash.exe as Administrator.
  4. Power off your Xiaomi device completely.

Step-by-Step: Flashing Xiaomi Firmware with Mi Flash Tool

Step 1: Boot Xiaomi Device into Fastboot Mode

  1. Power off the device
  2. Press and hold Volume Down + Power
  3. Release when the FASTBOOT screen appears
  4. Connect the phone to the PC via USBTwo hands holding a Xiaomi smartphone displaying a "Fastboot" screen with an android bot, set on a white desk next to a keyboard and a small plant.

Step 2: Launch Mi Flash Tool

  1. Locate the folder where the Mi Flash Tool was downloaded.
  2. Extract the tool.
  3. Open the extracted folder.
  4. Open Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
    If prompted to install additional drivers, click Install.

Mi Flash Tool prompting different driver installation

Step 3: Load the Firmware Folder

  1. Click Select in Mi Flash Tool
  2. Choose the main firmware folder (not individual files)
  3. Ensure the path points to the extracted Fastboot ROMSelecting Xiaomi Fastboot firmware folder in Mi Flash Tool

Step 4: Configure Flashing Option

At the bottom of the tool, choose one option carefully:

  • Clean all → Wipes data (recommended)
  • Save user data → May fail on major updates
  • Clean all and lock → ⚠️ Can brick if firmware doesn’t match device

👉 Recommended: Clean all

Clean all flashing option selected in Mi Flash Tool

Step 5: Start Flashing

  1. Click Refresh to confirm device detection
  2. Click Flash to begin

Mi Flash Tool flash button

  • Flashing takes 5–10 minutes
  • Do not disconnect the device

Step 6: Completion & First Boot

Once flashing completes successfully:

  1. Disconnect the USB cable
  2. Power on the device
  3. Wait patiently — first boot may take longer than usual

Common Mi Flash Tool Issues

If flashing fails, common causes include:

  • ❌ Incorrect Fastboot firmware
  • ❌ Missing or outdated USB drivers
  • ❌ Locked bootloader restrictions
  • ❌ Using “Clean all and lock” incorrectly
  • ❌ Faulty USB cable or USB port

Most issues are preventable by verifying firmware and bootloader status beforehand.

Post-Flash Checklist

After successful flashing:

  • Complete Android setup
  • Verify MIUI / HyperOS version
  • Confirm IMEI and baseband
  • Factory reset if recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mi Flash Tool work on MediaTek Xiaomi phones?

No. Mi Flash Tool is designed for Qualcomm-based Xiaomi devices only.

Does flashing with Mi Flash Tool unlock the bootloader?

No. Bootloader unlocking is a separate process.

Can I downgrade Xiaomi firmware?

Only if anti-rollback protection (ARB) allows it.

Final Notes

Mi Flash Tool is one of the safest methods for restoring Xiaomi firmware when used correctly. Always double-check firmware compatibility, bootloader status, and flashing options before starting.

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