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How to Install Android 16 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus [Download Link]
Introduction to Android 16 Custom ROM Installation
We understand the desire to push the boundaries of your smartphone’s capabilities. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus is a formidable device equipped with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra chipset, a stunning 1.5K AMOLED display, and a versatile 200MP camera system. However, stock software often limits the true potential of such hardware. Installing a custom ROM based on the latest Android 16 preview allows you to experience a clean, bloat-free, and highly customizable version of Android, long before official updates reach your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you can successfully unlock the next generation of Android on your Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus.
This tutorial covers every prerequisite, from unlocking the bootloader to flashing the final zip files. We will utilize the power of Magisk for rooting and TWRP Custom Recovery for the flashing process. It is crucial to follow every step precisely to avoid any potential issues. By the end of this guide, your device will be running a highly optimized Android 16 build, giving you a performance boost and a refreshed user interface. For those seeking to further enhance their device after installation, we recommend visiting the Magisk Module Repository at https://magiskmodule.gitlab.io/magisk-modules-repo/ for a wide array of modules.
Prerequisites for Flashing Android 16 on Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Before initiating the installation process, we must ensure that your workspace and device are fully prepared. Rushing this stage is the most common cause of failure. Please verify that you have the following items ready.
Essential Hardware and Software Requirements
- A Windows, macOS, or Linux PC: This is required for executing ADB and Fastboot commands.
- Original USB Cable: A high-quality USB Type-C cable is essential for a stable connection between your phone and computer.
- Sufficient Battery Life: Ensure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus has at least 60% battery charge. An unexpected shutdown during the flashing process can lead to a bricked device.
- Backup Your Data: We cannot stress this enough. The process of unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom ROM will completely wipe all data on your device. Back up your photos, videos, documents, and contacts to an external storage or cloud service.
Required Software Downloads
- Xiaomi USB Drivers: You need these drivers for your computer to correctly recognize your device in Fastboot and ADB modes.
- Platform-Tools (ADB and Fastboot): The official Android SDK Platform-Tools are necessary for communicating with your device in bootloader mode.
- Mi Unlock Tool: Xiaomi’s official tool required to unlock the device’s bootloader.
- OrangeFox or TWRP Custom Recovery: A custom recovery image specifically compiled for the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus (codename: corot).
- Android 16 AOSP Custom ROM: The custom ROM zip file (e.g.,
Android-16-Corot-Alpha.zip). - Optional but Recommended: Magisk zip file to root your device and gain administrative access for modules.
Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Xiaomi devices come with a locked bootloader by default for security. To install any custom software, we must first unlock it. This process requires permission from Xiaomi and will wipe your device.
- Enable Developer Options: Navigate to
Settings > About Phoneand tap on the MIUI version seven times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer.” - Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging: Go to
Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options. Scroll down and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. - Bind Your Mi Account: In the Developer Options, find the “Mi Unlock status” section. Log in with the Mi Account you intend to use for unlocking and bind the device to it. You may need to wait for a specific period (often 72 to 168 hours) as per Xiaomi’s policy.
- Use Mi Unlock Tool: Download and run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC. Log in with the same Mi Account, boot your device into Fastboot mode (by holding Power + Volume Down), connect it to your PC, and click “Unlock.” The tool will verify your account and unlock the bootloader, erasing all data in the process.
Step 2: Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox)
With the bootloader unlocked, the next critical step is to replace the stock recovery with a custom one. We recommend OrangeFox Recovery for its user-friendly interface and advanced features, though standard TWRP works equally well.
- Download the Recovery Image: Obtain the
.imgfile for either TWRP or OrangeFox designed for the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus (corot). - Boot into Fastboot Mode: With your device powered off, press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot rabbit icon appears.
- Connect to PC: Connect your phone to your computer via the USB cable.
- Flash the Recovery: Open a command prompt or terminal window in the directory where your
platform-toolsand the recovery.imgare located. Execute the following command:
Replacefastboot flash recovery <recovery_filename>.img<recovery_filename>with the actual name of your downloaded file (e.g.,orangefox.img). - Boot into Recovery: Once the flash is successful, do not reboot into the system directly. Instead, use the volume keys to navigate to “Recovery Mode” in the Fastboot menu and press the Power button to enter your newly installed custom recovery.
Step 3: Downloading the Android 16 ROM and Required Files
To proceed with the installation inside the custom recovery, you must have the necessary files on your device’s internal storage.
