How to Update Xiaomi’s Firmware Without Losing Data: 5 Proven Ways

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices is a procedure that can both improve smartphone performance and lead to loss of personal data if something goes wrong. Many users delay upgrading MIUI for fear of losing photos, contacts or app settings. However, there are official and alternative methods to install a new firmware version without resetting to factory settings.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of updating - from the standard to the standard. OTA-Update through the settings menu to manually install via Fastboot or Recovery.We will pay special attention to the nuances that will help avoid typical errors: for example, why on some models (for example, Xiaomi). 12T Pro) when updating through Recovery, you must pre-disable signature verification ZIP-You will also learn how to prepare the device for the procedure to minimize risks, and what to do if after the update there are problems with the system operation.

Why it’s important to update your firmware without losing data

Regular updates to MIUI bring not only new features, but also fixes to critical vulnerabilities. For example, MIUI 14 closed more than 20 security holes that allowed attackers to access personal data through vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth module. However, the standard update through Settings → About Phone → System updates do not always go smoothly:

• 📱 Resetting: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after major update (reset) MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) the system offers to clear the data even if you have chosen "Update without resetting".
• 🗃️ Loss of files: When the update process is interrupted (for example, due to a discharged battery), the partition may be damaged. /data, where user files are stored.
• 🔄 Application conflicts: new versions MIUI Sometimes they block the modified work. APK (Google Camera for Xiaomi, for example, or reset the permissions for system utilities.

According to service centers, about 15 percent of calls after a self-update are related to data loss, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by properly preparing the device before upgrading.

Preparation of the smartphone for the update: checklist

Before you start updating, you need to follow a few mandatory steps, which will take no more than 10 minutes, but will significantly reduce the risk of data loss or “bricking” the device.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Check the battery charge (minimum 60%)|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Free up at least 3 GB of memory|Turn off Root access (if installed)|Delete informal themes and fonts-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in backup tool:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save: Contacts, Messages, Applications, System Settings.
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).

If you use Mi Account, enable cloud storage sync: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync. This will allow you to restore contacts, notes and photos even when you completely reset. For additional reliability, copy important files (photos, videos, documents) to your computer or external drive.

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If you have Magisk or another tool installed to obtain Root rights, be sure to remove it before upgrading, otherwise the device may hang on the MI logo after rebooting.

Method 1: Official OTA-Update (the safest method)

The Over-The-Air method (OTA) is the easiest and most recommended way to update, as it does not require manual intervention and saves all data.

• 📶 The device is connected to the Internet (preferably Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50%.
• 📱 On the smartphone is not installed modified system files.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
3. After download, click Set and confirm the action. The device will restart and update automatically.

If the update doesn’t come, try clearing the System Update cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Update → Clear Cache) and use the MIUI bootloader tool to force updates to be checked.

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OTA-Update is suitable for 90% of users, use it if you do not need to install a specific firmware version or restore a brick-and-mortar device.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery (for power users)

If OTA-Update is not available or you want to install a specific version MIUI, You can use Recovery mode. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader, but does not require Root rights, POCO F3) When updating through Recovery, the partition may be reset /data, unless you follow the instructions.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website (choose the Recovery ROM version).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root directory of internal memory (not to the folder!).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO X3 Pro: Power + Volume down.

Install update.zip to System

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, trying to install firmware through Recovery can lead to E: Signature verification failed.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot is used when you need to restore a device after a crash or install firmware that is not available through OTA/Recovery. This method does not save user data by default, but there is a workaround: before the procedure, you can create a full backup through ADB or TWRP (if installed).

Update via Fastboot will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder on the computer.
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Choose Clean all and lock (if you want to save data) or Clean all (complete cleanup).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will be locked and it will take 7-30 days to re-unblock (depending on Xiaomi policy).

To save data before the Fastboot firmware, you can use the ADB command:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This command will create a complete backup of applications and their data on the computer, and you can restore it after the team has firmware:

adb restore backup.ab

Method 4: Update via TWRP (Save data guaranteed)

If you have custom Recovery TWRP installed on your device, you can update the firmware without losing data, even if the official methods don’t work. This method is suitable for enthusiasts who use informal MIUI builds or custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔄 The ability to create a full system backup (Nandroid backup) before upgrading.
• 📁 Installation of firmware without cleaning the partition /data.
• 🛠️ Support for modified installation ZIP-Files (e.g. Magisk for Root Rights).

Instructions:

1. Download firmware in ZIP format (for example, from the XDA Developers forum or MIUI Poland website).
2. Reboot to TWRP: Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume up.
3. In TWRP, select Backup and create a backup of System, Data, and Boot partitions.
4. Press Install, select downloaded ZIP-file and swipe your finger to confirm.
5. After installation, press Wipe cache/dalvik and restart.

If the device is stuck on the logo after the update, go back to TWRP and:

1. Select Advanced → Fix Contexts (if you have one).
2. Reinstall the firmware by pre-formatting the System (not Data!) partition.

What to do if the data is lost after the update

If, with all the precautions, the data has been lost, don't panic. In most cases, it can be recovered.

Recovery methods:

• 📱 Mi Cloud: If sync was enabled, contacts, notes and photos can be returned via Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Restore.
• 💾 Local backup: check the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup Backup files have the.mbk extension and are restored through Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 🔍 Recovery software: If files have not been overwritten, you can try to recover them using DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. Connect your smartphone to your PC in File Transfer mode (MTP) And scan your internal memory.

To recover deleted messages on WhatsApp or Telegram, check if backup is enabled in the cloud:

• WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup (copies are stored in Google Drive).
• Telegram: Cloud chats are automatically restored when you first log in.

⚠️ Note: If you have used device encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption, data recovery without a password is impossible, and only the backup created before the update will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware update