All smartphones produced by Xiaomi and its major sub-brands (Redmi, Poco, Black Shark) are based on the branded firmware. This shell is very popular due to the many additional features and frequent updates with constant improvements and innovations. But some users get confused about MIUI versions, as the firmware has many varieties. So in this article, we will discuss in detail all kinds of MIUI and tell you about the features of each version.
What are the versions of Xiaomi phones?
Let’s start with the biggest thing – the smartphone versions. There are three types of Xiaomi:
- Global. It is designed for use in different countries. Global Version comes with a European charging block (if the phone is ordered in the CIS countries) and a manual in several languages. Global Version has global firmware by default.
- Chinese. China Version is produced for work within China. These versions are significantly cheaper than the Global versions, but it is problematic to use them in Europe. The Chinese versions, respectively, have the Chinese firmware installed. Theoretically, CN can be reflashed to Global ROM, but it is fraught with significant problems with the mobile device (if the boot loader is blocked).
- Indian. As the name implies, the Indian versions of smartphones are produced in India and are intended for the Indian market only. India Version work on the global Indian firmware. There is English and other languages.
Types of MIUI firmware (ROM)
Now moving on to the firmware. This is already a larger and more interesting topic. There is both official firmware released by Xiaomi and custom firmware developed by third-party specialists.
Global (Global ROM)
Global ROM is the best option for users from Europe:
- Most world languages are supported.
- Google services are preinstalled, and there are no unnecessary Chinese programs.
- Recognized band 20.
This firmware is usually always on the global versions of smartphones. You can buy a mobile device with the software in reputable stores in your country and on AliExpress. With Global, there will not be any regional problems during the use of the device. You will be able to choose the desired language and set your country, which will make useless pre-installed applications disappear from the desktop (such a problem occurs in the region “India”).
There used to be two subspecies of the international version – stable and developer. But a few years ago, Xiaomi stopped releasing global weekly (developer) builds. Only the international stable firmware does not receive updates very often compared to the Chinese shells, especially the developer ones.
Important clarification! The open beta test (about public developer firmware) was discontinued in the summer of 2019. Now only closed beta testing is left for global firmware, which can be participated by a limited number of participants.
Chinese (CN ROM)
The CN Version has only two languages: Chinese and English. A lot of applications are preinstalled, which are useless outside of China. Google services are missing. They need to be installed independently with additional operations.
The Chinese shells have a significant advantage – they receive updates much more often than Global. But it is still very inconvenient to use such a smartphone in the territory of European countries, even if the English-language interface is not a problem for you.
Stable (Stable ROM)
Stable ROM is the most stable version of the software. In this builds, all significant bugs and errors are fixed. Stable firmware only gets tested and optimized updates, so the phone is updated about twice a month if we’re talking about the Chinese firmware. Global gets updates about once a month, sometimes less.
Developer ROM
Developer ROMs are also called weekly and beta firmware. As noted above, these versions remain only for Chinese devices. Weekly builds get updates very often, so users can test all new features and tools at the development stage and send their feedback/opinions to the company. The main drawback of Developer ROM is unstable operation: crashes, errors, and other problems can occur. Fortunately, such failures usually do not harm your mobile device, and in the next builds, errors are successfully eliminated.
Indian (IN ROM)
Indian firmware can hardly be called a separate version. It is more of a global build, but with an addition of Indian services and applications and certification in India. Using IN ROM in CIS countries is quite realistic because it supports multilingualism. Google services work without any problems. But the main drawback is that there are no bands 20 and 7.
Custom ROM
Custom firmware is unofficial. Their development and release are engaged in people who are not directly related to the company Xiaomi. Any programmer with advanced skills or a group of developers can create their firmware for Xiaomi smartphones. Unofficial builds are usually characterized by exclusive features, not in the official firmware.
The main drawback of such versions – is unstable operation and possible serious failures. There are also significant security risks: by installing software from a little-known developer, you can not be sure that private information will not be stolen. Therefore, you should use Custom ROM with caution and carefully study other users’ opinions before installing the shell.
One of the most popular custom firmware is Xiaomi.EU. This unofficial shell is liked by many users who like to experiment with their devices.
Important! The unofficial versions are not updated “by air” and are not supported by the manufacturer. Therefore you will not be able to get new official builds.
Localized (RU ROM)
Local is official firmware, which is a kind of Global ROM. They are oriented on the market of the particular region, so they have everything you need to work correctly in your country. The most vivid example of localized firmware is Xiaomi EU ROM. Users usually have no complaints about the localized firmware, but the disadvantage should be attributed to rare updates.
How to determine the firmware Xiaomi phone
First of all, you need to know the indices of different firmware. Because with the help of indices, you can determine the type of firmware – global, Chinese, etc.
- Global ROM – index MI.
- China ROM – index CN.
- Russia ROM – index RU.
- India ROM – index IN.
- Europe ROM (localized firmware for Europe) – index EU.
Now decrypt your firmware code. To do this, open “Settings” – “About phone”. We look at the line ” MIUI version “. The main points are displayed in the name: the global stable firmware is immediately visible in my case. Next to it is the version of the shell – on my Redmi Note 10 5G is MIUI 12.5.2.0, which recently arrived “by air”.
The deciphering of the code itself is more complicated.
- The first digit always means the version of the Android operating system: R – Android 11; Q – Android 10; P – Android The designation of older versions of Android we will not consider, as they are no longer relevant. I have Android 11, so the first digit of my firmware code is R.
- The second and third letters are not so important because they denote the code of a certain model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 5G is.
- The next group of two letters tells you the regional affiliation of the firmware. This is the shell index, which is the most important element in the software code. You can see the firmware indices above. I have the global version, so it’s MI. If it was Chinese firmware, it would have the index CN, etc.
- And the last two letters indicate the customization of the firmware for a particular mobile operator or the absence of this customization. For instance, the letter combination VF tells about the customization for the Vodafone requirements, i.e., you have the operator version. And if it is XM, as I have, it is the firmware with no operator customization.
Know all these details because you need to know what firmware you have and what you can upgrade to. The mismatch of versions when upgrading causes “bricking” of the smartphone. About this is just in the next paragraph.
Limitations on upgrading MIUI firmware
A few main rules can not be violated when flashing a smartphone. Since 2018, the requirements have been tightened, so you must be very careful when updating, especially when switching from one version to another.
OTA updates
Updates “over the air” is the easiest and easiest way to get a fresh build. There will be notifications about new versions available if you have official firmware. You only need to download and reboot your mobile device to install the software.
When updating on your own through Three Dots, be careful and stick to the main rule: only put the new version that corresponds to the current firmware. Namely:
- Global – install Global.
- China – install China.
- Russia – install Russia.
- Europe – install Europe.
Let’s assume that you have RU ROM, and if you try to flash your smartphone through OTA to Europe – the consequences will be unforeseen. Here we told you how to update your smartphone via “three dots”, so you won’t damage it.
Fastboot mode
Flashing through Fastboot suits experienced users because the options are more advanced. You can change, for example, from Global to RU or even flash the Chinese version of the smartphone to international firmware. Also, Fastboot is suitable for rollback to the previous build. But before that, please read the article about Anti-Rollback.
We have a manual for flashing smartphones in Fastboot + mode with MiFlash software. Prerequisite – bootloader must be unlocked. It won’t work with an inactive bootloader.
Pay attention! Do not lock the bootloader back if you changed from one version to another (for example, from CN to Global). Otherwise, you will get a “brick”. The company has introduced strict restrictions on the regionality of firmware, and you can bypass them only with an unlocked bootloader.
Custom recovery
Custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) is good for installing another firmware version, but you can’t change regional firmware this way. If upgrading from Chinese to global or EU firmware – use only Fastboot. Because flashing through Recovery doesn’t affect the regional section, that will lead to serious problems with the phone (you can’t specify region during the initial setup of the device).
If you want to switch from the official build to the custom one – the recovery is quite suitable. Also, newer firmware versions can be flashed through it.
EDL
The EDL mode is an emergency option: with it, the smartphone is usually flashed only if it has “bricked”. For modern models, only flashing through EDL is allowed – you have to disassemble the device and short-circuit the “TestPoint” pins. Another unpleasant limitation is that an authorized account is required.
FAQ
Is it possible to lock bootloader on Global Version after switching from Global to Indian firmware?
Yes, it is possible to lock the bootloader back in this case. But before you do that, please carefully study the question on technology forums. Since the rules change quite often.
Is it worth buying a Chinese phone with Global ROM?
This option is allowed, but we can’t recommend it. It’s important to understand that despite the global firmware, the smartphone version is still Chinese. This means that you may not work with certain communication frequencies. If the re-flashed smartphone is sold to some user by hand – this purchase should not be considered. Most likely, the smartphone has an unlocked bootloader and additional “crutches”. In the course of using the phone can easily turn into a “brick”.
How to install custom firmware?
To install custom firmware, use TWRP or CWM recovery. Through Fastboot, only official builds are installed.
Which is better: Global or EU ROM?
Both firmware versions are suitable for use. But the international version receives updates much more often than the EU, so you should look in its direction.
We have discussed all MIUI firmware and told you how to interact with them. We hope that the article on such an important topic was useful. Please feel free to contact us in the comments with additional questions.
