How to properly update Xiaomi components: all the ways and nuances

Introduction: Why upgrade Xiaomi components?

Updating Xiaomi devices is not just a manufacturer’s recommendation, but a necessity for stable hardware. With each update, critical vulnerabilities are fixed, performance is optimized and new features are added. For example, in the firmware for Redmi and POCO smartphones, improved energy saving algorithms often appear, and in Mi TVs – support for new video formats.

But not all users know that not only the basic software needs to be updated, but also the individual components: camera drivers, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, the core of the system. Skipping these updates, you run the risk of crashes, overheating or even hardware failure. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating, from automatic to manual, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

Special attention will be paid to devices with MIUI (smartphones, tablets) and PatchWall (TVs), as their architecture updates significantly different from the standard Android TV or AOSP. Also consider the specifics of the firmware of routers Xiaomi Router and smart devices ecosystem Mi Home.

1. Preparation of the device for updating

Before you start updating, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss or device “brick” (especially for manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery).

First, check the current version of the software.

• 📱 On smartphones: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 📺 On TVs: Settings → The device → About the device → POS version
• 📶 On routers: miwifi.com → Status → Firmware version

Second, make sure the device is at least 50 percent charged (for smartphones) or connected to a power source (for TVs/routers), and interrupting the upgrade process due to battery discharge is one of the main causes of software failures.

⚠️ Note: If you are upgrading to Xiaomi Mi Box or other TV-box, use only the original power supply, cheap analogues can cause voltage surges, which will damage the flash memory.

Finally, back up your important data. Even if you upgrade normally, there is always a risk of resetting. Smartphones will have built-in Backup to Settings → Additional, and TVs will have manually saved a list of apps and screen settings.

Battery charge ≥50% | Backup created | Current version of the software |Confirmed Stable power connected (for TV/routers) |Background applications closed-->

2. Ways to Upgrade Xiaomi Components

Depending on the type of device and its model, there are different methods of updating, and let's look at them in detail, from the safest to the most advanced.

Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and most recommended method — OTA-The system itself finds and installs updates, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 Updates come in waves: Your device can get an update later than others.
• 📶 Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi (load volume can reach 2-3 GB).
• ⏳ The process takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the model.

How to start OTA:

1. For smartphones: Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. For TVs: Settings → About the device → Software update.
3. For routers: Go to the control panel at miwifi.com or through the Mi WiFi app.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) OTA-The update may reset the firmware region. Check it in Settings → Additionally. → Change the region and change to "Russia" or "Global" if necessary".

Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA is not available or the device is stuck on the older version, you can manually install the update via Recovery, a method that is suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the version for your model!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Turn off the device, then press the volume.+ + Meals (for smartphones) or Menu + Meals (for food) TV-boxes) to enter the Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

2.3 Update via Fastboot (for advanced)

The Fastboot method is used to completely reflash the device, including the bootloader and the kernel, and it is the only way to "reanimate" shrivelled devices or install custom firmware.

Procedure:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool on PC and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (for example, tucana_global_images... For the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
3. Connect the device turned off to the PC, holding Volume− + Meals (to enter the Fastboot).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware and press Flash.

This method requires unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock), which is officially supported by Xiaomi, but takes up to 72 hours to wait for confirmation.

OTA (over the air)|Recovery (manual installation)|Fastboot (full firmware)|Never update-->

Updating individual components

In addition to the main firmware, in Xiaomi devices you can update individual modules: camera drivers, firmware for the communication module, the Linux kernel, etc. This is relevant if after a general update there were problems with a specific function.

Update of camera drivers

On Xiaomi and POCO smartphones, the camera often runs on proprietary drivers that are updated separately from MIUI. If the quality of the photo deteriorates after the update or artifacts appear, follow the following steps:

1. Download the latest Camera Firmware package for your model from the XDA Developers Forum or 4PDA.
2. Install it through TWRP Recovery (root rights required).
3. Clear the camera cache in Settings → Apps → Camera → Memory → Clear the cache.

For Mi TVs, the camera driver update (if any) is automatically done along with the firmware.

3.2 Update of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules

Network connection or peripheral issues are often solved by updating firmware wireless modules, such as the Xiaomi Router 4A:

1. Download the latest version of Wi-Fi Firmware from the official website.
2. Go to the router control panel (miwifi.com).
3. Go to Additional → Update → Update firmware.

On smartphones, the update of communication modules is automatic, but if you notice a deterioration in the signal, try resetting the network settings:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset

3.3 System kernel update (Kernel)

The Linux kernel is the backbone of any Android-based firmware. Upgrading it can greatly improve performance and stability, but it's a risky procedure.

How to update the kernel:

• 🔧 Download a custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel or ElementalX) for your model.
• 📲 Set it up through TWRP or EX Kernel Manager (root required).
• ⚠️ Before installing, check compatibility with your version. MIUI!

⚠️ Warning: An incompatible kernel can cause a bootloop (endless restart).If the device doesn't turn on after installation, try returning the stock kernel via Fastboot.

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Before installing the custom core, back up the current one through TWRP: Backup → Boot. This will quickly roll back if you crash.

4. Update of Xiaomi Smart Devices (Mi Home)

The smart devices in the Mi Home ecosystem (lamps, sensors, robot vacuum cleaners) also require regular updates, and their firmware affects stability, compatibility with voice assistants, and energy efficiency.

How to update:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Select the device you want (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum).
3. Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
4. Confirm installation (make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi and charged).

Features:

• 💡 For Yeelight lamps, the update is done through their proprietary app.
• 🤖 Mi Robot vacuum cleaners are updated only when connected to the base.
• 🔋 Sensors (e.g. Mi Temperature & Humidity Sensor) are automatically updated when synchronized with the hub.

If the device is not updated, try:

• Reconnect it to the app (Add device → Select from the list).
• Reset settings (usually by holding the button for 5-10 seconds).
• Update the Mi Home app itself in Google Play/App Store.

5. Solving problems after the update

Even regular updates can cause some problems, so let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

If the sound on the Mi TV is missing after the update, check:

• 🔊 Sound settings in Settings → Sound. → The output device (sometimes reset to the HDMI instead TV-speaker).
• 🎵 Update of audio drivers (available in the Software Update section).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO X3 post-update MIUI 14 It may be a loss of support 4K@60fps It's a well-known bug -- you can check for patches on the forum. XDA.

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If the device gets worse after the upgrade, try rolling back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the old firmware and install it through Recovery.

6. Where do I download the official firmware?

One of the key questions is, where do you get files to update? Using unofficial sources can cause viruses or corrupted archives. Here are the resources we've tested:

• 🌍 Official Xiaomi website: MIUI Downloads is the firmware for smartphones. Mi Support is the software for TVs and routers.
• 📦 Forums: XDA Developers - custom firmware and cores. 4PDA — Russian-speaking community with instructions.
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Flash Tool - for firmware through Fastboot. Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools – to unlock the loader.

When downloading, pay attention to:

• 📌 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G It has the code name veux).
• 🌐 Firmware Region (Global, China, EEA, Russia).
• 🔢 Android version (for example, Android 13 for Android) MIUI 14).

Never install firmware from another model – this is guaranteed to lead to a device blink!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update