The Xiaomi Mi Note (codename virgo), launched in 2015, is a classic device that marked Xiaomi’s ambitious entry into the premium phablet market. It was renowned for its groundbreaking and beautiful design, featuring a stunning 3D curved Gorilla Glass 3 back that was both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. For its time, it was a true powerhouse, running on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset and boasting a large 5.7-inch Full HD display. For enthusiasts and owners looking to restore this piece of Xiaomi history to its original software, this page provides the official fastboot ROMs for China and Global, along with a classic Xiaomi.eu custom ROM.
Important: You must verify your device is the original Mi Note (virgo). This firmware is not compatible with any of its successors, like the Mi Note 2 (scorpio) or the much later Mi Note 10 (tucana). Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your phone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi Note (virgo)
- Release year: 2015
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
- Display: 5.7″ IPS LCD, Full HD
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), MIUI 6
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Fastboot ROMs
| Region | Build | Android | Release Date | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | V9.5.1.0.MXEMIFA | 6.0 | 2018-04-06 | Download | virgo |
| China | V9.2.3.0.MXECNEK | 6.0 | 2017-12-29 | Download | virgo |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V8.5.1.0.MXECNED (Based) | 6.0 | — | Download | virgo |
How to Flash
For a step-by-step process, drivers, and troubleshooting, read our Ultimate Mi Flash Guide.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (avoid clean all and lock unless you want to relock your bootloader).
FAQs
Q1. What made the original Mi Note special?
It was Xiaomi’s first true premium phablet. Its 3D curved glass back was a major design innovation for its time, making a large phone feel surprisingly comfortable to hold. It successfully combined this beautiful design with flagship-level specs.
Q2. Can I flash a Mi Note 10 ROM on this device?
No, absolutely not. The original Mi Note (virgo) is a 2015 device. The Mi Note 10 (tucana) is a 2019 device with completely different and vastly more powerful hardware. Their firmwares are generations apart and totally incompatible.
Q3. Why did this phone stop at Android 6.0 Marshmallow?
The Mi Note launched with Android 4.4 (KitKat) and received two major OS upgrades: first to Lollipop, then to Marshmallow. For a 2015 Android device, this was an exceptionally long and impressive software support cycle.
Q4. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is a .zip file. How do I install it?
The .zip file is a recovery ROM. It must be installed using a custom recovery like TWRP after unlocking the bootloader. It cannot be flashed with Mi Flash Tool, which is for .tgz fastboot packages.
Troubleshooting
- Drivers: If your PC does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode, reinstall the Xiaomi USB drivers, run Mi Flash Tool as Administrator, or try a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often more stable).
- Fastboot errors:
- “error: not catch checkpoint” → This common error means you have selected the wrong folder. In Mi Flash Tool, be sure to select the parent folder that was created when you extracted the .tgz file, not the images folder inside it.
- Old Devices: If the latest Mi Flash Tool gives an error, try using an older version (e.g., from 2017-2018), as they sometimes have better compatibility with older devices like the Mi Note.
- EDL mode: For a hard-bricked phone that won’t enter fastboot, EDL mode is the last resort. It requires using hardware test points and is recommended for advanced users only.
