How to Update MIUI to Xiaomi via PC: 3 Proven Ways with Instructions

Updating MIUI through a computer is one of the most reliable ways to install the latest version of the software on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones. Unlike the “over the air” update (OTA), the PC method avoids download errors, bypasses regional restrictions and even restores a “brick” device. But the process has nuances, from choosing the right version of the firmware to the risk of losing data if you do not act correctly.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to update via PC — with the Mi Flash Tool, through Fastboot mode and using Recovery. You will also learn how to prepare a smartphone and a computer, where to download firmware for your model and what to do if something goes wrong. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including old models like the Redmi Note 4X and new flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Why upgrading via PC is better than over the air

The main advantage of firmware through the computer is stability. When you update via OTA (through the settings menu), files are downloaded in parts, and if communication is interrupted, the smartphone can freeze during the installation phase. From the PC, you download the full firmware image in advance, which eliminates the risk of a broken update.

• 🔄 Bypassing restrictions: some regions get updates later – firmware via PC allows you to install any available version.
• 🛠️ System Restore: If the smartphone doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the logo, firmware via Fastboot is often the only solution.
• 📦 Clean installation: you can choose the option with a full reset (clean all), which eliminates lags and errors of accumulated garbage.
• ⚡ Speed: data transmission by USB Usually faster than Wi-Fi downloads, especially for major updates (1-3 GB).

But there are downsides, like the risk of losing data if you make the wrong firmware mode, or locking the bootloader on new models if you don't unlock it beforehand, and taking longer to prepare: downloading the firmware, installing drivers, etc.

Preparation for the update: what to do before the firmware

Before you start firmware, be sure to follow these steps – they will save time and prevent most errors:

1. Check the model and version of MIUI. Go to Settings → About phone. Write down the exact model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, not just Note 11) and the current version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).
2. Unlock the bootloader (if required). On new devices (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 12 and later), the bootloader is locked. Without unlocking, you will not be able to flash custom or even official firmware through Fastboot. You can see the unlock instructions on the official Xiaomi website.
3. Download the correct firmware. Use only official sources: 🌍 Official website MIUI — Global versions (Global). 🇨🇳 Chinese website MIUI — For Chinese versions (China). 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – an alternative source with a firmware archive.

Charge your smartphone.

Make a backup copy.

Fastboot

clean all

Mi Cloud

Titanium Backup

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware version. For example, if you have a Redmi Note 10 Pro with global firmware (Global), do not install Chinese (China) - this will lead to problems with the language and services of Google, and check whether your model supports HyperOS (the new shell instead of MIUI for devices 2023-2026).

⚠️ Note: If you flash a device with a locked bootloader without unlocking it, it will lock forever (hardbrick state.

Method 1: Update with Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot)

This is the most reliable official method, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 📱 Devices with a damaged system (not included, hanging on the logo).
• 🔄 Transition to another version MIUI (For example, from China to Global).
• 🧹 Clean installation (elimination of lags, viruses, errors).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website, and you will also need Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor of your smartphone).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom). There must be a file in the archive. flash_all.bat.
3. Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power until the bunny says Fastboot appears.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
5. Launch Mi Flash Tool: Press Select and point the way to the firmware folder. Select firmware mode at the bottom: clean all — complete clean (deletes all data). save user data — save user data (not always stable). clean all and lock — clean + lock bootloader (only for experienced!). Press Refresh — the list should appear your device. Click Flash and wait for the end (5-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Method 2: Update via Recovery (without unlocking the bootloader)

This method is simpler than Fastboot and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

• 🔄 Updates to the current version MIUI data-free.
• 🛠️ Recovery after a failure (if the smartphone is turned on, but is unstable).
• 📦 Installation of official beta versions.

Important: The firmware through Recovery should be in.zip format (not.tgz or.bin!). Also make sure the firmware version is not lower than the current one - otherwise you will get an error.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for Recovery (file with a name like miui_BLOCKNAME_Global_V14.0.1.0.TKWMIXM_...).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and move it to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Go to Recovery Mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume Up + Power before the MIUI logo appears. Select the language (if you have a choice) and go to the menu.

Install update.zip to System

MIUI

Confirm installation

Reboot your smartphone

Reboot

⚠️ Note: If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, Your firmware doesn't support this method. Try Fastboot or upgrade through OTA customized.

💡

If after updating through Recovery smartphone stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes, reset through the same menu: select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Data will be deleted, but the system will work.

Method 3: Update via ADB Sideload (alternative method)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔌 You do not have access to the Fastboot (for example, the power button is broken).
• 📂 The firmware weighs more than 2 GB, and it can not be copied to the smartphone directly.
• 🔧 We need to update. MIUI without risk of damaging data (if firmware is compatible).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download it in Android) SDK).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Firmware in.zip format for Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging over USB (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt in the ADB folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Transfer the smartphone to ADB Sideload mode: adb reboot sideload The phone screen will appear the progress bar download.
4. Run the firmware command: adb sideload name file.zip For example: adb sideload miui_GLOBAL_14.0.5.0.zip
5. Wait for the completion (on the screen of the smartphone will appear the inscription Install from ADB complete).
6. Reboot the device: adb reboot

If the process is interrupted with the error Total xfer: 1.00x, check:

• Integrity of the archive with firmware (hop it over).
• Length USB-cable (use a short cable without adapters).
• ADB Version (Update to the Last)

💡

ADB Sideload is the only official way to flash a smartphone without physically accessing the buttons (for example, when the screen is broken).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the smartphone didn’t turn on, there may have been a hardware breakdown (such as a flash memory damage).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions