Flashing, unlocking, or repairing a Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco phone all start with one thing: the PC detecting the device through the right Xiaomi USB driver. This guide explains the drivers Xiaomi phones need, how to install them for fastboot and EDL modes, and how to fix detection problems in 2026.

What Drivers Do Xiaomi Phones Need?

Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco phones are mostly Qualcomm (some MediaTek), and they use a couple of driver types depending on the mode:

  • Xiaomi/Android USB driver — for normal ADB and Fastboot connections (used by Mi Unlock and MiFlash fastboot flashing).
  • Qualcomm QDLoader 9008 driver — for EDL mode flashing and deep recovery.

Get both from our USB drivers page.

Fastboot vs EDL — Which Driver When

  • Fastboot mode (Volume Down + Power) is used for bootloader unlocking with Mi Unlock and for flashing fastboot ROMs. It needs the Android bootloader/Fastboot driver.
  • EDL 9008 mode is used for deep recovery and unbricking with MiFlash and a firehose loader. It needs the Qualcomm 9008 driver.

Knowing which mode you're using tells you which driver matters.

What You Will Need

Step 1: Install the Drivers

  1. Disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 11 (for the unsigned Qualcomm driver).
  2. Install the Xiaomi/Android USB driver for Fastboot/ADB.
  3. Install the Qualcomm QDLoader 9008 driver for EDL.
  4. Reboot if prompted.

Step 2: Verify Fastboot Detection

Boot the phone into Fastboot (Volume Down + Power) and run fastboot devices — the serial should list. This confirms the Fastboot driver works for Mi Unlock and fastboot flashing.

Step 3: Verify EDL Detection

For EDL work, enter 9008 mode (via command, cable, or test point) and check Device Manager → Ports for Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008. This confirms the EDL driver works for MiFlash.

Common Problems and Fixes

fastboot devices empty. The Fastboot driver is missing — reinstall the Xiaomi driver and use USB 2.0.

9008 port not staying. The Qualcomm driver is unsigned — disable enforcement and reinstall.

Phone not detected at all. Bad cable or wrong mode — use a data cable and re-enter the mode.

MiFlash "auth" error. Some models need authorized EDL access — separate from the driver.

Pro Tips From the Workbench

The key with Xiaomi is knowing which mode needs which driver: Fastboot for Mi Unlock and fastboot ROMs (Android/Fastboot driver), EDL for deep recovery (Qualcomm 9008 driver). Install both up front so you're never stuck mid-job, and verify each with fastboot devices and the 9008 port respectively.

Keep the 9008 driver installed and tested before you send a phone into EDL, because once the screen goes black you have a limited window to start flashing. For newer, locked Xiaomi models, remember EDL flashing may need authorized access — that's a Xiaomi account/policy matter, not a driver problem. As always, a data cable on USB 2.0 keeps detection reliable.

Quick Reference Checklist

For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco:

  • Fastboot: Xiaomi/Android driver (Mi Unlock, fastboot ROMs).
  • EDL: Qualcomm 9008 driver (MiFlash recovery).
  • Install both up front.
  • 9008 driver needs signature enforcement disabled.
  • Verify: fastboot devices and the 9008 port.
  • Data cable on USB 2.0.

Which mode needs which driver: Fastboot for unlocking and fastboot ROMs, EDL for deep recovery — install both so you're never stuck mid-job.

A good Xiaomi habit is to test both drivers right after installing — confirm fastboot devices lists the phone in Fastboot, and confirm the 9008 port appears in a quick EDL test. Knowing both work before a real job means you can move straight into Mi Unlock or MiFlash without troubleshooting mid-task. Keep the firehose loaders and fastboot ROMs organized by exact model, since matching those correctly matters just as much as the driver itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Xiaomi phones need one driver or two? Typically two — the Xiaomi/Android driver for Fastboot/ADB and the Qualcomm 9008 driver for EDL.

Which driver does Mi Unlock use? The Fastboot (Android bootloader) driver, since bootloader unlocking happens in Fastboot mode.

Why won't the 9008 port stay? The Qualcomm driver is unsigned — disable signature enforcement and reinstall.

Are Xiaomi phones MediaTek or Qualcomm? Mostly Qualcomm, with some MediaTek models. Check the exact model's chipset.

How do I enter EDL on Xiaomi? Via fastboot oem edl, a deep flash cable, or a test point on locked models.

Does Mi Unlock use EDL? No — Mi Unlock works in Fastboot mode, so it needs the Android/Fastboot driver, not the 9008 driver.

Why does MiFlash show an auth error in EDL? Some locked models require authorized EDL access — that's a Xiaomi account/policy matter, separate from the driver.

Do all Xiaomi phones use Qualcomm? Most do, but some Redmi and Poco models use MediaTek. Check the exact model's chipset to pick the right driver.

Why won't fastboot detect my Xiaomi? The Fastboot/Android driver isn't installed, or the cable is charge-only. Reinstall the driver and use a data cable on USB 2.0.

Do I need Mi Unlock and MiFlash both? They serve different jobs — Mi Unlock unlocks the bootloader (Fastboot), MiFlash flashes firmware (Fastboot or EDL). Keep both for full Xiaomi work.

A Note on Safe Downloads

Download Xiaomi and Qualcomm drivers only from trusted sources like our USB drivers page, and use official Mi tools from Xiaomi.

Conclusion

Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco phones need the right driver per mode: the Xiaomi/Android driver for Fastboot (Mi Unlock, fastboot ROMs) and the Qualcomm 9008 driver for EDL (MiFlash recovery). Install both, disable signature enforcement, and verify with fastboot devices and the 9008 port. For unlocking and flashing steps, browse our how-to guides.