How to Update Your Xiaomi TV Firmware with the Three Dots Menu: Safe Way 2026

Updating firmware through a hidden three-dot menu is one of the most reliable ways to flash a Xiaomi TV when standard methods don’t work, a method often used to restore the system after crashes, install custom firmware or force upgrades to the latest version of MIUI TV. However, not all users know how to properly log into this menu and avoid the mistakes that can turn the TV into a “brick”.

Unlike automatic updates via the Internet, manual firmware through the “three dots” mode requires preparation: downloading the correct version of the software, using compatible software. USB-In this article, we'll take a look at the step-by-step algorithm, discuss the risks and give you some firmware recommendations for different models, from Mi. TV 4A to Redmi Smart TV X2022.

Spoiler: If your TV is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or doesn’t turn on after a failed update, this method can be a salvation, but there are nuances – for example, some models from 2023-2026 block installation of firmware older than the current version, even through a hidden menu.

What is a Three-Dot Menu and Why You Need It?

The three-point menu (or Engineering Menu) is a hidden service mode in Xiaomi TVs designed for engineers and technicians, which allows you to bypass standard system limitations and perform operations that are not available in the usual interface, for example:

• 🔄 Forced firmware installation (including downgrade to the old version)
• 🔧 Resetting settings to factory without password
• 📡 Testing of hardware components (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ports) HDMI)
• 🛠️ System Recovery After Failure

The main advantage of this method is the ability to update the firmware even if the TV is not turned on or is fixated on boot. However, improper actions in the engineering menu can lead to a loss of warranty or device failure. For example, installing firmware from another model (even if it is visually similar) is almost guaranteed to bring the TV down.

It is important to understand that the three-dot menu is not a universal tool; on some models (such as the Mi TV Q2 2023), the entry to it is blocked by the manufacturer, and on older TVs (until 2019), the menu interface may differ.

Preparation for the update: what to do before the firmware

Before you go to the installation, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, and neglect of preparation is the main cause of errors like Update failed (1010) or Invalid package.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Pay special attention to firmware choices. On Xiaomi or forums like 4PDA, look for files marked:

• 📌 Stable - Stable version (recommended for most users)
• 🧪 Developer - test firmware (may contain bugs)
• 🔙 Rollback - firmware for rollback to the previous version

Do not use files with the.img or.bin extension - they are designed to be firmware through fastboot and are not suitable for installation through the three-dot menu. 1,2 before 1,8 GB and have a name update.zip (spaceless!).

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If you are not sure about the firmware version, check the current Settings menu → About TV → Software version. Compare it with the downloaded file number (for example, V12.0.4.0.QCFCNXM).

Step-by-step: how to enter the menu "three points"

The login algorithm for the engineering menu depends on the TV model, and below is a universal instruction that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices (except the newest ones):

1. Turn off the TV with the remote control (Power button).
2. Press and hold the buttons on the remote: 🔘 Menu (or Home on new remotes) 🔽 Volume Down (Louding down)

Press the Power button on your TV at the same time (not on the remote!) Hold all three buttons for 10-15 seconds until the menu appears.

If the screen is black, try an alternative combination:

Menu + Volume Up + Power (on TV)

On some models (Redmi Smart TV X55) only this option works.

After successfully logging in, you'll see a blue three-point screen (hence the name "three dots"). Use Volume buttons for navigation and OK for selection.

If the menu does not appear, check:

• ⚡ Is the TV connected to the outlet (not to the outlet) USB-port).
• 🔋 Are the batteries in the remote (try replacing them).
• 🕹️ Does your remote fit the TV model (on the new Mi) TV Q2 The old remotes don't work).

Installation of firmware: a step-by-step process

When you are successfully logged into the engineering menu, follow this instruction:

1. Connect the flash drive to the file update.zip ce USB-TV port (it is advisable to use the port) USB 2.0, so 3.0 may not be recognized).
2. In the three-dot menu, select Upgrade by USB (or Install update.zip – the name may vary).
3. You start scanning the drive. If you find a file, you get a confirmation request. Select Yes.
4. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes), the progress bar will be displayed on the screen.
5. Once installed successfully, the TV will automatically restart, and the first turn on can take up to 5 minutes — that's fine.

If the process is interrupted or an error occurs, check:

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If the TV does not turn on after firmware for more than 15 minutes, try re-entering the three-dot menu and select Wipe data.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

1.The TV doesn't see the flash drive

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-Port (some models only have a port at the back).
• 💾 Use a USB flash drive of no more than 32 GB (preferably 8-16 GB).
• 📁 Check what the file is called. update.zip (symbolless).

2. the firmware is interrupted by 25% or 50%

This is a problem when you try to install firmware from another model or version, for example, if you downloaded a file for Mi TV 4A 32 and you have Mi TV 4A 43, the process will end in error.

• 🔍 Check the exact model of the TV (written on the sticker at the back).
• 📥 Download the firmware from the official source (not from torrents!).

3. There is no sound or image after the firmware

This can happen due to a reset or version conflict.

• 🔊 Go to Settings. → Sound and choose the right source (HDMI, TV etc.).
• 📺 Perform reset to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset).

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If apps (such as Netflix or YouTube) are missing after the update, reinstall them via the Mi App Store. Some firmware resets DRM licenses.

Recoil on the old version of firmware: is a downgrade possible?

Many users want to return the old firmware due to bugs in the new version (for example, problems with HDMI-CEC or interface lags).

• ✅ Allowed on most 2018-2022 models.
• ❌ Blocked on 2023 TVs+ The year (because of Xiaomi's security policy).
• ⚠️ Can lead to data loss (channel list, audio settings, etc.).

If a downgrade is possible, follow the same instructions, but download the correct firmware version marked Rollback.

⚠️ Note: On Google models TV (Like Mi. TV Q2) down-stage MIUI TV 3.0 can disrupt Google Play and Chromecast services, and they can only be restored through a full reset.

An alternative way to return the old firmware is to use it. ADB-team, but it requires computer skills and debugging USB. For most users, it is easier to wait for fixes in new updates.

Alternative ways to update the firmware

If the three-point menu isn’t available or doesn’t help, consider other methods:

Update via OTA (over the air)

The easiest way, but only works if the TV is turned on and connected to the Internet:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

2. Firmware through fastboot

Suitable for power users if the TV doesn't turn on at all.

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A — USB-A (PC-connector).
• 📄 Firmware in.img or.tgz format.

Instructions:

1. Connect the TV to your PC in fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).


2. In the command line, do:




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash system system.img




3.Reboot the TV with the command:




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect commands in fastboot can damage the bootloader. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

Update via Mi Home (for smart TVs)

If your TV is connected to the Xiaomi ecosystem, try updating your firmware through the Mi Home app on your smartphone:

1. Open your Mi Home and select your TV.
2. Go to the device settings → Software update.
3. Follow the clues on the screen.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions