If you’re looking to install a custom ROM, ColorOS port, or HyperOS port etc. on your Poco F3, Mi 11X, or Redmi K40, flashing the ROM properly is crucial to ensure a smooth, stable, and error-free experience. A wrong step can lead to boot loops, data loss, or even device bricking.
This ultimate flashing guide walks you through each step necessary to clean flash your favorite custom ROMs, including ColorOS/OxygenOS Ports, on Snapdragon 870 devices. Whether you’re flashing a ported ROM, custom kernel, or switching from MIUI, follow these instructions carefully.
Note: This guide is linked in several ROM posts. If you’ve been redirected here from a ROM thread, use this method specifically for that ROM.
Why Clean Flash Is Important
When flashing custom ROMs, especially ports like ColorOS or OxygenOS based on Android 15, a clean flash helps eliminate leftover data from previous installations. This ensures the system operates without conflicts, performance issues, or hidden bugs caused by residual files.
❗ Clean Flash is Mandatory If:
- Your device is encrypted.
- You’re switching from a different ROM base (e.g., MIUI to OxygenOS port).
- You encounter boot issues or system instability.
If your device is decrypted, clean flash isn’t always necessary, but a Dalvik/Cache wipe is still recommended.
⚙️ Complete Flashing Instructions for ColorOS Ports and Custom ROMs
Step 1: Boot Into Custom Recovery
- Power off your device.
- Boot into TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery using the Volume Up + Power button combination.
Step 2: Flash Recommended Firmware (Optional but Advised)
- If the ROM developer has specified a recommended firmware version, flash it first.
- Skip this step if:
- You’re already on HyperOS or MIUI.
- The ROM post mentions that firmware is not needed.
Step 3: Flash the ROM ZIP
- Navigate to the ROM ZIP in your storage.
- Swipe to flash it.
- This is the core ROM package that installs the ColorOS, OxygenOS, or HyperOS port.
Step 4: Flash Recovery ZIP (If Not Pre-included)
- Some ports do not come with built-in recovery.
- Flash the provided Custom Recovery ZIP immediately after flashing the ROM.
Step 5: Reboot to Recovery Again
- After flashing, reboot back into Recovery to finalize partition changes.
Step 6: Format Data (Important for Encrypted Devices)
- Format Data via recovery to avoid encryption-related issues.
- This step is mandatory if encrypted or if you’re shifting from a different ROM base.
Step 7: Switch to Slot A
- After formatting data, go to the Recovery’s Advanced menu > Switch Slot and set it to Slot A.
- This ensures proper booting for most ColorOS/OxygenOS ports.
Step 8: Reboot System
- Finally, reboot your system and wait for the first boot (which may take up to 5-10 minutes).
🛡️ Optional: Flashing a Custom Kernel
If you wish to use a custom kernel for performance tweaks, battery life improvement, or better thermal management, follow these steps:
Step 1: Backup Critical Partitions
- Backup:
- boot.img
- dtbo.img
- vendor_boot.img
These can be restored if the kernel flash causes issues.
Step 2: Flash the Kernel ZIP
- Flash your chosen Kernel ZIP file via Recovery.
Step 3: Restore dtbo.img (If Necessary)
- Some kernels may require restoring the dtbo.img for proper device tree overlays.
Step 4: Wipe Dalvik/Cache
- Clear Dalvik/Cache to prevent app and system crashes.
Step 5: Reboot System
- Reboot and enjoy your optimized kernel setup.
⚠️ Important Tips & Warnings
- Always take a full backup of your current ROM before flashing.
- Check if the ROM you are flashing is Slot A or Slot B preferred—for most ports, Slot A is stable.
- If you encounter boot loops, recheck that you formatted data or flashed the correct firmware.
- Always flash the latest recommended firmware base if specified.
Applicable For
- This guide applies to:
- ColorOS/OxygenOS Ports
- HyperOS Ports
- Any custom ROM that links this guide in its post
If a ROM post redirects you here, follow these steps precisely for best results.
Conclusion
Flashing custom ROMs can unlock new features, better battery life, and smoother performance for your Poco F3, Mi 11X, or Redmi K40. However, doing it wrong can cost you hours of troubleshooting. By following this clean flash and kernel flash guide, you ensure a hassle-free installation with maximum performance and stability.
🚨 Disclaimer: Flashing custom ROMs voids your warranty and carries risk. Proceed only if you understand these risks.
