How to Update Android on Xiaomi Phone: All Ways + Error Solving

Updating the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can both improve the performance of the device and lead to serious problems if the wrong approach. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones run on a proprietary shell. MIUI, In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update Android to Xiaomi in 2026 – from the standard version of the update. OTA-Update to manual firmware via Fastboot and Recovery.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process depends on the device model, current MIUI version, and even the firmware region. For example, an update to the Xiaomi 13 Pro with global firmware will be different from the process on the Redmi Note 10 with the Chinese version. We’ll look at universal methods, and also point out key points that users often miss.

If you’ve never updated your firmware yourself, start with an automatic method through settings. For experienced users, we’ve prepared detailed manual update instructions, including working with ADB and Fastboot. Also in the article, you’ll find a method compatibility table with popular Xiaomi models and a breakdown of typical bugs.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start an update, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, a device blink, or a failed update, starting with checking the current firmware version.

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. Here you will see the current shell version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5) and Android version (e.g. Android 13). Write down this data – you will need it to select the correct firmware file. Also look at the firmware region (Global, China, EEA, Russia, etc.), as firmware for different regions is incompatible with each other.

The next step is to back up your data. Even if the update is successful, some settings may reset. Use Xiaomi's built-in backup tool (Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (write down or use Google Password Manager)
• 🎮 Save in games (synchronize with your account)

Also check the battery power, which should be at least 50%, if the upgrade is interrupted due to discharge, this can lead to serious consequences, connect the device to charge during the process.

⚠️ Note: If your device was unlocked via Mi Unlock (unlocked in Fastboot), some official updates may block the bootloader again.

Method 2: Automatic Update through Settings (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills, but there are limitations to this method: you will only receive the updates that Xiaomi has officially released for your model and region.

Instructions:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Press the Check Updates button, and the system will find the available packages.
4. If an update is found, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
5. After downloading, click Install and confirm the reboot.

The installation process will take 5 to 15 minutes. The device will reboot several times, which is normal. SIM-card or memory card during the update.

If the system says “No Updates” but you know that your model has a new version, try the following:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and check for updates again.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes ISP locks interfere with downloading).
• 📅 Check if your model has expired (e.g. Redmi 5 no longer receives official updates).

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If the update takes too long to load, try downloading it via a VPN.Some regions get delayed updates.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can use Recovery mode, which is suitable for installing official firmware in.zip format and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

First, download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website:

1. Go to the MIUI download page.
2. Select your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+5G).
3. Select the firmware region (should match the current one!).
4. Download a file marked Recovery ROM (usually weighing 2-3 GB).

Next, follow the following steps:

1. Rename the downloaded file to update.zip (exact name is important!).
2. Move the file to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folder).
3. Turn off your phone and press the button combination to log in to Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 12T): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Install update.zip

Reboot

If the "Couldn't verify update" error appears in the process, it means that the file is corrupted or not intended for your model. Download the firmware again and check the MD5 checksum (it must match the one listed on the Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Note: Some Recovery firmware includes an Anti-Rollback if you try an older version. MIUI, Check the list of models with Anti-Rollback before updating.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to completely flash the device and requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔧 You want to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).
• 🐌 The device is severely slowing down, and you need a clean update.
• 🚫 Automatic update and recovery are not working.

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.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (the file will weigh 3-5 GB).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode.
5. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
7. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing region); Clean all and lock – cleaning + locking the bootloader; Save user data – saving data (not always stable).

Flash

Once the firmware is installed, the device will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to launch, which is normal. If the process has been stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 30 minutes, try flashing the device again.

5. Method 4: Update via ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

ADB Sideload allows you to install firmware through Recovery, but without the need to place the update.zip file in the phone's memory. This is convenient if the internal storage is damaged or insufficient space.

This method requires:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔗 Cable USB telephone-connection.
• 📄 Firmware in.zip format for Recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
2. Place the firmware file in the ADB folder (e.g., C:\platform-tools) and rename it to update.zip.
3. Start your phone in Recovery mode (as in Method 2).
4. From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MiAssistant (or ADB Sideload on newer versions).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (on behalf of the administrator) do: adb devices should display your device.
6. Enter the installation command: adb sideload update.zip
7. Wait for the process to be completed (Recovery will show progress).

If the process is interrupted with the error "adb: failed to read command", try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 📥 Download the firmware again (maybe the file is damaged).

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ADB Sideload is the only official way to install firmware if the phone’s internal memory is broken or damaged.

6. table compatibility of upgrade methods for popular models

Not all upgrade methods are suitable for all Xiaomi devices, and the following is the compatibility table for popular models (current for 2026):

If your model is not in the table, check the information on the forums XiaomiUI or XDA Developers. Be especially careful with models with Anti-Rollback - an incorrect update can lead to a "brick".

7.Typical update errors and their solution

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Error 1: "Couldn't verify update" in Recovery

Reasons:

• 📄 The firmware file is damaged or not intended for your model.
• 🔄 Mismatching the firmware region (for example, trying to install Global on a device with China).
• 🔐 The device is locked by the operator (e.g., models for T-Mobile or Vodafone).

Decision:

• Download the firmware again and check the MD5.
• Make sure the firmware region matches the current one.
• For locked devices, use official firmware from the operator.

Error 2: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Reasons:

• 🧹 Incomplete data cleaning before firmware.
• 🔧 Incompatible firmware version (e.g., trying to install Android 14 on a device that doesn’t officially support this version).
• 🔋 Insufficient battery charge (less than 30%).

Decision:

• Press Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
• If it doesn’t work, run the device again through the Fastboot with a clean all.
• Check the compatibility of the firmware in the forums.

Error 3: "Mi Flash Tool can't see the device"

Reasons:

• 🖥️ There are no Xiaomi drivers on PC.
• 🔌 Faulty. USB-cable.
• 🛡️ Antivirus is blocking the Mi Flash Tool.

Decision:

• Install the drivers manually (download from the official website).
• Try a different cable and port (preferably USB 2.0).
• Turn off the antivirus during the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If the device fails to turn on and respond to buttons after a failed update via Fastboot, do not try to flash it again without diagnosis. EFS) Renovation is required at the service center.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)