Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones require regular maintenance of software to work steadily. Installing a new version of the operating system not only adds fresh features and improves the interface, but also closes security vulnerabilities. Users often face the need to manually update when automatic notifications do not arrive or require installing a global version on top of the Chinese one.
The process of changing software may seem difficult to a beginner, but if you follow the algorithm of actions, it takes no more than 15-20 minutes: OTA-Update via menu, use of local file in Recovery mode and flash through the computer in Fastboot mode. the choice of the specific method depends on the current state of the device and the user's goals.
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to understand the risks. interrupting the process of writing data or using a corrupted file can lead to software errors. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and installation in detail so that you can safely update your gadget.
Preparation of the device for installation of a new version of the software
The first step is critical preparation: backing up all relevant data — photos, contacts and documents — must be done, and even with a routine update without clearing the data, there is minimal risk of failure that may require a complete reset.
Make sure the battery is at least 60 percent power-consuming, and suddenly turning off the phone in the final stage can disrupt the integrity of the bootloader. Also check for free space in internal memory; major MIUI or HyperOS updates may require up to 10GB of free space.
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Use the original. USB-cable and connect the phone directly to the computer motherboard port, avoiding USB-hubs to prevent connection breakage.
Don’t forget to check your device’s model. It’s not acceptable to download firmware designed for another model, even if they are in the same series. You can find exact information in the Settings menu → About the phone, which lists the model’s code, for example, 2201123G.
Automatic update via the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the system is to use the built-in OTA (Over The Air) mechanism, which does not require a computer and complex actions, the system will check the servers for an up-to-date build and suggest downloading it.
To start the procedure, go to Settings → About phone and click on the logo of the system version. If the update is available, the Download button will appear. Once the boot is complete, the installation will begin, during which the device will restart.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where one device with the same model updates and another does not, due to a phased rollout by the manufacturer, in which case you should wait a few days or use the manual installation method.
Update via Recovery Mode (local file)
If the automatic method does not work or you want to install a specific firmware version (for example, go from China to Global), the local update method is used. You will need to download the.zip archive corresponding to your model from the official website or a trusted resource.
Copy the downloaded file to the root of the device's internal memory. Don't put it in folders, otherwise the system may not find the archive. Then go to the system update menu, click three dots in the corner of the screen, and select "Select firmware file."
☑️ Pre-installing check
Once the file is selected, the system will check its integrity, and if all is right, the installation process will begin, and it is important that the transition between regional versions (e.g. from EU to Global) or the downgrade of the system (downgrade) may require a complete cleanup of the data.
⚠️ Note: Installing firmware from another region through Recovery often requires unlocking the bootloader. Without an unlocked bootloader, installing the global version in Chinese may not be possible or require complex file renaming manipulations.
Fastboot Firmware with Mi Flash Tool
The most powerful and versatile method is to use the Mi Flash Tool on your computer, which allows you to install the system "clean", which eliminates errors accumulated during the use of old software. ROM) and drivers ADB/Fastboot.
Unpack the firmware archive in the root of the C disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic and spaces. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume down button when connecting. USB-In the Device Manager, the device must be identified as Android Bootloader Interface.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the firmware folder, and click the Refresh button. At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode. For a clean installation without saving data, select clean all.
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgHowever, the Mi Flash Tool is preferred for beginners, as the program will execute the sequence of commands by itself. Just click Flash and wait for the green success indicator.
Comparison of Update Methods and Their Features
The choice of method depends on your skills and current situation. Automatic update is suitable for most users for scheduled updates. Local installation via Recovery is convenient in the absence of stable Wi-Fi or the need to install a specific version. Fastboot is necessary when recovering from crashes or changing the region.
Below is a table that helps to determine the method:
| Parameter | OTA (Automatically) | Recovery (ZIP) | Fastboot (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Data retention | Yes. | Depends on the version. | Only with the clean all option (no) |
| Change of region | Impossible. | Requires unlocking. | Requires unlocking. |
| Recovery after failure | No. | Partially. | Yes (full) |
What is an A/B partition?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
There may be errors in the update process, and a common problem is "Can't verify update" when installed via Recovery, which means that the file signature doesn't match the current bootloader or region, so you can either use the official firmware for your model or unlock the bootloader.
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the upgrade, try resetting through Recovery. Press the power and volume button up until the menu appears. Select Wipe Data. This will delete all data, but can save the system.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the partition writing process, even if it seems to be 99% getting stuck, interrupting power or disconnecting the cable at this point is likely to lead to a "brick" of the device requiring a programmer to restore the device.
Another common mistake is “Not enough space.” Make sure you have at least 5-7 GB free before installing. Also clear the cache of applications that may be taking up space in the system partition.
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If the upgrade is successful but the phone is slow, reset your settings (Wipe Data) through Recovery – this will remove the software debris left over from the old version of the system.