Android Update on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: Full Guide

Modern TVs, especially models from Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, function as full-fledged computers with Android TV or its modification MIUI TV. Regular software updates are critical to maintaining a stable device, improving interface response speed and ensuring the security of your personal data. Owners often face the need to improve performance or access new features that the company implements in new versions of firmware.

The update process can be automatically over the Internet or manually through the USB-The firmware not only contains new visual elements, but also important bug fixes, optimizing the operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, as well as improving compatibility with popular streaming services. Ignoring updates may cause some apps to stop running on an outdated version of Android.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can update your model, how to check the current version, where to download files safely, and what to do if the installation process is stalled.

Why you need to update the firmware Xiaomi Mi TV 4S

Many users underestimate the importance of regular updates, considering them only a change of logo when downloading. However, system patches often contain critical patches of vulnerabilities through which attackers could access the home network. For TVs with a camera or microphone, this is especially true, since they are part of the smart home ecosystem.

In addition to security, new versions of MIUI TV bring optimization of video decoding, which means that heavy files in 4K HDR format will play without jerks and delays, even if previously there were problems with buffering, and improves the operation of image zoom algorithms, which makes the picture on the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S matrix more sharp and rich.

Developers are constantly working on compatibility with new versions of apps. If your TV runs an older version of Android TV, you may find yourself in a situation where YouTube or Netflix will require a system update to continue working, and installing updates regularly prevents such situations and expands the functionality of the device.

  • πŸš€ Increase the overall speed of the interface and menu.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Closing security vulnerabilities and protecting personal data.
  • πŸ“Ί Improved video processing and color rendering.
  • πŸ”Œ Enhancing compatibility with external devices and applications.
πŸ“Š How often do you update your TV?
Immediately upon notice.
Six months
Only if something's broken.
Never update.

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Timely firmware updates are the easiest way to extend the life of your TV and avoid problems launching apps in the future.

Preparation for the installation of a new version of the software

Before any procedure involving changing system files, you need to do a thorough preparation. OTA-Updates (through air) if you plan to use USB-method, make sure that the drive is formatted in the file system FAT32 or NTFS, Other formats of the TV may not be visible.

It is important to keep your current settings if you are afraid of losing them, although in most cases the user profile and installed apps are saved.However, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S may require a reboot that will reset some personalizations.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of downloading or installing firmware.Switching off power at this point can damage the system partition and turn the TV into a brick".

Check for free space in internal memory. Although temporary update files usually don't take up much space, a crowded drive can cause an error when unpacking the archive.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist for preparation for update

Done: 0 / 4

Check the current version and availability of updates

The first step is always to diagnose the current state of the system, so you need to know which version of MIUI TV is installed right now, and if there are official updates available, and use the remote control and go to the main menu.

Navigation in the interface may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, Russia). Usually the path is as follows: click the settings button (cogs) on the remote, then select the Settings section, then go to About device or System, where you will see information about the model, Android version and build number.

The same menu also contains the System Update button, or System Update, which, if you click on it, will contact Xiaomi servers and check the software's relevance. If a new version is found, the system will prompt you to download and install it. If the message says that the latest version is installed, but you know that a new release is coming, it may be in waves.

ParameterWhere to find out.Value for the current version
Android versionSettings -> About the device8.0 Oreo / 9.0 Pie
MIUI TV versionSettings -> About the deviceDepends on the region.
Status of renewalRenewal centreRelevant/Available
Assembly dateInformation on the systemYear and month of release
Why doesn’t the update come right away?
Official updates are often distributed in stages, with servers checking the region, serial number, and current configuration before offering a file, to minimize the risk of mass failure.

Automatic Internet Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest way to get a new version of software is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which does not require a computer or a flash drive, everything happens directly on the TV, the main condition is the presence of stable high-speed connection to the network.

Once you click the update check button on the menu and the system finds a new version, the download starts. The speed depends on your Internet channel and the load of Xiaomi servers. At this time, the screen may go out or display the brand logo. Don't try to switch channels or go to the menu.

When the file is downloaded, the TV will ask you to confirm the installation, the process of unpacking and replacing system files will begin after the confirmation, the screen will go out, and the progress indicator may appear. The whole process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. Upon completion, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S will automatically restart with the new version of Android.

⚠️ Warning: If the download is interrupted due to a power surge or a network break, don't panic. Wait for the router and electricity to turn on, then run the update check again.

In some cases, automatic updates may not start because of a crowded cache. Try clearing the System Update app cache in the application settings section, then try again. This often helps to push back the stuck verification process.

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Use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi to download large updates.The wired connection provides more stable speeds and reduces the risk of file damage when signal jumps.

Manual installation of firmware through USB-accumulator

If the automatic method doesn't work, or if the TV doesn't see the network at all, you have to manually install it, USB-flash drive (preferably up to 32 GB) and archiver. the firmware file should be searched only on official resources or trusted forums specializing in Xiaomi equipment.

The downloaded file (usually with the.zip extension) must be renamed to update.zip (Sometimes you need the exact name on the firmware description and you need to put it in the root of the flash drive. Don't put it in folders, or the TV won't find it. USB-TV port (it is better to use the port) USB 2.0 black).

To start the process manually, you may need to log in to Recovery Mode. On Xiaomi remotes, this is often done by a combination of buttons or through a special menu. In some cases, simply insert a flash drive, go to the update menu and select an Update from USB. If the file is compatible, the system will prompt you to start installing.

The manual installation process is similar to automatic: the TV will check the integrity of the file, warn about the data reset (sometimes) and start flashing. It is important that at this point no one touches the remote control or pulls the power cord. Once the TV is finished, it will reboot.

  • πŸ’Ύ Download the right firmware for your model (4S 43/50/55/65).
  • πŸ“‚ Format the flash drive into FAT32 before-file.
  • πŸ“ Rename the update file according to the instructions.
  • πŸ”Œ Use the ports. USB 2.0 for maximum compatibility.
What if the TV says "file not found"?
Make sure the file is at the root of the flash drive, not in the folder. Also check that the flash drive file system is FAT32. NTFS may not read in recovery mode.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

Even if all instructions are followed, there can be unexpected situations, and one of the common problems is a file integrity check error, which can mean that the file has been downloaded with errors or damaged when written to a flash drive. In this case, it is worth restarting the router, downloading the firmware from another source and replacing it. USB-accumulator.

Another common problem is β€œcyclical reboot” after upgrading. If the TV is constantly turned on and off, it may be that the new firmware version conflicts with the data of old applications. In this case, a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset) helps. On the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, this can be done through a menu or a combination of buttons on the back.

If the sound is gone or the image is pale after the update, don't rush to bring the TV to the service. Often, just reset the image settings to standard or switch the region in the system settings. New versions of MIUI TV can change the image processing algorithms, requiring recalibration.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV stopped turning on after manual firmware (only the indicator or black screen burns), the integrity of the bootloader may be violated. UART-A console that is only made in a service center.

Slow interfaces after updating are temporary, and the system indexes files and optimizes application databases in the background, and let the TV run for about an hour on, and the speed should recover.

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Most update errors are not due to the firmware file itself, but to unstable power supply or damaged power. USB-Use only the correct equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you upgrade Xiaomi Mi TV 4S to Android 11 or 12?
Officially, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is based on Android 8.0 or 9.0 (depending on the year of release and region). Upgrade to Android 11/12 is possible only if the manufacturer releases official firmware, which is unlikely for this model due to the limitations of iron. Install custom firmware (Custom ROM) is possible, but requires opening the case, soldering and high risks.
Are applications reset after system updates?
When you upgrade via OTA (menu) or USB with data saved, all installed applications and logins are usually saved. However, when you switch between major versions (for example, from Android 8 to 9) or when you manually flash it with cleaning, all data will be deleted. Always back up important settings.
Where to download the official firmware for Mi TV 4S?
The only safe source is Xiaomi’s official website in the support section or menu of the TV itself, and verified files are often posted on the 4PDA forum in the appropriate model branch, avoid third-party sites with dubious reputations, so as not to infect the TV with a virus.
What if the remote stopped working after the update?
Sometimes the Bluetooth remote drivers can crash. Try rebooting the TV with a button on the body. If it doesn't work, reconnect the remote: press the Back and Home buttons simultaneously to enter pairing mode, then follow the instructions on the screen.