Upgrading to MIUI 13 isn’t just a change in the firmware version, it’s a major improvement in the performance, security and functionality of your Xiaomi smartphone. The new version brings optimized power consumption, accelerated interface animation and enhanced privacy. However, the upgrade process can raise questions even for experienced users: what models are supported, how to avoid errors and what to do if the update is “hang.”
In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative methods of updating to the MIUI 13, including step-by-step instructions for different scenarios: through phone settings, using the Mi Flash Tool, as well as through custom firmware for advanced users. We will pay special attention to critical points that the manufacturer often does not say anything about – for example, why after the update may disappear. IMEI How to return the device to work when it fails.
Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone is on the list of supported models and meets the minimum requirements.If you are upgrading from MIUI 12.5 or earlier, we recommend freeing up at least 5 GB of storage in advance and preparing a data backup.
Which Xiaomi models support MIUI 13?
Not all Xiaomi devices have received an upgrade to MIUI 13, and the manufacturer has divided the models into three waves of support: the first received an update in early 2022, the last by the end of 2023. Below is the current list of devices for which the official MIUI 13 firmware is available (based on Android 12 or Android 13):
- 📱 Flagship models: Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12X, Xiaomi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra/11 Lite 5G NE, Xiaomi 10/10 Pro/10 Ultra, Black Shark 4/4 Pro
- 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 11 Pro+/Pro/11S, Redmi Note 10 Pro/10S, POCO F4/F4 GT, POCO X4 Pro 5G
- 📱 Budget devices: Redmi 10/10A/10C, POCO M4 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 9 Pro (only for certain regions)
- 📱 Tablets: Xiaomi Pad 5
⚠️ Note: If your model is not listed, but you see an availability notice MIUI 13, probably a regional firmware (for example, China or India), the installation of such firmware can lead to the loss of warranty and inoperability of Google services.
To see if your device supports an update, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If the system offers MIUI 13, then the firmware is adapted to your model. If there is no update, but the model is included in the list, try the manual method through Recovery.
Requirements before Updating: What Should I Check?
An unprepared update can result in data loss, system freeze, or even a device blink (completely inoperable).To avoid problems, follow the following steps:
- Check the battery. It should be at least 60 percent, and if the upgrade is interrupted by a discharge, the device may not turn on.
- Free up your memory. You need at least 3 to 5GB of free space to upgrade, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.
- Back up. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party apps like Swift Backup.
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi. The over-the-air (OTA) update weighs 1.5-3GB. Mobile internet may not be able to handle it.
- Turn off VPNs and antiviruses. They can block firmware from downloading.
Battery charge ≥60%|Freely. ≥5 GB memory|Backup created|Stable Wi-Fi|VPN/antivirus disabled|All applications closed.-->
⚠️ Note: If you use custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), Updating through a standard Updater may cause a crash, in which case we recommend using the method via Fastboot.
Also, you should note that after the update, some settings will reset (such as fingerprints or Wi-Fi passwords), write down important data in advance, and if you use Root rights, they will be lost and you will have to restore them again.
Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method
If your device officially supports MIUI 13, the safest way to do this is to upgrade through Settings, which saves all the data and settings, but requires a stable Internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates. If MIUI 13 is available, a notification will appear.
- Click Download and wait until the download is complete (can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes depending on internet speed).
- After download, press Install. The device will restart and start installation.
- Wait until it is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
If the update does not appear, try the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot the device and check again.
- 🌍 Change the region to India or China (sometimes updates are released earlier for these regions).
- 📥 Download. OTA-hand-pack MIUI Downloads and install it through Settings → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the update file.
💡
If the update “hangs” during the verification phase, try clearing the cache of the System Update app in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
⚠️ Note: If after the update the device is fixated on the logo MI, This could mean a conflict with user settings, and then resetting through Recovery will help.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work
If automatic updates are not available or if they are not available, you can manually install MIUI 13 via Recovery mode, which is suitable for most devices, but requires you to download the correct firmware version.
Step 1. Download the correct firmware
Go to the official MIUI Downloads website and select:
- 📌 Your device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G).
- 📌 Region (Global, Russia, EEA china).
- 📌 Version MIUI 13 Stable (not Beta!).
- 📌.zip format for Recovery.
Step 2. Move the firmware to the device
Downloaded.zip file (usually weighs) 2–3 Move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or folder) DCIM!). The file name should look like this: miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V13.0.1.0.SKCMIXM_....
Step 3. Install firmware through Recovery
- Turn off the device.
- Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
- Choose your language (if required).
- Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
- Wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).
- Select Reboot to System.
What if Recovery doesn’t see the firmware file?
⚠️ Note: If the device fails to turn on after installation or if it gives an error called Can't verify update, you probably downloaded the firmware for another region.
Method 3: Update via Fastboot for power users
If previous methods have failed, installing via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool is suitable for "blocked" devices or when complete flashing is required (for example, when changing region).
Requirements:
- 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.
- 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot (downloaded from the same site) MIUI Downloads).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware..tgz file unpack into a folder without spaces (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
- Install drivers. Download and install Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot.
- Enter the Fastboot. Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume down until the hare in the eardress cap appears.
- Connect to a PC. Connect the device to a computer cable.
- Start Mi Flash Tool. In the program, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode. At the bottom, choose Clean all or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader).
- Start the firmware. Press Flash and wait for completion (usually 5-20 minutes).
- Reboot the device. Once the firmware is successful, the phone will restart automatically.
| Firmware mode | Description | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Clean all | Complete data cleanup, but the bootloader remains unlocked | All data is deleted, but you can unlock the bootloader again. |
| Clean all and lock | Cleaning + Locking of the loader | The device will return to factory condition, the loader will be blocked |
| Save user data | Firmware without data cleaning (not always working) | It can cause errors if the Android version has changed. |
⚠️ Note: If the device fails to turn on after Fastboot or gives an Anti-rollback error, this means that you have tried to install an older version of the firmware than the one that was previously available. In this case, only the service center will help, as special equipment is required to unlock.
Common Update Errors and Solutions
Even when following the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Recovery's "Can't verify update" error: Reason: a mismatch in the firmware region or a corrupted file Solution: download the firmware for your region or check the checksum (MD5) file.
- 🔄 The device is fixated on the logo MI: Reason: conflict with custom settings or Magisk modules. Solution: log in to Recovery and run Wipe data/factory reset.
- 📵 After the update, there is no network (disappeared) IMEI): Reason: modem module malfunction or incompatible firmware Solution: Fastboot with Clean all option or go to the service.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge after upgrade: Reason: Background optimization after upgrade. Solution: perform Settings → Battery → Optimize and wait for 2-3 charging cycles.
- 🛑 Anti-rollback error: Reason: Attempted to roll back on an older firmware version Solution: run only the new version or contact the service center.
💡
If the device is unstable after the upgrade (lacks, overheats), reset to factory settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and reset. This will solve most software conflicts.
If none of the methods worked, check if your problem is one of the frequently asked questions below. In extreme cases, contact the official Xiaomi service with the error code.