How to update Android on Xiaomi Redmi phone: 5 proven ways + error solving

Why it’s important to update your firmware on Redmi and what the new MIUI version gives you

Updating the operating system on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a “cosmetic repair”, but a critical procedure for the safety, performance and functionality of the device. Each new version of the MIUI (Android shells from Xiaomi) brings not only vulnerabilities, but also power optimization, support for new camera features, improved multitasking and even battery life extension. For example, MIUI 14 introduced the “Ultra Battery Saver” mode, which can extend autonomy by 20-30% in critical situations.

However, many Redmi users (especially owners of budget models like Redmi 9A or Redmi Note 10) face problems when upgrading, from the banal “hangs” during the boot phase to the complete “bricking” of the device. The reason often lies in the wrong preparation – ignoring backup, trying to install firmware from another model or using informal (custom) builds without unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we will examine all official and alternative ways of updating, and learn how to restore the phone if something goes wrong.

Before we get to the instructions, we will answer the key question: should you upgrade? If your Redmi is stable, but the MIUI version is 1-2 generations old - yes, the update will bring more advantages than disadvantages. If the phone is already "braking" on the current firmware, and the new version requires more resources (for example, MIUI 15 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro), you should first check user reviews on forums like 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu.

Method 1: Automatically update via settings (the safest method)

Official way to update through Settings → The phone. → The system update is suitable for 90% of users, it does not require technical skills and is minimally risky, since the firmware is downloaded from Xiaomi servers and undergoes preliminary testing for compatibility with your Redmi model.

To update automatically:

• 📱 Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (an over-the-air update can weigh in) 1.5-3 GB).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% (at a discharge below 30%, the system will block the installation).
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and click "Check Updates».
• ⏳ If you find an update, click Download and wait until it is completed (time depends on internet speed).
• 🔄 After downloading, click "Reboot and Install." The phone will restart and install the firmware in the background.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 10 minutes after the reboot, don’t panic — it’s normal for the first launches after the update. But if the screen is gone and does not respond to buttons, you will have to use Recovery mode (see Method 4).

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

Connect to Wi-Fi (do not use mobile Internet)

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Free up 3-5 GB of memory (delete unnecessary files)

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

If the system says “No Updates”, but you know that your model (Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10C, etc.) has a new firmware, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Clear the cache of the System Update application in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Wait 1-2 days – sometimes Xiaomi rolls out updates in stages.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (if automatic updates don't work)

If your Redmi doesn’t see the update through the settings, but you’re sure it exists (e.g., the Redmi Note 9 Pro released MIUI 14, and you still have MIUI 12.5), you can install the firmware manually via Recovery Mode, a method that is suitable for official.zip firmware downloaded from Xiaomi’s website.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware for your model from the official website: 🌐 Official portal MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA Russia). ⚠️ Do not download firmware from third sites - the risk of catching a virus or a "brick" of the phone.

Move the file.

miui_BLOCK_Global_V14.0.1.0.TKCMIXM_...

BLOCK

merlin

Redmi Note 10

Download to Recovery.

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• Select the language (usually English or Chinese) and go to Install update.zip to System.
• Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is bootloop-centric after installation, you have not downloaded the firmware for your model or region, and only the firmware through Fastboot (Method 3) will help).

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is a "heavy artillery" for cases where:

• 🔄 The phone is not switched on or got stuck in the bootloop.
• 📦 You need to “roll back” to an older version. MIUI.
• 🔧 Requires custom recovery (for example, TWRP) firmware.

This method will require:

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

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note_11).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - clean (deletes all data!), Clean all and lock - clean + lock bootloader (for security), Save user data - save data (not always stable).

Flash

⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets all data on your phone, including photos, messages and apps. If you didn't have a backup, it won't be possible to recover information. It also requires an unlocked bootloader (if you didn't unlock it, see the instructions below).

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Before you run through Fastboot, disable the antivirus on your PC – it can block Xiaomi drivers, which will lead to the error “cannot receive hello packet”.

Method 4: Update through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If you like experiments and want to install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu), you will need custom Recovery – TWRP. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and risks losing warranty.

What needs to be done:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see instructions below).
2. Install. TWRP: Download the current version TWRP For your model from the official website, run it through Fastboot with the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-merlin.img (Replace merlin with your model’s code name).
3. Boot to TWRP: Turn off your phone. Press Volume up + Power. Select Recovery Mode from the menu.

Flush the firmware.

• Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup.
• Transfer the firmware (.zip format) to your phone or flash drive.
• V TWRP Choose Install → Select a file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain bugs, not support banking applications (due to lack of certification) or work poorly with the camera. XDA Developers.

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Custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) is often devoid of Bloatware (pre-installed Chinese apps), but may not pass SafetyNet, which blocks Google Pay and other services.

How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi (required for Fastboot and TWRP)

Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all its smartphones to protect against unauthorized changes.To flash the phone through Fastboot or install TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader.The process takes up to 7 days (due to Xiaomi's verification) and requires a Mi Account.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Enable data sync.

Activate debugging over USB

• Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times to turn on Developer Mode.
• Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
• Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
• Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
• Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the Mi Account and follow the instructions. the program will send an unlock request, which Xiaomi will process within 3-7 days.
• Once approved, reconnect the phone to Fastboot and press Unlock.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and may take away warranties.

What to do if the update failed (bootloop, brick, bugs)

If after the phone update:

• 🔄 It is on the Redmi logo (bootloop).
• 🚫 Does not include or show an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device.
• ⚠️ DM-Verity corruption or Orange State.

Don’t panic – 90% of the time, the device can be rebuilt.

Solutions:

1. Reset the cache in Recovery: Press Volume Up + Power to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache. Reboot the phone.

Swipe your phone through Fastboot.

Method 3

Restore the backup to TWRP

Contact the service center.

⚠️ Warning: If you've been stitching through an unofficial firmware and your phone has turned into a brick (not turning on, not charging, not being detected by a PC), the bootloader may have been damaged. EDL-mode (emergency firmware through testpoints), but this requires a special box (for example, UFi Box) or contact the service.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on but vibrates when connected to charging, try pinching Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 20-30 seconds – this sometimes helps to get out of the soft brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi update