Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after rebooting the device, the screen appears the words “Verifying update” or “Verifying updates” – this process can last from a few seconds to tens of minutes, causing the user to panic and fear of data loss – in fact, it is a standard security procedure built into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, which guarantees the integrity of system files before they are activated.
The essence of verification is to verify the digital signature of the installation package. The system compares the hash sums of downloaded files with reference values to make sure that the firmware was not damaged during download and does not contain malicious changes. If this step is missed or interrupted, there is a high risk of turning the device into a brick, so interfering with the algorithm without need is strongly discouraged.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why a long check occurs, what factors affect its speed and what to do if the process is stuck. Understanding the technical nuances of the Bootloader bootloader and the update system will help you stay calm and respond correctly to various scenarios of the gadget.
📊 How long did the verification on your device last?
Less than 5 minutes.
5 to 20 minutes.
More than 30 minutes.
The device is hanging forever.
The verification process starts automatically after you have confirmed the installation of the update through the settings menu or after rebooting the timer. At that point, the smartphone enters a special mode, where the main interface is not yet loaded with the operating system, and the control takes over the low-level bootloader, which acts as the controller, checking each byte of the new firmware, the key element here is a digital signature. Xiaomi developers sign each official update pack with a unique cryptographic key. When verified, the device accesses a secure partition of memory where the public certification keys are stored and checks them against the data in the installation file. Android Verified Boot (AVB) plays a major role here, providing a chain of trust from the moment power is turned on to the full load of the OS. If the hash amount of the file does not match the expected amount, the system blocks the installation, which protects the user from scenarios when the file was downloaded with errors due to poor Internet or was modified by third parties.
Many users mistakenly believe that if the progress lane does not move for 10-15 minutes, the phone freezes. However, for modern devices with large amounts of memory and complex file structure, the verification time can be significant. The speed depends on many factors, including the state of the drive and the amount of changes made. The main reason for the delay is the amount of data. When you switch between major versions of Android (for example, from Android 13 to 14) or when you change the MIUI shell to HyperOS, thousands of system libraries change. The processor takes time to read, calculate the hash and compare the temperature of the device with the significant one. If the battery is low or the phone is overheated, the system can artificially slow down the processor to prevent emergency shutdowns, and in such cases it is better not to touch the device and let it cool or connect to charging, if possible without interrupting the process.
Typical verification errors and their causes Despite the reliability of the system, sometimes the verification process ends in error or hangs on a certain percentage. Most often this is due to damage to the update file itself. If the download was interrupted, the network was unstable or there was not enough space on the disk for temporary files, the integrity of the package is violated. Another common reason is the presence of a modified bootloader or root rights. The official Xiaomi firmware often refuses to be verified on devices with the unlocked Booter, since the changed partition structure does not correspond to the reference cases, the package integrity is violated. Attempts to force the phone to restart by pressing volume and power buttons during the critical data recording phase are almost guaranteed to lead to software failures. * 🚫 Damaged file: Download interrupted or file modified by antivirus. * 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: Having root rights or custom recaveri prevents signature verification. * 💾 Lack of space: Less space is left in the system section 1-2 GB of free memory for unpacking archives. * 🔋 Voltage spikes: A sharp drop in battery power during intense data recording.
If you are sure that the phone has got stuck (for example, it has been more than 40-50 minutes and the indicator does not move), you can try to perform a forced reboot. However, you need to do this carefully. Press the power button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds before the vibration. If the device has restarted and started checking again, do not panic, this is normal. In case the phone is stuck in the reboot cycle, you will need to log into Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the device (if it is turned on) and pinch the combination of the power supply, you can even try the switch to the switch switch to the data switch switch switch to the number or switch switch switch. Interrupting data writing to the memory sector can lead to loss of boot sectors. ⚠️ Warning: Forced reboot in the active data recording phase (when the logo and progress indicator are on) with a 90% probability will lead to the need for a complete flashing of the device through the computer with loss of all data.
To minimize verification problems, it is important to understand how you update. There are several methods, each of which has its own characteristics of data integrity verification. | Method of updating | Source of the file | Reliability of verification | Risk of error | Speed. | |:--- |:--- |:--- |:--- |:--- | | OTA (airborne) | Xiaomi server | High (automatic) | Low. | Medium | | Local (file selection) | Phone memory | Medium (depending on the file) | Medium. | Tall. | | Mi Flash (PC) | Computer | Maximum (full cleaning) | Minimum | Depends on USB | | Recovery (ZIP) | Memory map | Low (requires manual control) | High-pitched | Medium | The safest method is OTA, The system downloads the checked package and checks it before installation. Using third-party firmware files downloaded from forums requires manual checksum checksums, which can be tricky for the average user.
To avoid long waits or errors during verification in the future, you should follow a few simple rules for using your smartphone. The system requires space not only to store the installer, but also to decompress it and temporary files, it is recommended to regularly clean the cache of applications and delete unnecessary files, and it is important not to interrupt the process of downloading the update over Wi-Fi. If the network is unstable, it is better to wait for a stable connection or use wired Internet via a USB-Ethernet adapter (for advanced users). * 📱 Free up space: Keep free at least 5-7 GB of memory before updating. * 🔋 Control the charge: Start the upgrade only when the charge is higher 60%. * 📶 Stable Wi-Fi: Don’t use mobile internet to download heavy service packs. * 🔄 Regularity: Do not miss interim updates if they are offered. ⚠️ Note: If you use custom themes or modified system fonts, return the standard design settings before updating. MIUI/HyperOS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I skip verification and install the update immediately?
No, you can't skip this step on official software. Android security is built on mandatory signature verification. Attempting to get around this stage requires unlocking the bootloader and deep modification of the system, which removes the warranty.
How long can the update check normally take?
It usually takes 2 to 15 minutes, but on older models or major updates (change Android), it can take up to 30-40 minutes, and if more than an hour has passed, it's a sign of a problem.
Will photos and contacts be lost if the verification is successful?
No, when you update regularly via OTA or local file, all user data (photos, contacts, apps) is saved, and resets only in the event of a critical error or forced flashing with cleaning.
What if the phone says “Can’t check the update”?
Try to remove the downloaded update file from the folder downloaded_rom And download it again through the update menu, and if the error is repeated, it's possible that the server is temporarily unavailable or the file is corrupted on the source side.