How to update firmware on Xiaomi devices: all the ways and nuances

Firmware updates on Xiaomi devices are key to improving performance, fixing bugs and getting new features. However, the wrong actions can lead to a gadget blink or data loss. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update: standard OTA Hand-stitched via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different for different types of devices: smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, TVs (Mi) TV), We'll focus on generic methods, but we'll point to the specifics of each category. If you're a beginner, start with automatic updates. For experienced users, manual firmware instructions that unlock the bootloader will be useful.

Before you start, check: 1) Battery level (minimum 50% for smartphones, 30% for TVs). 2) Data backup (update may reset settings). 3) Firmware compatibility with your model - installing an inappropriate version is fraught with permanent loss IMEI or damage to the Wi-Fi module.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do in advance

Even simple. OTA-Update requires prior action. Neglecting them is the main cause of failure. Start by checking the current firmware version:

• 📱 For smartphones: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Remember the assembly number (for example, V14.0.5.0.TKMCNXM).
• 📺 For TVs: Open Settings → The device → About the device → POS version.
• 🕒 For smartwatches: in the Mi Fitness or Zepp app, check the About Device section".

Check the official list of supported updates on the Xiaomi Firmware Download website.

- Global (international),

China (Chinese, may not support Google Services)

— EEA (Europe).

Installing firmware not for your region will lead to problems with your home. 4G, Google Play or Language Packages.

⚠️ Note: If your device is unlocked (unlocked bootloader), update via OTA You can block it again, and then you can use manual methods.

Prepare the tools:

• 🔌 Cable USB: Original or certified (cheap cables often don’t transmit data in Fastboot mode).
• 💾 Computer: Windows 10/11 (for the Mi Flash Tool or macOS/Linux (for fastboot via terminal).
• 📡 Stable Internet: for downloading firmware (file weight – from 1.5 GB to 3 GB).

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The simplest and most secure method is an Over-The-Air update, which is suitable for most users, does not require technical skills, and the system downloads and installs the firmware itself, storing all the data.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet may result in additional costs).
2. Open 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 "Install" and wait for the reboot (takes). 5-15 minute).

For Mi TVs, TV The other way: Settings → On TV. → Updating the system → Check for updates.

Update will take up to 20 minutes – do not turn off the TV outlet!

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stuck on the logo MI, Wait 30 minutes. If the problem persists, reset via Recovery. + Volume Up when switched on).

Advantages of OTA:

✅ Doesn't require a computer.

✅ Stores all data and settings.

✅ Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

❌ Updates are delayed (sometimes on the 1-3 month after hand-held versions).

❌ You can't go back to the previous firmware.

❌ Sometimes it gets stuck at the boot stage - in this case, resetting the cache through Recovery will help.

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Automatic updates through OTA — Optimal choice for 90% of users, but not suitable for rooted devices or custom firmware.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA It does not work (for example, due to a failure of Xiaomi servers), you can install the firmware manually through Recovery mode. This method saves user data, but requires a preliminary download of the firmware file.

Steps for smartphones:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose a file marked Recovery ROM (zip extension).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to Download or MIUI!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery.
4. Select the language (if available), then: Install update.zip to System → confirm the choice.
5. After installation, select Reboot to System.

For Mi TVs, TV The process is similar, but the firmware file should be called update.zip and be placed on a flash drive in format FAT32 (put it in USB-TV port before entering Recovery).

Download the correct version of Recovery ROM|Rename the file to update.zip|Put the file in the root of the memory|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Prepare a spare cable USB-->

Frequent mistakes and decisions:

• 🚫 "Cannot verify update — the file is corrupted or not for your model.
• 🔄 Hanging on MI Logo - wait 10 minutes, if it doesn't work - repeat the process.
• 📁 "No command in Recovery means no file found.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for "resuscitating" devices with serious malfunctions or installing custom firmware. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader and erases all data, POCO F3, Mi 11 and newer.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account tied to the device).
2. Download Fastboot ROM for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
3. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (the way without Cyrillic!).
4. Install Xiaomi drivers and Android Platform Tools.
5. Turn off the phone, press the power. + Volume Down to enter Fastboot (screen with rabbit and Fastboot inscription).
6. Connect the device to the PC and launch the file flash_all.bat (For Windows, run the command in the terminal: fastboot flash all

The process will take 5-10 When it's done, it automatically restarts. The first run after the firmware can take up to a few minutes. 15 minutes - don't interrupt it!

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3) After the firmware through the Fastboot may disappear IMEI. Recovery requires an engineering menu (#4636##) or service center.

The advantages of Fastboot:

✅ Suitable for "brick" devices.

✅ Allows you to install any firmware version (including downgrading the version).

✅ Minimum risk of errors when performed correctly.

Disadvantages:

❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (data reset).

❌ Hard for beginners.

❌ Risk of losing IMEI module NFS.

5. Update firmware on Xiaomi routers (Mi Router)

Xiaomi routers (Mi Router) 4A, AX3600, AX6000) They're different from smartphones, and there's two options: a web interface or a Mi Wi-Fi mobile app.

Method 1: Appendix (recommended):

1. Connect to the router network.
2. Open Mi Wi-Fi, select your router.
3. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click "Update".

The process will take 3-5 The router will restart automatically.

Method 2: Through the web interface (for advanced):

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open it in your browser. 192.168.31.1 (default login: admin/admin).
3. Go to Advanced → System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
4. Download the firmware file (download it in advance from the official website).

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the router during the upgrade! this can damage the bootloader.If the power indicator flashes red for more than 10 minutes, reset with the Reset button (hold 15 seconds).

6.Update of Xiaomi smart watches and fitness bracelets

Mi Band devices (series) 6/7/8) Xiaomi Watch and updated through proprietary applications: Mi Fitness or Zepp. The process is fully automated, but there are nuances:

Instructions:

1. Connect the watch to the app via Bluetooth.
2. Open your device profile in Mi Fitness.
3. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click "Update".
4. Wait until it's finished (don't turn off Bluetooth!) and the Mi Band will display a progress indicator.

Frequent problems and solutions:

• 🔴 "Update fails" - restart the clock (hold the 30 seconds button) and try again.
• 🔄 Freeze at 0% – untie and reconnect the device in the application.
• 📱 The app doesn’t see the update – check your account region (some firmware first comes out in China).

For the Xiaomi Watch S1 watch S3 Beta firmware is available through Mi Wear. note that beta versions may contain errors (e.g. fast battery drain or synchronization failures).

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If after the update Mi Band stopped showing notifications, reset the settings through the application: Device Profile → Additionally. → Reset.

7. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

Sometimes a new version MIUI It's worse than the previous one, with bugs, battery failure, or loss of function, and you can do a downgrade, but it's a risky procedure, especially for devices with a locked boot loader.

Conditions for rollback:

✅ Unlocked bootloader (for most models).

✅ Backup data (rollback will reset all settings).

✅ Correctly selected firmware version (you can not install a version older than the one that was originally on the device).

Instructions:

1. Download the desired version of the firmware (Fastboot) ROM) From the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive and delete the file flash_all_lock.bat (If there is one, this will prevent the loader from being blocked again.
3. Log in to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash all or run flash_all_except_storage.bat (Stores user data but may cause errors).

⚠️ Attention: Recoil on the version MIUI older 12.5 on models with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Gaming) may cause loss of data of the camera module, in which case you will need to flash through the EDL-The service (only in the service center).

Alternative method for smartphones with Recovery:

1. Download Recovery ROM version.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Log in to Recovery and select Install update.zip.
4. Once installed, reset (Wipe Data) to avoid system file conflicts.

8 Solving problems after the update

Even a successful update can cause problems, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If Google services are missing after the update (on Chinese firmware), install them manually:

1. Download the Google Installer package from APKMirror.
2. Install. APK-file and follow the instructions.
3. Reset the device.

For Mi TVs, TV A typical problem after an update is the disappearance of apps (such as Netflix or YouTube:

1. Reset settings: Settings → Personal. → Resetting and remediation → Resetting all settings.
2. Update apps through Google Play or Mi App Store.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware update