Xiaomi’s mobile devices are famous for their functionality, but over time, the operating system requires upgrading to work properly and eliminate vulnerabilities. Updating the Xiaomi Redmi firmware is not just a way to get new emojis or widgets, but a necessary measure to maintain the security and performance of the gadget. Many users postpone this process for fear of losing data or encountering errors, although modern methods of installing software are as automated as possible.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to install a new version of MIUI or HyperOS, examine the differences between regional versions and answer questions about the safety of user files. You will learn how the global build differs from the Chinese one, how to properly prepare your smartphone for the procedure and what to do if the installation is interrupted in the middle.
Preparation of the device for installation of a new version of the software
Before any manipulation of the system software, a number of preparatory steps must be taken, and ignoring these steps can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos, or even software failure of the device. First, check the battery level: it should be at least 60%, and ideally be fully charged.
Make sure to back up all your important data, whether it's through your Mi Cloud service, your Google account, or just copying files to your computer, and even if the update process is going well, having a backup is your insurance against unforeseen file system failures.
It is also worth freeing up space in internal memory. To properly decompress the firmware archive and temporary files, the system requires free space, the volume of which is approximately the size of the update file itself, delete unnecessary applications, messenger cache, or transfer heavy video files to a memory card or PC.
Automatic update through smartphone settings
The easiest and safest method for most users is to update over the air» (OTA). The system itself checks for new versions and suggests installing them. → About the phone and click on the logo version MIUI.
If the new version is available, a Download and Update button will appear, and the process will run in the background, after which the device will ask to restart to install the changes, which ensures that you get the version that is approved for your region and model.
Why doesn’t the update come through the air?
Often delays are associated with the phased distribution of Xiaomi updates. The company releases packages for different users gradually to track possible bugs. Also, the update may not come if the device has modified system files, unlocked the bootloader or changed the region in the settings (for example, China is located and you are in Europe). In such cases, the manual installation method helps. In some cases, the system can report that there are no updates, although on other devices of the same model they are already available. This is a normal situation associated with server distribution logic. Don’t panic and immediately look for third-party files – it is better to wait a couple of days or use the manual method of installing even if the manually installing the Moy manual method does not work. You will need to download the current firmware file with the.zip extension (Recovery). ROM) It is important to select the version that corresponds to your region (Global, Russia, Europe). After downloading the file, move it to the root of the internal memory of the device. → About the phone and several times click on the version MIUI, To activate the hidden menu, there will be three dots in the upper right corner, and you'll click on them to select "Select firmware file». ⚠️ Warning: Make sure you download the Recovery version (zip) and not the Fastboot (tgz). Installing the wrong format through the phone menu is impossible and will cause an error. The system will check the integrity of the file and prompt you to start updating. Do not interrupt the process and do not press buttons until the desktop appears. 📊 What kind of update do you prefer?Automatically over Wi-Fi (OTA)Manually via Recovery (zip)Through the computer and Fastboot Do not update, waiting for the wizard Use of Fastboot mode and Mi Flash Tool For advanced users and in cases of serious system failures, Fastboot mode is intended. This method requires a connection to a computer and the use of the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you to completely clean the device and install a clean system, which often solves problems with cyclic reboots. ROM (extension.tgz, unpack it on your computer and install drivers ADB/Fastboot. The phone is transferred to the fast loading mode by pressing the volume reduction button when connected USB-In Mi Flash, select the path to the firmware folder and click Flash». Pay attention to the choice of firmware mode at the bottom of the window: 🟢 Clean all – complete data cleanup (recommended when switching between Android versions or changing region). 🔵 Save user data – data retention (only possible when you upgrade to a newer version of the same branch). 🔴 Clean all and lock – clean and lock the bootloader completely (use only if you are sure of the compatibility of the region, otherwise you will get a “brick”). The process can take from 5 to 15 minutes. The first switch on after such a procedure will be long, since the system conducts the initial configuration of the components. 💡Fastboot mode gives you full control of the system, but requires high care. Mistake in choosing a firmware region when blocking the bootloader can make the device unusable without a service center. To avoid confusion in file types and installation methods, use the following table.It will help you quickly navigate which file you need in your situation.Firmware Extension File Method Installation Data Recovery ROM.zip Through the phone menu / Recovery Yes (usually) Fastboot ROM.tgz Through PC and Mi Flash Tool Depends on the choice of OTA Update Automatically Through Setting (Wi-Fi) Yes Recovery (Clean) Data Recovery (Zip).zip through the phone menu / Recovery from the Recovery (Imake) to make a complete checkout of the region, for example, the error via the Recovery checkout mode (Imake) During the update process, users often encounter a message “failed to update” or “file damaged”, most often due to lack of free space or violation of the integrity of the downloaded file. Try downloading the archive again, preferably from another source or via another Internet connection. If your phone has gone into a bootloop after a failed attempt, try re-opening Recovery mode by pressing the power and volume button. Select Wipe Data from the menu. → Wipe All Data: This will delete all files, but it can bring the device back to life. ⚠️ Note: If your fingerprint or camera stopped working after the update, you may have installed firmware from another model, in which case only flashing through Fastboot with the correct version will help. Transition from Android 13 on 14 You may need to clean your data even if you are updating through a standard menu. Always read the changelog before installing it. What to do if the phone does not turn on after firmware?If the screen is black and there is no reaction to the buttons, try connecting the device to the charger on the device. 30-60 Then press the power button on 15-20 If you have a Mi logo, but you don't download any further, you need to log in to reset the Recovery, and if the reaction is zero, maybe the bootloader is damaged, you need to flash it through the reset. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Mi Account) Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Will my photos and contacts disappear after the update (OTA) or through the file selection menu in Recovery, data is saved. However, when using the Fastboot method with the “Clean all” option or when switching between different versions of Android (for example, with the help of the Fastboot method). 12 on 13) You can delete the data. Always back up! Can you upgrade the Chinese version of Redmi to global? Officially not if the bootloader is locked. The system will not install the firmware in another region. Changing the region requires unlocking the bootloader (which takes from the user to the user). 7 days) and using the Fastboot method with complete data cleaning. How long does it take to install the firmware? 5 before 15 minutes depending on the amount of updates and the memory speed of the device, however, the first download after the update can last up to 10 It's okay, it optimizes applications. Do I have to delete the firmware file after installation? Yes, the installation file (usually weighing in) 3-5 GB is no longer needed after a successful update. It can be safely removed through the file manager to free up space.