How to update MIUI 13 on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways + problem solving

Updating the firmware to MIUI 13 on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can both improve the performance of the device and lead to unexpected crashes if approached without preparation.This version of the shell, released in 2022, brought with it optimized memory consumption, new animations and an improved notification system. However, not all Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO models received the update automatically - many users have to start the process manually.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update (including hidden ones), how to prepare your phone to avoid data loss, and give a checklist for error diagnosis. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware - such cases often cause a "brike" (inoperability) of a smartphone. If your device does not see the update through the standard menu, here you will find alternative solutions tested on models from Mi 11 to Redmi Note 10 Pro.

1.Preparation of the smartphone for the update of MIUI 13

Before you start updating, make sure to back up. Even official firmware sometimes contains bugs that can cause you to reset or lose photos. Use the built-in Xiaomi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.

Also check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. When discharged during the upgrade, the phone can go to Fastboot mode.
  • 📶 Stable Internet connection. To download firmware (weight) ~2-3 GB is better to use Wi-Fi.
  • 📱 Free space: at least 5GB of primary memory. Delete unnecessary files via Settings → Warehouse.
  • 🔒 No root rights. If you have Magisk installed, the update may end in an error.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader, it is recommended to temporarily lock it through the Mi Unlock Tool to avoid conflicts with Xiaomi servers. This is true for the Mi 10, Mi 11 and POCO F3 models, where users often experiment with custom firmware.

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If your smartphone was previously “stitched” with an unofficial version of MIUI (for example, xiaomi.eu), before upgrading via OTA, you need to return the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Update via OTA (over the air)

The easiest and most secure method is automatic updates over the Internet, which is suitable for most users if the device officially supports MIUI 13.

  1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package.
  3. If the update is available, download it and confirm the installation.

It takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on the model, and during the installation, the phone will reboot several times — don't interrupt the process, even if the screen goes out for a long time.

What to do if the update is “hung” on the MI logo?
If after rebooting the phone shows the MI logo for more than 10 minutes without progress, perform a forced reboot: press the power button for 15-20 seconds. If this does not help, you will need firmware through Fastboot (see Method 3).

Xiaomi modelSupport for MIUI 13Features of the update
Mi 11 / Mi 11 Ultra✅ Yes.The update is available with MIUI 12.5.At least 4GB of free space is required.
Redmi Note 10 Pro✅ Yes.The Global Firmware (EEA) version was delayed. Check the region in Settings → Additional → Region.
POCO X3 Pro✅ Yes, only for V13.0.1+)Early versions of MIUI 12 require a pre-update to intermediate firmware.
Mi 9T / Redmi K20❌ No.There is no official support, but it can be installed via Custom Recovery (TWRP).
📊 What kind of update do you prefer?
Through OTA (over the air)
Through Recovery.
Through Fastboot.
I'm not updating the firmware.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA-Update is not available, but your model is officially supported. MIUI 13, you can manually install firmware through Recovery Mode:

  1. Download the official service pack from MIUI Downloads (select the version for your region!).
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

This method is suitable for devices that do not receive OTA due to region change or temporary problems on Xiaomi servers. For example, owners of Redmi Note 9 Pro in Russia often face update delays due to differences in firmware for EEA and global version.

Download the correct firmware version (EEA/Global/China)

Check file integrity (MD5-hash)

Disable password/fingerprint protection

Charge your phone to 80%+

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⚠️ Note: Do not use firmware for other regions (e.g. Chinese on a global device) and this may result in loss of support for Google services and mobile network issues.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If previous methods failed, the firmware remains in Fastboot mode, which requires a PC and Mi Flash Tool, but guarantees the installation of a clean version of MIUI 13.

  1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website (file in.tgz format).
  2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI13).
  3. Install Xiaomi drivers and run the Mi Flash Tool.
  4. Connect the phone to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
  5. In the program, select a firmware folder and press Flash. Wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

This method is mandatory for devices with a damaged system or after unsuccessful attempts to upgrade through Recovery. For example, if after OTA the phone is loaded into an endless bootloop (cyclical reboot), firmware through Fastboot is often the only solution.

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Fastboot firmware completely erases user data (including internal memory). Always back up before you start the process!

5. Solving common errors in the update

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

  • 🚫 The error "Cannot verify update" means that the firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model. MD5-hash.
  • 🔄 Hanging on the logo MI — Try a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, go through the Fastboot.
  • 📵 "No command in Recovery – press Volume up + 5 seconds to unlock the menu.
  • 🔌 The phone doesn’t turn on after the upgrade – plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then try logging in to Fastboot (keep Volume down). + Nutrition).

For devices with bootloader unlocked, the error "This package is for closed devices" means that the firmware is only for closed phones.

  1. Return stock boot.img via fastboot flash boot.img.
  2. Re-lock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  3. Repeat the upgrade attempt.

⚠️ Note: If your mobile network or Wi-Fi is lost after the update, check your settings. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Often helps reset network settings.

6 How to roll back from MIUI 13 to the previous version

If the new firmware is unstable (for example, the battery is quickly discharged or the interface is slowed down), you can return the previous version.

  1. Download the full firmware of the desired version (not an incremental update!) from the Xiaomi website.
  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. Confirm the rollback – the phone will restart and return to the old version.

Note that a pullback is only possible within a single MIUI branch, for example, from MIUI 13.0.5 to MIUI 13.0.2, but not on MIUI 12. A full downgrade will require firmware through Fastboot with a full data reset.

What to do if after a rollback the phone asks for a password?
This is normal behavior – after a pullback, MIUI may request a password from a previous Mi Account, and if you don’t remember it, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.

7. Frequent questions after upgrading to MIUI 13

After a successful update, users often encounter new nuances, and here are the answers to the most popular questions:

❓ Why does the battery quickly stop after the upgrade?
In the first 2-3 days after the update, the system indexes files and optimizes background processes, which increases battery consumption. If the problem persists longer: Check application activity in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Turn off Adaptive Brightness and Background Synchronization. Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition) cache.
❓ How to return old badges and design MIUI 12?
MIUI 13 has changed the design of icons and animations. To get back to the old look: Install the MIUI 12 theme from the official theme store. Use the Nova Launcher launcher with the settings for MIUI 12. Disable new animations in Settings → Special features → Remove animations.
❓ Can we determine MIUI 13 on unofficially supported models?
Yes, but only through custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu). To do this: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool. Install TWRP Recovery. Sweat custom firmware through TWRP. Note that this voids the warranty and may lead to problems with banking applications (due to the lack of Google SafetyNet).
❓ Why navigation gestures don’t work after the update?
The gesture logic has changed in MIUI 13. To set it up: Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode. Choose the gesture type: MIUI (standard) or Android (stack Android). Reboot your phone.

8. alternative firmware based on MIUI 13

If the official firmware does not suit you, you can consider custom assemblies based on MIUI 13:

  • 🌍 Xiaomi.eu is a European firmware without Chinese services, with Google support and weekly updates.
  • 🛡️ MIUI Mix – Optimized version with improved battery and additional settings.

For custom firmware installation:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (the process takes up to 72 hours for new Mi accounts).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
  3. Sweep firmware and GApps (if required) through TWRP.

Remember that custom firmware can contain bugs, especially on newer models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11). 4PDA or XDA-Developers.