How to update firmware on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Smart TV

Why Xiaomi firmware updates aren’t just “push and forget”

Firmware on Xiaomi devices is not just a set of numbers in the settings, but the whole heart of the gadget responsible for performance, security and new features. Many users mistakenly believe that updating software is reduced to a couple of clicks on the menu, but in practice this process requires preparation, especially if it is a manual firmware through Fastboot or Mi Recovery. Wrong actions can turn your Redmi Note 12 or Mi TV Q2 into a “brick” – a device that refuses to turn on.

In 2026, Xiaomi is actively releasing updates for devices ranging from Mi 11 (2021) to fresh models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra. However, even current firmware sometimes contains bugs, and older devices (such as Redmi 5 or Mi A2) can lose support. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to upgrade from automatic OTA to manual through ADB, and also tell you how to avoid errors such as Error: couldn’t verify device or endless boot on the Mi logo.

Before you go to the instructions, answer one question:

How to update the firmware Xiaomi: which one to choose?

Xiaomi devices support three main methods of updating firmware, each of which is suitable for different situations. The choice of method depends on the model of the gadget, its current state and your experience.

• 📲 OTA (Over-The-Air is an automatic air update, the easiest and safest method, but requires a stable Internet connection and sufficient battery life.
• 🔧 Mi Recovery - Update through stock recovery. Used if OTA It doesn't work or you have to roll back on the previous version. It requires you to download the full firmware package (.zip).
• 💻 Fastboot is a firmware through a computer, the most reliable way for "brick" devices or when switching between global/Chinese versions. MIUI. Requires Mi Flash Tool and unlocked bootloader.

For most users, OTA is the best option, but if your device is stuck on the Mi logo or you want to install custom firmware (such as the Pixel Experience), you can not do without Fastboot.

If you’re not sure which method to choose, start with OTA. If the update doesn’t come automatically, try Mi Recovery. Fastboot leave for an emergency – for example, if the device doesn’t turn on or you need to change the firmware region (from China to Global).

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For devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after installing TWRP), updating through OTA can lead to the loss of custom Recovery.

Preparing the device for updating: checklist before firmware

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, the device needs to be prepared, and neglecting this step is the main cause of errors such as E:footer is wrong or Invalid sparse file format at header.

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware file. For OTA, an incremental update (update.zip) is suitable, but for Mi Recovery or Fastboot you need a full package. The file name should correspond to the model and region.

• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (Global): veux_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TKCMIXM_..
• 📺 Mi TV P1 55" (EEA): l55m7-eea_images_V1.0.12.0.TMMEUXM_..

If you are upgrading a Xiaomi or POCO smartphone released before 2020 (like the Mi 9 or Redmi Note 7), check if the device supports Project Treble. If so, you can install Generic System Image (GSI) instead of the standard MIUI. This will require unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock.

Update firmware through OTA: step-by-step instructions

The easiest way to upgrade Xiaomi is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → System → Update MIUI).
2. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. Wait for the download to be completed (the file weighs between 500MB and 3GB depending on the version).
4. After downloading, press Reboot and Update. The device will install the firmware itself and restart.

If the update doesn’t come automatically, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot the device and check again.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes mobile operators block the download of large files).
• 📅 Check if updates are disabled in settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Three points (⋮) → Update settings → Auto-update.
• 🔧 If the device is rooted or installed custom Recovery, OTA If you do, use Mi Recovery or Fastboot.

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), confirmation via Mi Account may be required before installing OTA. If you forget your Xiaomi account password, restore it in advance, otherwise the update will be blocked.

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If so, OTA-update the device began to slow down, try to clear the cache: go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.It won't delete personal data, but it can eliminate lags.

Update via Mi Recovery: When OTAs are not working

If automatic updates are not available or if they give an error (e.g. E: Verification failed), you can install firmware through Mi Recovery, which is suitable for devices with a working system, but requires you to download the full firmware package.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Choose a file marked Recovery (for example, veux_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TKCMIXM_20231212.0000.00_13.0_global_..).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root directory of internal memory or to the memory card (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device. Press the button combination to log in to Recovery: For most smartphones: Volume up + Power. For Mi TV: Volume down + Power (hold 10 seconds).

Install update.zip to System

Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes).

After the reboot, the device will be with a new firmware.

If you update your device with Mi Recovery and get stuck on the Mi logo, reset it through the same Recovery menu: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data, which will delete all user data, but will restore the system to work.

On some devices (such as the Redmi K50 or Xiaomi 12 Pro), the Mi Recovery menu can be blocked if custom Recovery (such as TWRP) was previously installed.

Fastboot Firmware: For Experienced Users

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to upgrade or restore a Xiaomi device, but it requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

• 🔄 Transition between versions MIUI (For example, from China to Global).
• 🛠️ Restore "bricks" (devices that are not included).
• 📦 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or ArrowOS).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📄 The Mi Flash Tool.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for Fastboot).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you are running the unofficial version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Mi USB Driver.
3. Turn off the device and put it in Fastboot: Volume down + Power The screen should appear the image of a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot mode).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI), Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (for security), Save user data - data storage (not always stable).

Flash

After successful firmware, the device will restart automatically.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is producing a couldn't find fastboot error, try running it on behalf of the administrator or install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Mi Flash Interface in the list).

For devices with a locked bootloader (such as the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) it is necessary to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock app before running through Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware with Clean all and lock will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future. TWRP Or Magisk, choose Clean All without locking.

Mistakes in updating Xiaomi firmware and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, most of which are related to firmware incompatibility, damaged archives, or bootloader issues, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If Google services are lost after the update (for example, on China firmware), install them manually through Google Installer (available on APKMirror).

1. Download Google Installer (like Googlefier).
2. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications.
3. Install APK and follow the instructions.

If the device does not turn on after a failed firmware, try entering EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode and flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all option. To log into the EDL on the device turned off, press:

Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition

Hold for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. Then connect the device to the PC, which is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL If you don't have permission, contact the service center - self-attempts can permanently bring the device down.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware update