How to update Android on Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways and nuances

Updating the operating system on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is not just a way to get new features; it is a critical procedure for device security, optimization of work and fixing bugs. However, many users face problems: the update does not come automatically, there are errors when installing or the device begins to slow down after the upgrade. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update MIUI, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Xiaomi

MIUI

Android

Pixel

Samsung

Redmi Note 10 Pro

POCO F3

Mi 8

Redmi 5 Plus

Fastboot

It's important to understand that not all updates are equally useful. Sometimes newer versions of MIUI bring not only improvements, but also hidden limitations, such as blocking the bootloader on some regional firmware or removing customization capabilities, so before updating, you should check the user feedback of your model on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.

1. Preparing the smartphone for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you click the Update button, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for the brick of Xiaomi smartphones.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to a minimum of 60%.When upgrading via Recovery or Fastboot, 80 is recommended%+ — The process can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge in the middle will lead to failure.
• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Settings backup app. → Additional settings → Backup & reset) or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (so you don't re-enter passwords)
• 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Update "over the air" (OTA) It can weigh 1.5-3 GB. Mobile Internet is not suitable - if the connection breaks, the firmware will be damaged.
• 📁 Clear the cache. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will eliminate any conflicts with temporary files.
• 🔍 Check the device model. Some firmware is only for specific regions (e.g., for example, MIUI Global vs MIUI You can find out the exact model in Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g, M2007J3SC For the Redmi Note 9 Pro).

A critical mistake many users make: ignoring the MIUI version when manually updating. For example, trying to install firmware for Redmi Note 11 (codename: spes) on Redmi Note 11S (codename: fleur) will result in a "brick." Always check the codename of the device with the firmware file name!

If you’re upgrading a device older than 2020 (Mi 9, Redmi Note 7, etc.), check to see if it’s officially supported. Xiaomi stops releasing updates for models older than 3-4 years, but enthusiasts often release custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Battery charge ≥60% | Data backup |Stable Wi-Fi connection |Cache cleared |Mike and version MIUI-->

2. Method 1: Update "over the air" (OTA) - the easiest method

Automatic updates via OTA (Over-The-Air) are the recommended way for most users to do this, save all the data and settings, and minimize the risk of errors. Here's how it works:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → System → Update MIUI).

2.Click the Check Updates button. If the update is available, a notification will appear with the file size and the change list.

3.Click Download and wait for the download to be completed (can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on internet speed).

4. After download, click Reboot and Update. The device will restart and install the update automatically.

If the update doesn’t come, it’s already released for your model, try these steps:

• 🔄 Forced verification: multiple times click on the "Check Updates" button at intervals of 1-2 minutes. Sometimes Xiaomi servers do not give an update on the first attempt.
• 📡 Change of region: in settings SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Region) select India or Europe. Some updates are coming out first in these regions.
• 🗑️ Cleaning the data of the application "Update": go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Update the system and click Clear data and Clear cache.

Attention! If after the OTA update, the smartphone has been stuck on the MI logo for longer than 10 minutes, don't panic. Give it up to 30 minutes - sometimes the first download after the upgrade takes a long time. If nothing has changed after that period, try a hard reboot (press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds).

Only when the notification comes|I check manually every 2-3 months.|I'm installing custom firmware.|Never update.|I'm having trouble answering.-->

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If automatic updates are not available or there are persistent errors (e.g., "Cannot verify update"), you can install firmware manually through Recovery Mode.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

• Go to the official MIUI Downloads website.
• Choose your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and region (Global, EEA, China, etc.).
• Download a file with the.zip extension (for example, toco_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TMOMIXM_20231012.0000.00_13.0_global_10d5a1a0b5.tgz).
• 🔗 The file should be for your model and version. MIUI (Stable or Beta: Installing firmware from another model will result in hard brick (irreparable damage).

Step 2: Transfer the firmware to your smartphone

• Connect your phone to your PC and copy the downloaded.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders like Download or MIUI).
• Disconnect the device from your PC and restart it in Recovery Mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press the Power + Volume buttons up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in the earpiece.

Step 3: Installation of firmware

• From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
• Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
• Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
• After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ If the installation process is marked with an error "E: Footer is wrong" or "E: Signature verification failed", it means that the firmware file is corrupted or intended for another model.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the riskiest, and it's good if you:

• The device does not turn on (hung on the logo).
• You need to downgrade the MIUI (downgrade) version.
• You need to flash custom Recovery (for example, TWRP).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your PC (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (if Windows doesn’t automatically recognize them, download Mi USB Driver).
3. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC - an image of a hare in a hat-eared hat with the words Fastboot should appear on the screen.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

• Clean all – clean all (delete all data!)
• Save user data saves user files (not always stable).
• Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock loader (for official firmware).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
• After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "flash not done" or "anti-rollback" error, it means you're trying to install an older version. MIUI, Xiaomi blocks the downgrade on many models, and in this case, only firmware through the device will help. EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

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Before you use Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block firmware files as “suspicious.”

5. Compatibility table: Which Xiaomi models support updates in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones receive updates equally often, and here is the current support table for the first half of 2026 (based on official data and information from XDA Developers):

If your model is not in the spreadsheet, check its status on the official website or on 4PDA. Devices older than 2019 (Mi 9, Redmi Note 7, etc.) usually do not receive new versions of Android, but can receive security patches for another 1-2 years.

6. Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 Error "Cannot verify update" (in case of "Cannot confirm update") OTA Recovery: The cause: a corrupted firmware file or a mismatch in the model. Solution: download the firmware again from the official website and check the codename of the device.
• ⏳ Update "hangs" 50% or 99%: Reason: conflict with user data or lack of memory.Solution: clear cache in Recovery (Wipe) → Wipe Cache and Re-install.
• 🔒 Mistake"This MIUI "version cannot be downgraded": The reason: trying to install an older version MIUI (Solution: only run the new version or use EDL Mode (requires authorization).
• 📵 Smartphone not turned on after update: Reason: firmware failure or incompatible version Solution: try logging into Fastboot and flashing the device again through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🌍 No updates to my model: Reason: The firmware region is not supported or the device is outdated. Solution: Change the region in the settings SIM-maps or install firmware manually.

If neither of these solutions worked, go to Xiaomi’s service center or 4PDA/XDA forums, where enthusiasts often share informal solutions. For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia) has patches that bypass the Anti-Rollback limitation.

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If your smartphone is slowing down after the upgrade, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset). This often solves performance problems.

7. Alternative methods: custom firmware and informal updates

If Xiaomi has stopped supporting your model, but you want to get a new version of Android, you can consider custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS — “clean” Android without unnecessary applications Xiaomi. supports many models, including Mi A2, Redmi Note 7.

How to install custom firmware:

1. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)

⚠️ Attention, custom firmware installation:

If you’re a beginner, start with MIUI-based firmware, like MIUI EU (European version without Chinese restrictions) or Xiaomi.eu. They retain the branded interface but add useful features not found in global builds.

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Update