Modern smart TVs and set-top boxes running on Android TVs require regular maintenance of software to work smoothly. Xiaomi device owners often face the need to install new versions of the system to access fresh features, security patches or support for new video codecs, a process that does not always go smoothly, especially if the device has not received automatic notifications for a long time.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly update the firmware on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and Android TVs. We will look at both standard methods over the Internet and manual installation of recovery files if the usual methods do not work. It is critical not to interrupt the power of the device while writing data to flash memory, as this can lead to a complete failure of the motherboard.
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that your device really needs an upgrade. Often users confuse updating system applications and updating the operating system itself. Below we will provide a complete algorithm of actions that will help you update the software and eliminate many software errors.
Checking the current version and compatibility
The first step should always be to diagnose the current state of the system. Don't blindly download files from the Internet without making sure you have an exact model of your device. The device model and the current firmware version are key parameters without which you can't find the correct update file.
To get this information, you need to go to the settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android TV, but the logic remains the same. Navigation is done using the remote control.
- 🔍 Click the settings button (cogs) on the remote or select a profile in the upper right corner.
- 📱 Go to the Settings section → The device → About the TV (or the console).
- ℹ️ Find the Android version and build version.
- 🆔 Write down the device model specified in the Model line (e.g, MDZ-16-AB For the Mi Box S).
Remember or write down this data, you'll need it when you search for files on the official website or forums. If you try to install firmware from another model, even visually similar, you risk getting a brick instead of a working gadget.
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Before you start any manipulations, take a picture of the screen with the current version of the firmware on your phone, which will help you know exactly which version to roll back in case of problems, or prove the presence of a bug in the support.
Automatic update via OTA (over the air)
The easiest and safest way to update software is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which communicates with the manufacturer's servers, checks for a new version and suggests installing it, a method preferred by most users.
To start the procedure, make sure your device is connected to the Internet. It is advisable to use a stable Wi-Fi connection with good speed, since the amount of data downloaded can reach several gigabytes. The process can take from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the channel speed and processor power.
☑️ Checklist before OTA-renewal
To initiate the search for updates, follow the following steps:
- Open the settings → Device → About the TV.
- Select System Update or Software Update.
- Press the Update Check button.
- If a new version is found, agree to the terms and click Download and Install.
Once booted, the system will automatically restart and start the installation process, and the screen can go out and turn on several times, which is normal behavior, during which time it is strictly forbidden to pull the power cord from the socket.
⚠️ Note: If the progress bar is stuck in one place for more than 30 minutes during the upgrade process, do not rush to turn off the device. TV often conducts background optimization of applications, which can take a long time.
Manual installation of firmware through USB-accumulator
In situations where automatic updates don’t come, or the device is in a region where Xiaomi’s servers are unstable, you have to resort to manual installation.This method is also necessary if you want to upgrade your device to a version that is not yet available in your region via OTA, or if the current system is damaged.
You will need a computer with internet access and USB-flash drive from 4 GB. The file system of the drive must be formatted into FAT32 or NTFS. You can find the correct firmware file on the official Mi Community forum or on proven resources like 4PDA.
The manual installation process is as follows:
- 💾 Download the firmware archive for your specific model.
- 📂 Unpack the archive and find a file with the.apk extension (usually this file is a file with a file file file file file file file file file file file file file file file). ota_package.apk similarly).
- 🔌 Copy this file to the root USB-flash-drive.
- 📺 Put the flash drive in. USB-port.
Next, you need a file manager. If it's not installed, you can download it from the Google Play Store directly on your TV (for example, X-plore or File Commander). Through the file manager, find the update file on the flash drive and launch it.
What if the TV doesn’t see the update file?
Use Recovery Mode for Resetting and Updating
If the system is unstable, cyclically restarted, or the update is not installed normally, you can use Recovery Mode, a deep level of system access that allows you to reset to factory settings or install firmware from an external medium at a low level.
Entering Recovery mode on Xiaomi Android TV devices is usually done by a combination of buttons on the remote while the device is turned on. The exact combination depends on the model, but most often it is holding the Back and Up (or OK) buttons at the same time as connecting the power.
In the Recovery menu, navigation is done with volume buttons (if you have them on the remote) or left/right buttons. You will need to select Wipe Data / Factory Reset for a full reset or Apply Update from ADB / USB for manual firmware.
| Action. | Risk of data loss | Difficulty | When to use | Time required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OTA Update | No. | Low. | Planned services | 15-40 minutes | |
| USB Installation | No (usually) | Medium | No OTA, change of region | 20-50 minutes. | Hand-mounted |
| Factory Reset | Complete. | Medium | System errors, lags | 10-20 minutes | |
| Recovery Flash | Complete. | Tall. | Critical failure, brick. | 30-60 minutes. |
Using Recovery Mode is a last resort. Before performing any actions on this menu, make sure you understand the consequences of the commands you select.
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Recovery mode is the last line of defense before you go to the service, and even if resetting through Recovery doesn't work, it's probably hardware.
Solving Common Errors During Updating
The update process is not always perfect, users may experience a “failed to update,” “not enough space,” or an endless download cycle, and understanding the causes of these failures will help them quickly resolve them without losing data.
One common cause of failure is crowded internal memory. Android TV requires free space not only to store the installer, but also for temporary files during the unpacking and installation process.
- 🗑️ Remove unused applications through Settings → Annexes.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of system applications and browser.
- 📁 Move heavy files (movies, photos) to the external USB-accumulator.
Another common problem is an unstable network connection. If the download is interrupted by 90% or 99%, most likely the problem is in the router or the provider. DNS-servers in network settings at 8.8.8.8 (Google) or use VPN, If the update servers are blocked in your area.
⚠️ Warning: If the sound stopped working after the update or the image became dull, do not panic. Often after the major update, the audio output settings are lost (for example, the system tries to output Dolby Digital to a device that does not support it). → The device → Sound and change the format of output to PCM.
Optimize the system after installing a new version
Once the upgrade is completed successfully and the first boot is done, the system can run slower than usual, because the background processes optimize the databases and application cache for the new kernel version, and give the device 15-20 minutes of idle (on state without active use).
It is also recommended to check your privacy settings. After major Android TV updates, some app permissions may reset, or, conversely, new data collection requests may appear. Go through the list of installed apps and make sure they only have the necessary access rights.
Remember to update all installed apps through the Google Play Store. Older versions of apps may not work properly with the new version of the operating system, causing crashes or interface instability.
If you notice that the device has become warmer after the upgrade, check the power consumption settings. In new versions of Xiaomi firmware, the processor algorithms sometimes change, and Eco mode can be turned off by default.