How to Update MIUI to Xiaomi via Recovery: A Complete Guide with Warnings

Firmware update MIUI via recavers - one of the most reliable ways to install a new version of the software on Xiaomi smartphones, when the standard OTA-This method is suitable for experienced users who want to avoid update errors, obtain root rights or install custom firmware. Incorrect actions can lead to a device blink (complete inoperability) or data loss.

Unlike automatic upgrades, manual installation via recavers gives you more control: you can choose a specific version of MIUI (stable, beta, global or Chinese), bypass regional restrictions or restore the smartphone to health after a failed update. But there are nuances: for example, installing through TWRP requires an unlocked bootloader, and stock recavers Xiaomi only works with official firmware in.zip format.

In this article, we will discuss both options — update through stock recap and custom (TWRP), point out the key differences and risks, and give a checklist for preparation. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first study the section on backup data — this will save your photos and contacts in the event of a crash.

What is the difference between an update via recavator from an OTA?

Standard. OTA-Update (over the air) is launched automatically or manually through the Settings menu → The phone. → System updates: This is suitable for most users, because it doesn't require technical knowledge and it stores all the data:

• 🔄 Usually, only the latest stable version is offered for your region (e.g., the most recent version, MIUI Global or MIUI Russia).
• 🚫 If the firmware is damaged or the device is modified (for example, Magisk is installed), OTA may refuse to be installed.
• ⏳ The download speed depends on Xiaomi servers, and the process can take up to 30 minutes.

Updating through the recaveri is devoid of these drawbacks, but has its own features:

The critical difference is that Xiaomi’s stock reavers check the firmware’s digital signature and refuse to install unofficial builds, whereas TWRP allows you to bypass this limitation, which means that custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will have to use custom Recovery to install customized firmware.

Preparation for update: checklist and warnings

Before you start firmware, you need to follow several mandatory steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss or device failure.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the device model and MIUI version in Settings → About the phone

Download the correct firmware (official or custom) for your model

Charge your phone at least 60% (optimally 80%)

Prepare. OTG-cable or memory card (if the firmware is not in the phone's memory)

Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (TWRP only)

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Special attention is paid to firmware selection. Official versions of MIUI can be downloaded from en.miui.com (select the Stable or Developer section depending on the purpose). For custom firmware, use trusted sources such as XDA Developers or 4PDA.

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware for another model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro instead of Redmi Note 10), the device may stop turning on. Check the model name in the firmware file - it must match your device (e.g., sweet for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Also note that when updating via Recavator:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged, and when discharged during firmware, the device may turn off and not turn back on.
• 📱 The unlocking of the loader is required only for TWRP. Stock recavery works without it, but will not allow you to install unofficial firmware.
• 🔄 Wipe resets may be required when you switch to another version of Android (for example, 11 to 12) or when you have a system error.

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If you are upgrading from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13 and have previously used Magisk or other modifications, make a full reset (Wipe Data) to the recave before you run the firmware.

How to update MIUI through Xiaomi stock recavator

Stock Recovery is a built-in recovery menu that allows you to install only official firmware from Xiaomi, the advantage of which is that it does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most users.

Step instructions:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format from the official website. The file should be called something like this: miui_SWEETGlobal_V13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM_... (where SWEET — codename of your model).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (this will make it easier to search in the recovery).
3. Move the firmware to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory or to the root directory. SD-map.
4. Turn off your phone and press the button combination to enter the recaveri: 🔘 Loudness up + Food (for most models). 🔘 Loudness up + Loudness down + Power (for some older devices).

Recavérie's on the menu.

Install update.zip to System One


(or "Install Update")

Confirm the choice and wait for the process to end.

Reset the device

If after the reboot the phone hung on the MIUI logo for more than 10 minutes, perform a hard reset through the same recovery menu (Wipe Data option).

⚠️ Note: Stock Recovery Xiaomi does not support installation of downgraded firmware (downgraded). MIUI, Use the Fastboot or TWRP (with the risk of blocking the loader on new models).

Update MIUI via TWRP: Instructions for Power Users

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery that offers far more features than stock, can install unofficial firmware, backup the entire system, and even recover data after crashes, but requires an unlocked bootloader to use, which cancels the warranty and increases the risk.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. TWRP to your device: 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (Mi Account and wait required) 7–15 day-to-day). 📥 Download the image TWRP For your model from twrp.me. 💻 Install it via fastboot with the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-sweet.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-sweet.img

Download the firmware.

.zip

Download to TWRP

Turn off the phone → Press the volume up + Power → Select Recovery Mode

Make a backup.

Backup → Select partitions (System, Data, Boot) → Swipe to confirm

Install the firmware

Install → Select a firmware file → Swipe to confirm

If you install custom firmware (such as LineageOS), you may need to install additional GApps (Google services).

Clear the cache.

Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Mark Dalvik / ART Cache and Cache → Swipe

Reset the device

If after installing custom firmware, the phone does not boot, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the installation with a full reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔧 Check the compatibility of the firmware with your model.
• 📥 Install another version TWRP (Sometimes old builds don't support new firmware).

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Use of the TWRP It can cancel the Xiaomi warranty and can lead to locking the device if you do not act correctly. OTA-update.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

One of the most insidious mistakes is bootloop, which occurs when:

• 🔄 You try to install the firmware with a downgraded version of Android (for example, from 12 to 11) without additional manipulations.
• 🔧 There's no matching. MIUI and vendor (system libraries).
• 📦 The firmware is assembled under other iron (for example, for Snapdragon on Mediatek).

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi devices (released after 2021), custom firmware installation can lead to the bootloader locking through the Anti-Rollback mechanism.

How to Get Back Stock Recovery After TWRP

If you want to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), you need to restore the stock Recovery and remove all traces of modifications.

1. Download the official backup for your model, which is usually included in the firmware format.img (the file is called recovery.img).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode: Turn off your phone → Press Volume Down + Power → Connect to your PC
3. Install stock recavers via command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Download to the stock recavator and run Wipe Data (this will delete all user data and TWRP traces).
5. Install the official firmware through the Recovery menu (as described in the section above).

After these actions, the device will return to factory condition, but note:

• 🔒 The bootloader will remain unlocked (This device is unlocked on the boot screen). To hide this message, you will need to re-lock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but this will result in a complete reset.
• 📱 The data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery (if a backup was not made to the TWRP).

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If you plan to sell the phone, it’s best to lock the bootloader back. To do this, do a full reset in the drain Recovery, then connect to the Mi Unlock Tool and select the Lock Bootloader option (not available on all models).

Tips for choosing firmware: stable vs. developer

Xiaomi offers two types of firmware: Stable (stable) and Developer (developer), which differ not only in the degree of debugging, but also in functionality.

Which option should I choose?

• 📱 Stable firmware is good if you want reliability and minimal risk, it undergoes long-term testing and rarely contains critical errors.
• 🛠️ The Developer version is interesting for those who want to try out new features before others or need advanced settings (for example, to overclock the processor or fine-tune the interface).

Note: On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50), the Developer firmware may block access to certain features (such as Google Pay) due to lack of Widevine L1 certification.

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If you are installing Developer firmware for the first time, be prepared for frequent updates and possible crashes. For everyday use, it is better to stay on the Stable version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions