How To Flash Custom Firmware Redmi 1S

The Redmi 1S is a popular smartphone with a loyal fanbase, thanks to its affordable price tag and impressive specifications. One of the key advantages of using a Redmi 1S is the ability to flash custom firmware. Flashing custom firmware allows users to unlock the full potential of their device by installing custom ROMs and tweaking system settings. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of flashing custom firmware on the Redmi 1S. Whether you’re a seasoned custom firmware enthusiast or a curious beginner, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to take your Redmi 1S experience to the next level. So, let’s dive in and learn how to flash custom firmware on the Redmi 1S!

Inside This Article

1. Overview
2. Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader
3. Step 2: Installing TWRP Recovery
4. Step 3: Downloading Custom Firmware
5. Step 4: Flashing Custom Firmware
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Overview

The Redmi 1S is a popular Android smartphone known for its affordability and performance. While the device comes with MIUI, Xiaomi’s own custom Android firmware, many users prefer to have more control over their device and unlock its full potential. Flashing custom firmware on the Redmi 1S allows users to experience different features, performance improvements, and even the latest version of Android not officially available for their device.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S. We will cover the steps required to unlock the device’s bootloader, install TWRP recovery, download the custom firmware, and flash it onto your device.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that flashing custom firmware is a technical process that can void your device’s warranty and may have risks involved. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and make sure you understand the potential consequences.

With that said, if you’re ready to take your Redmi 1S to the next level, let’s get started with the first step: unlocking the bootloader.

Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader

The first step to flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S is to unlock the bootloader. The bootloader is a small program that runs every time you start up your phone and is responsible for loading the operating system. By default, the bootloader on the Redmi 1S is locked to prevent users from making unauthorized modifications to the device.

If you want to install custom firmware, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader to gain full control over your device. Unlocking the bootloader will allow you to install custom recoveries, flash custom ROMs, and perform other advanced operations.

Before you proceed, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty and may potentially lead to data loss. It’s crucial to backup all your data before unlocking the bootloader. Additionally, remember that this process is only for the Redmi 1S and may vary for other devices.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unlock the bootloader of your Redmi 1S:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on the build number several times until it says “You are now a developer.”
2. Enable USB Debugging: Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB debugging.
3. Request Permission: Visit the official Xiaomi website (https://en.miui.com/unlock/) and apply for bootloader unlocking permission. This may take some time since Xiaomi needs to review and approve your request.
4. Download and Install Mi Unlock Tool: Once your request is approved, download the Mi Unlock Tool from the Xiaomi website and install it on your computer.
5. Put your device in Fastboot Mode: Power off your Redmi 1S and then press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears.
6. Connect your Device to the Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your Redmi 1S to the computer.
7. Open the Mi Unlock Tool: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and sign in using your Mi account.
8. Unlock the Bootloader: Follow the on-screen instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader of your Redmi 1S. This process will wipe all the data on your device, so make sure you have a backup.
9. Wait for the Unlocking Process: The unlocking process may take a few minutes. Once it’s complete, you’ll see a “Success” message on the Mi Unlock Tool.
10. Reboot your Device: Now you can reboot your Redmi 1S by selecting the “Reboot phone” option in the Mi Unlock Tool.

Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader of your Redmi 1S. Now you are ready to proceed with the next step of flashing custom firmware.

Step 2: Installing TWRP Recovery

Installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery is an essential step in the process of flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S. TWRP recovery is a custom recovery that allows you to perform advanced tasks on your device, such as flashing custom ROMs, creating backups, and much more.

Before you begin the process, make sure you have already unlocked the bootloader of your Redmi 1S. If you haven’t done that yet, please refer to Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on installing TWRP recovery on your Redmi 1S:

1. First, you need to download the TWRP recovery image for your Redmi 1S. You can find the latest version of TWRP recovery specifically made for your device on the official TWRP website or trusted XDA Developers forums.
2. Once you have downloaded the TWRP recovery image, connect your Redmi 1S to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Now, open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the folder where you have downloaded the TWRP recovery image.
4. In the command prompt or terminal window, type the following command to boot your Redmi 1S into fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader
5. Your Redmi 1S will now reboot into fastboot mode. Verify that your device is properly connected to your computer by running the command fastboot devices. It should display your device’s serial number if everything is working correctly.
6. Now, it’s time to flash the TWRP recovery image. Run the following command in the command prompt or terminal window: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (replace twrp.img with the actual filename of the TWRP recovery image you downloaded earlier)
7. Wait for the flashing process to complete. Once it is done, type the command fastboot reboot to reboot your device.
8. Your Redmi 1S will now boot into the newly installed TWRP recovery.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed TWRP recovery on your Redmi 1S. Now you can proceed to the next step and flash custom firmware onto your device.

Step 3: Downloading Custom Firmware

After successfully unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP Recovery, the next step is to download the custom firmware for your Redmi 1S. Custom firmware, also known as custom ROMs, are modified versions of the device’s original software. They offer additional features and customization options that may not be available in the stock firmware.

Custom ROMs are developed by independent developers and enthusiast communities, and they come in a wide variety of options. Some popular custom ROMs for Redmi 1S include LineageOS, Paranoid Android, and Resurrection Remix. These ROMs offer various features like improved performance, enhanced battery life, and the ability to customize the user interface.

To download the custom firmware, you’ll first need to visit the official website of the custom ROM you’ve chosen. Look for the section dedicated to Redmi 1S and locate the latest version available for download. Ensure that the ROM is compatible with your Redmi 1S model and supports the Android version you’re currently running.

Once you’ve found the appropriate ROM, click on the download link to start the download process. The ROM file is generally a compressed file in ZIP format. It’s important to note that downloading custom firmware from reliable sources is crucial to ensure the integrity of the file and avoid any potential security risks.

After the download is complete, you’ll need to transfer the ROM file to your Redmi 1S. The most convenient way to do this is by connecting your phone to a computer using a USB cable. Once connected, your phone will appear as a storage device on your computer. Simply copy and paste the downloaded ROM file into the internal storage or SD card of your Redmi 1S.

Before proceeding to the next step, it’s essential to ensure that the ROM file has been successfully transferred and is accessible on your Redmi 1S. You can do this by navigating to the File Manager app on your phone and locating the ROM file in the appropriate storage location.

That’s it! You have successfully downloaded the custom firmware for your Redmi 1S. The next step is to flash the custom ROM onto your device, which we will cover in the next section.

Step 4: Flashing Custom Firmware

Flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S is the final step in the process of customizing your device to suit your preferences. By installing a custom firmware, you can enhance the performance, add new features, and enjoy a more personalized user experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to flash custom firmware on your Redmi 1S.

Before you proceed with flashing custom firmware, make sure you have completed the previous steps of unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP recovery. These are essential prerequisites for flashing custom firmware on your device.

1. Firstly, download the custom firmware that you want to flash onto your Redmi 1S. Make sure to choose a stable and compatible firmware that is specifically designed for your device model. Once you have downloaded the firmware file, transfer it to the internal storage or external SD card of your device.

2. Next, power off your Redmi 1S. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously to enter the TWRP recovery mode. In the recovery mode, use the Volume keys to navigate and the Power button to select options.

3. Once you are in the TWRP recovery mode, select the “Wipe” option and then choose “Advanced Wipe”. Here, select the “Dalvik/ART Cache”, “System”, “Data”, and “Cache” options. Swipe to confirm the wipe process.

4. After completing the wipe process, go back to the main menu of TWRP recovery and select the “Install” option. Navigate to the location where you have saved the custom firmware file and select it. Swipe to confirm the installation process.

5. The custom firmware will now be flashed onto your Redmi 1S. Wait for the installation process to complete. Once done, you can select the “Reboot System” option to restart your device.

6. After the reboot, your Redmi 1S will boot up with the newly flashed custom firmware. You can now enjoy the customized features and improved performance that the custom firmware offers.

It is important to note that flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S may void your warranty and there is a risk involved. Make sure to follow the steps carefully and double-check the compatibility of the custom firmware before proceeding.

Furthermore, it’s a good practice to have a backup of your important data before flashing custom firmware. This will ensure that you can restore your device to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the flashing process.

By following these steps, you can successfully flash custom firmware on your Redmi 1S and unlock a whole new world of customization and features. Enjoy the freedom to personalize your device according to your preferences and make the most out of your Redmi 1S experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S can be a great way to unlock the full potential of your device. Not only does it allow for customization and personalization, but it also opens up a world of possibilities for improving performance and adding new features.

However, it is important to approach the process with caution and ensure that you follow the instructions carefully. Flashing custom firmware involves technical steps that, if not done correctly, can lead to potential risks and void your warranty. Therefore, it is recommended to thoroughly research and understand the process before proceeding.

That being said, with the right guidance and knowledge, flashing custom firmware can breathe new life into your Redmi 1S and give you a truly unique and personalized user experience. So, if you’re ready to take your device to the next level, go ahead and explore the world of custom firmware with confidence!

FAQs

1. What is custom firmware?
Custom firmware is a modified version of the operating system software that runs on your mobile phone. It offers additional features, customization options, and improvements over the stock firmware provided by the manufacturer.

2. Why would I want to flash custom firmware on my Redmi 1S?
Flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S can unlock a whole new level of customization and functionality. It allows you to install custom ROMs, which can provide a smoother user experience, improved performance, and access to the latest Android updates even if your device is no longer officially supported by the manufacturer.

3. Is flashing custom firmware safe?
Flashing custom firmware can be safe if done correctly. However, it comes with some risks. If you don’t follow the instructions carefully or use an incompatible firmware, it can lead to software malfunctions, data loss, and even damage to your device. It’s crucial to do thorough research, backup your data, and follow trustworthy guides to minimize the risks.

4. How can I flash custom firmware on my Redmi 1S?
To flash custom firmware on your Redmi 1S, you will need to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, and then flash the custom firmware using the recovery. The exact steps may vary depending on the specific firmware and recovery you choose. It’s essential to follow a detailed guide or consult with experts in the field to ensure a successful flashing process.

5. Can I revert back to the stock firmware after flashing custom firmware?
Yes, in most cases, you can revert back to the stock firmware after flashing custom firmware on your Redmi 1S. However, the process may vary depending on the specific firmware and recovery you used. It’s always recommended to create a backup of your stock firmware before flashing any custom firmware, so you have the option to restore it if needed.