Update Android on the TV Xiaomi: all the ways and instructions

Why it is important to update the firmware on Xiaomi TV

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV or Google TV receive regular updates that not only add new features, but also fix critical vulnerabilities. For example, in the firmware MIUI TV 3.0 for Mi TV Q2 and Redmi Smart TV X models, an error with the interface hanging when connecting game consoles was fixed. By skipping updates, you risk slowing down work, application incompatibility (for example, Netflix or YouTube can stop running), and even vulnerabilities to viruses.

The manufacturer produces three types of updates:

• 🔄 Incremental – small corrections (weighing 50-300 MB), installed in 5-10 minutes.
• 📦 Large – switch to a new version of Android (for example, from 9 to 11) or MIUI TV, weight.
• 🛡️ Secure patches – close vulnerabilities, often come without notification.

On Xiaomi TVs 2020-2023 release updates are supported for 3-4 years from the release of the model

If your Xiaomi TV is slowing down, doesn't see new apps on Google Play, or if it's "System Not Replying" -- it's probably solved by an update. But before you start, check two things:

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4A (2018) and older Android 11 updates may result in some streaming services losing support due to changes in the service. DRM-Before updating, check the compatibility list on the Xiaomi website.

Preparing the TV for the upgrade

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of failures in the update.

Remote charge ≥ 50% (or use wired)

Connect the TV to the network via Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi may be interrupted)

Free up ≥2GB of memory (remove unnecessary applications)

Disable VPNs and proxy servers

Write down the current version of the software (in Settings → About TV)

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Focus on power. Xiaomi TVs consume up to 120 watts during the upgrade — if the power supply is faulty, the process may be interrupted.

ping -c 100 otv.xiaomi.com

If packet losses are > 5%, use cable instead of Wi-Fi. For Redmi TV A65 and later models, it is also recommended to disable the Power Saving feature in the settings, as it can suspend file downloads.

⚠️ Note: On TVs with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after installing custom firmware), automatic updates can lead to a brick. In this case, use only manual firmware through fastboot.

Method 1: Automatic Internet Update (OTA)

The simplest method that works for 90% of users is the algorithm of actions:

1. Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
2. Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. Wait for the download (time depends on the speed of the Internet).
4. After downloading, the TV will offer to install the update - confirm and wait for the reboot (it will take 10-20 minutes).

If the "Check Updates" button is inactive or if the "Server is not available" error is displayed, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect the Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi can be blocked by the router).
• 🕒 Change the update server: C Settings → Additionally. → Choose "India" or "Europe".
• 🔄 Restart the TV (hold the power button on the remote for 10 seconds).

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If the update is suspended during the Prepare to Install stage, do not turn off the TV for 30 minutes - the system can recover on its own. If after this time nothing has changed, proceed to manual installation (see Method 2).

For the Mi TV Q2 75" and Redmi Max 98" models with support for A/B partitions, the update is in the background without downtime. You will see a notification: "Update installed. Reboot now?" - you can postpone the reboot for a convenient time.

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Auto-update via OTA is the safest way, but only works if the current firmware is not damaged. If the TV is not turned on or loaded into recovery, use USB or ADB.

Method 2: Manual update through USB-accumulator

This method is needed if:

• 🚫 Auto Update is not working ("No update available" or "Download failed" errors").
• 🔄 You need to revert to the previous version of the firmware.
• 🛠️ TV not turned on (requires firmware through recovery).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website: For Mi TV 4A/4S: https://mi.tv/global/rom For Redmi. TV mi TV Q/P: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index ⚠️ Note: The firmware file must have a.zip extension and weigh at least 1 GB. If the downloaded archive weighs 200–500 MB, this is an incremental update – it is not suitable for installation through USB.
2. Prepare. USB-Driver: Format the flash drive into FAT32 (not NTFS!). Copy the firmware file into the root directory (not the folder!). Rename the file to the root directory. update.zip (necessarily!).

Install the update

• Insert the USB 2.0 port (usually black).
• Go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update via USB.
• Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation.

The installation process will take 15-30 minutes. The TV will restart 2-3 times - do not turn off the power (on Mi TV P1 models, the first start after the update can take up to 10 minutes). If after the reboot the Xiaomi logo appears and nothing happens then reset via recovery:

Click on the remote: Menu → Settings (3 times) → Up → OK (to log in to recovery)


Select "Wipe data/factory reset" → "Yes"




After resetting, repeat the installation of the firmware

Method 3: Update via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Installations of firmware on "bricked" TVs (not included, hanging on the logo).
• 📥 Updates without data loss (if auto-update results in reset).
• 🛠️ Debugging system errors (e.g., "com.android.tv.settings stopped").

Procedure:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on “Build Number” until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate “Debug by ADB”.

Connect the TV to the PC

• Use a USB-A → USB-A cable (plug in to a USB 2.0 port on TV).
• On PC, install ADB Tools.
• Check the connection command: Adb devices should show the serial number of the TV.
• Install firmware: adb sideload /path/to/file/update.zip The process will take 10-15 minutes.

If you have an error called "adb: failed to read command", try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port on PC (better) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers ADB via Device Manager.
• 📥 Download the firmware again (possibly the file is corrupted).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV 4A processor-based S905 Adb sideload may not work due to the limitations of the bootloader, in which case use the method via fastboot (unlock required).

Solving Common Errors in Updating

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get into trouble. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

If the sound or image is missing after the update, do:

1. Resetting sound settings: Settings → Sound → Reset to factory.
2. Checking. HDMI-Ports: on Mi models TV Q2 After upgrading to Android 11, you may need to turn on “High Compatibility Mode” HDMI" display-setting.
3. Reinstall applications: Some APKs (like Kodi or SPMC) may conflict with the new version of Android.

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If the TV is slowing down after the update, clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → App management → Clear the cache for everyone. This will free up to 1-2 GB of memory.

How to Reverse to the Previous Version of the Firmware

A rollback (downgrade) may be necessary if a new update:

• 🐢 Slowed down the interface.
• 🔇 Removed the necessary features (for example, "Movie Mode" in Mi) TV P1).
• 🚫 Compatibility with applications (e.g. Disney)+ quit).

The rollback process:

1. Download the desired version of the firmware from the firmware archive.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and copy it to a formatted flash drive.
3. Insert USB into the TV and press on the remote: Menu + Volume up Hold for 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
4. Select "Apply update from USB" and select the update.zip file.
5. After installation, run "Wipe cache partition" (do not reset data!).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a locked bootloader (most models 2022-2026), rollback to a version older than 2-3 months can lead to a device lock. → On TV.

For Mi TV Q2 and newer models with A/B partition support, rollback is possible without loss of data, since the system saves the previous version in the inactive partition.

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in upper right corner.
3. Select "Return to the previous version".

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV update