Most users put the update of the smartphone system in the first place, trying to bypass the manufacturer’s restrictions in every possible way. To date, on sale there are only gadgets with a locked bootloader, which makes it difficult to put custom firmware. In this regard, users are increasingly interested in how to solve this problem. Flashing Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader through Mi Flash Pro is considered the most common way. We will talk about it below.
What is Bootloader?
Bootloader is a special utility that is activated after each power on or restart of the phone. It checks the operating system for errors and only then starts it up. This program actively protects the files stored in the smartphone memory, as well as the components of the operating system itself from external interference.
Xiaomi, like many of its peers, locks the bootloader on its phones to protect them from changes. This approach is good because it increases the level of security. But if you look at the situation from a different angle, things are not so colorful. The blocking deprives users of the ability to fully exploit their own device, adding some restrictions.
Google Pay services work steadily only on blocked smartphones.
By unlocking the bootloader, you can install custom firmware, get root rights or install unofficial firmware. However, experts have provided one way to flash your phone without this procedure – Mi Flash Pro. This utility is the official for updating the system of mobile gadgets, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
What firmware can be installed with a locked bootloader
In the case of a smartphone with a locked Bootloader, users can only install the stock MIUI. This is done through the official software Mi Flash Pro, presented by the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, as of today, Xiaomi firmware with a locked bootloader to the custom version is not available. Therefore, the only thing left to owners of Xiaomi gadgets is to update or roll back the “native” version of the OS.
Flashing your smartphone with Mi Flash
Users who agree to install the firmware using Mi Flash Pro with a locked bootloader should be prepared to operate by following the instructions precisely. The process does not take much time. However, there is a risk of damaging your gadget even in this case. That’s why experts strongly recommend following the sequence of actions below.
So, flashing Xiaomi via Fastboot without unlocking Bootloader is as follows:
- Download the archive file with the firmware elements to your computer.
- Go to the tab “Mi Flash” and install the necessary drivers by clicking “Install”.
- Wait until the installation is completed and click “Select”.
- In the Explorer window, select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- Disconnect the phone and switch to Fastboot mode (simultaneously press the Power and volume down keys).
- Connect the phone to your PC via USB cable.
- In the program click “Refresh”.
- At the bottom of the window click “clean all and lock”.
- Press “Flash”.
After these steps, the flashing process will start. It takes no more than 10 minutes. The Bootloader will still be locked when it is finished.
In the future, the user can safely use the OTA update without fear of problems with contactless payment.
Similar flashing methods
Flashing the Xiaomi phone without unlocking the Bootloader is also available in other ways. Using them, of course, is not prohibited, but the duration of the procedure leads exactly to Mi Flash Pro.
Such system upgrade options include:
- Update app (without connecting to a PC);
- Mi PC Suite (via PC via USB cable).
When you want to update your smartphone’s operating system, you should consider a nuance in the form of the Bootloader. Unfortunately, on most devices, it is blocked, so the owners of such gadgets do not even have access to custom firmware. However, one practical and safe option for reflashing still exists – Mi Flash Pro. This program can be trusted because it is official and does not aim to harm the device. And the only available way to upgrade to the official MIUI is open to absolutely every user.
