How to update the system on the Xiaomi phone: full instructions

Modern Xiaomi smartphones receive regular software updates that not only fix bugs, but also bring new features, improve security and optimize battery life. For device owners, whether it is a budget Redmi or flagship Mi, timely installation of the current version of MIUI or a new HyperOS is a critical procedure. Ignoring updates can lead to reduced application performance and vulnerability of personal data to modern threats.

While the process of updating the system on Xiaomi is as automated as possible, users often face nuances ranging from the lack of notifications to errors when downloading a file. Understanding the mechanics of how updates work avoids data loss and nervous situations. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to install new firmware, preparatory steps and methods for solving typical problems.

Before you start, you need to make sure that your device is really ready to upgrade to the new version of the operating system, not only battery power, but also free storage. Upgrading to HyperOS with MIUI 14 can require up to 10 GB of free space to unpack and install files. Let's take a look at what to do before you start the procedure.

Preparation of the device for installation of a new version of the software

The beginning of any technical intervention requires careful preparation. In the case of Xiaomi mobile devices, this rule works flawlessly. The first step should always be to back up all important data. