How to properly update the firmware on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways and nuances

Why it’s important to update your firmware on Xiaomi and when to do it

Xiaomi firmware is not just a set of programs, but the basis of stable operation of your smartphone. Regular updates from the developers of MIUI bring not only new features, but also critical security fixes, performance optimization and support for fresh applications. For example, in versions of MIUI 14/15, improved energy saving algorithms have been introduced, which increase battery life by 15-20% on models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5.

But you don't have to update your firmware on schedule, but on the basis of real needs. If your Xiaomi is stable, doesn't slow down or overheat, you don't have to rush to update.

• 📱 The phone started spontaneously restarting or "laying down"
• 🔒 Security vulnerabilities have been reported (e.g. from Google Play Protect)
• 🔄 New apps require a more recent version of Android (like Android 13)+)
• 🎯 You want exclusive features (like HyperOS for 2026 flagships)

It's not a desirable upgrade, it's a necessary upgrade, but a catch: not all are equally safe, and then we'll look at how to upgrade without the risk of building the device.

Method 1: Automatically update via settings (most secure)

This method is suitable for 90% of users, because it requires no technical skills and minimizes risks, the main condition is a stable connection to Wi-Fi and battery power of at least 50%.

1. Open the Settings menu → The phone.
2. Slip on the item System Update (on some models - Update MIUI).
3. Click Check Updates. The system will find the actual firmware.
4. If the update is available, click Download (file weight is usually 1.5-3 GB).
5. After downloading, select Install Now or Install at Night (recommended for large updates).

It takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the model. The phone will reboot 1-2 times, which is normal. On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or POCO X6 Pro), the first launch after the update can take up to 5 minutes due to system optimization.

Battery charge ≥50% | Wi-Fi connection (not mobile internet) |Free ≥4 GB of storage |Close all applications |Disable VPN (can block Xiaomi servers)

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⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer 10 Wait for the process to be completed or wait until the battery runs out (takes up the power button). ~1-2 Interruption may cause damage to system files.

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery (for experienced)

This method will come in handy if the automatic update does not work (for example, due to a failure of Xiaomi servers or a lock in your region), you will need to download the firmware yourself and install it through Recovery mode. This is suitable for most models, except for devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi EU-version with ARB 4+).

First, download the correct firmware:

• 🌍 Official website: MIUI Downloads (select the version for your model and region!).
• 🔗 Alternative sources: Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there are even beta versions).

The firmware file should have a.zip extension and weigh 2-3 GB. Do not download files with the.tgz or.img extension - they are designed to be installed via Fastboot.

Follow the instructions:

1. Copy the downloaded.zip file into the phone's internal memory root folder (not folders!). Rename it to update.zip for convenience.
2. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears (this is Recovery mode).
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then: Install update.zip to System 1 → confirm the choice.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (the progress bar will appear on the screen).
5. After successful installation, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team), manual installation via Recovery can result in a data reset.Always back up via Settings → Additionally. → Backup!

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for advanced users)

This is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method, which allows you to install any firmware version, including custom ones (such as Xiaomi.EU), but requires an unlocked bootloader and work with the command line.

• 🔧 Restore the brick (if the phone is not turned on)
• 🔄 Downgrade on the old version MIUI
• 🌐 Installation of global firmware on the Chinese model

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Launch the Mi Flash Tool (on behalf of the administrator!).
4. In the program, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder. Then press Refresh, the device must be determined.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (remove all data!), Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (for official firmware), Save user data - data storage (not always stable).

Flash

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then you have blocked the bootloader. Unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi (requires an account binding Mi and waiting 72 hours).

How to check the firmware version and compatibility

Before upgrading, make sure the firmware you download fits your model. Xiaomi has a caveat: the same model may have different code names depending on the region. For example, the Redmi Note 11 was released under the names:

• Spes - global version (Redmi Note 11 4G)
• FLEURE (European version) (Redmi Note 11 NFC)
• Evergo (Indian version) (Redmi Note 11T 5G)

To find out the exact code name of your device:

1. Install the Phone INFO app ★Samsung★ (works on Xiaomi as well).
2. Open the Hardware Info → Device tab.
3. Find the Model Name or Codename string (e.g., alioth for POCO F3).

Check out the current version of MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version (e.g. 14.0.5.0.TKHCNXM) and Android version (e.g. 13 TKQ1.221114.001).
3. Check the compatibility table on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.

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Never install firmware from another model, even if the names are similar! For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (veux) will not work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G (peux).

Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

If after the update the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly, follow the following steps:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
2. Reverse to factory settings (if the problem persists): Settings → Additional → Resetting.
3. Check the safe mode (squeeze Power → Safe Mode) if it's okay, it's the third-party app's fault.

⚠️ Warning: If this device is locked or Fastboot mode appears on the screen after the update, do not try to flash the device again! This means that the bootloader is locked and official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is required.

How to Reverse the Old Version of MIUI

Sometimes a new update brings more problems than benefits, such as bugs, brakes, or app incompatibility, and in such cases you can return the old firmware, but there are nuances:

• 🔙 Downgrade is possible only on official firmware (not customized!).
• 🔒 On devices with ARB 4+ (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) Recoil is blocked - you will need to unlock the loader.
• ⚠️ If you roll back to the Android version below the current one (for example, from Android 13 to Android 12), you may need a complete reset.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the archive of Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. If you roll back on an older version of Android, reset to factory settings (Settings → Settings Reset).
3. Install firmware via Recovery or Fastboot (see sections above).
4. After installation, do not restore data from the backup – this can bring back old bugs!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions