How to upgrade Xiaomi TV: from firmware to iron

Xiaomi TVs are some of the most popular Smart TV It's a combination of price and functionality, but even the top models are in the market. 2-3 The years that we're going to see are going to slow down, or we're losing support for new apps, or we're not up to the standards of video today. Upgradeing a TV isn't always about buying a new model. In most cases, you can make a lot of improvements in performance, image quality, and sound without drastically costing it.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to upgrade, from software to hardware. You will learn how to update the firmware without the risk of “bricking”, what settings Mi TV You should change it first, and what accessories really make the investment worthwhile, and if you're ready for more serious changes, consider hardware upgrades (yes, even on budget models!).

Important: not all methods are universal. TV 4A 2018 and Xiaomi TV Q2 2023 has different upgrade restrictions, and we'll show you which solutions are suitable for specific lines.

1. Software upgrade: firmware update and system optimization

The most affordable and safest way to improve your TV is to update your firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that fix bugs, add new features (like Dolby Vision support on some models), and optimize performance. However, automatic updates don’t always install the latest version — especially on older TVs.

To check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Compare the current version with the latest one on Xiaomi’s official website (select your model in the list).
3. If the version is outdated, download the firmware file (.zip) and update manually through the USB.

Manual update via USB:

1. Format the flash drive in FAT32 (required!).
2. Download the firmware for your model (for example, Mi). TV 4S 55" — The file will be called miui_TV_mitv4s_55_vX.X.X.zip).
3. Place the archive in the root of the flash drive (not in the folder!).
4. Put it in. USB to the TV port, go to Settings → On TV. → Update through USB.

Check the TV model in Settings → On TV.|Download the firmware only from the official website|Use it. USB-accumulator ≤32 GB formatted in FAT32|Do not remove the flash drive until the process is completed (10-15 minute)-->

Optimization of the system after updating:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Clear cache for all apps (especially YouTube, Netflix).
• ⚡ Disabling Autostart: In Settings → Special facilities → Auto-Run Applications Disable Unnecessary Services.
• 🔄 Reset to factory: If the TV is severely slowing down, reset to Settings → Reset and Recovery (save Wi-Fi settings and accounts in advance!).

⚠️ Note: Firmware from unofficial sources (e.g, 4PDA) It can contain viruses or unstable modifications. TV A2/A Pro 2023 Installation of custom firmware blocks access to Google Play and Xiaomi services.

Upgrade “iron”: what can be replaced in the TV Xiaomi

If software methods don’t work, consider hardware upgrades. Unlike smartphones, Xiaomi TVs have a modular design that allows you to replace some components without being completely disassembled.

What's real to upgrade:

Step-by-step replacement of Wi-Fi module (on the example of Xiaomi Mi) TV 4A):

1. Turn off the TV from the network, remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade will be required).
2. Find a Wi-Fi module — usually a small board with antennas connected via a M.2 or USB.
3. Disconnect the plumes, remove the old module.
4. Install a new (compatible) model: Broadcom BCM4356, Realtek RTL8822CS).
5. Get the case together, check the network connection.

💡

Before disassembling the TV, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws, which will simplify the reverse assembly and help to avoid "extra" parts.

Where to buy components:

• 🛒 AliExpress: Wi-Fi modules, LED-The tapes (see TV model) + "replacement part").
• 🔧 Local service centers: Often sell used parts from donor TVs.
• 🌍 eBay: Original memory cards for Mi TV 4 Pro (price) ~$30-50).

⚠️ Note: Replacement of eMMC or RAM Xiaomi models TV P1/E1 (2021+) ration BGA-Without experience, it will cause the TV to fail.

Software optimization|Replacement Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module|Increased memory or storage|Improved illumination/sound|Purchase of external accessories-->

3. External devices for upgrade: what really works

If you don't want to take a TV apart, external accessories can greatly expand its capabilities, and the main thing is to choose compatible devices and connect them correctly.

Top.-5 upgrade accessories:

• 🎮 Android TV Box: NVIDIA Shield TV Xiaomi Mi Box S or Pro will add support 4K@120Hz, Dolby Atmos and Modern Games.
• 🔊 Sound panel: Xiaomi TV Soundbar or Sony HT-G700 Improve the sound to the level of a home theater.
• 🖥️ USB-Ethernet hub: Solves problems with Wi-Fi video stuttering (recommended TP-Link) UE300).
• 💡 LED-Backlight: Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp behind TV sets creates Ambient Light effect (like Philips Hue).
• 📦 Outside SSD: Connected through USB 3.0 drive will speed up the download of applications (for example, Samsung) T7 Shield).

How to Connect Android TV Box for maximum performance:

1. Use the port. HDMI 2.1 (usually marked on the back of the TV).
2. In the Mi settings TV turn on HDMI-CEC (Settings → HDMI → Management HDMI).
3. In Android settings TV Box select permission 3840×2160@60Hz colourform RGB 4:4:4.
4. Disable the built-in Xiaomi apps to avoid conflicts.

Comparison of sound panels for Xiaomi TV:

💡

Android TV Box will not replace the upgrade of the hardware of the TV, but will allow you to bypass the limitations of the old firmware (for example, install new versions of Netflix or Kodi).

4. Xiaomi settings TV, which should be changed immediately

Many users have been using a factory-designed TV for years, without even realizing that a few changes can dramatically improve picture performance. Here are 7 key settings to adjust:

Image optimization:

• 📺 Picture mode: Select Movie instead of Standard (Settings) → Image: → Image mode. This will turn off the overprocessing.
• 🎨 Color scheme: For OLED-models (Mi) TV 6 OLED) set up DCIP3, for LED — BT.2020.
• 🔍 Sharpness: Reduce to 20-30% (factory 50% add artifacts).
• 🌓 Local dimming: Enable (Settings) → Image: → Local dimming for better contrast on the Mi TV Q1/Q2.

System acceleration:

• ⚡ Animation: Turn off the menu animation in Settings → Special facilities → Reduce animation.
• 🗑️ Background processes: Limit to 2-3 In Settings → Annexes → Background processes.
• 🔄 Auto Update: Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play → Settings.

Secret settings for experienced users:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV and 7 times click on the version MIUI TV. Then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate the debugging by USB and Don't turn off the screen.
2. Use it. ADB to remove embedded applications (e.g. Mi Home if you are not using): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.smarthome

💡

To calibrate the color, use the free CalMAN ColorMatch app (available on Google Play on Mi). TV). Even budget models like Redmi Smart TV You will see more accurate colors after the adjustment.

5. Sound upgrade: from settings to acoustic systems

The sound in Xiaomi TVs is one of the weakest points, especially in thin models, but even without buying a sound panel, you can significantly improve the audio.

Programmatic improvements:

• 🎛️ Equator: In Settings → Sound. → Equalizer increase frequencies 100-200 Hz (for bass) and 3-6 kHz (for vocals).
• 🔊 Sound mode: Select Movie or Music instead of Standard.
• 🎧 Bluetooth Audio: Connect your headphones or column through Settings → Bluetooth (latency) ~200 ms).

Hardware solutions:

How to connect the sound bar through Optical:

1. Buy a Toslink cable (optical).
2. Connect one end to the Optical Out port on the TV, the other to the sound bar.
3. B Settings → Sound. → Digital audio output select PCM (Auto (for Dolby Digital) or Auto (for Dolby Digital).
4. Turn off the TV speakers in Settings → Sound. → Television speakers.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A 32" and Redmi Smart TV X optical output is missing. Use Bluetooth or 3.5 mm (with adapter to the RCA, if you need to connect the columns).

6. Alternative firmware: pros and risks

If official updates are no longer coming out and the TV is slowing down, some users resort to custom firmware, which can give new life to old TV, but is fraught with risks.

The advantages of alternative firmware:

• ✅ Support for new versions of Android TV (For example, Android 11 on the Mi TV 4A 2018).
• ✅ Removing Xiaomi’s built-in software (releases before) 1-2 GB memory).
• ✅ Support for Widevine L1 Watch Netflix in Full HD.
• ✅ Overclocking of the processor (on some cores).

Cons and risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (even if the TV is no longer warranty, services may refuse repairs).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” (incorrect firmware turns TV into a “brick").
• ❌ No support for Google Play Services on some builds.
• ❌ Possible bugs with HDMI-CEC remote.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi TV:

How to install custom firmware (briefly):

1. Unlock Bootloader via Fastboot (PC and cable required) USB-A → USB-A).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions on 4PDA or XDA Developers).
3. Download the firmware (.zip) and transfer to USB-accumulator.
4. Boot in. TWRP, Make a backup, then swipe a new one. ROM.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models TV A2/A Pro 2023 Installation of custom firmware is blocked at the hardware level (protection) AVB 2.0). It can only be avoided with the help of a programmer. CH341A, ration-driven.

7 When Upgrades Don't Make Sense: Signs It's Time to Buy a New TV

Despite all efforts, some Xiaomi TVs are no longer subject to meaningful upgrades, with 5 signs it’s time to think about replacing:

Critical limitations:

• 🚫 No support. HDMI 2.1: It's impossible without it. 4K@120Hz or VRR (relevant TV 4S 2019 older).
• 🚫 The obsolete matrix: VA-view-panel ≤160° (For example, Redmi Smart. TV X) not to correct the settings.
• 🚫 Hardware lock: On the Mi TV 5 Pro and newer cannot be replaced by eMMC without specialized equipment.
• 🚫 No updates: If the last firmware was released more than 2 years ago (check on the official website).
• 🚫 Physical wear and tear: Burnout OLED-pixels or broken zones of illumination (Mi) TV 4 55" are known to have a problem with this problem).

What can be saved from old TV:

• 🔧 Matrix: Sell on Avito or AliExpress as a spare part (price) ~30-50% new-TV).
• 🎛️ Control fee: Suitable for repairing other models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A mi TV 4C compatible).
• 🔊 Speakers: Can be used as a speaker for PC (amplifier required).

How to choose a new Xiaomi TV with an upgrade:

• 🆕 For future upgrades: Take models with a connector HDMI 2.1 (Xiaomi TV Q2 QLED) and removable back cover.

💡

If your TV is older than 2019 and does not support Dolby Vision or HDMI 2.1, upgrades to hardware or firmware won’t solve these limitations — they’re built into the hardware layer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade TV