Software updates are a key element of the stable operation of any Xiaomi appliances, they fix bugs, add new features and improve security. However, users often face the question: where exactly to look for these updates on smartphones, TVs or smart gadgets of the brand? The answer depends on the type of device, version MIUI or HyperOS, and regional features of the firmware.
In this article, we will look at all the official and alternative ways to search for updates, including hidden menus for power users, learn how to check the relevance of the version of the software where downloaded update files are stored, and what to do if the system does not find new builds. We will pay special attention to the difference between OTA-updates and manual firmware, as well as nuances for devices with a locked bootloader.
1. Standard method: Update through device settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI or HyperOS functionality, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills. Updates are distributed in stages (staged rollout), so even if your device supports a new version, it may not appear immediately.
To check for updates:
- 📱 On your smartphone: go to Settings → The phone. → System Update (in HyperOS, the path may differ: Settings) → The phone. → Update MIUI).
- 📺 On TV: Open Settings → About the device → Update of the PO.
- 🕒 On a smartwatch or fitness bracelet: use the Mi Fitness app (section "Device Profile" → Firmware update").
The system will automatically check for new versions. If an update is available, you will see a Download or Install button. Importantly, on some devices, Xiaomi hides the update check button if the battery is under 20% or using mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi.
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If the "check updates" button is inactive, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or restarting the device. Sometimes Xiaomi servers temporarily restrict access to specific regions.
2. Where are downloaded update files stored
All Updated Update Files Uploaded Through the System (OTA-packets are stored in the internal memory of the device and can be found in the following path:
/sdcard/Downloaded_rom/For the new versions of HyperOS:
/storage/emulated/0/Downloaded_rom/The files are.zip format and the name of the type:
- miui_*name model**version**region**date*.zip (for the purpose of the MIUI)
- hyperos_*Region *.zip (for HyperOS)
These files can be copied to a computer for backup or manual installation on other devices of the same model. Please note that service packs are specific to a particular model and region (e.g., service packs, miui_GLOBAL or miui_RU). Installing firmware from another model or region can lead to a device blink (inoperability.
What to do if the folder Downloaded_rom idle?
Alternative sources of updates: official and informal
If the standard method does not find updates, alternative methods can be used, but it is important to understand the risks: informal firmware can contain malicious code or be unstable.
Official sources:
- 🌐 Official website MIUI Downloads – stable and beta versions for all supported models are published here.
- 📥 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – unofficial, but reliable aggregator of links to original firmware.
- 🤖 Mi Community – in the regional sections of the forum sometimes publish links to fresh builds before their mass release.
Unofficial sources (for experienced users only!):
- 🛠️ XDA Developers - here lay out custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) and modified OTA-packet.
- 📦 Telegram channels, like, @xiaomiupdates or @miuiofficial — promptly inform about new versions.
Through device settings|From the official website MIUI|From Telegram channels|From the forum XDA Developers|Other-->
⚠️ Warning: Installing firmware from unofficial sources may result in loss of warranty, device lock or sensor problems (e.g., sensors, NFC Always check check checksums (MD5 or SHA-1) 4. How to force updates (hidden methods) Sometimes Xiaomi does not show available updates due to cache or regional restrictions. In such cases, you can use hidden methods of forced verification. Method 1: Cleaning the cache of the System Update application Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find System Update (or Updater) application. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data. Restart the device and check for updates again. Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (for advanced users) Connect the phone to a computer with installed ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.updater/.UpdaterActivity This will force the update app to open, bypassing some regional restrictions. 3: Change the firmware region (only for unlocked bootloader!) Some updates are released first in China or India. To get them earlier, you can temporarily change the firmware region via fastboot: fastboot oem edl fastboot set_active a fastboot flash cust /path/to/file/cust.img ⚠️ Warning: Incorrect change of region can lead to loss IMEI This method is recommended only for experienced users with a backup data. Below is a comparison table for the main categories of devices: Device type Way to update Features Update Frequency Smartphones (MIUI/HyperOS) Settings → The phone. → Updating the support system OTA and manual installation through Recovery 1–2 Once a month (stable version) TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV) Settings → About the device → Updates are tied to model and region, no manual installation 1 time 2–3 Smartwatches (Mi Watch, Redmi Watch) → Updates Device Profile is Only Installed Through the Application 1 time 3–6 Routers (Mi Router, AiO) 192.168.31.1 → Update Support for Beta Versions via Mi WiFi App 1 Once in the quarter Laptops (Mi Notebook) → Update and security Update drivers and BIOS divided 1–2 Once a year for smart lamps (Yeelight), robot vacuum cleaners (Mi Robot) and more Download the correct firmware version for your model|Check the checksum (MD5) file|Charge the device to a minimum 50%|Create a backup copy of the data|Disable screen lock (PIN/graphical)--> 5. The process of searching and installing updates varies depending on the type of equipment. update techniques are installed automatically through branded applications (Mi Home, Yeelight. 6. Users often face problems when trying to update Xiaomi devices. Consider the most common errors and ways to fix them: Error: Failed to connect to the server" 🔌 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi). 🌍 Try connecting through VPN (region: Singapore or Hong Kong). ⏱️ Change. DNS-server to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 Error: "Update not intended for this device" 📱 Make sure you download the firmware specifically for your model (check in Settings). → The phone. → Model). 🔄 If you are trying to install a manual package, check for version compliance (for example, you cannot install it). V14.0.5 top-up V12.5.3 Error: “Not enough space to update" 🗑️ Clear the app cache in Settings → Warehouse. 📁 Transfer photos and videos to your computer or cloud. 🔄 Try installing the update via Recovery (you need to download the full firmware package). Error: "Device is not certified" (on custom firmware) This problem occurs after installing unofficial software: 🔑 Install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix. 🔄 Return to the official firmware via fastboot. 💡If the device does not turn on after an unsuccessful update (hangs on the logo or flashes a red indicator), try to enter Recovery mode (press Power). + Volume Up and select Wipe data or Apply update from ADB. 7. Not always new versions of the software work stable. If after the update there are bugs (for example, the battery quickly goes down, sensors do not work or lags occur), you can try to roll back to the previous version. The methods depend on the type of device and the status of the bootloader. 1: Using Recovery, download the correct firmware version from the official website. Rename the file to update.zip And put it in the root of the internal memory. + Volume Up with your phone turned off. Select Install update.zip to System. Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocked bootloader) This method completely reflashes the device, removing all data: Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz format. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode (press Power). + Connect to your computer and select Clean all and lock option in the Mi Flash Tool. 3: For TVs and smart devices, the rollback of updates on Xiaomi TVs is not officially supported.The only option is to contact the service center with a request to reflash the device through the phone. EDL-Regime (requires authorization from the manufacturer). ⚠️ Note: Reverse to the old version MIUI/HyperOS This may cause problems with Google Pay, Widevine (for Netflix viewing) HD) and other services tied to the OS version. on some models (for example, Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi Note 11) After the rollback, the loader is re-unblocked. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions Why is my device not getting updates even though they are already out for my model: 📅 Staged rollout: Xiaomi distributes updates in batches. Your device may be in the last queue. 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some updates are released first in China or India, and then in the global version. 🔒 Blocked bootloader: On some devices with a locked bootloader, updates are suspended (for example, after a failed unlock). 📱 Modified firmware: If you have installed custom software, OTA-Solutions: Try clearing the System Update cache, changing the region in the settings SIM-Is it possible to upgrade from one Xiaomi model to another? No, it's impossible and extremely dangerous! Each firmware is designed for a specific hardware (processor, camera modules, sensors: 🔥 Complete inoperability of the device ("brick"). 📵 Poose. IMEI nets. 🔋 Charging or overheating problems (due to incorrect power management settings) Exception: some models share firmware within the same line (e.g. Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro use different files, but Redmi Note 10 uses different files, but Redmi Note 10 is not a single file). 5G Redmi Note 10T 5G You can always check the exact name of the model in the settings! MIUI Or is HyperOS installed on my device? You can view the current version of the software in several ways: Go to Settings. → The phone. Search for the lines: Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) Android version (e.g. Android 13) TKQ1.221114.001) Enter the code ##4636## in the phone app, then select "Software Information." For HyperOS: in Settings → The phone will be called HyperOS version (e.g. HyperOS 1.0.5.0) and it is also useful to know the code name of the model (e.g., surya for Poco). X3 NFC or alioth for Poco F3). You can find it in the same section "About the phone" or through the ADB-Command: adb shell getprop ro.product.device What to do if the update is suspended during the installation phase? If the upgrade process stalls (for example, on the screen with a progress bar or the Xiaomi logo), act on the algorithm: Wait 30-60 minutes. Sometimes installation takes a long time, especially on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A). Forced Reboot: For smartphones: Press Power for 10-15 seconds. For TVs: turn off power for 1 minute. If the device doesn't turn on: Try logging in to Recovery (Power) + Volume Up) and select Reboot. If Recovery is not available, connect to your computer and use the Mi Flash Tool to flash it back. ⚠️ Warning: If the device boots after the reboot, don't try to install the update again! This may exacerbate the problem. Contact the service center or use fastboot to restore. How to enable automatic updates on Xiaomi? By default, automatic update is disabled, but it can be activated: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner (⋮) and select Settings. Turn on options: Auto boot via Wi-Fi Automatic installation (not available on all devices) On Mi TVs, automatic update is enabled in Settings → Device → Software Update → Auto Update. Note: on some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3), the automatic installation is disabled by default due to the risk of data loss if the update fails.