How to Update the Software on Xiaomi TV: All Ways

Xiaomi TV Update: Why You Need It and When You Need It

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q) receive regular firmware updates that fix bugs, add new features and improve performance. However, many users face problems: the update β€œhang” by 0%, the TV stopped turning on after the upgrade, or the system does not find new versions at all. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update software from automatic to manual through ADB, and also tell how to avoid errors.

Update firmware is necessary in three cases: 1 There was a notification of the new version in the menu of the TV - this means that the update is tested and recommended by the manufacturer. 2 There were problems with the work: the interface slows down, applications (for example, Netflix or YouTube) do not work, the sound disappears in the TV. HDMI-3 You want to get new features like Dolby Vision support or improved voice management through Google Assistant.

Important: If your TV is released before 2019 (e.g. Mi TV 4A 32), some updates may not be available due to hardware limitations.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi TV is you?
Mi TV 4/4S/4A
Redmi Smart TV
Mi TV Q1/Q2
Mi TV P1
Other

Method 1: Automatic updates via the Internet

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade to the air (OTA) and is suitable for most models, including the Mi TV 5 Pro and Redmi Smart TV X. The main condition is a stable connection to Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) and enough free space on the internal memory (at least 500 MB).

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the TV and connect to the network.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ About TV β†’ System Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If a new version is available, select Download and Install.
  5. Wait until the TV is finished (the TV will restart automatically).

⚠️ Note: If the update "hangs" during the download phase, check the Internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps). If the problem recurs, try resetting the network settings in Settings β†’ The Internet and the Internet β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting the network.

Turn off VPN and proxy |Connect your TV to the network with cable (if possible) |Close all apps |Make sure the remote battery is charged

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Method 2: Manual update through USB-accumulator

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to slow internet or regional restrictions), you can install the firmware manually through the Internet. USB-This method is suitable for all models, including the Mi. TV 4X redmi TV A. Important: Use a format flash drive FAT32 not exceeding 32 GB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose a version marked stable).
  2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder!).
  3. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably to port) USB 2.0 if there are several).
  4. Go to Settings β†’ About TV β†’ System Update β†’ Update via USB.
  5. Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Never remove the flash drive during an upgrade! If the process is interrupted, the TV may stop loading (no boot error appears.

What to do if the TV can’t see the flash drive?
Make sure the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS Or exFAT. Try another. USB-port or flash drive (some Xiaomi models do not support the USB 3.0). Rename the firmware file to update.zip (spaceless).

Critical information: On Xiaomi 2020-2021 models (e.g. Mi TV Q1), manual USB updates may cause the TV region to reset. To avoid this, turn off the Auto Region Detection option in the system settings before installing the firmware.

Method 3: Update via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for advanced users who want to install a beta version of the firmware or restore the TV after a crash. You will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and a USB-A β†’ USB-A cable (or USB-C, depending on the model).

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the debugging mode on the TV: go to Settings β†’ About TV and 7 times click on the Software Version until the notification β€œYou became a developer” appears.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect the TV to your computer with a cable and enter in the command line: adb devices If the device is determined, continue.
  4. Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in the folder with ADB.
  5. Follow the command: adb sideload update.zip

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If the TV goes offline during the process, the bootloader may be damaged. Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

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If the adb device command doesn’t find the TV, try another one. USB-port on your computer or install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official website.

Table: Compatibility of Upgrade Methods with Xiaomi Models

Model TV setOTA (over the air)USBADBNotes
Mi TV 4A/4S (2018–2019)βœ…βœ…βŒSupports only stable versions
Mi TV 5/5 Pro (2020)βœ…βœ…βœ…Requires unlocking the bootloader for ADB
Redmi Smart TV X (2021)βœ…βœ…βœ…Supports beta firmware through ADB
Mi TV Q2 (2022–2023)βœ…βœ…βœ…Automatic definition of the region can be reset

Common mistakes and their solutions

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

  • πŸ”΄ No update file error - the firmware file is corrupted or misnamed. update.zip and check the checksum (MD5).
  • πŸ”΄ Freeze to 0% or 100% – reset the cache in Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ If it doesn't work, try another one. USB-port.
  • πŸ”΄ The TV doesn't turn on after the upgrade - the installation may have interrupted.Try to recover via Fastboot (computer required).
  • πŸ”΄ Sound or image loss – reset to factory settings in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Reset.

If the TV produces an E1001 or E2003 error, it means that the firmware is incompatible with the model. Download the correct version from the official website, checking the serial number of the device (located on the sticker at the back).

πŸ’‘

Before upgrading via USB or ADB, always check the checksum (MD5) of the downloaded firmware, which will prevent the installation of a corrupted file.

How to roll back an update if the new version is worse

Sometimes fresh firmware brings more bugs than fixes, for example, after updating to the Mi TV P1, users complained about the lags on YouTube and the disappearance of Dolby Atmos, in which case you can return the previous version of the software, but with reservations:

  • ⏳ Recoil is possible only within 7 days after the update (the system keeps a backup copy).
  • ⚠️ After rollback, some features (such as Google Play Services) may require reconfiguration.
  • πŸ”„ To roll back, you need a firmware file specifically of the version that was installed earlier.

Instructions for rollback:

  1. Download the archive with the desired firmware version (for example, from the firmware archive).
  2. Place update.zip on a USB flash drive and update via USB (as in Method 2).
  3. After rebooting, reset the settings to factory (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 2022 and newer models (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 75β€²β€² firmware rollback may block access to Netflix and Disney+ Because of the Widevine certificate change, you'll have to wait for the new update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV update

Can I upgrade a Xiaomi TV without the internet?
Yes, through USB-Download the firmware on another device with the Internet, transfer it to a flash drive and update it manually.
How long does the update take?
Automatic update (OTA) usually takes 10-20 minutes (depending on internet speed); manual via USB 15-30 minutes (including reboot); if the process lasts longer than an hour, it's a sign of a failure - disconnect the TV from the network for 10 seconds and try again.
Why did the HDMI sound disappear after the update?
This is a known problem on some models (e.g. Mi TV 4S). Solution: Go to Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Digital Sound (HDMI). Select PCM over Auto or Passthrough. Restart the TV. If it doesn't work, reset the audio settings to factory.
Can I upgrade Xiaomi TV through a smartphone?
There's no direct way, but you can use your smartphone as an intermediary: Download the firmware to your phone. Connect the flash drive to your phone through the phone. OTG-cable and copy the file update.zip. Insert the flash drive into the TV and update through USB. You can also distribute the Internet from your phone to your TV (Wi-Fi Hotspot) and upgrade by air.
What if the TV is stuck on the Mi logo after the update?
This is a sign of a bad firmware. Try: Turn off the TV for 30 seconds, then turn it on again. If it doesn't work, reset: press and hold the Power button on the TV case for 10-15 seconds. If the TV doesn't respond, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot (you need a computer and a USB-A β†’ USB-A cable).