Update signatures on Xiaomi devices: a complete guide with error solutions

Signatures on Xiaomi devices are cryptographic keys that ensure the security of the firmware load and system operation, and they are required to be updated when installing custom firmware, unlocking the bootloader or after resetting to factory settings. Without the current signatures, the device can block the download, show an Invalid signature error or stop turning on altogether. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to update signatures on Xiaomi smartphones and TVs, including manual methods through Fastboot and other devices. ADB, Automatic tools from the manufacturer.

The issue of outdated signatures has become especially urgent after Xiaomi’s security policy tightened in 2023.Now even official firmware can require signature verification if the signature version does not match the current one. MIUI. We've analyzed the forums. 4PDA, XDA Developers and official documentation to collect current methods working on 2020-2026 models.Importantly, the procedure is different for devices with locked and unlocked bootloader - more about this in the relevant sections.

What are Xiaomi signatures and why you need to update them

Signatures (or firmware signatures) are unique digital tags that Xiaomi uses to verify the integrity of system files, stored in the misc or keymaster section and compared with firmware data every time a device is booted, and if the signatures don't match, the system blocks the launch by showing errors like:

• 🔴 Signature verification failed (on the Fastboot screen)
• 🔴 This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device (when you try to flash through Recovery)
• 🔴 Anti-rollback check fail (if you try to roll back to the old version) MIUI)

The main reasons why signature updates are required are:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
• ⚙️ Recovery after reset to factory settings (especially on Dynamic Partition models)
• 🔄 Update MIUI via Fastboot with version skip (for example, with MIUI 12 on MIUI 14)

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (Redmi Note series) 10/11, POCO M3/M4) Signature updates can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save a backup copy of the nvram section!

On Xiaomi Mi TVs TV Redmi Smart TV Signatures are checked when updated through USB. If you see a Verification failed error, it means that the firmware file does not match the device's current keys, so either update the signatures or download the firmware with the correct signature for your model.

Preparing the device for signature updates

Before starting the procedure, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can lead to a breeze (complete failure) of the device.

1. Verification of the current version of signatures

To find out the current version of the signatures, connect the device to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot getvar anti

In the answer, look for lines like anti: 3 or anti: 5, which is the recoil protection version. If the command doesn't work, try:

fastboot getvar all

Look for anti, verity or signature options.

2. Download the necessary tools

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader if it is blocked)
• 📁 Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot firmware)
• 🔧 Platform Tools (ADB and Google's Fastboot)
• 📄 Firmware for your model (official or custom with the right signatures)

⚠️ Note: Dynamic Partition devices (all models after 2021) cannot use firmware with old signatures. MIUI 12th MIUI 14 will lead to hard brick!

3. Data backup

Updating the signatures may require resetting the device.

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (via Mi Cloud or Google Account)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Application data (use) ADB backup or Swift Backup)
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (can be exported via Settings) → System system → Backup)

Check the version of the anti-recoil protection (anti)

Download Mi Flash Tool and Platform Tools

Backup of data (photos, contacts, applications)

Charge the device at least 50%

Connect the original USB-cable (do not use hubs)

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Method 1: Update signatures via Fastboot (official method)

This is the most reliable method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO. Suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Download the full Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website. Importantly, choose a version that is not lower than the current one!
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect the device turned off to the PC by clamping Volume down + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all and lock mode (select Clean all if you want to save data).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

Once the reboot is complete, the signatures will be updated to the current version if the process ends with an error. flash_preloader failed, try it:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)
• 🔄 Reinstall Fastboot Drivers via Mi Flash Tool
• 📁 Download the firmware again (possibly the archive is damaged)

Table of compatibility of signature update methods

Method 2: Update signatures through ADB (data-free)

This is a technique that works if you want to update your signatures without completely flashing them. MIUI 12 and later, where the update is supported via Recovery.

Instructions

1. Download the incremental service pack (.zip file) for your model. It can be found on the forums. 4PDA Telegram channels like Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Place the file in the root of the device’s internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Connect the device to the PC and execute the commands: adb reboot recovery adb sideload name file.zip
4. Wait for the installation to be completed (the device will have a progress bar on the screen).
5. After the reboot, check the signature version with the command: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate If the orange answer is updated, but the bootloader is unlocked. If green, it's okay.

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 Does not require unlocking the loader
• 💾 Stores user data
• ⚡ Faster than the firmware through Fastboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Xiaomi 12T) after updating ADB If the device doesn't boot, try flashing the full version. MIUI via Fastboot.

💡

If ADB not seeing the device, try to turn on debugging USB Recovery mode: in the Recovery menu, select "Enable" ADB", Then connect to the PC and repeat the command.

Method 3: Manually Update Signatures Through Misc Partition Editing

This method is only for power users, requires direct access to system partitions and can cause permanent damage to the device, and use it if other methods have not worked.

What's the matter?

• 🖥️ Xiaomi Flashable Firmware Creator (for signature extraction)
• 🔧 Hex Editor (for example, HxD or 010 Editor)
• 📁 Backup of misc section (make the damp command adb pull) /dev/block/by-name/misc misc.bin)

Step-by-step instruction

1. Download the firmware for your model and extract the file from it misc.img (Use the Xiaomi Flashable Firmware Creator)

On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 8 Gen 1/2 (Xiaomi 12/13 editing the misc section may result in loss DRM-Keys (Widevine will not work) L1 for Netflix HD).

💡

Manual signature editing is an extreme method, and 90 percent of the time, you just need to flash the full firmware through Fastboot or upgrade through Fastboot. ADB.

Update signatures on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV / Redmi TV)

On Xiaomi TVs, signatures are checked when updating the firmware through USB. If you see a Signature verification error failed, then the firmware file does not match the current device keys.

Method 1: Through Mi TV Assistant (official)

1. Download Mi. TV Assistant for Windows.
2. Connect the TV to the PC via USB (port USB 3.0 on TV).
3. Start the program, select your model and click Update.
4. If there is an error, download the firmware manually from the Mi site. TV And put it on the program.

Method 2: Recovery (if you have a TV left out)

If the TV is stuck on the logo or shows a download error:

1. Download the firmware for your model (.zip file).
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. update.zip.
3. Copy it onto a flash drive (format) FAT32), insert TV.
4. Hold the volume. + Power on the remote (or the Source button) + Power on the case) to enter the Recovery.
5. Select Apply update from USB and select update.zip.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs TV A2 Redmi Smart TV X (2023) may fail to protect the eMMC Lock if the update fails.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. Signature verification failed in Fastboot

Reason: The firmware does not match the current version of the anti-rollback protection (anti).

Decision:

• 🔄 Download a newer firmware (check the anti version in the file) flash_all_lock.bat)
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked)
• 📁 Try to flash only the misc section with the command:

fastboot flash misc misc.img

2. The device does not turn on after the update (brick)

Reasons:

• Incompatible firmware version (e.g. attempt to put Global ROM Chinese-style)
• Interrupted firmware process
• The damaged file misc.img

Decisions:

• 🔌 Try to log into Fastboot (click Volume Down) + 10 seconds power)
• 🔄 Flush the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t help, use it. EDL Regime (Authorized Account Required)

3. Anti-rollback check fail error

Reason: Attempting to roll back on an older version MIUI, than the one now installed.

Decision:

• 📈 Sweep through a newer firmware (check the anti version)
• 🔧 If you need the old version, edit the file. flash_all_lock.bat, by removing the line with the anti check

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions