This is a very interesting one. The codename lotus belongs to the Xiaomi Mi Play, a unique MediaTek-powered device. Because it uses a MediaTek chipset, it requires a different flashing method than most other Xiaomi phones. I have adapted the template to provide the correct tools and instructions.
The Xiaomi Mi Play (codename lotus), launched in late 2018, was a unique entry-level smartphone from Xiaomi. It holds the distinction of being the first Xiaomi phone to feature a waterdrop notch, paving the way for more modern screen designs in their lineup. In its home market of China, it launched with an unprecedented offer of free monthly data for a year. The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset and features a compact 5.84-inch display and a dual-camera setup. For owners looking to restore a bricked device or perform a clean installation of the official software, this page provides the stock ROMs for China, Global, and Russia, which must be flashed using SP Flash Tool.
Important: The Mi Play is a MediaTek device. You must use SP Flash Tool to flash the firmware. The standard Mi Flash Tool for Qualcomm-based phones will not work.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi Play (lotus)
- Release year: 2018
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio P35
- Display: 5.84″ IPS LCD with Waterdrop Notch
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 8.1 (Oreo), MIUI 10
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official ROMs (for SP Flash Tool)
| Region | Build | Android | Release Date | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V11.0.8.0.OFICNXM | 8.1 | 2020-11-20 | Download | lotus |
| Global | V11.0.10.0.OFIMIXM | 8.1 | 2021-01-08 | Download | lotus |
| Russia | V11.0.11.0.OFIRUXM | 8.1 | 2021-01-14 | Download | lotus |
How to Flash (SP Flash Tool)
Disclaimer: This process is for MediaTek devices and is different from Mi Flash Tool. Proceed with caution.
- Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers on your PC. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows first.
- Extract the firmware .tgz file and the SP Flash Tool .zip file into separate, simple folder paths (e.g.,
C:\MiPlay</code>). - Run
flash_tool.exefrom the SP Flash Tool folder. - Click the “Scatter-loading File” button and select the
MT6765_Android_scatter.txtfile from the extracted firmware folder. - Ensure the dropdown menu is set to Download Only. Never use “Format All + Download” as it can erase your device’s unique IMEI number.
- Power off your phone completely.
- Click the green Download button in SP Flash Tool, then connect your powered-off phone to the PC with a USB cable. The flashing process should begin automatically.
FAQs
Q1. Why must I use SP Flash Tool for the Mi Play and not Mi Flash Tool?
The Mi Play is powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 chipset. SP Flash Tool is the specific software required for flashing MediaTek-based devices. Mi Flash Tool, which is for phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, will not work with this model.
Q2. What was special about the Mi Play’s launch in China?
In its home market, the Mi Play was launched with a unique bundle that included a SIM card providing 10GB of high-speed data every month for a full year, which was its main marketing feature.
Q3. Why did the Mi Play never get an update beyond Android 8.1 Oreo?
As an entry-level device with a MediaTek chipset, the Mi Play had a limited software support lifecycle from Xiaomi. While it received MIUI skin updates up to MIUI 11, it did not receive a major Android version upgrade beyond the one it launched with.
Q4. Is the Mi Play a Redmi phone?
Although it has entry-level specs similar to the Redmi series, the Mi Play was marketed under the main “Mi” brand as a standalone model with a distinct, youth-focused strategy.
Troubleshooting
- Drivers: The most common problem is the PC not detecting the phone. Ensure MediaTek VCOM drivers are properly installed. If you encounter issues, try reinstalling them after disabling Windows Driver Signature Enforcement.
- SP Flash Tool Errors:
- BROM ERROR → This can be caused by using the wrong ROM, a bad USB connection, or incorrect drivers. Ensure you have the correct lotus firmware.
- Tool does not react after clicking “Download” → Make sure the phone is completely powered off before connecting it. If it still fails to start, try holding the Volume Down button while connecting the USB cable to force detection.
- Bootloop after flashing: If the phone gets stuck on the Mi logo after a successful flash, you may need to boot into recovery mode (Power + Volume Up) and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data).
