How to upgrade Android 9 to Android 10 on Xiaomi: All ways + error solving

Switching from Android 9 Pie to Android 10 Q for Xiaomi smartphones is not just a change in the number in the settings, but a major update to the interface, security and performance. However, not all Redmi, Mi or POCO models get it automatically through OTA, and manual firmware is fraught with the risks of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all official and informal ways to update, including MIUI 11/12 based on Android 10, taking into account the peculiarities of specific Xiaomi models.

It’s important to understand that even if your smartphone technically supports Android 10, the manufacturer could stop supporting firmware for it. For example, Xiaomi Mi A2 (participating in the program Android One) received an update to Android 10, but Redmi Note 5 – not. We will help determine whether the upgrade is available for your model, and what to do if there is no official way.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support Android 10?

Before you try to upgrade, make sure your Xiaomi model can run Android 10.The manufacturer publishes lists of supported devices, but they are not always complete.

📱 Series Mi: Mi: Mi 9/9T/9 SE, Mi 8/8 Pro/8 Lite, Mi Mix 3/2S — Officially updated.
📱 The Redmi: Redmi series K20/K20 Pro, Redmi Note 7/7 Pro, Redmi 7/7A — Partial support (depending on the region).
📱 POCO: POCO F1, POCO X2, POCO M2 Pro – Android 10 is available, but with reservations.
❌ Not supported: Redmi 5/5 Plus, Mi A1, Mi Max 3 — Android 9.

To know the status of your model:

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
Remember the full name of the model (for example, Redmi Note 7 Lavender).
Check it out at MIUI Downloads (Stable ROM).

⚠️ Note: If your model is not listed on the official firmware lists on Android 10, trying to manually update through informal builds (for example, LineageOS) may result in loss of warranty and inoperability of the module. NFC camera.

📊 What Xiaomi model are you updating?

Redmi Note 7/8/9

Mi 8/9/10

POCO F1/X2

Another model

2.Official update via OTA: the safest method

If your Xiaomi is on the supported device list, the first thing you should do is try to upgrade to the OTA (Over the Air) system, which saves all the data and settings, but requires:

🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (load volume – 1.5-2.5 GB).
📱 Free space on the device (minimum 3 GB).

Step-by-step:

Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if the update didn't come automatically).
If you have a version marked "Stable" and Android 10 (e.g. MIUI 12.0.1.0.Q...), click Download.
After downloading, select Reboot and Update.

It takes 15 to 30 minutes. The device will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the update, even if the screen stays black for a long time (maximum 10 minutes during the application optimization phase).

Manual update via Recovery: if OTA doesn't work

If the update doesn't come in, but your model supports Android 10, you can manually install the firmware through Recovery, which also saves data, but requires you to download the correct firmware file.

Download the stable version of MIUI based on Android 10 for your model from the official website:

https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index

The file should have a.zip extension and weigh ~2 GB. For example, for Redmi Note 7, look for firmware marked lavender and the QFKMIXM version (where the "Q" is Android 10 code).

Rename the downloaded file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
Open the Updater app, click on three dots → Select a firmware file.
Select update.zip and confirm the installation.
After restarting, the device will be updated automatically.

⚠️ Note: If after updating through Recovery smartphone stuck on the logo MI, If nothing has changed, you will have to reset your settings via Fastboot (instructions in section 5).

What to do if the firmware is not installed?

If you select update.zip and you see an error called "Can't verify update", it means that the file is corrupted or not suitable for your model. Download the firmware again, check the checksum (MD5) on Xiaomi's website. If the error persists, try the method through Fastboot.

4. Alternative methods: Fastboot and custom firmware

If there are no official methods, there are two options:

Fastboot firmware (official, but with a complete data reset).
Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 17.1 or Pixel Experience based on Android 10)

Fastboot is a method for power users.

🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
📄 Firmware in.tgz format (downloaded from the official website).
🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).

Instructions:

Unpack the firmware in the folder from fastboot.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
Launch the file. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).

⚠️ This method erases all data, including photos and apps, and will also require you to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for new Mi accounts.

Custom firmware gives Android 10 on unsupported devices, but:

❌ It may not work. NFC, IR-blaster.
❌ No official support from Xiaomi.
❌ Risk of "brike" in case of installation error.

💡

Before unlocking the bootloader, link your Mi Account to your phone in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → Special Features → Developers → Linking Mi Account).

5. Solving problems after the update

Even a successful update can lead to bugs, and here are the typical problems and solutions:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
Fast battery discharge	Optimizing the background after the update	Charge to 100% and let the phone settle down for 2-3 days. Turn off the Adaptive Battery in the settings.
Heating the device	Background indexation	Reboot your phone and avoid heavy use for the first day.
The gestures don't work.	Resetting gesture settings	Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen display and adjust the gestures again.
Error "Application stopped"	Incompatibility of the old cache	Clear the cache of the problem application in Settings → Apps.

If after the update the phone does not turn on or hung on the logo:

Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
If it doesn’t work, go to Recovery (Loudness up + Power) and select Wipe Data (Resetting).
In extreme cases, run the device through Fastboot (section 4).

💡

If after the update, the mobile Internet disappeared, check the settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Often helps reset to factory settings APN.

6. rollback from Android 10 to Android 9: is it possible?

If you encounter critical bugs after the update (e.g., the camera or mobile network is not working), you can try to return Android 9.

🔒 Xiaomi often blocks downgrade firmware.
⚠️ Anti-rollback protection can work, which will lead to a "brick".
📉 Back to the old version MIUI You can only use Fastboot with a full reset.

Instructions for rollback:

Download stable firmware Android 9 for your model from the official website.
Unclose it to a folder from fastboot.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
Launch it. flash_all.bat, But before you do, delete the anti.rb files from the folder (if any).

⚠️ Warning: Before rolling back, check if your model supports a downgrade. For example, for the Redmi Note 7, a rollback with a backup. MIUI 12 (Android 10) on MIUI 11 (Android 9) is possible, but for Mi 9T — No due to hardware limitations.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)

My Xiaomi doesn't see an update through OTA. What do I do?

If your device supports Android 10 but the update doesn’t come: Check if the updates in Settings are disabled → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings (should be enabled by "Downloading over Wi-Fi"). Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. Try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. Russia to India) If nothing helps, download the firmware manually (Section 3).

Can Xiaomi upgrade with custom firmware (like LineageOS 16) to Android 10?

Yes, but only if: There is an official or unofficial build of LineageOS 17.1+ for your model. You are ready for possible bugs (for example, a broken NFC module or camera problems). You have a bootloader unlocked. Instructions: Download the firmware from the LineageOS site. Sweep through TWRP Recovery (pre-backup). Install GApps (Google services) separately.

After the update, the mobile Internet does not work. How to fix it?

The problem most often involves resetting settings APN. Solution: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN). Press three points. → If it didn't work, add it. APN manually (you can take the options on your operator's website) Also check if the mobile Internet is disabled in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

Should I upgrade to Android 10 if my Xiaomi runs on Android 9?

Depends on your priorities: ✅ Update if: you need new features (dark theme at the system level, improved permissions for applications, navigation gestures). ❌ Stay on Android 9 if: you use the device as a “ringer” or are afraid of bugs (for example, on the Internet). POCO F1 For most models, Xiaomi Android 10 is more stable than Android 9, but on weak devices (for example, Redmi). 6A) There may be a slowdown of the interface.

Can I upgrade to Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, if: Your model supports OTA-update 2). You use the method through Recovery with a file update.zip (section 3). For Fastboot and custom firmware, a computer is required.