The Xiaomi Redmi S2, known in India as the Redmi Y2 (codename ysl), was a budget-friendly smartphone launched in 2018 with a clear focus on selfie lovers. Its standout feature was a high-resolution 16MP front-facing camera, enhanced with AI beautification and a dedicated LED selfie flash to ensure bright and clear photos in any lighting condition. Powered by the legendary and power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, the device offered a smooth experience on its large 18:9 display. For owners of this reliable device, this page provides the final official fastboot ROMs for China, Global, and Russia, along with the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, to help unbrick, restore, or perform a clean software installation.
Important: Please verify your device codename is ysl. This firmware is not compatible with other Xiaomi models from the same era, such as the Redmi 6 Pro (sakura) or Redmi Note 5 (whyred). Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your phone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi S2 / Redmi Y2 (ysl)
- Release year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- Display: 5.99″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 3080 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 8.1 (Oreo), MIUI 9
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V12.0.4.0.PEFCNXM | 9.0 | 2020-07-29 | Download | ysl |
| Global | V12.0.2.0.PEFMIXM | 9.0 | 2020-09-24 | Download | ysl |
| Russia | V12.0.1.0.PEFRUXM | 9.0 | 2020-12-09 | Download | ysl |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V12.0.4.0.PEFCNXM (Based) | 9.0 | — | Download | ysl |
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 are on the correct stock ROM for your specific region).
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Xiaomi Redmi S2 and the Redmi Y2?
They are the exact same phone hardware-wise. Xiaomi used the “Redmi S2” name for the China and most global markets, while “Redmi Y2” was the name used specifically for the youth-targeted market in India. Both share the ysl codename.
Q2. What was the final official update for the Redmi S2 / Y2?
The device launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 9 Pie. The firmware provided on this page, based on MIUI 12, represents the last official software builds for this device.
Q3. Can I flash a Redmi Note 5 (whyred) ROM on my Redmi S2?
No. While they both use the popular Snapdragon 625 chip, the Redmi S2 and Redmi Note 5 have different screen sizes, cameras, and other internal hardware. Their firmwares are not interchangeable, and cross-flashing will brick your device.
Q4. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is a .zip file. How do I install it?
The .zip file is a recovery-flashable ROM. You cannot use Mi Flash Tool. You must first unlock your bootloader, install a custom recovery like TWRP, and then flash the .zip file from within the recovery.
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.
- “Anti rollback error” → You are attempting to flash an older firmware version than what is currently on the device. Xiaomi’s Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) prevents this.
- 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.



