From China firmware to international without unlocking the bootloader - Xiaomi Mi 5 Questions & Answers

Hello guys!
I just got my Mi 5 today and it's gorgeous, but unfortunately it came with the version of miui made for china which, in my case has some annoying blotware (2 additional file managers, some privacy stuff, battery saver and things like these).
All i want to know is if i can flash the international version of stable/beta firmware over the current firmware without having any issues and without unlocking the bootloader(because it's a painfull process).
I've read some things about flashing a stock rom on locked bootloader but all the guys that posted about this had different results: some of them could just flash the stock rom from the updater app and worked, some needed the mi app for pc in order to flash, and for some none of these methods worked.
So, if u can tell me how to flash the international version of the miui without unlocking the bootloader, i would be very thankful.

I am also looking to change from china rom to official global.
any success ?

Me too! With the Updater in factory 7.2.6.0 Stable i get "Unfortunately, Updater stopped" with all the availlable ROMs I found.

i dont think you can do that.you have to unlock your bootloader.i dont understand why you so scare to unlock your bootloader.just like you unlock you can lock it back.

I am not scared ... I dont have so much time to wait for this f*** permission! Atleast they should deliver an installable global ROM with more languages than Chinese and English!!!

i have done flash from chinese rom to global stable rom.. without unlock BL, without prob.. use miflash..

It took me 2 days to get the permission in Germany. But i think you can change it to miui Europe without BL unlock using mi flash. Check the mi forum.

You can flash official ROMs with a locked bootloader via EDL mode. (I would post a link but just signed up so I cant )
Try googling it.

Here a link for edl-flashing. It's safe and the only way to go from china/crappy vendor rom to global with a locked bootloader:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Xiaomi/wiki/roms/flashofficial
got info that you need a special cable to enable edl on the mi5 :/ can't confirm since mine hasn't been delivered yet..

Related

Unlocking BL on Mi5 Pro with MIUI Global 7.2.8.0.0 (MAACNDB)

I got my phone from http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Orig...h-16ML-NFC-dual-sim-4K-video/32634972794.html
As I understand it, I will be the happiest upon changing to custom xiaomi.eu-firmware, but this requires me to switch to the china developer ROM first. This is why I want to unlock the bootloader.
It came preloaded with "MIUI Global 7.2.8.0.0(MAACNDB)" though, and I don't seem to be able to flash the firmware. When I check for updates it says: "no updates available" and when I manualy select the update package it says "Can't verify update".
Is my understandig correct? If so, please help me fix this. I'll be eternally grateful!
I got mine with 7.2.4 Global Rom preinstalled and had no problems with the unlock app from Xiaomi. Some people says that its possible with Global Rom to unlock the bootloader, i can only confirm it for 7.2.4 - But it should be possible with 7.2.8 also. You can find the instructions for unlocking the bootloader also here at XDA, search for it
To be sure you could change back to 7.2.4 by flashing with MiuiFlash in fastboot (or EDL) mode.
Please note: Please don't flash the latest Miui Stable CN or Miui Developer CN images, you'll lock you out of EDL mode with the newest versions...
If you need the link for 7.2.4 search the forum here or i can provide you with the file.
Thank you shade.sh! Once I receive my unlock code I will try with the current (non-developer) build first. I hope it gets to me soon!
I got my unlock confirmation after 9 days.
Sorry, I wrote a lot but it merged it with the comment and now I am not bothered to write it again!

What to do first when I receive the phone?

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
MrMoistWalrus said:
Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not easy.To flash the global version miui,you need to unblock your boolloader, then download the global package,and flash it with the miflash.But to unlock the bootloader,you need a mi account and make a Application.
MrMoistWalrus said:
Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought from a chinese-based online store, most likely your device has a fake ROM. To get rid of that ROM, you need to unlock bootloader. No matter if you want to flash an official ROM or unofficial xiaomi.eu. You can try to change ROM with MIUI Updater app, but most probably it will not work from a fake ROM.
To unlock bootloader you need at least a couple of things: a xiaomi account you can create here Mi Account -> account.xiaomi.com
After you create your MI account you need to request unlock here MI Unlock en.miui.com/unlock and wait several days to be approved for unlocking. In my case it took 4 or 5 days before I received an SMS of approval.
Then download MI Unlock app (Windows) and search a manual for unlocking device (you need to activate developer options).
In order to unlock bootloader you need a Chinese ROM (stable or dev) but If I'm not wrong all 'fake' devices come with a chinese-based ROM, otherwise wouldn't be a fake ROM?
After you achieve unlocking you can flash any ROM, Global or China, unofficial like xiaomi.eu, etc..
Flash global rom without unlocking bootloader
There is a way to flash global rom without unlocking bootloader using special USB cable that you can make yourself if you still want to do so i'll gladly show you how I did with my phone.
If you are tired and irked by MIUI, I would strongly recommend you to quickly apply for Bootloader unlocking permission on the official Miui site. Afterwards, unlock your bootloader and install official TWRP recovery and a ROM of your choice such as CM14.1. That way, you will be able to experience the true "openess" and magic of Android!
You can install CyanogenMod ROM, but unfortunately you will get no updates, since project has been discontinued on Dec 31 . Their successor is http://lineageos.org/ but there's nothing on their web yet.
Do create a MiAccount.. and do remember your security pattern... what ever you intend to do next do those two things
no need to unlock bootloader.
Xiaomi flash ROM came with 2 method.
you can flash not only from fastboot mode ( bootloader mode ) but also from edl mode ( QDloader 9008 mode ).
- fastboot method need to unlock bootloader.
- EDL method not need to unlock bootloader .
EDL method even can unlock bootloader with unofficial method

Need help, bought phone, it's on Global ROM but bootloader was relocked

So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
NeutronBomb said:
So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need to request for another unlock code. The unlock code is associated with your Mi Account, meaning you can unlock any Xiaomi device once you sign in with your Mi Account on the device. Once signed in, you just need to use the Unlocking app.
Considering this is your 2nd Mix, I'm assuming you had received an unlock code for the first one. If so, you're good to go. You just need to do as I mentioned above.
If you dont have an unlock code yet, once you've received it, the procedure is fairly simple. Just follow one of the guides here and you'll get to wherever you want,be it Official, EU or a custom ROM.
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
The first one I bought already had the bootloader u locked so I don't have a code. Once I receive a reply from Xiaomi with a code will I be able to unlock even though it's on the global ROM and not stock?
NeutronBomb said:
The first one I bought already had the bootloader u locked so I don't have a code. Once I receive a reply from Xiaomi with a code will I be able to unlock even though it's on the global ROM and not stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. once you have the code, you can unlock regardless of whatever ROM is installed on the device. FYI, my phone came with a Vendor ROM but locked bootloader just like yours. I don'"t think the Vendor relocked it. I'm assuming that Vendors receive signed Custom ROMs from Xiaomi which is then flashed by Vendors using stock recovery. If they have a signed ROM file, the bootloader doesnt have to be unlocked. It just installs like an update.
NeutronBomb said:
So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know you had to unlock bootloader for Chinese ROM with miflash, you sure it's not the way you unpacked the file.
Yeah I'm pretty sure it requires bootloader unlock. The first Mix I had was the 128gb version and I sold it last week. Before I sold it the guy wanted me to flash the chinese rom back and I did it using mi flash and it worked just fine. Used the exact same file this time and it won't work, it fails right off the bat. Also in the guide that's posted here for flashing the Chinese rom it says you need the bootloader unlocked.
I guess it's one of those things that people assume the bootloader is already unlocked if you're flashing the Chinese rom since you'd have to have unlocked it already to get off of that rom in the first place.
I'll just sit back and wait for my unlock code I guess. Hopefully they don't take the full 10 days to get back to me.
NeutronBomb said:
Yeah I'm pretty sure it requires bootloader unlock. The first Mix I had was the 128gb version and I sold it last week. Before I sold it the guy wanted me to flash the chinese rom back and I did it using mi flash and it worked just fine. Used the exact same file this time and it won't work, it fails right off the bat. Also in the guide that's posted here for flashing the Chinese rom it says you need the bootloader unlocked.
I guess it's one of those things that people assume the bootloader is already unlocked if you're flashing the Chinese rom since you'd have to have unlocked it already to get off of that rom in the first place.
I'll just sit back and wait for my unlock code I guess. Hopefully they don't take the full 10 days to get back to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://xiaomiadvices.com/flash-fastboot-recovery-rom-on-xiaomi-mi-mix/
Unless you got vendor ROM.
satishp said:
I don'"t think the Vendor relocked it. I'm assuming that Vendors receive signed Custom ROMs from Xiaomi which is then flashed by Vendors using stock recovery. If they have a signed ROM file, the bootloader doesnt have to be unlocked. It just installs like an update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vendor ROMS aren't signed or sanctioned by Xiaomi.
Given Xiaomi doesn't even produce a general Global ROM for some models of it's handsets (such as the Mix) because they only sell them in China, it would make little sense for them to then sign Vendor ROMs for such handsets given they're all but exclusively used by international sellers.

China box china rom

Hello guys im really interested with this phone. Bang for the buck. But many people are making a fuzz about global roms and china boxes.
Will it matter if i buy a china box with china rom? cant i just select english language on the china rom and flash a global rom myself? Im going to be flashing stuffs anyways
Could really get a good price with just china everything
There are 3 things you should be aware before buying:
1. You'll need to wait some time to unlock the bootloader and change rom (time may vary, it was 10-15 days, then 2 months, I don't know how much right now)
2. If you flash a global rom you cannot lock the bootloader again, unless you want to brick your device
3. There is an announcement by Xiaomi in which they say we will no longer be able to use global rom on china device: I believe nothing really changed and you just have to unlock bootloader to be able to flash anything you want.
Anyway, I have the china version on which I installed the globa rom without trouble, it's working perfectly. Just avoid fake global version, since you need to own the MI account used to unlock the bootloader in case you have troubles with your device.
How many days did you wait to unlock bootloader? So to be safe i need to have a locked bootloader device which is the china version? Because some seller are flashing the global ROM on their own.
I waited 10 days because I installed China beta (otherwise it was 15 days, you don't need to unlock the bootloader to flash same region beta), now it may be different. The answer to the second question is yes, go for China and unlock it yourself. It's gonna be longer but it's safer.

[Question] re-lock boot loader

Mi 9t Pro global Rom Miui 10, android 9.
will flash K20 Pro india ROM miui 11, Android 10 fastboot.
why all recommend keeping bootloader unlocked?
i don't want the hassle of banking apps and use Magisk. so what's the problem here of re-lock bootloader after flashing the new ROM?
technical details are most welcome.
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
ishaqtkr said:
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
You are flashing a different version of MIUI. It's not what a lot of people call a ROM (although you are technically correct) . It's not like if you flashed a third party ROM like Lineage or xiaomi.eu... You can relock the bootloader if you have an original xiaomi system and recovery and did not modify your bootloader through a rooting tool (such as having Magisk installed as they get installed and run through a procedure called k-exec that patches the bootloader instead of the system so the hack is unknown to the OS).
Bootloaders are locked to prevent tampering with such exploits. Magisk is not malware but malware and spying tools can be implemented in the same way.
When the bootloader is locked only a ROM and a recovery made by the company that makes the phone can run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NaAZoOR said:
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure about that now. But it bricks because that's how Xiaomi have put. I may be wrong but if many people are saying the same then there should be a reason.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
thank you guys, but i really need to know what is exactly meant by hard brick?
is it not to boot again or what??
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom??
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
PHP:
NaAZoOR said:
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom?? YES!!! As long as it is the rom for your model and it is official and you have not modified anything of the rom or the recovery
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Rom India I have not tried but if I have tried from Rom China to Global MI and vs, Global EEA to Global MI and vs. all oficial´s.
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy!Are you sure that if I own an Chinese variant of k20 pro and if I relockmy bl I won´t brick my device by relocking it?I just unlocked it today and I plan to instal the EU rom and relock my bl.
Just to make it clear...
Chinese K20 Pro needs to have Stock Chinese rom if you want to relock the phone! Without Mods or anything. Just clean Chinese firmware!
The same for indian variant. Only indian firmware without mods.
Also for Mi 9T Pro! Stock rom without mods!
Even TWRP isn't allowed If you wanna relock the bootloader!
If you cross flash roms and relock the bootloader you will brick your device! Your phone won't boot! You will need to open the backcover and boot it into EDL mode and blablabla. There is a thread about that.
Can be found HERE!

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