How to Update Xiaomi’s Firmware Through Computer: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones require regular software updates to ensure stable operation, improve security and get new features. Although most users are used to updating "over the air" through the settings menu, this method does not always work correctly. OTA-update freezes, gives a boot error or simply does not come to the device, although other models are already available.

In such cases, the only reliable solution is to manually install firmware through a computer, a method that not only restores the system after a failure, but also changes the firmware region, for example, from the Chinese version to the global one. It is important to understand that the process requires care, since wrong actions can lead to data loss or the need for complex recovery.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, choosing the right files and two main ways to flash: through Recovery mode and through Fastboot mode. You will learn what drivers are needed, how to avoid common errors and what to do if the phone stops turning on.

Preparation for the procedure: tools and drivers

Before you start active actions, you need to make sure that there is a good hardware and software. Your computer or laptop should be running Windows (preferably version 10 or 11), as drivers for Xiaomi work best in this environment. Using virtual machines or older versions of Windows can cause problems with device definition.

A critically important element is USB-Use only the original cable or quality analogue with data support, not just charging. Cheap cables often cause a connection to break at the most critical moment, which can turn a smartphone into a brick. USB on the computer motherboard is serviceable; it is better to use the ports behind the system unit.

For a successful PC-smartphone communication, you need to install specialized drivers. Without them, your computer simply won’t see your phone in boot mode. Usually you need a Xiaomi USB Drivers package and, in some cases, Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, depending on your device’s processor.

• 📱 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, to avoid sudden shutdown.
• 💾 Make a full backup of all important data as it will be deleted.
• 💻 Install the latest driver versions ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
• 🔌 Check integrity USB-port and cable for physical damage.

⚠️ Note: The firmware process through the computer irreversibly deletes all user data. If you have not made a backup of contacts, photos and messages, it will be impossible to return them after the procedure even with the help of specialized software.

Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot

There are two main firmware formats for Xiaomi devices, and the choice between them depends on your goals and the current state of the phone.Recovery files have a.zip extension and are designed to update the system without completely cleaning up the data (although a clean installation is recommended). They are suitable if the phone turns on and you just want to upgrade the Android version or MIUI/HyperOS.

Fastboot files have the.tgz extension and represent a complete system image. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is used to deep restore the system, change the region (for example, from CN to Global), or roll back to an older version of Android.

Upload firmware should only be from trusted sources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative aggregator resources like XiaomiFirmwareUpdater. Using modified or stripped-down builds from unknown forums carries the risk of malicious code or unstable operation of communication modules.

Global versions are marked with MIUI Global or HyperOS Global and have a region code at the end (e.g. RU for Russia, EU for Europe). Chinese versions (CN) may not support some LTE frequencies used in other countries and may not have Google services pre-installed.

Method 1: Update with Recovery Mode (without unlocking)

This is the safest and most accessible method for most users, because it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader. OTA-The update doesn’t work, but the system itself is functioning normally. You’ll need a firmware file in.zip format that matches your current version (you can’t switch from Android 13 to Android 14 right away unless it’s officially provided by the official way).

Copy the downloaded firmware file to the root of your smartphone’s internal memory. Don’t put it in folders, use the root directory so the system can easily find it. After that, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI/HyperOS version several times to activate the additional menu.

In the menu that appears, select the three-dot button and click Select the firmware file. The system will check the integrity of the archive and, if correct, prompt you to start updating. The phone will reboot and start installing, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.

If the automatic search didn’t work, you can use Recovery mode manually. Turn off your phone and press the Volume Up + Power button combination. In the menu that appears, select the language (usually available in English and Chinese) and click Install (or Wipe Data for clean installation if the file is on an external card or connected PC via MTP, although internal memory in this mode may not see in all versions of Recovery).

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (requires unlocking)

The Fastboot method provides full control over the device’s memory partitions. To use it, your smartphone bootloader must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility. Remember that after an unlock request, you often have to wait 7 to 168 hours before Xiaomi’s server gives permission.

First, download the archiver. 7-Zip Or WinRAR and unpack the downloaded.tgz file. Inside, you'll find the system's media folder and launch scripts. ADB and Fastboot Tools: Unpack the firmware archive so that the path to the folder does not contain Cyrillic or spaces, for example: C:\Xiaomi\rom\.

Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by clamping the Volume buttons down + Power. You'll see a picture of a hare fixing an android on the screen, plug the phone into your computer, and open the command line or PowerShell in the folder with the unpacked firmware. flash_all.bat (Windows).

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

However, manually running commands is rarely required, as scripting is a must. flash_all.bat It does this automatically. It takes a few minutes, during which time the progress bar will be displayed on the phone screen.

⚠️ Note: When running through Fastboot using script flash_all All data on the device will be permanently deleted. flash_all_lock It will also re-block the bootloader, which can lead to problems if you try to flash the firmware from another region.

Table of comparison of firmware methods

To make it easier for you to decide on the method, we have prepared a comparative table of the main characteristics of both methods, which will help you to weigh the risks and benefits depending on your particular situation.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

There can be a variety of bugs in the firmware process, from simple to critical. One of the most common problems is the Can't verify update error when installed via Recovery. This means you're trying to install an older firmware version or a version for another region on top of the current one. The solution is to use the Fastboot method with a full cleanup or find an intermediate version.

When using Fastboot, there is often a Waiting for device error that hangs indefinitely.This indicates the lack of communication between the PC and the phone. Check Windows Device Manager: if there is a device with a yellow exclamation mark (often labeled as Android or Android). QHSUSB_BULK), So the drivers are not up. Install them manually, pointing the way to the driver folder.

Another problem is that you can hang on the Mi or Poco logo after you have firmware. If the phone is hanging for more than 10 minutes, try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data). If that doesn't help, the system partition may have been damaged, and you'll have to repeat the firmware procedure through Fastboot, making sure the image file is intact.

• 🔄 Error 7 in Recovery is solved by renaming the firmware file or cleaning the cache.
• 🔌 Fastboot connection error is often treated with a replacement USB-port 2.0 instead of 3.0.
• 💾 Lack of disk space C can interrupt the unpacking of the firmware archive.
• 🔋 Battery discharge during the process will require connecting to the charger and repeating the procedure.

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Use it. USB-a self-powered hub if the ports on the computer are old or unstable, this will provide enough voltage for stable data transfer during a long-term operation of writing to flash memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The safest way for the average user is to update via Recovery (zip) with data storage. Use the Fastboot method only if you are confident in your actions and understand the risks of losing warranty and data.