Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (code names lavender for global version and violet for Chinese) still remains a popular device among Android mod enthusiasts. Even years after its release, the smartphone is supported by many unofficial firmwares that can breathe a second life into it: from the updated Android 13/14 to unique features not available in MIUI. But with opportunities come risks - from loss of warranty to irreversible "brick" if installed incorrectly.

In this article we will look at everything you need to know before switching to custom: from choosing firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid, etc.) to step-by-step installation instructions via TWRP or Fastboot. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes made by beginners - for example, why You can't flash the version for violet on lavender (and vice versa), how to avoid problems with the camera module and what to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware. If you're willing to sacrifice stability for new features, read on.

Why do users install unofficial firmware on Redmi Note 7

The main reason is outdated official support. Latest global MIUI for Redmi Note 7 based on Android 10, while custom builds offer versions up to Android 14 (for example, in projects like LineageOS 21). But this is not the only advantage:

  • 🚀 Performance: Pure Android without the “heavy” MIUI works faster, especially on weak configurations (3/32 GB).
  • 🔄 Regular updates: Many firmwares receive monthly security patches, unlike the abandoned Xiaomi.
  • 🎨 Customization: Themes, gestures, interface settings - all this is more flexible than in MIUI.
  • 📱 New Android features: For example, App Pairs (split screen) or Material You in Android 12+.
  • 🔒 Privacy: No built-in Chinese software, less data collection (important for users from Europe).

However, there is a downside: lack of official support for banking applications (due to the lack of Google Pay certification), possible bugs with the camera or sensors, as well as the risk of losing data if the firmware is unsuccessful. For example, in Pixel Experience may not work Widevine L1 (no HD on Netflix), and in crDroid Sometimes auto brightness is glitchy.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware based on Android 11+ require updated vendor (vendor partition). If you flash them on an old version of MIUI, the phone may get stuck on the logo or go into bootlap. Check compatibility before installation!
📊 What firmware are you interested in?
  • LineageOS
  • Pixel Experience
  • crDroid
  • Havoc-OS
  • Other/Don't know

Top 5 unofficial firmware for Redmi Note 7 in 2026

The choice of firmware depends on your priorities: stability, performance or maximum customization. We tested popular builds on lavender and made a rating based on the following criteria: speed, gesture support, camera and battery.

Firmware Android version Pros Cons Download link
LineageOS 20 Android 13 Maximum stability, minimalistic design, support for OTA updates. No default GApps, poor customization. XDA
Pixel Experience Plus Android 13/14 The interface is like the Google Pixel, excellent optimization, gestures work. Sometimes the camera lags, there is no Widevine L1. Official website
crDroid 9.x Android 13 Flexible settings (from theme to core), good performance. There are random reboots, it’s difficult to set up for a beginner. crdroid.net
Havoc-OS Android 12 Maximum customization (setting the status bar, animations, etc.). Fewer updates, possible bugs with Bluetooth. havoc-os.com
MIUI Europe Android 10 (latest) Retains all MIUI functions, but without Chinese software and with weekly updates. Heavy for weak devices, no new versions of Android. xiaomi.eu

For most users, the optimal choice is Pixel Experience (if you need a "pixel" experience) or LineageOS (if stability is important). Customization enthusiasts will appreciate it crDroid or Havoc-OS, but be prepared for manual configuration.

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Before choosing the firmware, check the reviews on 4PDA or XDA over the last 2–3 months. Even stable builds can break after kernel updates.

Preparing for installation: unlocking the bootloader and TWRP

Before flashing custom, you need to complete two critical steps: unlock bootloader (bootloader) and install custom recovery (TWRP). Without this, any attempt to flash the ZIP file will fail.

1. Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process takes 7 days waiting (if the MI account is new). Instructions:

  1. Link your device to your account Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
  2. Turn on Developer Options (7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone).
  3. Activate OEM unlocking And USB Debugging in developer options.
  4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in and connect your phone in Fastboot (press Volume Down + Power).
  5. Start unlocking - if the account is new, you will have to wait 168 hours (7 days).

2. Install TWRP

For Redmi Note 7 there are two versions TWRP:

  • 📱 Official (for lavender) — 4PDA.

Installed via Fastboot command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img

⚠️ Attention: If after installing TWRP the phone boots into stock recovery, it means protection is enabled anti-rollback. To disable it, you need to flash a patch disable_force_encrypt.zip or use OrangeFox Recovery instead of TWRP.

Mi account linked and bootloader unlocked|

Data backup made (photos, contacts, SMS)|

Downloaded firmware and GApps (if needed)|

Battery is at least 70% charged |

Prepared OTG cable or SD card for file transfer-->

Step-by-step instructions for installing custom firmware

When bootloader is unlocked and installed TWRP, you can start flashing the firmware. Important: don't skip steps, especially cleaning partitions is a common cause of bootloops.

