How to update Android on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways + error solving

Why You Should Update Your Firmware on Xiaomi and When You Need It

Updating the software on Xiaomi smartphones isn’t just about adding new features: Each new version of MIUI or HyperOS (for modern models) brings security patches, performance optimizations, and support for fresh apps. For example, without upgrading to Android 14, you won’t be able to install the latest versions of Google Play Services, and some banking apps will fail due to outdated encryption protocols.

But when exactly should you upgrade? First, if you notice a slowdown in your phone, frequent reboots or overheating, these are direct signs that the current firmware is not working properly. Second, if you have a notification about an available update in Settings → The phone, you should not ignore it: the manufacturer has already tested the build for compatibility with your model. Finally, the update is mandatory if you plan to use new features of the Xiaomi ecosystem, such as cross-platform clipboard or improved integration with the Mi Band 8 Pro.

But there’s a downside: unstable betas can contain bugs, and on older models (like the 2019 Redmi Note 8), fresh firmware sometimes leads to reduced battery life. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Preparing a smartphone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start an upgrade, you need to minimize the risk of failure. Even if you upgrade "over the air" (OTA), improper preparation can lead to a breeze (complete failure) of the device.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%.When upgrading via Recovery or Fastboot, 100% is recommended, as the process can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📱 Back up the data. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🌐 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Update "over the air" weighs from 1 to 3 GB - mobile traffic may not withstand.
• 🔌 Disable all peripheral devices: headphones, memory cards, OTG-They can cause conflicts when you install them.
• 🛠️ Check the space. Internal storage should have at least 5GB — temporary update files take up a lot of space.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. If you plan to upgrade through Fastboot or install custom firmware, the bootloader must be unlocked.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new Xiaomi accounts).

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method

The Over-The-Air method (OTA) is a standard upgrade method that doesn't require a PC connection, and it's suitable for 90% of users because it's a minimal error risk. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on System Update (or MIUI Update on older versions).
3. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

Important: If the update doesn’t appear despite its official release for your model, try:

• 🔄 Reset the update cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Update the system and clear the cache.
• 📡 Change the firmware region, for example, if you have a global version (Global), but the update is only for the purpose of the update. EEA (Europe, you can manually download the package and install it through Local Update.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 weeks. Xiaomi often rolls out updates in waves.

Critical information: Some models (e.g. POCO F3 and Redmi K40) automatically reset settings when upgrading via OTA from MIUI 12.5 to HyperOS. Save data in advance!

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If an automatic update is stuck or gives an error (e.g., Couldn't verify update), you can manually install the firmware through stock Recovery, which saves user data but requires the correct selection of the update file.

First, download the official service pack (.zip) from MIUI Downloads. Choose the version that suits your model and region (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G → Global → Stable). Pay attention to the Android version: if your phone runs Android 12 and the downloaded package for Android 13, you will need a full Fastboot flashing.

Installation instructions:

1. Move the downloaded.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders like Download).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have an option), then Install update.zip to System.
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

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If Recovery does not have Install update.zip, your Recovery is modified (e.g. TWRP). In this case, select Install, specify the path to the file, and confirm the installation.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it's good if you:

• 🔄 You want to downgrade the firmware version (downgrade).
• 🛠️ The phone is not switched on or got stuck in the bootloop.
• 📦 You need to install a full firmware (for example, when switching from China). ROM Globally).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device isn’t displayed, install drivers manually through Device Manager.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware folder, select clean all mode (full reset) or save user data (save data).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

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The clean all mode in the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data, including photos and apps, and only use it if other methods have failed.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Fastboot requires an additional tool — SP Flash Tool. Instructions for MediaTek are different: you need to download a scatter file and stitch in parts.

Solving errors during the update: codes and methods of correction

Even if you follow the instructions, the update can end in error, and let's look at the most common error codes and their solutions:

If the error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔍 Look for the error code on 4PDA. Users often have a solution for a specific model.
• 📡 Change the update server. → Additionally. → Select a different region (e.g. India over Global).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After a failed update, anti-rollback protection can work, in which case the phone will lock, and you can only unlock it through an authorized Xiaomi service center.

Update for old Xiaomi models: nuances and limitations

If your smartphone is released before 2020 (such as the Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 or POCO F1), the upgrade process has features that are:

• 📅 Limited support: Xiaomi officially updates devices no longer than 3-4 years from the moment of release. A2 (2018) stopped on Android 10.
• 🔄 Absence OTA. For older models, updates often only come manually through Recovery or Fastboot.
• 🛠️ If the official updates have stopped, you can install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc. OS (requires an unlocked loader).

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (see instructions in XDA for your model).
3. Download firmware (for example, from XDA Developers) and GApps (Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware, then GApps, and restart.

Warning: Custom firmware can disrupt the camera (due to closed Xiaomi drivers), disable the Widevine L1 (no HD on Netflix), and break the NFC on some models.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Update