How to Update MIUI 12 through Three Dots on Xiaomi Smartphones: The Complete Guide

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones through a hidden menu with three points is one of the alternative ways to install MIUI 12, when standard OTA-This method is especially relevant for users who want to manually control the process, avoiding automatic downloads, or encounter errors such as "Can not download the service pack." → The phone. → Update system, menu with three points opens access to advanced options, including selection of local firmware file and forced check updates.

It is important to understand that this method requires preliminary preparation: downloading the correct version of the firmware for your model, checking the integrity of the file and backing up data. In this article, we will discuss each step in detail from determining the current version of MIUI to the final restart after the update. We will pay special attention to typical errors such as “Error 7” or “Incompatible version” and how to fix them. If you have never updated the firmware manually, we recommend that you carefully follow the instructions and not miss the verification steps.

Why a three-point upgrade is better than a standard OTA

Standard Update for Over-The-Air, OTA) First, Xiaomi servers can limit download speeds for certain regions, which leads to long waits or connection breaks, OTA-Updates often come with a delay - especially for older models or devices with custom firmware. The three-point menu solves these problems by offering a new solution:

• 🔄 Forced update verification – even if the system claims your version is up to date.
• 📁 Installation from a local file – useful if you downloaded the firmware in advance or use an informal build.
• ⚡ Bypassing regional restrictions – the ability to choose firmware for another region (for example, Global instead of Russia).
• 🛠️ Error Diagnostics – update logs help identify causes of failures.

In addition, this method is often used for downgrade (a rollback to a previous version of MIUI) if the new firmware is unstable. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 12.5, some users noted increased battery consumption or lag in the interface - and returned to MIUI 12 through a three-point menu.

Preparing for the update: what to do before the start

Before you get to the process itself, make sure your device is ready to upgrade.Neglecting preparation can lead to a smartphone blink (total inoperability) or data loss.

1. Check the model and current version of MIUI. Go to Settings → About phone. Remember or write: Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi 10T); MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 12.0.3 Stable); Assembly number (e.g. QKQ1.200825.002).
2. Download the correct firmware. Use official sources: Site MIUI Downloads (choose Stable for stable version or Developer for test) Xiaomi.EU Forum (for custom firmware). ⚠️ Note: Do not download firmware from third-party sites - they may contain viruses or be modified to collect data. The file must have a.zip extension and weigh between 1.5 and 3 GB.
3. Battery charging: Make sure the charge level is at least 60%.When upgraded through recovery (if required), discharging during the process may cause a failure.
4. Backup. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root). Especially important is to save: Contacts and SMS (you can use Google Account). Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud). App settings (for example, passwords in the browser).

If you are updating with MIUI 11 or earlier version, please note that the transition to MIUI 12 may take up 20-30 Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen does not react for a long time, this is normal. VPN Proxies, as they can block access to Xiaomi servers.

How to Update MIUI 12 through Three Points

Now, the manual is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12. If you have a different version (for example, MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13), the steps may vary slightly.

1. Open the update menu: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update. In the upper right corner, you'll see a three-dot icon (⋮) — press it.
2. Select the update method: In the menu that opens, select Select the update file (or Choose update package in English firmware). If this option is missing, then your version of MIUI does not support manual installation - try updating through recovery (instruction below).
3. Specify the path to the firmware file: Find the previously downloaded.zip file (usually located in the Download or Download folder). MIUI). Click on it and confirm the choice. ⚠️ Note: If the file is corrupted or not intended for your model, the system will give an error "Invalid update package." Recheck the file name - it must contain the code of your device (for example, joyeuse for Redmi Note). 9S).
4. Confirm installation: After checking the file, a window will appear requesting an update. Click Update. The device will restart and begin the installation process, which can take 10-25 minutes.
5. Wait for completion: The MIUI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't turn off your smartphone or press buttons - this can cause a crash and the need to flash through Fastboot. Once the device is successfully updated, it will automatically restart.

If the smartphone has been stuck on the MIUI logo for longer than 15 minutes after the upgrade, perform a hard reset (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds). If the problem recurs, run the device through the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Alternative method: Update through Recovery

If the three-point update didn't work (for example, because of the "Couldn't verify update" error), you can use Recovery mode, which is more reliable, but requires a little more action.

1. Rename the firmware file: Download the.zip file rename to update.zip (no spaces!). This is a must, as MIUI Recovery is looking for this file.
2. Move the file to the memory root: Place update.zip in the root folder of internal memory (not in the Download! folder). Connect the smartphone to the PC and make sure the file is copied without errors.
3. Boot in Recovery: Turn off the device. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
4. Select a language and confirm the update: In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Russian), then click Install update.zip to System. Confirm the action.
5. Wait until it's finished: It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, select Reboot to System.

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If after updating through Recovery, the smartphone does not turn on, try flashing it through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool, USB-cable and unlocked loader.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 Error 7 (Error 7) – occurs when you try to install firmware that is not intended for your model.Solution: check the device code in the file name (for example, miatoll for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 🔴 Not enough memory - an upgrade requires at least 1.5GB of free space.Solution: clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card.
• 🔴 Freezing 50% or 99% is often associated with a user data conflict. Solution: Recovery (Wipe Cache) if it doesn't work).
• 🔴 Network loss after upgrade - can occur if the firmware is for another region.Solution: install firmware with the right region (e.g. Global instead of China).

If you see a message saying, "This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device," it means you're trying to install firmware for another model. For example, a file for the Redmi Note 8 Pro won't work for the Redmi Note 8, despite the similar names. Always check the device code!

1. Downloaded from an official source.

2. corresponds to the model and region of your device.

3. Not damaged (check checksum) MD5).-->

What to do after a successful update

After restarting the device, check that the update has been correct:

1. Check the MIUI version: Go to Settings → About Phone. Make sure the version is updated (e.g. from MIUI 12.0.2 to MIUI 12.0.5).
2. Restore data: If you backed up, restore contacts, SMS and settings through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Check the efficiency: 📶 Network and phone calls – make sure SIM-The map is determined, there is the Internet. 🔊 Sound – Check the speakers and microphone. 📷 Camera - Take a test shot. 🔋 Battery – keep track of the flow in the first hours (sometimes after the update calibration is lost).

Clear the cache.

Go to Settings → Storage → Clear cache. This will help avoid lags.

If you notice bugs after the update (such as spontaneous reboots or lack of mobile network), try:

• Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• Clear the Settings app data (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear data).
• Perform reset to factory settings (if errors are critical).

💡

If the battery runs out after the upgrade, give the smartphone 1-2 full charge/discharge cycles. This will help the system adapt to the new firmware.

Reverse to previous MIUI: When it is needed

Sometimes, the upgrade brings more problems than benefits: increased battery consumption, lags, or some functions stop working, in which case you can perform a downgrade — a rollback to the previous version of MIUI 12.

• 🔙 Data loss – a full reset is usually required (Wipe Data).
• 🔙 bootloader lock – on some models (e.g. Mi 11) after a downgrade, you may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔙 Compatibility Errors – if you have updated with MIUI 11 on MIUI 12.5, rollback MIUI 12 may cause driver problems.

To perform the downgrade:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI 12 (e.g. 12.0.1 instead of 12.5.2).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Download to Recovery and select Install update.zip.
4. After installation, run Wipe Data (otherwise, failures are possible).

⚠️ Attention: Downgrade can lead to loss of warranty if the device was unlocked. On models with Anti-Rollback (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), a rollback to old firmware is impossible without the risk of a blink.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions