How to upgrade Xiaomi smartphone to Android 11: a complete guide with proven ways

Android 11 is one of the most stable versions of Google’s mobile OS, which has brought a lot of improvements from the optimization of the background to new privacy features. Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the question: how to upgrade to this version if official support is already complete or the update is stuck? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating – from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot and Recovery – and also tell you which Xiaomi models support Android 11 and how to avoid errors.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process depends on the device model, current MIUI version and firmware region. For example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro in the global version (MIUI Global) can get Android 11 automatically, while the Poco X3 NFC on Chinese firmware (MIUI China) will require manual installation. We will dwell on each scenario in detail, including unique nuances for devices with a locked bootloader.

If you've never manually updated your firmware, don't worry, we've broken it down into simple steps with visual cues and warnings about possible risks, and we've provided advanced instructions for advanced users on how to work with ADB and Fastboot.

Which Xiaomi models support Android 11?

Before you start the update, make sure your device officially supports Android 11. Xiaomi has released this version of the OS for most flagships and mid-budget models of 2019-2021, but some budget smartphones remained on Android 10.

If your model is not listed, check it on the official MIUI website. Please note: some devices (such as the Redmi 8A or Mi A3) received Android 11 only as part of the beta program and are no longer supported.

⚠️ Note: Devices with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may have problems with unofficial firmware on Android 11 due to the closed source driver code.

Preparing the smartphone for update

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, device preparation is a critical step, and neglecting it can lead to data loss, a “brick” or failure after installation.

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

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for OTA)

Find out the current version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Download official firmware (if you plan to manually install)

Disable antivirus and ad blockers (can interrupt download)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Use Xiaomi’s built-in solution (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or third-party services like Google Drive. Don’t rely on the Mi Cloud, which may not save your application settings.

Also check the free space on the device. Upgrade through Recovery will require at least 4-6 GB of free space, and for Fastboot - up to 10 GB (depending on the model). SD-map.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone was purchased in China and runs on firmware MIUI China, to upgrade to the global version of Android 11 will require a complete data cleanup (wipe), due to differences in Google certificates.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) additionally:

• 🔧 Make sure you have the latest versions installed. ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 📥 Download the official MIUI ROM For your model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🔒 Turn it off. OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if you plan to use Fastboot).

fastboot getvar anti

If the answer is anti: 3 or anti: 4, you will need an authorized Mi Account to unlock the user.-->

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and most secure method is automatic update via OTA (Over-The-Air), which is suitable for devices that have already received official support for Android 11 in your region.

1. If a new version is available, download it (file weight is usually 1.5-2.5 GB).

It takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the model. During installation, the device will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process.

If the update doesn’t appear, try:

• 🌍 Change region in settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Region: if your model supports Android 11 in another region.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) after upgrading via OTA It could be the Widevine L1 — This will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney.+ before 480p. Solution - manual firmware through Fastboot.

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OTA-Update is the safest method, but it only works for officially supported devices. If your model is removed from the list, go to manual methods.

Method 2: Manual updates through Recovery

If OTA is not available, but your model officially supports Android 11, you can install the update manually via Recovery.This method saves user data, but requires pre-preparation.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 Computer (for downloading firmware).
• 🔗 Official firmware in.zip format (download only from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware version for your model (for example, miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V12.5.1.0.RJKMIXM_android11.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and move it to the root folder of the smartphone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device and press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For Poco: Power + Volume up (hold 10 seconds).

Recovery

Install update.zip to System One

5-15 minutes

Settings → About the phone

If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after the upgrade, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data → Reboot) which will delete all data, but return the device to working condition.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for devices that don't receive OTA or have problems with Recovery.

• 📱 Devices with locked loader (unlocking required).
• 🔄 Transition from Chinese firmware to global (with full reset).
• 🛠 Recovery after a failed update.

Important: This way erases all the data on the device!

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → More → For Developers and Enable: Debugging with USB OEM Unlock
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute in the terminal: adb reboot bootloader
4. Download the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the unlock instructions.

Step 2: Firmware through Fastboot

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
3. Start the firmware script: For Windows: Run flash_all.bat. For macOS/Linux: execute./flash_all.sh.

5-10 minutes

After restarting, set the device as new.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) K20 Pro) may disappear after the firmware is fed through Fastboot IR-The solution is to flash the persist module separately through the command: fastboot flash persist persist.img

1. Adapt the ADB drivers correctly (use Universal ADB Driver).

2.Cable – Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

3. Fastboot mode on the smartphone (the screen should display the hare in the hat-eared hat).-->

Decision errors in the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If your device doesn’t turn on after a failed update, try:

1. Charge the battery (sometimes the discharge blocks the load).
2. Press Power + Volume down for 30 seconds for forced reboot.
3. Swipe through Fastboot using the command: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see the section about Fastboot).
2. Install custom Recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services) from the XDA site.
4. Fly through TWRP (order: Wipe → Install ZIP → Reboot).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (such as Mi 10), custom firmware installation may result in loss of data in the userdata section. TWRP!

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Custom firmware is the only way to get Android 11 on older models, but it requires technical skills and carries risks to the stability of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade to Android 11