How to Upgrade Android to the Latest Version on Xiaomi Phone: All Ways 2026

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

Updating the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a change in numbers in the version of MIUI. Each upgrade brings security improvements, new features and performance optimization. For example, MIUI 14 added support for Android 13/14 (depending on the model), accelerated animations and implemented adaptive wallpaper based on AI. And in HyperOS — the new firmware from Xiaomi — completely redesigned the interface and memory management system.

But not all updates are equally useful. Sometimes the new version can bring bugs or suddenly "eat" the battery, so before upgrading, you should weigh the pros and cons. 9T Fresh firmware can run slower due to lack of resources. K60 Pro update, on the contrary, will reveal new functionality - for example, support AV1-Video codec or improved camera stabilization.

Another thing that Xiaomi does is it releases waves of updates, which means that even if the firmware is officially out, your phone can get it a week or two later, and in those cases, there are ways to speed things up, which we'll talk about below.

How to check the current version of MIUI and availability of updates

Before you upgrade, you need to know which firmware is installed now and whether there are new versions.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line and the number will be listed (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).
3. Slap the line several times until the words “You’re a developer!” appear (this will open the hidden settings, but we won’t need them).
4. Return to Settings → System Update and click “Check Updates”.

If the system says "No Updates," it doesn't always mean it doesn't really exist. Maybe your model hasn't received an update yet, or Xiaomi's servers have temporarily restricted distribution, and then you can try alternative ways, like through a reclaimer or a Fastboot.

Also worth paying attention to is the regional firmware. Xiaomi has several branches:

• 🌍 Global – International version with Google services.
• 🇨🇳 China is a Chinese firmware without Google, but with local services.
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (similar to Global, but with some limitations).
• 🇷🇺 Russia - adapted for Russia (sometimes updated with a delay).

You can find out your branch in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (last word in the line). If you use China firmware, updates through standard settings may not work - you will need manual installation.

Method 1: Update via Settings (the safest method)

This is the official method recommended by Xiaomi, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills, and the main condition is a stable connection to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile Internet can lead to additional costs).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to the charger (the battery must be at least 50% charged).
2. Go to Settings. → Updating the system.
3. Click "Check Updates" and wait for the server to respond.
4. If an update is found, tap "Download" (file size is usually 1.5-3 GB).
5. After download, click "Install" and confirm the reboot.

Make a backup copy of the data|Connect to Wi-Fi|Charge the phone to 60%+|Close background annexes|Free up 4-5 GB of memory-->

The installation process will take 5-15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the update, even if the screen does not react for a long time: during the unpacking stage, the system can freeze for up to 10 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, reset the cache through the Recovery. + Power, select Wipe Cache and restart.

Method 2: Manually Update via Recovery (if the automatic method doesn't work)

If the system doesn’t find updates, but you know they are (for example, the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums discuss a fresh update for your model), you can install firmware manually through the recovery. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires downloading the official firmware file.

Instructions:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website of Xiaomi Firmware (choose Recovery ROM for your model!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not folders!).
3. Go to Settings → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select Update File".
4. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

If after selecting the file, an error appears "Can not check the update", then:

• 🔹 The file is corrupted (download it).
• 🔹 You downloaded firmware for another model (check the code name!).
• 🔹 Phone locked from manual updates (you need to unlock the bootloader).

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone will not turn on (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔧 You need to flash a stable version after beta testing.
• 🔧 Standard methods do not work due to errors.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it.
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a rabbit labeled Fastboot will appear on the screen).
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
5. Specify the path to the firmware folder, select the “Clean all” mode or “Clean all and lock” mode (if you want to block the bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-20 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Clear all mode will delete all data from your phone, including photos and apps. If you need to save files, pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "critical partition flashing is not allowed", then the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi Unlock Tool (requires binding Mi Account).

Common Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow instructions, you can get into trouble, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If Google services are missing after the update (for example, on China firmware), they can be installed manually:

1. Download the Google Installer package (e.g. NikGapps).
2. Install it via TWRP or ADB Sideload.
3. Reboot your phone and set up your Google account.

💡

If the phone is slowing down after the upgrade, try rolling back the settings to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Resetting). This will delete user data, but return stability.

How to speed up updates (if your phone hasn’t received an update)

Xiaomi spreads updates in waves, and sometimes the wait can be delayed. To speed up the process, try these methods:

• 🔄 Resetting Google Services Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Go to Google Play Services and click Storage → Clear the data. Restart the phone and check for updates.

Change of region:

Global firmware

lam

Europe

VPN:

Germany

Singapore

Manual loading:

Xiaomi Firmware Updater

Recovery

If none of these methods worked, you may not have a stable version yet, in which case you can try the beta firmware through Mi Pilot (available for a limited number of devices).

What to do if the update does not come to the old Xiaomi model

Xiaomi supports smartphone updates for 2-4 years from launch, and if your model is older (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 8), the official updates could have stopped.

• 🛠️ Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS via TWRP. This will give you a fresh version of Android, but it may take away some features (like cameras).
• 🔄 Firmware port: On forums 4PDA frequently posted ported versions MIUI Risk: possible bugs and unstable work.
• 📱 Update through ADB Sideload: If the phone can't see OTA, But the firmware exists, you can install it through the command: adb sideload update.zip

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings and can void warranty.On models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9A) unlocking is often impossible.

Before switching to custom firmware, check:

• 🔋 Compatibility with your model (seek themes on your website) XDA or 4PDA).
• 📸 Operating capacity of the camera and module NFC (Some of the firmware they break down).
• 🔒 The possibility of returning the official MIUI (On some models, retracement is not possible!).