Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the need to update the software to get new features, security patches and optimize the system. The process of installing a new version of MIUI or HyperOS may seem difficult for a beginner, but in fact it is as automated as possible by the manufacturer. However, there are nuances that will save your device from errors and data loss.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from standard air updates to manual installation via the Recovery menu. You will learn how to properly prepare the gadget, what to do if the Update button is inactive, and how to avoid turning the smartphone into a “brick.” The safest method is a regular update via Wi-Fi, but manual installation is required when changing the region or recovering from crashes.
Before we move on to action, it’s important to understand the difference between firmware types. Global versions differ from Chinese versions in terms of pre-installed apps and language support. Trying to replay a device from Chinese to global without unlocking the bootloader often leads to errors, so we’ll focus on legal methods within your region.
Preparation of the smartphone for the update procedure
Any interference with system files requires prior preparation to minimize the risks. The first step should always be to back up important data. Although a regular update usually saves user files, a system failure during the process can lead to a complete memory cleanup.
Make sure the battery is at least 60%.The installation process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, and suddenly turning off power at a critical time of writing system partitions is fatal for the device. Also check for free space: 3 to 5 GB of free space may be required to unpack the firmware archive.
☑️ Checklist before update
It is recommended to remove unused applications and clear the cache to speed up the system before starting the procedure.If a third-party Recovery (such as TWRP) or superuser rights (Root) is installed on the phone, the regular update may not be installed or require additional manipulations to return the stock bootloader.
Automatic updates through system settings
The easiest and most common way is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. The system itself checks Xiaomi servers for new versions of the software. To do this, go to the Settings menu, select About phone and click on the logo of the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
If the update is available, you'll see a Download and Update button. The system will download the package, check its integrity and suggest a reboot. There may be pre-loading in the background, so watch for traffic if you're not using a Wi-Fi connection. Once you're rebooted, the device will install the packets, which can take a long time.
- 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “About Phone” section».
- 🔄 Click on the current version of the system (large digit or logo).
- ⬇️ Wait for the check and press the download button if an update is found.
- ⏳ After download, click “Reboot” and wait for the installation to be completed.
Sometimes the system says, "No Updates found," even though other devices of the same model already have them, and this is due to the manufacturer's phased deployment of firmware, so you can try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → Region) to a neighboring country, such as Indonesia or India, and repeat the check.
Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to upgrade to a specific version that the system doesn’t offer yet, use the manual installation method. You need to download the current firmware archive in.zip (Recovery ROM) from the official website or proven resources.
After downloading the file, move it to the root of the internal memory or to the memory card (if supported). Go to the update menu (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS) and click on three dots in the top right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, select "Select firmware file».
⚠️ Note: If you select the Fastboot file ROM (tgz extension instead of Recovery (.zip), the system will give an error.
The system will check the file's compatibility with your model, and if that's right, the installation process will begin, a method that often allows you to jump over multiple versions or roll back to a more stable build if the new one doesn't work properly, but when you roll back the version, the data is most often forcibly deleted.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting and Firmware
In cases where the system does not boot or update through the settings is impossible, Recovery mode is used. To log in, you need to turn off the phone and pinch the combination of the buttons Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, navigation is done with volume buttons and choice is made with a power button (or touch the screen if supported). Select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe Data for cleaning if necessary, or Connect with MIAssistant for connecting to a PC. Manual installation through this mode often requires a firmware file at the root of the memory, but modern versions of MIUI more often require a connection to a computer with the Mi Flash utility in Fastboot mode.
| Action. | Button combination | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume Up + Nutrition | Recovery menu |
| Entrance to Fastboot | Volume Down + Nutrition | Firmware mode (hare) |
| Reboot. | Holding the power button (10 seconds) | Forced restart |
| Choices in the menu | Power button | Confirmation of action |
What is Fastboot mode?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
One of the common problems is the “failed to check the update” error or the endless download cycle, which can be caused by an unstable Internet connection, overcrowded storage, or a conflict of modified system files.
If the update is stuck during the check or installation phase for more than 20 minutes, you must perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the phone goes into a cyclic restart (bootloop), try entering Recovery mode and select Wipe Data (data reset), this will delete all files, but often saves the system.
- 🚫 Error 1: "Failed to download." Solution: check the Internet, change the Internet. DNS 8.8.8.8 or use a mobile network instead of Wi-Fi.
- 📉 Mistake. 2: «Not enough space. Solution: delete photos, videos and apps, freeing up a minimum of space. 6-7 GB.
- 🔒 Error 3: "File cannot be installed." Solution: Firmware file is corrupted or does not match the model/region.
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If the update is interrupted and the phone doesn't turn on, try plugging it into the original charger and leaving it for 30-40 minutes. Sometimes the deep battery drain blocks the screen from turning on immediately after the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to update Xiaomi Redmi?
Will my data disappear after the update?
Can I upgrade if my phone is unlocked?
What if the phone is running slowly after the upgrade?
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Regular system updates are not just new features, but also critical security patches, and ignoring updates can make your data vulnerable to viruses.
In conclusion, updating Android to Xiaomi Redmi is a routine procedure that should not be afraid. By following simple rules of preparation and choosing the right installation method, you will ensure your device a long and stable life. Always check the source of the firmware file and do not interrupt the power process.