How to update the firmware of the Xiaomi communication module: safe ways and typical errors

Why updating Xiaomi’s communications module isn’t as easy as it seems

The communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G) in Xiaomi smartphones run on separate chips with their own software – the module firmware. Unlike standard MIUI updates via Settings → About the phone, the firmware of these chips is updated less often and requires a special approach. The manufacturer rarely advertises such updates, but they are critical for connection stability, security and compatibility with new standards (for example, Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth LE Audio).

The problem is that users often experience the non-obvious symptoms of outdated firmware: sudden Wi-Fi cliffs, inability to connect to 5 GHz networks, errors when transferring files over Bluetooth, or even increased battery consumption due to unoptimized power consumption of the module, while such updates may not appear in the MIUI update menu – they have to be installed manually or through hidden service modes.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal ways to update the firmware of communication modules for Xiaomi devices, including models on Qualcomm chips, MediaTek and the company’s own solutions, pay special attention to the risks (from the “brick” of the device to the loss of warranty) and give a checklist for a secure procedure.

What communication modules in Xiaomi require firmware updates

In Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, several independent chips are responsible for communication, each of which can have its own firmware:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-Compochip: the most common variant (for example, Qualcomm) WCN6855 Xiaomi 13 Pro or MediaTek MT6632 Redmi Note 11). Updates support for Wi-Fi standards 6/6E, Corrects bugs with connection to routers with WPA3.
• 📡 modem 4G/5G: separate firmware for Snapdragon chips X65 (Xiaomi 12T Pro) or MediaTek M80 (into POCO F4 GT). Affects internet speed, signal stability and support for new bands (e.g, n78 for 5G Russia).
• 🔄 NFC-chip: rarely updated, but relevant for contactless payment models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra with chip) NXP SN100T). Corrects errors when emulating cards or working with Mi Pay.

It is important to understand that not all modules can be upgraded separately, for example, in budget smartphones (for example, Redmi). A2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are often integrated into the main processor (MediaTek Helio) G36), The updates are only updated with MIUI. Here are the flagships (Xiaomi series) 12/13, Mix) have discrete chips that can be stitched separately.

Official Updates: When They Work and Where to Look for Firmware

The manufacturer provides several legal ways to update the firmware of the communication modules, but they are not always obvious. Let's take them in order of effectiveness.

1. Automatic update via MIUI

The safest method, but only works for critical updates. Xiaomi can include updates for communication modules as part of regular MIUI patches.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Firmware Packages (if there is one).
3. Wait for the check – the system will determine whether updates are needed for modules.

🔴 Limitation: This method only works for Xiaomi-certified firmware for your region. e.g. if you bought a Xiaomi 12 with global firmware (EEA), but use it in Russia, some updates for modules 5G Maybe they won't come.

2. Manual update via Fastboot (for power users)

Xiaomi sometimes posts separate firmware packages for communication modules on the official forum c.mi.com or in the archive with full MIUI images.

Instructions:

1 Unpack a downloaded archive with firmware (e.g., fw_redwood_miui_REDWOOD_*.tgz for Redmi Note 10).


2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode:




- Turn off the device.




- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.




3. In the command line, do:


   fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin (for modem)
   fastboot flash wifi_mcfg WCNSS_qcom_wlan_nv.bin (for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)


4.Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

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Warning: Incorrect firmware of the module via Fastboot can result in loss of IMEI or total network failure. Always check the compatibility of files with your model and region!

3. Update through Xiaomi Service Centers

If your device is warranty or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the official service. Xiaomi provides internal utilities for diagnosing and updating communication modules that are not available to end users. For example, for models with Qualcomm chips, QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools) is used, and for MediaTek, SP Flash Tool with branded plugins.

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Before visiting the service center, take a screenshot of the communication modules from the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone Information) to help technicians identify the problem faster.

Unofficial methods: when to take risks and how to minimize the consequences

If the official methods have not worked and communication problems persist, some users resort to alternative methods, which we do not recommend to use unless absolutely necessary, but we will tell you about them for the sake of the whole picture.

1. Firmware through Engineering Mode (engineering menu)

Some modules (especially those on MediaTek chips) can be upgraded via a hidden menu, such as the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth update in the Redmi Note 9 Pro (MT6765 chip):

1. Enter ##36446337## (code for MediaTek)
2. Go to the Connectivity section → Wi-Fi.
3. Select Firmware Update and specify the path to the firmware file (for example, WIFI_MT6765.bin).

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Note: Firmware through the engineering menu can reset MAC-your device address, which will lead to problems with connecting to some corporate networks (for example, in offices or universities).

2. Use of custom firmware (e.g. from XDA developers)

A community of enthusiasts on forums like XDA Developers sometimes release modified firmware for communication modules. For example, for Xiaomi Mi 10, there are patches that add support for Wi-Fi 6E on unofficial frequencies.

• 🚨 May contain security vulnerabilities (e.g., backdoors for remote access).
• 📉 Often not optimized for power consumption, which reduces battery life.
• 🔧 Requires an unlocked bootloader, which cancels the warranty.

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Update via ADB (for Qualcomm modules)

For Snapdragon devices (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro), you can try updating the module’s firmware via ADB:

adb shell


su




dd if=/sdcard/firmware/wcnss.qmdl of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/wcnss

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This method requires root rights and an accurate knowledge of the partition structure of your device, and a path error (/dev/block/...) can cause system files to be corrupted.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when updating the firmware of communication modules, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 Interrupting process: If the update is interrupted (for example, due to a battery that has run out), the module may no longer be determined by the system. Always use an uninterruptible power source (or connect the phone to charge before the procedure begins).
• 📥 Incompatible firmware: By flashing a module with a file from another model or region, you risk getting a broken Wi-Fi or mobile network. Always check for compliance: Device model (e.g., device model, 2201116PG For the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G). Chip version (can be found in Settings) → The phone. → Regional code (e.g. kernel version, EEA Europe, RU for Russia).
• 🔒 Locking the bootloader: On new Xiaomi devices (released after 2021), the bootloader is locked by default. Trying to flash the module without unlocking will lead to an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed').

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If the communication module stopped working after the update, try resetting it through the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone Information → Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Mobile Reset), which solves the problem 30% of the time without flashing it.

How to check the current version of the communication module firmware

Before you update your firmware, you need to know the current version, which will help you determine if you need an update and avoid installing an older version.

1. Through the Engineering Menu (for Qualcomm)

For devices on Snapdragon:

1. Enter the dialer ##4636##.
2. Go to the tab Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi or Mobile Network section, and you'll find lines like: Wi-Fi Firmware version: WCNSS_qcom_wlan_nv_1.2.3.4 Modem Firmware: MPSS.DI.3.8.c1-00044

2. through ADB (Universal Method)

Connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "Firm."


adb shell getprop | grep "modem"

In the conclusion, find lines with firmware versions.

3. Through analysis applications

Apps like DevCheck or AIDA64 show firmware versions of modules in the Hardware section, but they don't always show the latest information -- it's better to double-check through the engineering menu.

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If the module firmware version starts with N/A or appears as 0.0.0.0, it is a sign that the module has not been initialized, possible causes: incompatible firmware, hardware malfunction or failure in the previous update.

What to do if the communication module does not work after the update

If your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile network has ceased to function after you have firmware, follow the following algorithm:

1. Restart the device – sometimes the module takes time to initialize.
2. Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset the network settings, or through the engineering menu: ##4636## → Reset Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
3. Check firmware integrity: For Qualcomm: in the engineering menu, select Connectivity → Wi-Fi → Firmware Check. For MediaTek: Use the adb shell cat command /proc/wcnss_info.

Reverse to the previous version

• Download the original firmware module from the Xiaomi website or the 4PDA forum.
• Re-sweep it through the Fastboot or Engineering menu.
• Contact the service if the module is not defined by the system (No information about the module in the engineering menu).

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Warning: If the IMEI is missing after a failed update (check *#06#), don't try to recover it from the Internet via IMEI generators! This is illegal (IMEI is tied to the device in the factory) and can block the network, in which case only the official service can help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the firmware of Xiaomi communication modules