How to upgrade Xiaomi smartphone to Android 10: all ways + error solving

Why is Android 10 still relevant to Xiaomi?

Android 10, released by Google in September 2019, remains a popular version of the OS for Xiaomi devices even in 2026, due to the stability of the work, optimization for weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 6xx or Helio Pxx), and the lack of a “heavy” interface MIUI 12+ on budget models. Many users of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9 SE or POCO F1 deliberately roll back from new versions of Android due to performance problems or bugs.

But it’s important to understand that the official support for Android 10 for most Xiaomi devices has already stopped, which means that the update “over the air” (OTA) will only be available on a limited list of models – mainly the flagships of 2019-2020 (Mi 10, Redmi K30 Pro). For the rest, alternative methods will be required: manual firmware through Fastboot or custom builds like LineageOS. In this article, we will analyze all options from the simplest to the most risky.

Before you start, check if your device supports Android 10.The full list of compatible Xiaomi models is given below in the table.

List of Xiaomi devices with official support for Android 10

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have received an update to Android 10. the company has limited support models with chipsets no older than the Snapdragon 855/Helio G90T and RAM from 4 GB. Below is the current list of devices for which there are official firmware:

If your model isn’t in the spreadsheet, it doesn’t mean that an upgrade isn’t possible. For many devices (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the Helio G90T chipset), there are informal Android 10 ports from the community, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks, as more in the custom firmware section.

Preparing the device for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, the device must be prepared, and neglecting this step can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the smartphone or loss of data.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Charge the battery to 80% or more

Make sure there is free space (minimum 3 GB)

Disable screen lock (PIN/pattern lock)

Download the correct firmware version for your model-->

Pay special attention to backup. Use Mi Cloud (if it runs on your current version) MIUI) Or third-party tools like Swift Backup, which requires root rights, and media files can be easily copied to a PC through a computer. MTP-protocol.

If you are upgrading from Android 9 (Pie) or older, be sure to check the integrity of system partitions.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click 7 times on the line with the build number to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the System Integrity Check and run it.

⚠️ Note: If the check shows errors (e.g. dm-verity corruption), it means that the system files have been modified. OTA Or Fastboot could fail, and you'd need a full factory reset or a flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the safest method

If your device officially supports Android 10, the easiest way is to wait for the update notification or check it manually.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all the data.

Instructions:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (update "over the air" does not work via mobile Internet).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If Android 10 is available, click Download (file weight ~1.5–2.5GB).
5. After downloading, select Install Now and wait for the reboot.

It takes 15 to 30 minutes. The device will reboot 2-3 times, which is normal. If the smartphone has been stuck on the MIUI logo for more than 10 minutes after the upgrade, force it to restart (press the power button for 15 seconds).

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If the update doesn’t come, try changing the region in the MIUI settings. To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Region and select India or Russia (depending on the model).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 8T) After upgrading to Android 10, VoLTE support for some carriers may disappear. 4G post-installation!

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery – if OTA doesn’t work

If the system doesn't find the update through the menu, but your model supports it, you can manually install the firmware through stock Recovery, which also saves user data, but requires you to download the correct firmware file.

Steps:

1. Download the official OTA-package for your model from the site MIUI Look for files with the.zip extension and Recovery marked in the title.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device.
4. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
5. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
6. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

If Recovery doesn't have a point to install the update, then your device is using Fastboot firmware, and this method won't work, so move on to the next way.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

If the first two methods fail, the firmware is still running through Fastboot, which is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader, but requires an unlock bootloader for most models, with the exception of some devices with MediaTek chipsets (such as Redmi 9A), where firmware is possible without unlocking.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
• 🔑 Unlocked loader (if required).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (download here).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
4. Connect the device to the PC.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (save data, but can cause bugs).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

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Fastboot is the only official way to install Android 10 on devices that don’t receive it. OTA-However, it requires strict adherence to the instructions and the right firmware version for your model.

Method 4: LineageOS, Pixel Experience – for enthusiasts

If your device doesn't officially support Android 10, but you still want to get this version of the OS, there's a custom firmware option.

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 – pure Android 10 without shell MIUI.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – Android 10 with Google Pixel interface.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with advanced settings.

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlocked boot loader (instructions for unlocking here).
2. Installed custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
3. Full data backup (firmware erases internal memory!).

Example of LineageOS 17.1 installation:

1. Download firmware and GApps (such as OpenGApps nano) to the memory card.


2. Load to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power).




3. Complete reset: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.




4. Install firmware: Install → select the.zip → Swipe to confirm file.




5. Install GApps (if you need Google services).




6.Reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may have bugs: - Not working NFC or IR-Blaster (on some models). - Camera issues are possible (e.g. 48MP on the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not work). - No official Widevine support L1 (Netflix HD Before installing, check the reviews on the XDA-Developers forum for your model.

Solving problems after upgrading to Android 10

Even if the upgrade is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If you lose root rights after the update, you will have to get them again. For Android 10, Magisk version 20.4+ is suitable.

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from the official website.


2. Download to TWRP.




3. Install the zip file as a regular firmware.




4.Reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade to Android 10