How to update MIUI on Xiaomi: all the ways from automatic update to manual firmware

Updating MIUI on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones isn’t just about installing new features, but is a critical procedure for security, performance and compatibility with modern applications. The manufacturer regularly releases patches to fix vulnerabilities (such as monthly security updates from Google), optimizes hardware and adds exclusive features like HyperOS for new models. However, the upgrade process can go wrong: from the banal lack of notification of a new version to the device’s bluster when the device is incorrect manual firmware through Fastboot.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to update. MIUI — From the simplest (automatic air update) to advanced methods for enthusiasts (unlock the bootloader and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool). TWRP or hanging on the Mi logo, as well as nuances for old models like Xiaomi Mi A1 (where updates come through Android One) and new flagships on HyperOS. If you've never updated your firmware yourself, start with the first section.

1.Renewal Preparation: What to Do Before You Start

Even the simplest MIUI air-to-air update (OTA) requires prior preparation, and neglecting these steps can lead to data loss, device freezes, or the inability to roll back to the previous version.

• 📱 Check the device model: Go to Settings → The phone. → Model: Some firmware is only compatible with specific modifications (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro for India and the global version have different builds).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%: When upgrading via Recovery or Fastboot, it is recommended to connect the device to charging.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection: It is better to use Wi-Fi rather than mobile Internet to download firmware weighing 2-4 GB.
• 🔐 Backup: Use the settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).
• 🛠️ Free space: The internal storage must be at least 5 GB of free space (some firmware is unpacked in the /cache).

Pay special attention to the current firmware version. To find out, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. For example, the inscription MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (SKUEUXM) stands for:

• Global – regional assembly (may be China, EEA, India, etc.).
• 14.0.5.0 - version of MIUI (first digit - major version, second - minor).
• SKUEUXM is a build code (unique for each model and region).

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (assembly China), but you use it outside of China, do not upgrade through the standard OTA Without first changing the region, this can lead to blocking Google services and other problems.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through an onboard OTA (Over-The-Air) system, and the manufacturer tests these updates for compatibility with specific models, so the risk of errors is minimal.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select Update Package (if the update has already been downloaded) or Check Updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download. After download, select Install and confirm the reboot.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes. The device will reboot several times, that's OK. After the upgrade, check the MIUI version in the settings.

Some users experience a “failed to update” error or a freeze during the update check phase.

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Automatic OTA updates are the most reliable way, but they may not be available for devices older than 3-4 years (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 8 no longer receives official updates).

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic update doesn't work or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can manually update it through stock Recovery, which is suitable for most users and doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads. Choose a version marked Recovery (not Fastboot!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it's done. The device will restart automatically.

Important: the firmware file should be specifically designed for your model and region, for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not be suitable for the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G (camellian), despite the similar names.

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware for another region (e.g. China to Global), you may need to reset your settings completely after the update (Wipe Data in Recovery!

After a successful update, check the performance of key functions:

• 📶 Mobile network and Wi-Fi.
• 🔓 Fingerprint and Face Unlock.
• 🎵 Sound in speakers and headphones.
• 🔋 Charging (fast and wireless if supported).

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

Updating via Fastboot is the most reliable way to install MIUI, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

• 🔧 The device does not turn on or hangs on the logo.
• 📦 You need to install a firmware for another region.
• 🔄 Refrain from the previous version.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware in.tgz format (downloaded from the official website, Fastboot section).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to your PC. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, and point the path to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, choose clean all or save user data. Make sure to switch to clean all!
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes). The device will restart automatically.

Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

- Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

- Disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot’s clean all firmware deletes all data, including files in internal memory.If you don’t have the bootloader unlocked, this method won’t work – you need to get permission from Xiaomi first (see Section 6).

5. Typical update errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors, and consider the most common and corrective methods:

If the device doesn’t turn on or reboots constantly after the upgrade, try the following steps:

1. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds to force the device to turn off.
2. Log in to Recovery and run Wipe Cache.
3. If you don’t, do Wipe Data (complete reset).
4. In extreme cases, run the device through Fastboot (see section 4).

6 Unlocking the bootloader for custom firmware

If you want to install custom Recovery (like TWRP) or firmware like LineageOS, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and following the rules:

1. Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then return to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader Then: fastboot oem unlock
4. On the phone, confirm unlocking (it may be necessary to enter a password from Mi Account).
5. Wait until the device is finished (the device will reset to factory settings).

Important: After unlocking the loader:

• 🔓 The device will be reset to factory settings.
• 🛡️ Xiaomi warranty may be cancelled (depending on region).
• 📱 Some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14) may result in some camera features being blocked and biometric authentication. XDA Developers.

7. Update for old and unofficially supported devices

If your device is no longer getting official updates (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A1, Redmi Note 5, or Mi Mix 2), you have a few options:

• 🔄 Castom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or Havoc OS. Requires an unlocked boot loader and TWRP.
• 📦 Ported versions MIUI: Informal assemblies from the community (e.g, MIUI EU or MIUI Pro).
• 🔧 Manual update via Fastboot: Sometimes the latest official firmware remains available for download even after support ends.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 6).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, backup your current firmware (Backup → select Boot, System, Data).
4. Sweat custom firmware and GApps (if required).
5. Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache).

Before installing custom firmware, check:

• 🔋 Compatibility with your model (seek themes on your website) XDA or 4PDA).
• 📋 List of working functions (camera, mobile network, VoLTE).
• 🔒 Security updates (some custom firmware is becoming obsolete quickly).

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For Android One devices (e.g. Mi A2, Mi A3), updates come through Google, not Xiaomi.To upgrade to MIUI, you'll need a complete Fastboot flash with loss of data.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)