Step 1: Cleaning Partitions

B TWRP do:

  1. Go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
  2. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (if you are flashing from scratch).
  3. Swipe to confirm.

Step 2: Flash ROM and GApps

First of all, install the firmware itself, then - GApps (if Google services are needed):

  1. Click Install, select the firmware zip file.
  2. Add another ZIP (if needed) via Add More Zips and select GApps (we recommend the package NikGApps or MindTheGapps).
  3. Swipe to confirm.

Step 3: First Boot

After installation:

  1. Reboot into the system (Reboot → System).
  2. The first download may take 10–20 minutes - do not interrupt the process!
  3. If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 30 minutes, it means the firmware is incompatible with your version vendor.

If there is no network after flashing, check if your model supports VoLTE in this assembly. For Redmi Note 7 sometimes you need to flash a patch IMS separately.

What to do if the firmware does not install?

If the phone goes into bootloop (cyclic reboot), try:

1. Flash a different firmware version (for example, instead of Android 13, try Android 12).

2. Install the correct one vendor (to do this you need to flash the stock MIUI version of your version, then re-install TWRP and custom).

3. Disable forceencrypt (there are separate zip files for this).

4. Check if the files are mixed for lavender And violet (this is a common mistake!).

Typical problems after installation and their solutions

Even if the firmware installed successfully, bugs may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

  • 📷 The camera doesn't work: Download ANX Camera or GCam with Celso Azevedo website. For Redmi Note 7 config is suitable BSG.
  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain: Disable AOD (Always On Display) and check background processes in Settings → Battery. Sometimes calibrating the battery through TWRP.
  • 📶 No mobile network: Make sure the firmware supports your region (eg Pixel Experience may not receive 4G in Russia). Try manually selecting the operator in the SIM card settings.
  • 🔊 Sound doesn't work: Check if it is disabled in Settings → Sound. If the problem is in the dynamics, flash a patch audio_fix.zip (search on 4PDA).
  • 🔒 Banking apps don't work: Install Magisk, activate MagiskHide and go through SafetyNet (instructions are available at Magisk website).

If it disappeared after the firmware IMEI, which means the partition is damaged modem. It can only be restored through Fastboot command:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

(file NON-HLOS.bin taken from the stock MIUI firmware for your model).

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Before installing any firmware, check its compatibility with your version Redmi Note 7 (lavender or violet) and version vendor. Inconsistency is the main cause of bricks.

How to return stock MIUI if something went wrong

If the custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can roll back to the official MIUI. For this you will need stock firmware in format .tgz (download from Xiaomi official website) and tool Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions for returning to MIUI

  1. Download the firmware for your model (lavender or violet) and unpack the archive.
  2. Install Mi Flash Tool on PC.
  3. Put your phone in mode Fastboot (press Volume Down + Power).
  4. B Mi Flash Tool select the folder with the unpacked firmware and click Refresh (the device must be determined).
  5. Select mode Clean all (full clear) and press Flash.

The process will take 5–10 minutes. After reboot you will have a clean MIUI, but the bootloader will remain unlocked (to block it back, you need to flash the stock recovery and run the command fastboot oem lock, but it's risky - you might end up with a brick!).

⚠️ Attention: If you flashed a custom recovery (TWRP), then after returning to MIUI it will be saved. To get rid of it, flash stock recovery via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unofficial firmware for Redmi Note 7

Is it possible to flash custom on a locked bootloader?

No. Any attempt to flash a ZIP via TWRP or Fastboot on a locked bootloader will result in an error anti-rollback or brick. First unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool.

Which firmware is the most stable for everyday use?

Optimal for most users Pixel Experience (Android 13) or LineageOS 20. They rarely glitch, support gestures and have minimal hardware bugs. If needed Android 14, try Project Elixir, but be prepared for minor lags.

Why doesn't NFC work after updating the firmware?

In most custom firmware, NFC is disabled by default due to driver problems. To enable it, you need:

  1. Flash the patch NFC_enabler.zip (search on 4PDA).
  2. Make sure that the option is enabled in the settings NFC (sometimes it is hidden in Additional settings → Contactless payments).

If it doesn't help, go back to MIUI - NFC is often unstable in custom builds.

How to update custom firmware?

Most firmwares (for example, LineageOS or crDroid) support OTA updates. To update:

  1. Download a new ZIP file (usually a notification appears in the system settings).
  2. Reboot into TWRP.
  3. Flash the update without wipes (unless otherwise indicated in the instructions).

If the update requires cleaning Dalvik/Cache, do it manually in TWRP.

Is it possible to flash a custom flash on Redmi Note 7 Pro?

No! Redmi Note 7 Pro (codename violeta) has different hardware (processor Snapdragon 675 instead of Snapdragon 660). Firmware for lavender/violet not compatible with violeta is a guaranteed brick. Look for firmware specifically for Note 7 Pro.