The most common issue among users is to install the global firmware, but Ported ROM has also been gaining popularity lately. Switching to such a shell, you can easily get a fresh version of Android or become a Super User. But how to install custom firmware on Xiaomi without damaging the phone?
What is it
Custom firmware, also called Ported and Custom ROM is an unofficial version of MIUI. That is, it is not developed by the Xiaomi community but by a separate group of people who are not directly related to the company.
A branch of the custom firmware is localized. Specialists are focused on a specific region when creating this type of shell. Of course, this does not happen in China or India, so the version is also called unofficial.
The main differences between Custom and Global ROM
| Global ROM | Custom ROM |
| Development and testing are mostly done in China. Some firmware is developed exclusively in India. | MIUI + its testing takes place in the territory of the country where it will be implemented. |
| Official builds with warranties from the manufacturer. | Not official builds with promises of the author to fix them quickly. |
| Only safe and stable applications. Android versions meet system requirements. | Removed all built-in applications (in almost all builds), and added useful little things for a particular region. Android version can be 2-3 generations higher, even on obsolete models. |
| Constant updates to all supported smartphone models. | Updates are less stable and may be delayed. This can also happen due to the insufficient number of testers. |
- Let’s start with the most basic – the location. The global version is developed on the territory of the Celestial Empire, but with the release to European countries in mind. There are no clear limitations: the global version will suit. Hence the multimedia and the presence of Google services.
- The custom, especially the localized version, is designed for a narrower space. The developer may create a shell only for a specific country, removing all other languages and adding relevant programs in the CIS.
- Another important point is the official character. Many people are working on global firmware and know their business well. These are designers, programmers, and editors. Before releasing any firmware, it is thoroughly checked, reviewed, and tested. So the risk of bugs, freezes, and slowdowns is minimal, especially with Stable.
- For Ported ROM, only a few programmers, or even just one user, are needed. The firmware is not thoroughly tested, which can lead to various “surprises” from the operating system in the future.
4 reasons to install custom firmware
To begin with, let’s look at the undeniable advantages of Ported ROM. Undoubtedly, it is a great option for experienced users with good technical knowledge and skills. But for beginners, despite the advantages of custom, we do not recommend experimenting and installing it.
A new version of Android on an old phone
Among most people, this is the main reason for implementing Custom on a mobile device. After all, the smartphone does not officially support the new version of Android, and we want updates.
On the Internet, you can find a lot of custom firmware designed for your phone model with different operating system versions.
Keep in mind that on the custom version, the smartphone can function with freezes and brakes. It is not always a matter of crooked firmware. Just the technical “stuffing” of the phone is not designed for certain versions of the OS. This is why the company stops supporting them.
Getting rid of trash and unnecessary applications
It’s no secret that some of the applications installed from the factory are not needed at all by the user. For example, you never use GPS, but your smartphone is loaded with many maps and geolocation programs. It is impossible to manually uninstall these because Android equates such utilities to the system.
Or the smartphone accidentally got malicious software that significantly degrades the device’s performance. The “Shell” of the virus can be erased, but the files that got deep into the operating system are removed only with the help of special tools.
Increased performance and full customization
Porter’s ROM also affects the technical part of the smartphone. You’ll be able to overclock the processor to maximum performance. Beware of overheating. The phone will work more quickly, and with multitasking and powerful applications, the system will cope with hurray.
The same situation is with autonomy. Built-in battery capacity is not a hindrance. After all, with the help of custom tools, the battery life increases several times.
Forget about the monotonous shortcuts and boring wallpaper. Putting Custom on your smartphone, you become a full-fledged user with huge opportunities. Change icons, experiment with themes, and choose any desktop you like!
These changes may seem insignificant and “cosmetic” but with full customization you’ll always use the phone with great pleasure.
Troubleshooting stock firmware issues
Tired of putting up with the flaws of the global? Love to test developer versions, but are you tired of the stucks and breaks? Custom firmware, built on a particular shell, can be fine-tuned. So you can remove unnecessary and annoying elements by editing the system files.
5 reasons not to install custom
The custom version has many drawbacks, sometimes crossing out all the advantages. First, read the warnings below, and only then experiment with the firmware.
Don’t have the right skills
Deploying Ported ROM is not an easy task. Moreover, even after a successful installation, there can be problems because you have to understand the work of the custom ROM for a long and hard time.
If you have no idea how to install through the recovery or Fastboot – do not take the risk. Read plenty of articles, watch videos, and try to install just the global version first. And only then, once you’ve mastered the necessary skills, start Custom.
You don’t want to spend a lot of time
Have a busy schedule and don’t have 2 to 3 hours to work with the custom firmware? Don’t go for it. As we mentioned above, the custom is neither a stable nor a development version.
You are not going to forfeit your warranty
Unfortunately, the phone warranty flies away immediately after serious system action. Recently purchased a smartphone? In that case, it is better to do without experiments. After all, if some function stops working on your device, you shouldn’t wait for free repair, not to mention the return and exchange.
You do not know the basic functions of your phone
First of all, it concerns the newbies. Agree that if the user does not know the operating system very well, he does not need the custom firmware. The same situation is with the elderly and with children. Ported ROM will only harm an inexperienced owner.
You won’t solve the problems you’ve encountered
Putting the custom firmware, you need to be prepared for possible trouble. For example, by mistake, you delete an important system file, or reflashing generally leads to “bricking”. No one is safe from this. If problems occur, they will need to be solved as soon as possible.
Either a visit to the service center or repair at home. This is an additional waste of time and probably money.
Installing custom firmware on Xiaomi
Still, decided to become the owner of the Custom? Then read the instructions below to make the procedure quick, easy, and effective. Don’t forget that you can always contact us in the comments regarding this topic.
Via TWRP Recovery or CWM Recovery
Installing via custom recovery is the best option if you are a TWRP owner. You can find a full description of the process in our separate article.
To begin with, we need to choose and download the firmware suitable for a particular model. Then you need to switch the mobile device to recovery mode with a special combination of keys. And already in the utility itself to carry out an operation introducing a new shell.
Via Fastboot
Also a good option for experienced users wondering how to install the custom firmware through the computer. Yes, you will need access to a PC and a long list of actions, but this procedure is almost always successful.
Full instructions, as always, can be found in a separate material. So, you need to download the Mi Flash program on the computer, disable digital drivers and unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi smartphone. If you follow each specified step and recommendation – everything will work out.
FAQ
Do all custom firmware have unlocked root rights?
No, it depends on the developer. But most of the custom firmware have advanced system settings.
Can I overclock the processor?
The maximum frequency value is already the limit. There is a significant risk of letting the processor burn out. It’s better to leave the performance untouched or increase it slightly.
Vietnamese firmware – what is it?
Vietnamese firmware is also unofficial, but unlike Ported ROM, it can cause great damage to your smartphone. You won’t get any special features on a self-made one. Only expose your mobile device to hacking and viruses.
How to find out what firmware is on the phone?
Detailed steps to check we described in the article about the global version. There you will find all information you may need to know. In short, the check is done in Settings – About phone. There is a special code cipher next to the MIUI version item. Pay attention to it.
Here we have discovered the process of installing custom firmware on Xiaomi phones. Also, we discussed a very important point – is it worth trying? After getting acquainted with the pros and cons of Ported ROM, decide if you need such a shell. And for more information, you can always contact us.
