The Xiaomi Mi 2 and Mi 2S (codename aries) are legendary devices that helped put Xiaomi on the map as a global powerhouse. Launched in 2012, the Mi 2 was a true “pocket rocket,” packing the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor into a compact body with a sharp 4.3-inch 720p display. It offered performance that rivaled top-tier phones at a fraction of the cost. The Mi 2S was a minor refresh with a slightly faster CPU and an improved camera. For enthusiasts and collectors looking to restore this piece of smartphone history, this page provides the final official fastboot ROMs, a classic Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and the modern TWRP recovery.
Important: You must verify your device is a Mi 2 or Mi 2S (aries). This firmware is for this specific classic device and is not compatible with any other model. Flashing requires special care due to the age of the device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi 2 / Mi 2S (aries)
- Release year: 2012 / 2013
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064
- Display: 4.3″ IPS LCD, 720p
- Battery: 2000 mAh (Removable)
- Original MIUI: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), MIUI 5
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool (Older Version Recommended) | Download MiFlash20151028 |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V9.2.3.0.LXACNEK | 5.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | aries |
| Global | V9.2.2.0.LXAMIEK | 5.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | aries |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V8.2.1.0.LXACNDL (Based) | 5.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | aries |
| TWRP (Official) | 3.7.0_9-0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | aries |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Custom ROMs
Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM or other community-developed ROMs.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s limited stock recovery. It is the essential tool that allows you to install custom software (.zip files), create full backups of your system (a “Nandroid”), and perform other advanced maintenance. The official ROMs on this page do not require TWRP.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: You may need to apply for unlock permissions from Xiaomi.
- Flash TWRP:
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools, flash the downloaded twrp-3.7.0_9-0-aries.img file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-aries.img
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Custom ROM:
- In TWRP, it is recommended to perform a Factory Reset via the “Wipe” menu.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone’s storage.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for the Classic Mi 2/2S (aries)
As a vintage device, the Mi 2 requires special care during flashing. Please read carefully.
- MUST Use an Older Mi Flash Tool: The Mi 2/2S is from 2012. Modern versions of Mi Flash Tool will not work and will result in errors. You must use a compatible older version, such as MiFlash20151028, to successfully flash official firmware.
- Hard Brick Recovery (EDL Mode): If your phone is completely unresponsive (hard bricked), it can often be recovered via EDL Mode (Qualcomm 9008). This may require using hardware test points on the motherboard to force the device into this low-level flashing mode.
- Partition Size for Modern Custom ROMs (Advanced): The original system partition on the Mi 2/2S is too small for modern custom Android ROMs (Nougat and above). Before flashing a newer custom ROM from a community like XDA, you must re-partition your device using a special script or a modified TWRP. Failure to do this will result in an “Error 7” or “insufficient space” message in recovery. Always follow the custom ROM developer’s instructions precisely.
- Driver Issues on Modern Windows: Getting the correct Qualcomm drivers for such an old device to work on Windows 10/11 can be difficult. You may need to manually install the drivers in Device Manager after disabling Driver Signature Enforcement on your PC.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the difference between the Mi 2 and Mi 2S? They share the same aries codename and can use the same ROMs. The Mi 2S was a minor refresh with a slightly higher-clocked processor and an improved camera sensor (the 32GB version of the 2S had a 13MP camera vs. the standard 8MP).
Q2. What was the final official update for the Mi 2/2S? The Mi 2 launched with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and had an incredibly long support life for its time, officially ending on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Its final official MIUI version was MIUI 9.2.
