Firmware update MIUI through a hidden menu with “three dots” – one of the most reliable ways to install the latest version of the software on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO. This method is suitable when the standard OTA-Update “hang” and the device does not see new firmware or requires manual installation. Unlike fastboot or recovery, update through “three dots” does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all user data – provided that you follow the instructions without errors.
Many users mistakenly confuse this menu with Recovery Mode or mode. EDL, But actually, the three dots are part of the built-in System Update tool, which allows you to manually select a firmware file from internal memory or external drive. The main advantage of the method is that it works even on locked bootloaders and does not reset the settings to factory ones if the firmware is suitable for your model. MIUI support this method, and the wrong choice of file can lead to a "brick" of the device.
What are the “three points” in the update menu? MIUI?
Three-point menu» (⋮) In the Settings section → The phone. → Updating the system is a hidden option for manual firmware installation, and it only appears when you click on the icon in the upper right corner of the update screen. OTA, This method allows:
- 📥 Install firmware that the system does not offer itself (for example, for another region).
- 🔄 Restore the smartphone after the previous update crash.
- 🛠️ Bypass the restrictions according to version MIUI (for example, go with MIUI 12 on MIUI 14 without intermediate steps).
- 📁 Use local firmware files downloaded in advance (useful with slow Internet connection).
It is important to understand that the “three dots” is not a custom recaveri (like a “sort of three dots”). TWRP) It's the official tool of Xiaomi, but with limitations:
- ❌ Does not work on devices with a damaged system (unless the smartphone boots).
- ❌ Does not support firmware from third-party developers (only official.zip from Xiaomi).
- ❌ It can be blocked if the firmware version is lower than the current one (downgrade).
Preparing the smartphone for updates through three points
Before you start the installation, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss or device failure.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool, a three-point update can return the bootloader lock. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version).
List of mandatory training:
☑️ Checklist before update
1. Determination of the model and current version MIUI
Installing the wrong firmware is a surefire way to get a brick.
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Remember or write: Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G or vili, code name. Current version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) Firmware region (Global, China, EEA, Russia).
The code name of the model can be specified on sites like Xiaomi Firmware Updater or through the Mi Check app (available on Google Play, POCO X3 NFC The name is surya and the Xiaomi 12 Pro is zeus.
2. Download the correct firmware
Official firmware for manual installation through “three dots” have the extension.zip and name in the format:
miui_[ CODE NAME]_[REGION]_[VERSION].zip
Example: miui_VILIGlobal_V14.0.5.0.TKCMIXM_21f3a7a3d8_13.0.zipYou should download files only from official sources:
- 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose the Download Full section ROM pack).
- 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (Community Site with Verified Firmware).
- 📥 Telegram channel MIUI Updates (relevant links to firmware).
⚠️ Note: Firmware from torrents or unverified forums may contain viruses or be modified. Use only files from official sources!
3. Transfer of firmware to the device
The downloaded.zip file should be placed in the root directory of internal memory or on a microSD card.
/storage/emulated/0/miui_VILIGlobal_V14.0.5.0.TKCMIXM_21f3a7a3d8_13.0.zipDon't unpack the archives! You can only install it from a.zip file. If you downloaded the firmware on your PC, transfer it to your smartphone via a phone. USB-cable OTG-accumulator.
Step-by-step instructions: how to update MIUI three-point
Once the preparation is complete, you can start the installation, and the entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the model of the device.
💡
Updating through three dots doesn't reset data, but if you make an error, you may need to reset completely.Always back up!
Step 1: Open the update menu
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- In the upper right corner, click on the icon «⋮» (three-point).
- In the drop-down menu, select “Select firmware file” (or Choose update package in English).
If the item "Select firmware file" does not, it means:
- Your version. MIUI Does not support this method (relevant for very old devices).
- The device is blocked by the manufacturer’s policies (e.g. corporate smartphones).
- You are in Safe Mode (Reboot your phone).
Step 2. Selecting a firmware file
Once you click on "Select a firmware file," the explorer will open. Go to the folder where you saved the.zip file and select it. The system will automatically check the integrity of the file and device compatibility.
If there is a mistake:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't verify update | The file is corrupted or not intended for your model | Download the firmware again from the official source |
| This package is for "vili" devices; this is a "haydn" | Discrepancy of the model code name | Check the code name of your device |
| Couldn't verify update package | Not enough space on the device | Clean 5.+ GB of memory and try again |
| Update package is not signed properly | The firmware is modified or downloaded from an unofficial source | Use only official.zip files. |
Step 3: Confirmation of installation
Once you have successfully checked the file, you'll see a window with an Update button, press it and wait until the process is complete, and the device will reboot several times, which is normal.
Do not interrupt the process! power outage or forced restart at this stage may result in data loss or device failure.
What to do if the update is hung on the MI logo?
Solving Common Errors in Updating
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have failures, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
Error: "This package is for another device"
This error means that you are trying to install firmware designed for another model, for example, trying to flash Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) firmware from the company. POCO X3 Pro (vayu).
Decision:
- 🔍 Check your device’s code name (via Mi Check or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- 📥 Download the firmware specifically for your model and region.
- 🔄 If you are sure that the file is correct, check it for integrity (for example, through the 7-Zip PC-only).
2. Hanging in the File Verification Stage
If the process stops at the Verifying update package stage, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🐢 Slow internal memory (especially on budget models).
- 🗃️ The firmware file is corrupted or not fully downloaded.
- 🔋 Insufficient battery charge (less than 30%).
What to do:
- Wait 10-15 minutes (sometimes it takes a long time to check).
- Restart the device and try again.
- Download the firmware again and check its hash amount (for example, through HashMyFiles).
3. Cyclical reboot after update
If after installation, the smartphone is constantly restarted or turned off, this is a sign of firmware incompatibility or damage to system files.
Solutions:
- 🔄 Try installing the firmware again through three dots».
- 📥 Download the older version MIUI (if the new one is not working properly).
- 🛠️ Reset with Recovery Mode (delete all data!).
- 💻 Connect to your PC and run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).
💡
If after the update the sound is lost or the sensor is not working, try resetting to factory settings through Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. Often this solves driver problems.
Scoopback (downgrade) MIUI In three ways, is it possible?
Many users want to return the old version. MIUI It's because of bugs in the new firmware, and in theory, it's possible through three dots, but with reservations:
- ✅ Downgrade allowed within one branch MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.6 at MIUI 14.0.3).
- ❌ Recoiling to another main version (for example, with a MIUI 14 on MIUI 13) – this will result in the device being blocked.
- ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 Downgrade through “three points” blocked.
If you need to return to the old firmware:
- Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website.
- Try to set it through three points.
- If a Couldn't verify downgrade package is found, use the Mi Flash Tool (you'll need to unlock the bootloader).
⚠️ Attention: Downgrade can cause data loss, sensor failures or device lockdown!
Alternative ways to update MIUI
If the three-point update doesn’t work, consider alternative methods:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA-update | Simplicity, does not require downloading files | Long wait, not always available new versions | If you don’t need three points, the system will offer the update. |
| Recovery Mode | It works on locked devices. | Requires reboot to recavery, limited functionality | If the “three dots” are not available, but you need to install the official firmware |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash) | Reliability, suitable for "brick" devices | Requires PC, unlocked bootloader, data reset | If other methods do not work or you need to restore the phone |
| Castom Recavery (TWRP) | Flexibility, support for informal firmware | The risk of blocking requires unlocking the bootloader | For custom firmware installation (e.g. LineageOS) |
For most users, the three dots are the optimal balance between simplicity and functionality, but if your device doesn't support this method, check out the Mi Flash Tool or Recovery Mode.