How to Flash Xiaomi in EDL Mode

No one is safe from errors and further malfunctions during serious system operations. One of the most unpleasant situations is “bricking” the device. Some experienced users prefer to handle the problem themselves and ask themselves how to flash Xiaomi in EDL mode to restore the phone to normal working conditions.

When is EDL mode useful, and what is it

EDL-mode on Xiaomi smartphones is an advanced software project that allows you to install different firmware without an unlocked bootloader. This is a real salvation for owners of smartphones that refuse to start after another crooked update, etc.

Please note that flashing is possible only if the phone is partially working. If the damage is mechanical and the phone doesn’t respond, EDL is absolutely useless here.

Pros

• The first and main advantage is, of course, the firmware with a locked boot.
• No need to wait for approval from the developers to install it yourself. The procedure is not simple, but experienced users can do it quickly and safely.
• “The “stuffing” of the device is not affected. Also, no root rights are required.

Disadvantages of the recovery mode

• Access to the computer is required.
• You need to download special programs and drivers; the operation is multistep.
• A beginner can make a mistake in the sequence of actions, thus damaging the device even more.

The step-by-step process of flashing Xiaomi phones through EDL

So, start the long procedure of reflashing. The first steps should be carried out directly on the computer, so take care of free space on the local drive and a stable Internet connection.

Step 1: Downloading MiFlashTool and ADB Drivers

A special program called MiFlashTool will install the new shell. This is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi, so you can not worry about malicious actions on its part. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend downloading the tool only from the official site, avoiding unreliable sources.

1. We visit the site XiaomiFlash.com and immediately get to the main page. Here we pay attention to the big “Download” button.
2. Next, click “Download Xiaomi Flash”. A new page appears where you choose the version of the utility to download. It is better to download the newest and most current version.
3. The download of the archive begins, which we watch in real-time. Usually, the download is completed within one or two minutes.
4. We’ll get to the installation a little later, but for now, we’ll additionally download the ADB drivers, which you’ll need for Fastboot mode. They are stored in the archive named “minimal_adb_fastboot” in zip format.

Installing the program and drivers

After downloading the archives, you must install the materials stored in them. First, open the MiFlash folder and double-click on the “MiFlash.msi” installation file. The system asks you to enter an encrypted code. You can find it on Xiaomiflash.com; the password is a link to this site.

Wait for the program to install and then go to the drivers. Click on the “adb-setup” file and watch the installation as well.

Step 2: Downloading the firmware archive for FastBoot

Next in the queue is the firmware itself. This is the firmware that we will install on your phone. You can select the appropriate version for your model at c.mi.com. For example, let’s take the popular Redmi 5 Plus smartphone.

Visit the site, scroll down the page and find the mobile device’s name. We click on it. The choice is either the developer version or the global version. The firmware download starts automatically. The archive size usually reaches 2 GB, so prepare free space on the drive in advance.

Unpacking the archive and moving it to the root of the disk

Unpack the downloaded archive conveniently and put materials on the system disk. Open the file and see there is an additional archive, which also needs to be unpacked.

Now the folder with the firmware itself appears. It is desirable to rename it, adding short Latin characters and numbers. In this very folder will be stored files with the name flash_all, as well as images. That’s it. That’s the end of the firmware steps for now.

Step 3: Downloading the Fastboot_EDL archive and convert the handset to Fastboot

Last but not least, we need one more archive, Fastboot_EDL. This is an indispensable part when flashing Xiaomi via EDL.

Now, finally, we have some practice in front of us. We take the smartphone and put it into Fastboot mode. To do this, press the power button and the volume knob up. We connect the mobile device to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 4: Putting Xiaomi into EDL mode

Go back to the last downloaded archive and go to the “Fastboot_edl-v2” folder. From there, run the file called “Reboot”. This is the most important thing that will get you into recovery mode without any problems.

You will see a black screen with lots of Latin symbols. There is nothing to worry about, press any key. The system asks for confirmation. “Enter” and wait a few seconds.

Checking the correctness of the connection

To ensure that the EDL mode is successfully activated, you need to pay attention to the indicator of the smartphone. It should light up red. But this is not the only parameter to check.

On the computer, open “Settings” and go to “Device Manager”. In the list of connected ports, look for “Qualcomm Snapdragon HS-USB” (or so). If it is missing – fix the cause of the problem. To do this, reinstall the drivers and reload MiFlash. Is the port defined? Then let’s move on.

Step 5: flashing Xiaomi through MiFlashTool

Open the utility and do the very important final steps. Click “SELECT” and, using the built-in explorer specify the file with the firmware, namely the folder images.

Click on “REFRESH” for the program to detect the connected port. Below, select “clean_all”. The mobile device’s internal memory will be completely cleared, so do not forget the need to make a backup in advance. Carefully check all settings and tap on “FLASH” button.

FAQ

Xiaomi could not enter EDL, what to do?

Check each item thoroughly and review the downloaded archives. Certain items may have been deleted if you downloaded them with the antivirus enabled. The battery should also be charged. If the battery level is below 30% – it may not work. But more often than not, the drivers are the cause. Reinstall them and try again.

ADB does not see a connected phone

Check if there are no Android emulators on your device. If yes, please remove them. And also re-insert the drivers. And the most trivial reason can hide in a faulty USB cable or connector.

My smartphone is in normal working condition, can I put the firmware through EDL?

Yes, the recovery mode functions on “bricks” and on working Xiaomi smartphones.

Is the recovery mode operation possible on an unlocked bootloader?

Of course, you don’t have to lock the bootloader at all. Moreover, if you have an active bootloader, you can easily undo some wrong actions.

Today we discussed how to flash Xiaomi in EDL mode. Yes, it is a multi-step and not-easy procedure, but it is necessary for many situations. If you follow the instructions, reread each command, take time, and do not worry – everything will work out. And in case you have any additional questions, you can always ask us for help in the comments. Good luck!