Unlocking the Bootloader and Installing a Custom ROM on Your Redmi Note 13 Pro: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the bootloader of your Redmi Note 13 Pro and installing a custom ROM can open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to customize your device, improve performance, and gain access to the latest Android features. However, the process can be complex, and users often encounter challenges. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, addressing common issues and providing solutions to ensure a smooth experience. We will specifically tackle the “system is being upgraded please try again later” error encountered when linking your Xiaomi account.

Prerequisites and Important Considerations

Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand the implications of unlocking your bootloader and installing a custom ROM:

Warranty Voidance: Unlocking the bootloader typically voids your device’s warranty.
Data Loss: The unlocking process will erase all data on your device. Back up all your important data before proceeding. Use multiple backup methods, including cloud storage and a local computer backup.
Risk of Bricking: Improper procedures can render your device unusable (bricked). Follow the instructions carefully.
Security Risks: Custom ROMs may have security vulnerabilities. Choose reputable and well-maintained ROMs.
Drivers: Ensure you have the correct drivers installed on your computer. Xiaomi drivers can be finicky, so download them from a reliable source and install them properly.

Essential Tools and Downloads:

Xiaomi USB Drivers: Download the latest Xiaomi USB drivers for your device from a trusted source like XDA Developers or the Xiaomi official website. Install these drivers on your computer.
ADB and Fastboot: Download the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot tools. These are essential for communicating with your device in bootloader mode. Google provides these as part of the Android SDK Platform Tools. Extract the contents of the downloaded zip file to a convenient location on your computer (e.g., C:\adb).
Mi Unlock Tool: Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s website. This tool is required to unlock your bootloader.
Custom ROM: Choose a custom ROM that is compatible with your Redmi Note 13 Pro. Popular choices include LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and Evolution X. Download the ROM zip file to your computer.
TWRP Recovery (Optional): Some ROMs require a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to be installed. Download the TWRP image file (.img) for your device.
Magisk (Optional): If you want to root your device, download the Magisk zip file.

Preparing Your Redmi Note 13 Pro

Before you can unlock the bootloader, you need to prepare your device:

Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone. Tap on the MIUI version seven times repeatedly until you see the message “You are now a developer!”.
Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging: Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer options. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging. This is crucial for the bootloader unlocking process.
Link Your Xiaomi Account: In the Developer Options menu, find the Mi Unlock status option. Tap on it and follow the instructions to link your Xiaomi account to your device. This step is often where the “system is being upgraded please try again later” error occurs. We’ll address this specifically in the next section.

Troubleshooting the “System is Being Upgraded Please Try Again Later” Error

This error is a common hurdle when linking your Xiaomi account. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

1. Server Issues:

Explanation: Xiaomi’s servers might be temporarily overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
Solution: Wait for a few hours or even a day and try again. Server issues are often resolved on Xiaomi’s end.
Verification: Check online forums or social media groups to see if other users are experiencing the same issue. This can confirm if it’s a widespread problem.

2. Incorrect Date and Time:

Explanation: An incorrect date and time on your device can cause synchronization issues with Xiaomi’s servers.
Solution: Ensure that your date and time are set correctly, preferably to “Automatic” to synchronize with the network.
Steps: Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Date & time. Enable “Automatic date & time” and “Automatic time zone.”

3. Incompatible MIUI Version:

Explanation: Older MIUI versions might have compatibility issues with the Mi Unlock Tool.
Solution: Update your device to the latest stable MIUI version.
Steps: Go to Settings > About Phone > System update. Check for updates and install any available updates.

4. Region Lock Issues:

Explanation: Sometimes, the error is related to the region settings on your device and Xiaomi account.
Solution: Try changing your device’s region to a different region (e.g., United States, India, or Europe) in Settings and then attempt to link your account again. After successful linking, you can change it back. Ensure the region is a supported region for Xiaomi services.
Steps: Go to Settings > Additional settings > Region.

5. Xiaomi Account Issues:

Explanation: There might be an issue with your Xiaomi account itself.
Solution:
- Sign Out and Sign In: Sign out of your Xiaomi account on your device and then sign back in.
- Check Account Details: Verify that your account details (phone number, email address) are correct on the Xiaomi website.
- Create a New Account (as a Last Resort): If all else fails, try creating a new Xiaomi account and linking it to your device.
Steps: Go to Settings > Mi Account.

6. Clearing Data for Mi Account Services:

Explanation: Corrupted data in the Mi Account services app can cause issues with linking.
Solution: Clear the data and cache for the Mi Account services app.
Steps:
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps.
2. Search for “Mi Account Services” or “Xiaomi Account”.
3. Tap on “Clear data” and then “Clear all data.” You may need to sign back into your Mi Account afterward.

7. Using a VPN:

Explanation: In some regions, Xiaomi’s servers might be restricted.
Solution: Try using a VPN to connect to a different server location before linking your account.
Recommendation: Use a reputable VPN service.

8. Downgrading MIUI (Advanced Users Only):

Explanation: While generally not recommended, downgrading to a previous MIUI version might resolve the issue. This is a more advanced procedure and carries additional risks.
Caution: Proceed with caution and research thoroughly before attempting to downgrade MIUI.

Unlocking the Bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Once you have successfully linked your Xiaomi account and waited the required time (usually 7 days, as mandated by Xiaomi), you can proceed with unlocking the bootloader:

Enable USB Debugging: Ensure USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options.
Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until you see the Fastboot screen (a screen with the Mi Bunny logo).
Connect to Computer: Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
Launch Mi Unlock Tool: Open the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and sign in with the same Xiaomi account you linked to your device.
Unlock: The Mi Unlock Tool should detect your device. Click the “Unlock” button.
Confirmation: The tool will warn you about the risks of unlocking. Confirm that you want to proceed.
Wait: The unlocking process will take a few minutes. Do not disconnect your device during this process.
Reboot: Once the unlocking is complete, your device will automatically reboot.

Installing a Custom ROM

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can now install a custom ROM. This guide will focus on using TWRP recovery, which is a common method.

1. Install TWRP Recovery:

Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your device and boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
Open Command Prompt/Terminal: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer in the directory where you extracted the ADB and Fastboot tools.
Flash TWRP: Use the following command to flash TWRP recovery:
```
fastboot flash recovery <twrp_image_file.img>
```
Replace <twrp_image_file.img> with the actual filename of the TWRP image file you downloaded.
Reboot into Recovery: Use the following command to reboot into TWRP recovery:
```
fastboot reboot recovery
```
Alternatively, you can manually boot into TWRP by pressing and holding the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously when your device is powered off.
Allow System Modifications: If TWRP asks for a password, it’s likely your lock screen password. You may need to format data to proceed. This will erase all data. In TWRP, go to Wipe -> Format Data and type yes.

2. Install the Custom ROM:

Copy ROM to Device: Connect your device to your computer while in TWRP recovery mode. Copy the custom ROM zip file to your device’s internal storage or an external SD card.
Wipe Data (Recommended): In TWRP, go to Wipe and select Advanced Wipe. Select Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, System, and Data. Swipe to wipe. This will ensure a clean installation. Backups are highly recommended.
Install ROM: In TWRP, go to Install and select the custom ROM zip file you copied to your device. Swipe to flash the ROM.
Install GApps (Optional): If the custom ROM doesn’t include Google Apps (GApps), you’ll need to flash a GApps package separately. Download a GApps package compatible with your Android version and architecture (usually ARM64) and flash it using the same method as the ROM.
Reboot: After flashing the ROM and GApps (if applicable), tap on Reboot > System.

Installing Magisk (Rooting Your Device)

If you want to root your device, you can install Magisk after installing the custom ROM:

Copy Magisk to Device: Copy the Magisk zip file to your device’s internal storage or an external SD card.
Boot into TWRP Recovery: Boot your device into TWRP recovery mode.
Install Magisk: In TWRP, go to Install and select the Magisk zip file. Swipe to flash Magisk.
Reboot: Tap on Reboot > System.

Post-Installation Steps

Initial Setup: After the first boot, complete the initial setup process for the custom ROM.
Restore Data: Restore your data from your backups.
Explore and Customize: Explore the features and settings of your new custom ROM and customize it to your liking.

Conclusion

Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM on your Redmi Note 13 Pro can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to unleash the full potential of your device. However, it’s essential to proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully. By addressing the common issues and providing detailed steps, this guide aims to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Remember to always back up your data and research thoroughly before making any changes to your device.

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