- The Android 16 ROM: We have sourced an unofficial AOSP build of Android 16 for the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus. This is a work-in-progress build, so expect some potential bugs, but it provides the core Android 16 experience. [Download Link for Android 16 ROM - Corot].
- GApps (Google Apps): Most custom ROMs do not include Google services by default. You will need to download a GApps package compatible with the Android version of your ROM. For Android 16, you may need to look for the latest NikGApps or OpenGApps core package.
- Magisk (Optional): If you wish to root your device, download the latest Magisk zip from the official GitHub repository. For an extensive collection of modules to use after rooting, visit the Magisk Module Repository at
https://magiskmodule.gitlab.io/magisk-modules-repo/.
Once downloaded, transfer these zip files to your phone’s internal storage or an external SD card if your custom recovery supports it.
Step 4: Flashing the Android 16 Custom ROM
This is the most critical phase. We will be wiping the existing system and installing the new Android 16 environment. Perform these steps carefully within your custom recovery (e.g., OrangeFox).
Wiping Partitions for a Clean Installation
To prevent conflicts with the previous ROM, a clean flash is mandatory.
- Go to the Wipe section in your recovery.
- Select Format Data. This will decrypt your internal storage. Type “yes” to confirm. This is different from a simple “Factory Reset” and is necessary for most AOSP ROMs.
- Navigate back and go to the Advanced Wipe option.
- Select the following partitions and perform a Swipe to Wipe:
- Dalvik / ART Cache
- Cache
- System
- Data
- (Optional) Internal Storage (if you want to wipe everything, but you should have your files backed up).
Flashing the ROM Zip
- Navigate back to the main menu and select Install.
- Browse to the location where you saved the Android 16 ROM zip file.
- Tap on the file and Swipe to Confirm Flash. The installation process will take a few minutes.
- Do not reboot yet.
Installing GApps and Magisk
- Without leaving the recovery, tap the back button and select Install again.
- Browse and select the GApps zip file. Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- If you wish to root your device, repeat the process one more time and flash the Magisk zip file.
- Once all files are successfully flashed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot > System. The first boot can take a significant amount of time (10-20 minutes). Be patient.
Post-Installation: Setting Up Android 16 and Root Access
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Android 16 on your Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus. Upon the first boot, you will be greeted with the Android 16 setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Google account, and configure your device.
Verifying Root Access
If you flashed Magisk, you need to verify that root access is working correctly.
- Open the app drawer. You should see the Magisk app installed.
- Open it. The “Installed” version should be displayed next to “Magisk”.
- If it asks to additional setup, grant it permission and let it reboot your device.
- You can now install modules to customize your device further. We recommend exploring the Magisk Module Repository on our website (
https://magiskmodule.gitlab.io/magisk-modules-repo/) for modules that can improve battery life, audio quality, and system performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While we aim for a smooth process, some users may encounter issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems.
Bootloop (Device Stuck on Boot Animation)
If your device is stuck on the startup animation for more than 20 minutes, it indicates a problem with the installation.
- Solution: Boot back into recovery. Go to Wipe and perform a Dalvik / ART Cache wipe. If that doesn’t work, reboot to recovery and re-flash the ROM, GApps, and Magisk. Ensure you did not mix incompatible files (e.g., GApps for Android 15 on an Android 16 ROM).
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data Not Working
Since this is an unofficial build, some hardware components might not have fully functional drivers yet.
- Solution: Check the source thread for the ROM (usually on XDA Developers or Telegram). The developer may have released a patch or a newer build to fix these issues. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary connectivity glitches.
“Can’t Mount /System” or “Error 7” in Recovery
These errors usually occur if you haven’t wiped the necessary partitions correctly or if the ROM zip is corrupted.
- Solution: Re-verify the MD5 checksum of your downloaded ROM file. Go back into recovery and perform a full Format Data and wipe System and Cache again before re-flashing.
Final Thoughts on the Android 16 Experience
By installing this custom ROM, you have effectively taken control of your device’s software lifecycle. The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, with its powerful hardware, is more than capable of handling the demands of Android 16. You will notice smoother animations, improved privacy controls, and a much cleaner user interface compared to MIUI. This installation process, while technical, breathes new life into your smartphone, extending its usability and keeping it at the forefront of Android innovation.
We encourage all users to remain active in the developer community, provide feedback to the ROM creator, and explore the endless customization possibilities that come with a rooted Android device. For all your rooting and module needs, remember that the Magisk Module Repository is a premier resource, designed to help you get the most out of your Android 16 experience on the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus.