Updating MIUI firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can take anywhere from minutes to an hour, depending on the device model, software version and installation method chosen. Users often face uncertainty whether the phone is “hanging” during the Installing update phase, or just takes longer. In this article, we will analyze the actual update timeframe for different scenarios, explain why the process may be delayed, and what to do if something goes wrong.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t disclose official timings for each model, but analyzing user reports and device specifications allows you to average data. For example, an over-the-air update (OTA) on flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Pro takes 15-25 minutes, while budget models like the Redmi Note 12 can cope in 10-15 minutes.
If you're here because the update is stuck at 0% or 50%, don't panic, 80 percent of the time, it's normal behavior, especially when you download large packages (1-3 GB), but there are some alarms that you can't ignore. Let's take it from here.
Standard MIUI Update Timelines: Table by Method
Update speed depends on three key factors: installation method, firmware size, and device performance, and below is the average of current Xiaomi models (2022-2026).
| Refreshment | Package size | Time (minute) | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (over the air, delta update) | 200-800 MB | 8–15 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO X6 |
| OTA (full package) | 1.5-3 GB | 20–35 | Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 14 |
| Recovery (manual installation via Choose update package) | 1.5-3 GB | 25–45 | POCO F5, Redmi K60 |
| Fastboot (full firmware via PC) | 2–4 GB | 40–60 | Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 3 |
| EDL (Emergency mode) | 2–4 GB | 50–90 | Any model with a brick |
⚠️ Note: If the update via Recovery or Fastboot lasts longer than the specified time, check it out:
- 🔌 Battery charge (should be) ≥50%, otherwise the process will stop).
- 📶 Internet connection stability (adherence) OTA-renewal).
- 🔧 Firmware file integrity (if installed manually).
Critical information: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipset (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), updating via Fastboot can take up to 70 minutes due to the peculiarities of working with super.img partitions.
2.Why can the MIUI update last longer than usual?
If your Xiaomi updates take longer than the chart indicates, the reasons may be both software and hardware.
2.1. Low download speed of the OTA packet
When you upgrade over the air, your phone downloads the firmware first, and if your Internet is running at <5 Mbps, it can take hours, especially for users with mobile Internet (3G/4G) or overloaded Wi-Fi.
How do you check? Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI and look at the download progress bar. If it's going to be 0% or 10% long, the problem is the network.
Memory fragmentation
On devices with full memory (especially if <10% of the space is free), the process of unpacking and installing firmware can slow down significantly, which is due to the fact that the system has to collect files from fragmented blocks.
⚠️ Warning: If you didn’t clear cache or delete unnecessary files before the update, the risk of “hanging” during the Verifying update step increases 3 times.
Conflict with custom firmware or root rights
Devices with an unlocked bootloader installed by TWRP or Magisk may be upgraded longer due to:
- 🛠️ Additional Integrity Checks for System Partitions.
- 🔄 Conflicts between stock and modified files.
- 🚫 Blocking updates from Xiaomi (on some models).
What if the update is stuck by 50%?
3. How to speed up MIUI updates: 5 working ways
If you’re tired of waiting, here are proven methods to speed up the process:
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile Internet, and the download speed of the OTA packet will increase by 5-10 times.
- Clear the cache before updating. Go to Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Turn off VPNs and firewalls. They can block Xiaomi servers.
- Install firmware manually. Download the full package from the official website and select Choose update package in Recovery.
- Use Fastboot for flagships. On devices with Snapdragon 8xx, this method often works faster than OTA.
Clear ≥3 GB of memory | Connect to charge (≥70%) | Disable VPN/proxy | Download firmware in advance (if manually installed) |Reboot phone before starting
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If you update POCO or Redmi with custom recavers, pre-disable Magisk through the MagiskHide Props Config module – this will eliminate conflicts with the firmware signature verification.
4. Update via Recovery vs Fastboot: Which is faster?
The choice between Recovery and Fastboot depends on the device model and your goals:
| Criteria | Recovery | Fastboot |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of installation | ⚠️ 25–45 minutes (slower on budget models) | ✅ 30–50 minutes (faster on the flagships) |
| Complexity of the process | ✅ Just (just download the file and select it from the menu) | ⚠️ Requires PC and Mi Flash Tool |
| Suitable for | Updates without data reset | Recovery after failure or complete reflashing |
| Risk of error | Low (if the firmware file is complete) | Medium (possible anti-rollback errors) |
When to choose Fastboot?
- 🔧 If OTA Recovery is always making an error E: Footer is wrong.
- 📉 If the device is “buried” after a failed update.
- 🔄 If you need to go back to an older version MIUI.
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On devices with a MediaTek chipset (such as the Redmi Note 12 5G), the Fastboot may run slower due to data protocol limitations.
5 Frequent update errors and how to avoid them
Even with proper preparation, MIUI updates can end up in error, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
5.1. "Couldn't verify update" error
Reason: A damaged firmware file or version mismatches.
Solution: Download the package again from the official website and check the checksum (MD5).
5.2. Hanging on the MIUI logo after the update
Reason: Conflict with user data or Magisk modules.
Solution: Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Data)
Error "This package is for... but this is..."
Reason: Trying to install firmware for another model or region.
Solution: Check the exact model name in Settings → About Phone → Model and download the correct package.
⚠️ Warning: On Dynamic Partition devices (all models after 2021), incorrect firmware can lead to irreversible bricks.Always check the compatibility table on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
6. How long can you wait for an update on the new Xiaomi model?
If you’ve bought a fresh smartphone (like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the first updates may come more often, but take longer to install.
- 📦 Large package size. First updates often weigh 2.5 to 3 GB.
- 🔒 Additional checks. New models undergo more stringent integrity controls.
- 🔄 Iron optimization: firmware adapts to new chipsets (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
Average timelines for new devices:
- 📱 First update after purchase: 30-50 minutes.
- 🔄 Monthly security patches: 10-20 minutes.
- 🆕 Big updates (MIUI 15 → MIUI 16): 40-60 minutes.
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On new Xiaomi HyperOS (replacement MIUI), updates can be installed 15-20% faster thanks to an optimized packet compression mechanism.