How to update Android to Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks 2026

Why MIUI Updates Are Important for Your Xiaomi

Each new version of MIUI brings not only fresh design, but also critical security fixes, battery optimization and support for new features. For example, MIUI 14 added adaptive notifications, and HyperOS (which replaces MIUI) - deep integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, including smartwatches and speakers.

But there's a caveat: not all updates are equally useful. Sometimes new firmware can slow down older models (Redmi Note 8 after upgrading to Android 12 began to warm up), and sometimes add hidden features that Xiaomi does not officially report (for example, the Ultra-Savings mode in POCO F5, activated through the engineering menu).

Official ways of updating: from simple to complex

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for 90% of users and do not require technical skills.

1. Automatic Air Update (OTA) Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI. The system will find the packages available. Advantage: minimal risk, all data is saved. Disadvantage: updates come with a delay (sometimes up to 2-3 months after release).
2. Manual installation via Recovery Download official ZIP-Firmware file from Xiaomi Firmware site, move it to the root of the phone’s memory, then to Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → Threefold (⋮) → Select a firmware file.
3. Fastboot firmware via Mi Flash Tool for power users. Requires an unlocked bootloader, PC and USB Type-C cable. Suitable if the phone doesn't turn on or you need to "roll back" to the old version.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is blocked (bought in China), you will need a Mi Account account with a linked phone number to update via Fastboot.

Preparing the phone for the update: security checklist

Even the simplest. OTA-The upgrade may not go according to plan if you don't prepare:

Charge your phone at least 60% (optimum 100%)

Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset

Delete unnecessary files (leave at least 3 GB of free space)

Disable VPNs and proxy (they can block Xiaomi servers)

Remember the current firmware version (in Settings → About the phone)

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Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in tool, but it doesn't save:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered)
• 📱 Settings of some applications (for example, Google Authenticator)
• 🎵 Local playlists in music players

💡 Lifehack: If you're afraid of losing data, use Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (works on some models without root). SMS call logs.

How to upgrade to Xiaomi if OTA doesn’t work

Sometimes the system says "No updates" even though the new version has already come out.

• 🌍 Regional restrictions (firmware has not yet reached your country)
• 🔄 The phone is in beta testing program
• 🛠️ Xiaomi servers are overloaded (often in the first days after the release)
• 📵 Custom recovery (e.g., custom recovery) is established, TWRP)

Decisions:

1. Change the firmware region Go to Settings → Additional → Region and select India or Russia – in these regions updates often arrive earlier.
2. Connect to servers in India or Indonesia via ProtonVPN or Windscribe, then check for updates.
3. Download the full package (Recovery ROM) for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and install through the MIUI Update → Three-point → Select a file.

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware for another region (e.g. Global instead of Global) EEA), Some features may be missing, such as VoLTE support or 5G on some operators.

Update via Fastboot: When it is needed

This method is needed in three cases:

1. Phone not turned on (hangs on the MI logo)
2. You need to “roll back” to the old version of MIUI
3. You need to sew Chinese firmware on the global model (or vice versa)

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Mac with Parallels)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, not cheap fake!)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for your model

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
2. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
4. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ WARNING: If you are flashing Chinese firmware on a global model (or vice versa), after the first turn on, the phone may require a link to your Mi Account. Without this, it will be blocked! To avoid problems, use official firmware for your region.

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Before you run through Fastboot, check the bootloader version of your model. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has separate firmware for vbmeta and non-vbmeta devices. If you install the wrong one, you get a brick.

Solving Mistakes When Updating MIUI

Even if you did everything right, you can have problems. Here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

If the phone does not turn on after an unsuccessful update, try:

1. Go to Recovery (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
2. Select Wipe data (resetting settings).
3. If it doesn’t help, then flash through Fastboot (instruction above).

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If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after the upgrade, make a factory reset (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset) This will delete all data, but return performance.

Hidden Features After Updating: What’s New in Your Xiaomi

Xiaomi often adds non-obvious features that are not mentioned in changelog. Here’s what to check after the update:

• 🔍 Ultra-battery mode B MIUI 14+ There's a hidden mode that turns off background processes and limits performance to save charge. → Battery → Battery modes → Ultra-battery.
• 📸 Professional camera settings in Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro after upgrading to HyperOS appeared manual control of aperture and shutter speed (previously was only in Chinese firmware).
• 🔊 Adaptive sound In the sound settings (Settings) → Sound) there is a switch Adaptive sound, which automatically adjusts the volume depending on the ambient noise.
• 🔒 Hidden gestures HyperOS adds new gestures for navigation (e.g. swipe down the edge of the screen for quick returns). → Display. → Additionally. → Gestures.

💡 Lifehack: To see all the hidden settings, enter the Phone app code ##4636##. The engineering menu will open with data about the battery, network and sensors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update