How to update Android on Xiaomi smartphone: official and alternative methods

Updating the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can both solve performance problems and add new features. However, not all users are aware that in addition to the standard air-to-air update (OTA), there are alternative methods, including manual firmware via Fastboot or custom TWRP restoration. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update Android on Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and other brands, and also describe how to avoid errors such as Error 7 or hanging on the Mi logo.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process depends on several factors: device model, current MIUI, bootloader status, and even firmware region. For example, smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM) are updated differently than global versions (Global ROM). If you’ve never encountered firmware, we recommend starting with official methods — they are safer and do not require unlocking the bootloader. For experienced users, we have prepared a section with advanced methods, including switching to custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level – at least 50% (with manual firmware better than 100%).
• 📶 A stable Internet connection (for the OTA-Updates) or downloaded firmware file (for manual methods).
• 📱 Backup data – the update can reset settings or delete files.

1. Verification of the current version of MIUI and available updates

Before you upgrade, you need to know the current version of MIUI and check if there are new updates, which will help you avoid installing outdated firmware or re-updating.

To get a version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version, for example, MIUI 14.0.5 Global based on Android 13.
3. Remember or write down these data – they will be useful when choosing a firmware.

To check for available updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is found, the system will prompt you to download and install it. If not, a message will appear.

Note: On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3), updates may be delayed due to a phased release. If you don’t see an update but know it’s already out for your model, try the methods in the next section.

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If your device is locked in a region (for example, Chinese firmware on a global smartphone), OTA updates may not come, in which case you will have to use manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.

2. Air Update (OTA): The easiest way

OTA-update (Over-The-Air) is a standard method that does not require a connection to a computer or special knowledge. The system downloads and installs the update, you just need to confirm the action.

How to update through OTA:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. If the update is available, click Download (file size is usually 1.5 to 3GB).
4. After downloading, select Install Now or Install Later.
5. Wait for the reboot - the device will install the update and turn on.

Advantages of OTA:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates come with a delay (sometimes up to several months).
• ❌ You cannot select the firmware version (for example, roll back to the previous one).
• ❌ On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) OTA It may not work due to regional restrictions.

3. Manual Update Installation via Recovery

If OTA-Update is not available or you want to install a specific version MIUI, You can use manual firmware through Recovery. This method doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it's only suitable for official firmware.

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 Computer (for downloading firmware) or direct download to the phone.
• 🔗 Official firmware in.zip format for your model (you can download it on the website) MIUI Downloads).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, redmi_note11_global_images_V14.0.5.0.TGCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_13.0_global.zip).
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
5. Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (the device will reboot several times).

If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after installation, try:

1. Press the power button + volume up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot.
2. If it does not help, repeat the firmware through Fastboot (the method is described below).

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Manual firmware via Recovery is only suitable for official updates. Custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience) requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP.

4. Firmware through Fastboot: for power users

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔄 We need to revert to the previous version. MIUI.
• 🔧 The device is “bricked” (not turned on or hung on the logo).
• 🌍 Requires to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you install an informal firmware).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the power button + volume down.
3. Connect the device to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete clean (removes all data); Clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (for official firmware); Save user data – data storage (does not always work stably).

Flash

Critical information: If you select Clean all and lock on a device with the bootloader unlocked, it will lock again, and for further manipulation of the firmware you will have to re-unblock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. Install the driver manually through Device Manager.

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).-->

5. Update via TWRP: for custom firmware

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to install informal firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or modified versions of MIUI. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is only suitable for advanced users.

What to do before installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Install TWRP for your model (you can download it on twrp.me).
3. Download custom firmware in.zip format (for example, from the XDA Developers forum).

Installation process:

1. Turn the device into Fastboot mode (power + volume down).
2. Connect to your computer and install TWRP via the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data (if you need a clean installation) Cache

Install

After installation, restart (the first start can take up to 10 minutes).

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware may result in loss of warranty, unstable camera or mobile network.Some firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) does not support proprietary Xiaomi features, such as IR Blaster or Game Turbo.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50) installation TWRP Invalid sparse file format at header can cause an error, in which case use the firmware adapted for Dynamic Partition or the Fastboot method.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

If your problem is not listed in the table, check:

• 🔍 The error logs in TWRP Fastboot (can be copied via adb logcat).
• 📡 Xiaomi communities on Mi Community or 4PDA.
• 🛠️ Service center (if the device is under warranty).

7. How to roll back to the previous version of MIUI

Sometimes after the update, users encounter bugs: fast battery drain, overheating, broken functions, in which case a rollback to the previous version of MIUI can help.

• ⚠️ On devices with Anti-Rollback (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10, Redmi) K30 Pro) rollback is impossible - this will lead to "bricking».
• ⚠️ When you roll back, all data is lost (take backup copy!).
• ⚠️ Some functions (such as Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

If your device supports rollback, follow the instructions:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI in Fastboot format (for example, from the firmware archive).
2. Unpack the archive and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all and run the old version.
4. After rebooting, reset settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).

For devices with Anti-Rollback, the only way out is to wait for bug fixes in new updates or switch to custom firmware (if it bypasses the restriction).

8.Alternative methods: ADB Sideload and local packages

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB Sideload or install via a local package.

• 📥 You need to upgrade your device without the Internet.
• 🔄 Recovery doesn't see the firmware file.
• 🛠️ Requires to circumvent restrictions OTA.

Method 1: ADB Sideload

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in a folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn the phone to Recovery mode (power + volume up).
3. Select Apply Update → Apply from ADB.
4. On the computer, execute the command: adb sideload name file.zip
5. Wait until the installation is complete.

Method 2: Local Service Package

Some firmware (e.g., for POCO F1 or Mi A2) supports installation via a local package:

1. Download the firmware and rename it to update.zip.
2. Place the file in the root directory of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on three dots → Select the update file → specify update.zip.

These are the methods that are suitable for official firmware. For custom ROMs, use TWRP or Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android updates on Xiaomi