List of All Necessary Files for Xiaomi Firmware (2024)

Many experienced users like to install new firmware on their Xiaomi phones themselves. This is a multi-step and complex procedure, which requires a large number of files, drivers, utilities, etc. In one article, we’ve gathered all the materials you might need to flash Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors.

USB Drivers

What’s needed: the first and most necessary file is a driver for the computer to recognize the phone during a USB connection. Without this driver, the PC cannot detect the connected mobile device. Consequently, you will not be able to perform operations that require a computer.

This driver is usually installed automatically on Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 when you connect your smartphone to your PC. The system will independently download and install the new file from the Internet. If you have an older version of Windows or the PC does not recognize the smartphone, try downloading and installing the USB driver yourself.

Where to download:

For Snapdragon processor phones – QDLoaderHS_USB_Driver_32bit (for 32-bit systems), QDLoaderHS_USB_Driver_64bit (for 64-bit systems).
For MTK phones – Driver_android_MTK (especially suitable for older versions of Windows).

How to install: installation of the USB driver is as simple as possible because it comes with a .exe extension. You have to run the file as an ordinary program and follow the prompts on the screen. After installation, be sure to reboot your computer.

ADB and Fastboot drivers

What you need: The following files are the adb and fastboot drivers. They are necessary to perform some actions with your phone via PC: remove system applications, clear system partitions, and flash the phone via Fastboot. File adb allows you to run the console (cmd) and enter their different commands to work with Android. Unlike USB, these drivers are not installed automatically. You have to download and install them manually. The most convenient option is to download the Platform-tools archive, which combines adb/fastboot.

Where to download:

31.0.3 is the newest build;
29.0.6 – the most stable, recommended for use;
23.1 – suitable for older versions of Windows, even XP.

How to install: the above files are packed in a zip archive. You need to unpack it at any convenient for your archiver and place the archive contents in the folder “adb”, which should be placed in the root of your system drive (by default, it is drive C). Type the word cmd in the folder search box to run the command line.

MiFlash program (for Snapdragon)

What you need: if you want to flash Xiaomi via Fastboot mode, you need to install the MiFlash program, also called MIUI ROM Flashing Tool. This is the official utility for flashing Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon processor. In a separate article, we have a detailed review of this program.

Where to download:

Here you can choose any version of the program.

How to install: MiFlash is installed like any other program. If you downloaded the utility in an archive, the first thing you need to do is to unpack it. Then run the installation file .exe and follow the prompts on the screen: accept the terms of use, indicate the installation location (always choose the system disk) and wait for the installation to complete. Usually, this process does not take more than a minute. It is better to disable the antivirus temporarily. After that, perform the flashing of the phone using our instructions.

There is no need to download drivers for MiFlash separately, the program will install everything you need.

Mi Flash Pro program (for Snapdragon and MTK)

What you need: this is an improved version of MiFlash, which is suitable for both Snapdragon and MTK. This program is the perfect option to flash a smartphone with a MediaTek processor. Here you can find out all the details about the utility.

Where to download:

6.3.318.42 – the newest updated build;
5.3.1104.39 – also a current build;
5.3.714.36 – build 2020, you can use without problems;
3.3.1212.88 – The first build is suitable for older versions of Windows (7, 8, 8.1).

You may also need additional drivers to make MiFlash Pro work:

for Qualcomm;
for MTK.

You don’t need to download these files if you have already installed fastboot and adb drivers (link in the previous paragraph). Download these files only if the utility does not work.

XiaoMiTool V2

What you need: this utility is also designed to flash Xiaomi smartphones. You will not need Fastboot mode: it will be enough to go to the stock recovery and on the computer to run the program. XiaoMiTool V2 is not an official program. It was invented by someone not related to the company. The main advantage of this program is the ability to install new firmware with a locked bootloader.

Where to download: you can download it from our article. You can choose between versions for Windows (32-bit or 64-bit) or Linux operating systems. There are alpha and beta versions, which differ from each other in their functionality and stability.

How to use: the program comes with the extension .exe, so you only need to run the installation file and follow the prompts in the installation window. Read more about the program in a separate article.

Flashing for Fastboot

What for: You need to install only special firmware via Fastboot mode. If you flash with non-Fastboot firmware, the smartphone will “brick” or fall into boot loop mode. Fortunately, there are a lot of builds designed for this firmware method.

Where to download: Fastboot firmware can be found on the Mi Community forum page under the “Fastboot Update” tab. There are different versions for all Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco models. You can choose stable Indian, Indonesian, European, and global firmware.

How to use: before flashing, check the archive’s resolution with the firmware. It must be “.tgz”. If it says “.gz” rename it. Then unpack the archive and proceed to further actions to flash your smartphone.

Mi Flash Unlock program

What you need: this is the official program to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi and Redmi. Here you will find all the details about bootloader activation. Unlock conditions change frequently, so check technology forums for the latest information. With an inactive bootloader, you won’t be able to flash the phone via Fastboot.

Where to download:

official website – program with English interface;

How to use: the program has the extension .exe, so click on the installation file. Next, read the disclaimer and click “Agree”. Authorize in your Mi-account and start unlocking the bootloader. If you downloaded the archive, unzip it first and then run the .exe file.

Custom recovers

What’s needed: in addition to Fastboot, you can also flash your Xiaomi phone via TWRP Recovery. By default, Xiaomi smartphones have stock Mi Recovery with very limited functionality. If you want more features – put TWRP. To do this, you need to unlock the bootloader, install adb drivers, check the functionality of the USB drivers and, finally, download the recovery file with the name “Recovery.img”.

Where to download: there are two options – a special site Team Win Recovery Project. The second option is preferable, as you can easily select the recuperation specifically for your smartphone model and download the current version of the software project. You need to go to a branch with your model, open the section “Firmware” and click on the tab “Recovery”.

How to use: follow our instructions to install the custom recovery project. We have described each step in detail. In short, the file Recovery.img has to be moved to the root of the system drive, to the folder “adb”. Downloaded the archive – then unpack it first.

Official flashing

You will need the official firmware to reflash your mobile device through the “Custom Recoveries” or “Three Dots”. It is different from the one that is installed through Fastboot.

How to download: