How to upgrade the desktop on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI and TV-set-top boxes

The desktop on Xiaomi devices is not just a background image, but a holistic shell of MIUI (or HyperOS in new models), which determines the speed, design and available features. Over time, the interface can “slow down”, there are bugs, and new features remain unavailable – all signals that it is time to update. But how to do this correctly, so as not to lose data and turn the gadget into a “brick”?

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to update the desktop on Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and TVs (including Redmi, POCO and Mi TV). From automatic update via Wi-Fi to manual firmware via Fastboot — with explanations for beginners and nuances for experienced users.

1. When should you update the Xiaomi desktop?

Not all interface glitches require an update, sometimes just reboot the device or clear the cache, but there are clear signs that it's time to update MIUI:

• 🔄 Slow-motion animation when opening menus or switching between screens.
• 📱 App icons disappear or duplicate after rebooting.
• 🔒 New features (such as weather widgets or smart search) are not available, although they should be model specifications.
• 🛡️ Security reports: MIUI Warns of an outdated version of the software in the Settings section → The phone.
• 🔌 Problems with connecting to Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners) due to incompatibility of protocols.

It is important to distinguish between a shell update (MIUI/HyperOS) and an update to individual applications, for example, if only Mi Home doesn’t work, just update it through Google Play, and if the entire interface does, it’s time to update the system.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV (Especially models of 2018-2020) after the update, the Xiaomi account may be reset. Check in advance whether you remember the password from it, or untie the device in Settings. → Account.

2. Method 1: Automatic update via Wi-Fi (the most secure)

This is the recommended method for most users, and it finds the actual firmware, downloads it, installs it with minimal error risk, and is suitable for all devices on MIUI 10 and up, including TVs.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the device to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "over the air" via mobile Internet may be interrupted).
2. Open Settings → About the phone (on TV: Settings → About the device).
3. Slip on the item System Update (or Software Update on TV).
4. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
5. Confirm the download and wait until it is completed (can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the internet speed).
6. After downloading, click Install and Reboot.

On smartphones, the installation process will take 5-10 minutes, on TVs - up to 15-20 minutes. Don't be afraid if the screen goes out or the Mi logo appears - this is normal.

Battery charge > 50% for smartphones)|Stable Wi-Fi connection|Released. ≥ 2 GB of memory|Disabled. VPN proxy|Closed all applications in the background-->

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV 4S/4A (2018–2019 (d) after updating to MIUI TV 3.0+ Some streaming services (e.g. Wink or Amediateka) may be missing. Check the compatibility list on the official website before updating.

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions or a Xiaomi server failure), you can manually install the firmware via Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for power users and requires caution.

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi device with unlocked bootloader (for some models).
• 💾 Official firmware in.zip format for your model (you can download it on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (for smartphones) or flash drive (for TVs).

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. After installation, select Reboot → System.

Instructions for Mi TV TVs:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, MiTV_MS095_2.0.12.zip).
2. Copy the file to a flash drive in FAT32 format.
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port and go to Settings → About the device → Update of the PO → Local Update.
4. Select the firmware file and confirm the installation.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on (hung on the Mi logo).
• 🔄 We need to revert to the previous version. MIUI.
• 📦 Complete flashing is required (for example, after a failed root).

For Fastboot firmware you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download on the official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (Fastboot) ROM).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\rom).
2. Turn off the device and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
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. Press Refresh – a device (e.g. COM3) should appear at the bottom.
6. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Fastboot is not possible, only through Recovery or OTA. Trying to use Fastboot on the TV This will cause an error device not found.

1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. run the program on behalf of the administrator.

4. disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).-->

5. What to do if the update is suspended?

Situations where the update process freezes by 0%, 50% or 99% are not uncommon, the reasons can be different from broken firmware files to hardware failures.

If the update is on the smartphone:

1. Wait 30 to 40 minutes, sometimes the process is slow.
2. If the screen does not change, force the device to restart by clamping Power + Volume down for 10-15 seconds.
3. After the reboot, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. If the update doesn't apply, repeat the process.
4. If the phone doesn’t turn on, try recovering through Recovery (see Method 2).

If the update is on the Mi TV:

1. Turn off the TV for 1 minute (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Turn on again – if the update hasn’t continued, try a local USB update (see Method 2).
3. If the TV doesn’t respond to the remote, use the Reset button on the back (hold 10 seconds to reset).

6.How to speed up the desktop after the update?

Even after a successful update, the interface may be slower than before.

• 🗑️ Background processes of the new version MIUI.
• 📱 Unoptimized application cache.
• 🔋 Autoloading unnecessary services.

Optimization methods:

• 🔄 Resetting launcher settings: Press and hold the empty space on the desktop → Home settings → Reset the settings.

On Mi TVs, after updating, resetting Smart settings can help:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Security → Resetting.
2. Select Reset Smart TV Settings (not a full reset!).
3. After restarting, re-configure the smart functions.

💡

If after the MIUI update, Xiaomi TV started to slow down when you start apps, try turning off the "Application Auto Update" function in Settings → Apps → Auto Update. This will reduce the load on the processor.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes.

If your error is not listed in the table, try:

1. Find the code in Google with the device model (e.g. Mi TV 4A error 1001).
2. Contact the Xiaomi Community forum (there is a Russian section).
3. Contact support via Mi Chat (in the Mi Home app).

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions