Why Xiaomi is a Good Choice
Xiaomi has always been known for its cost-performance ratio and youth-oriented positioning. One overlooked fact is that Xiaomi might be the most convenient domestic brand for flashing custom ROMs.
Why Flash ROMs
When I first went abroad in 2017, I bought a Xiaomi phone as a backup device to receive domestic SMS. However, without Google services abroad, life became nearly impossible, so I had to flash the international version.
Prerequisites
- The phone has a unlocked bootloader
- Familiar with ADB commands (basic)
- Familiar with Fastboot commands (basic)
- Familiar with TWRP flashing and graphical operations (intermediate)
- Familiar with COM port identification and verification (basic)
Flashing Path
original-->mido global(2017-2023)-->pixel experience(2024)-->lineageos-->mido cn
Detailed Flashing Process
- From original to global version: No major issues, mainly unlocking and line flashing
- From mido global to Pixel Experience: First flash TWRP, then sideload Pixel Experience official ROM for mido. This OS was very laggy with poor user experience
- From Pixel Experience to LineageOS: First clear data/system via TWRP, then sideload LineageOS. The touch responsiveness was good
- The only downside is LineageOS stopped official releases in 2024. I didn't trust unofficial builds from XDA or GitHub, so I stopped using it after some time
- From LineageOS back to mido cn: Problems emerged. After flashing, it showed device security check error and became a black brick. Solutions:
- Turning off Xiaomi Cloud Find My Phone didn't work
- Line flashing factory version was too complicated, probably needing hours to find the right version. I gave up
- 9008 fastboot flashing was extremely effective and essential for unbricking devices
Expansion
- 9008 fastboot flashing could potentially do more advanced things
- Building LineageOS from source would produce trustworthy OS
Did you learn something useful?