How to upgrade Android to Xiaomi version 13: all the ways and nuances

Upgrading the operating system to Android 13 on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to new features, improved security and optimized performance. However, the process can seem difficult for beginners - especially if your device does not receive the newest. OTA-In this article, we will discuss all current ways of updating, including official and alternative methods, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support Android 13. For example, budget devices of 2020 and older (like the Redmi 9A or Poco M2) can stay on Android 11/12 forever. Before starting the process, check the list of supported devices on the official MIUI website or in our table below. Also note that the update may reset some settings, so save important data in advance.

If you've never manually updated your firmware, don't worry, we'll explain every step, from prep to final reboot, and for experienced users, we'll give you advanced methods, including installation through Fastboot and Recovery. Let's start with the simplest one, automatic updates.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support Android 13?

Before you try to upgrade, make sure your Xiaomi model officially supports Android 13.The company does not release updates for all devices, but only for flagships and some mid-budget models. Below is the current list of devices that received or will receive MIUI 14 based on Android 13 (data for 2026):

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that an update isn't possible. Some devices get Android 13 through custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but it does require unlocking the bootloader and can take away the warranty. It's also worth checking the official MIUI website - sometimes support is added later.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware on devices with a locked bootloader can lead to a "brick" (complete failure.

If your model is supported, move on to the next step – getting your device ready for an update.

2. Preparation of the smartphone for the update

Even if you upgrade through an OTA (over the air), improper preparation can lead to failures.Follow this checklist to avoid problems:

Battery charging at least 60%

Free up 3-5 GB of free space

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Disable VPNs and proxy servers

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network-->

Pay special attention to backup. Update rarely erases user data, but crashes do happen. Use built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud. If you have root access, make a full backup through TWRP.

Also check the current version of MIUI: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a MIUI 13 or older, the upgrade to Android 13 will go smoothly. If the version is lower (for example, MIUI 12.5), you may need to upgrade in stages – first to the intermediate version, then to the final version.

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If you don’t have much space, transfer photos and videos to your computer or cloud, and clear the app cache through Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

This is the easiest and most secure method, but it only works for devices that officially support Android 13.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (update via mobile internet may not work).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the update is not available, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot the device and check again.
• 🌐 Change region in settings (sometimes updates come out earlier in other countries). → Additionally. → Select, for example, India or Europe.
• 📡 Use it. VPN servers in Germany or Singapore (sometimes helps to speed up the update).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the smartphone began to warm or quickly discharge, reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Resetting. This will solve most of the performance problems.

If OTA-Update not available, go to manual methods.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If the automatic update doesn’t work, but your model supports Android 13, you can manually install firmware through Recovery, a method that saves user data but requires care.

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads. Choose the Recovery ROM (not Fastboot!) version.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language, then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If the system is unstable after a reboot, repeat the process or try another firmware file. Sometimes it helps to pre-clean the cache (Wipe Cache) in the Recovery menu.

5. Method 3: Installation via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is suitable if Recovery refuses to install firmware or if you want a "clean" installation.Warning: Fastboot will reset all data on the device, so make a backup in advance!

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, start the installation: fastboot flash all (for some models, fastboot update rom.zip may be required).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it will take 10-15 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears during installation via Fastboot, it means that you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one already on the device. OTA-Update or firmware of the same version as the current version.

Critical information: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 11T Pro) may require unlocking the bootloader after installing via Fastboot. If the phone doesn't boot, plug it into the Mi Unlock Tool and unlock it.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

If after the update, the sound disappeared, the camera does not work or other glitches occur, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 Reset to factory settings (last option if nothing helps).

If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi’s support team or forums like 4PDA where users share solutions for specific models.

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Before contacting the service center, try to reflash the device again - often errors occur due to accidental failures, not hardware problems.

7. Alternative methods: custom firmware

If your device doesn’t support Android 13 officially, but you really need new features, you can consider custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without shell MIUI.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features.
• 🌐 ArrowOS – Balance between productivity and customization.

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait on new devices).
2. Custom Recovery installations (e.g. TWRP).
3. Format the data section (full reset!).

Detailed installation guides are available on XDA Developers or 4PDA, but remember: custom firmware can:

• 🚫 Deprive of guarantees.
• 🔋 Deteriorate battery life.
• 📵 Cause problems with your camera or mobile phone (due to lack of proprietary drivers).

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) custom firmware can lead to a broken Widevine L1, Netflix and other services will only show videos on the Internet. 480p.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade to Android 13