How to Update Firmware on Xiaomi Devices: A Complete 2026 Guide

Why Xiaomi firmware updates aren’t just “push and forget”

Xiaomi’s device firmware is not just a technical formality, but a key process that affects the performance, security and functionality of your gadget. In 2026, the company is actively releasing updates for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV), Mi Router and smart devices (Mi Home), however, an incorrect update can lead to a device "brick", data loss or unstable operation.

In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative ways of updating, including: OTA, Recovery and Fastboot, and how to avoid common bugs, and we'll focus on bootloader devices where wrong actions can permanently bring your device down. If you've never upgraded your firmware yourself, this guide is for you.

Important: the procedure is different for smartphones, TVs and routers, and we'll look at each case separately, with the latest versions. MIUI 15 (for smartphones) and PatchWall (for smartphones) TV).

1.Preparing the device for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start upgrading, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for failed firmware.

• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 50% for smartphones, network for TVs. Breaking due to discharge can kill the bootloader.
• 📶 Stable connection: Wi-Fi (5 GHz is preferred, or mobile Internet with good signal (1-3 GB) use an Ethernet cable (for TV/routers).
• 📁 Backup: Save data to Mi Cloud or locally.The update can reset settings, especially when you upgrade to a new version of Android (e.g. 12 to 13).
• 🔍 Model Check: Clarify the exact model in Settings → About the phone (or Settings) → System system → On the device for TV). The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ not fit for POCO X5 Pro!
• 🛠️ Free space: The internal drive should have at least 5GB. For TVs, check the Storage section in the settings.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader, check the version. MIUI Some firmware requires a rollback to the previous version before upgrading.

Check the battery charge (50%+)

Connect to a stable network Wi-Fi/ETH

Backup important data

Clarify the device model

Free up 5+ GB of memory

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⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone is purchased in China (market version) CN), Updating through a global server can block your device. Use only official firmware for your region!

2. Ways to update the firmware Xiaomi: which one to choose?

There are 4 main methods of updating firmware on Xiaomi devices, the choice depends on the model, the current version of the software and your technical skills.

For most users, it is optimal. OTA Fastboot is recommended only for advanced users, as it requires working with the command line and risks erasing all data.

OTA (automatically)

Recovery (manually via menu)

Fastboot (via computer)

Never update yourself.-->

3. Step-by-step instruction: update through OTA (safest way)

Over-the-Air is a standard method that works for 90% of users. Here's how to do it right:

1. Open the Settings. → About the phone (for smartphones) or Settings → System system → Software update (for televisions).
2. Click Update Check. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. Wait for the file to load. On smartphones, you can track the process in the notification curtain.
4. After downloading, click Install. The device will restart and start the update (it will take). 5-15 minute).

For Mi TVs, TV/Redmi TV After pressing the screen can be updated to 2-3 Minutes are normal. Don't turn off the power!

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If the update OTA does not come, try to clear the app's cache Update in the settings or wait 2-3 Sometimes Xiaomi servers are loaded.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro after update via OTA You may not be able to unlock the bootloader. If you use custom firmware, upgrade via Fastboot.

4. Update via Recovery: when OTA doesn't work

If automatic updates are not available or if they show an error, you can manually install the firmware through the Recovery menu, a method that is suitable for smartphones and TVs.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

The official firmware for Xiaomi can be downloaded:

• 🌍 On the official Xiaomi website (select model and region).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial but reliable source).
• 📥 For TVs, on the Mi Support Page TV.

The file name should match your model. For example, for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (The code name veux will be called this: veux_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TKCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_13.0_global_....

Step 2: Transfer the file to the device

For smartphones:

1. Download the file (usually with the.zip extension) to the root folder of internal memory.
2. Rename him in update.zip (necessarily!).

For TVs:

1. Download the file to the flash drive (FAT32).
2. Put her on the hook. USB-port TV.
3. The file name must be update.zip or mi_box_update.zip (console).

Step 3: Installation through Recovery

For smartphones:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power buttons for selection).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

For TVs:

1. Go to Settings → System → Software Update.
2. Select Update through USB.
3. Specify the file update.zip flash-drive.

5. Update via Fastboot: for power users

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔄 You need to revert to the previous version of the firmware.
• 🔓 The device has an unlocked loader.
• 🚨 There was a failure in OTA/Recovery.

This will require a computer with the Mi Flash Tool driver installed and ADB/Fastboot.

Step 1: Install the necessary tools

Download and install:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Qualcomm or MediaTek Drivers (depending on your device’s processor).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (download from the official website).

Step 2: Connect the device in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold the Loud down. + Food before the appearance of the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
3. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.

Step 3: Sweat your device through the Mi Flash Tool

1. Run the Mi Flash Tool on PC.
2. Press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
3. At the bottom, select Clean All mode (total clean) or Save user data (to save data).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

For advanced users: if the Mi Flash Tool is an error, you can manually flash through the command line (the above commands).

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Redmi 12, POCO X6 Trying to flash through Fastboot without unlocking will lead to an anti-rollback error and possible loss. IMEI!

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Fastboot is the only way to restore your device after a failed update via Recovery or “brick” due to interrupted firmware.

6. Update firmware on TVs and routers Xiaomi

Upgrade process for Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and routers (Mi Router, AX3600) It's different from smartphones.

Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV / Redmi TV)

Refreshment methods:

• 🌐 OTA: Settings → System system → Update of the PO → Verification of updates.
• 📁 Through USB: Download the firmware for your model (for example, MiTV_MS095_... for Mi TV 4S 55"). Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip flash-drive (FAT32). Connect the flash drive to TV, Then go to Settings. → System system → Update through USB.

If the TV doesn’t turn on after the update (the red indicator flashes), try:

1. Shut down the power for 1 minute.
2. Press the Source button on the remote + power button on the TV for 10 seconds.

Xiaomi routers (Mi Router / AX)

Router update:

1. Connect to the web interface at 192.168.31.1 (username and password is usually admin).
2. Go to System Tools → Update the firmware.
3. Select the Online Update or download the file manually (you can download it on the official website).

If the router does not distribute the Internet after the update:

• 🔌 Reboot it with the Reset button (hold on for 5 seconds).
• 📡 Check the provider settings (PPPoE, DHCP) Internet section.

7.Typical Update Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions.

If your device has been stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update:

1. For smartphones: try to go to Recovery (Loudness up) + Powering and selecting Wipe data (reset).
2. For TVs: Turn off power for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.
3. If nothing helps, contact the service center (for devices under warranty).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)