To convert your Xiaomi Mi 5X (Chinese variant) or Mi A1 from a China ROM to a Global ROM using the EDL method, follow the steps outlined below. The process involves flashing the global firmware via EDL mode, which is generally safer for hard-bricked devices or devices with locked bootloaders.
Important Notes:
- EDL Mode: Using EDL mode is usually the only way to flash a device that is bricked or locked in certain ways (e.g., locked bootloader).
- Warranty: Flashing different ROMs (especially from China to Global) may void your warranty.
- Backup: Flashing the firmware will wipe all the data on your device. Ensure you have backups if possible.
Requirements:
- Xiaomi Mi 5X or Mi A1 (currently running China ROM).
- PC/Laptop with Windows OS.
- Qualcomm QDLoader HS-USB Drivers installed.
- Mi Flash Tool installed.
- Global Fastboot ROM (for Mi 5X or Mi A1).
- USB cable.
- Knowledge of entering EDL mode (Test points or software method).
Step-by-Step Process to Convert Mi 5X/A1 from China to Global ROM Using EDL Mode
1. Download and Install Required Software
Qualcomm QDLoader HS-USB Drivers:
- Download and install Qualcomm drivers from here.
Mi Flash Tool:
- Download and install Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
Global ROM (Fastboot Version):
- Mi 5X Global ROM: download global ROM for the Mi 5X Download
- Mi A1 Global ROM: download global ROM for the Mi a1 Download
- Make sure the ROM is in
.tgzformat (for Fastboot/EDL flashing).
2. Boot Device into EDL Mode
There are two ways to boot your Xiaomi Mi 5X/A1 into EDL mode:
Method 1: Using Test Points (If Device is Hard-Bricked)
- Disassemble the Device: Carefully open the back cover of your phone.
- Locate EDL Test Points: You’ll need to find the correct test points on the motherboard. You can usually find images of these points for the Mi 5X/A1 online in forums like XDA.
- Short the Test Points: Use a metal object (e.g., tweezers) to short the two points while plugging the device into the computer via USB.
- Enter EDL Mode: Your device should now enter EDL mode, and you should see it listed as “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader” in Device Manager.
Method 2: Using Fastboot Command (If Device is Accessible)
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off the device and then press and hold Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode.
- Enter EDL via Command: Connect the device to the computer and use the following command in the ADB/Fastboot terminal:bashCopy code
fastboot oem edl
Alternatively, you can use tools like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools to reboot into EDL mode.
3. Flash Global Firmware Using Mi Flash Tool
- Open Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
- Extract the Global ROM: Extract the
.tgzROM that you downloaded. - Load the Firmware:
- In Mi Flash Tool, click the “Select” button and browse to the folder where the firmware was extracted.
- Connect the Device in EDL Mode:
- Ensure that your device is in EDL mode and connected to your PC. It should show up as a COM port in Mi Flash Tool (e.g., COM10, COM3, etc.).
- Start Flashing:
- In Mi Flash Tool, select “Clean All” (this option erases everything on the device).
- Click the “Refresh” button to detect your device.
- Click the “Flash” button to start the flashing process.
4. Wait for the Flashing Process to Complete
- The flashing process will take several minutes. Wait for the progress bar to complete, and for Mi Flash Tool to show a success message.
- Once done, the device should reboot automatically. If it doesn’t, you can power it on manually.
5. Verify the Conversion
Once the phone boots up, it should now be running the Global ROM (whether it’s MIUI for Mi 5X or Android One for Mi A1).
- Mi 5X: You should now have a Global MIUI version installed.
- Mi A1: You should have the Global Android One firmware installed.
6. Lock the Bootloader (Optional)
After successfully flashing the Global ROM, you can re-lock the bootloader for enhanced security by using the following Fastboot command (if desired):
bashCopy codefastboot oem lock
Conclusion
Following these steps, you should be able to convert your Mi 5X or Mi A1 from the China ROM to the Global ROM using the EDL method. This method is particularly useful if the device is bricked or has a locked bootloader.
