How to update Android 6.0 on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways in 2026

Why is Android 6.0 Update on Xiaomi still relevant?

Xiaomi smartphones based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow (MIUI 7/8) are still used by thousands of users, despite the release of new versions of the OS. The reasons are different: from nostalgia to the limited hardware capabilities of older models like Redmi Note 3, Mi 4i or Redmi 2 Pro. However, outdated firmware creates risks: the lack of security patches, incompatibility with modern applications and slow operation of the system.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can upgrade, from official (if available) to custom firmware alternatives. It’s important to understand that not all devices support the upgrade to new Android versions due to manufacturer or hardware limitations. We’ll also show you how to check your model’s compatibility and avoid mistakes that will turn your smartphone into a brick.

The process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, and in some cases will require unlocking the bootloader and losing data.If you are not ready for experiments, consider buying a new device or optimizing your current firmware.

Preparing for the update: what to do before the start

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to follow these steps to minimize the risks:

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Make a name (e.g. Redmi Note 3 Pro, not just "Redmi Note 3.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. When upgraded through recovery, the energy consumption is higher than normal.
• 💾 Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root, SMS internal memory files.
• 🔌 Prepare cable and PC: some methods will be required USB-cable (preferably original) and computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.

If you plan to use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), additionally:

• 🔓 Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - status must be unlocked: true).
• 🛠️ Download the current version TWRP Recovery for your model (only from official sources!).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as Redmi Note 3 Pro), the data encryption is reset after unlocking the bootloader!

Official update via MIUI: Does it work in 2026?

Xiaomi has completely stopped supporting official updates for Android 6.0 devices since 2020, but in rare cases, you can pull the latest available version of MIUI through the standard update menu.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If the system offers you to download a file, agree. If not, try manually downloading the firmware from en.miui.com (select the Archive section).

Important: Even if there is an update, it will be the latest version of MIUI for your model (e.g. MIUI 9 for Redmi Note 3), but not the new Android.

⚠️ Note: If the system offers an update to MIUI 10+, But your device doesn't officially support it -- it could be fake -- download the firmware only from official sources.

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The official Android 6.0 updates on Xiaomi are no longer coming out. The most you can get is the latest version of MIUI for your model.

Update via Fastboot: for experienced users

If the official method didn’t work and the bootloader is already unlocked, you can try flashing the device through Fastboot.This method is suitable for devices with a Qualcomm chipset (for example, Redmi Note 3 Pro or Mi 4).

• 🖥️ Windows computer (recommended) 7/10).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not cheap substitutes!).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz format for your model (see archive) MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\miui_rom).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, your device should appear.
4. Select a firmware folder and press Flash. Do not turn off the cable until the process is complete (10-15 minutes).

Once you reboot, the device will be reset to factory settings, and if you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to flash an older version of MIUI than you have now, and only custom firmware will help.

Castom firmware: Android 7+ on the old Xiaomi

If the official methods don't work, the only option is to install custom firmware, which will allow you to upgrade to Android 7-11, but will require unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP Recovery.

• 📱 LineageOS - pure Android without unnecessary applications (supports Redmi Note 3 Pro, Mi 4).
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel (available for Mi) 4i, Redmi 2).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS is a customizable firmware with support for Android 10 (for Redmi Note 3).
• 🔄 Resurrection Remix – a hybrid of LineageOS and other projects (suitable for Mi 3).

Installation process (LineageOS example):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, make a full reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe, select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Flip the firmware and GApps (Google services) through Install.

After the first boot (may take 10-20 minutes), set up the system as a new device. Note: some features (such as dual apps or a dark MIUI theme) may not be available.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 2), unlocking the bootloader often results in loss of power. IMEI. Before the firmware save it through the app MTK Engineering Mode (code for entry: #3646633##).

Loader unlocked|Downloaded firmware and GApps|Data backup made.|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Battery charge > 70%-->

Solving problems after updating

Even with a successful firmware, there can be problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If the device overheats or discharges quickly after the upgrade, follow the following steps:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Reset).
2. Turn off the background activity of applications (Settings → Battery → Optimization).
3. Install an optimized kernel for your model (e.g., FrancoKernel for Redmi Note 3).

To diagnose errors, use system logs.

1. Connect the device to the PC and enable debugging over USB.
2. Enter in the command line: adb logcat > log.txt
3. Play the error and stop the recording (Ctrl+C). the log will be saved in the log.txt file.

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If the speaker is missing after the update, check the settings of Settings → Sound → Sound amplification. Sometimes custom firmware resets the equalizer parameters.

Alternatives to the update: how to improve the Android 6.0

If the upgrade is not possible or too risky, you can optimize the current system, and here are some ways to get back to speed:

• 🧹 Cleaning the system: remove the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. Use it. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
• ❄️ Turn off animations: Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in About Phone), then set to Developer Settings: Windows Animation Scale → Disable Transition Animation Scale → Shut down.
• 🔄 Replace the launcher: install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair – they run faster than the standard launcher MIUI.
• 🛡️ Disabling background processes: in Settings → Battery → Battery management limit background activity for unnecessary applications.

For devices with 1-2 GB of RAM, we recommend:

• Use Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• Disable auto-update apps in Google Play.
• Install Greenify for hibernation of background applications (requires root).

If the interface is slowing down due to overcrowded memory, transfer applications to the SD-(if supported) for this purpose:

1. Format the card as internal memory in Settings → Memory → SD card.
2. Move apps through Settings → Apps → Select an app → Memory → Change.

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Optimizing your current firmware can give you performance gains of up to 30-40%, which is often better than a risky upgrade.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android 6.0 update on Xiaomi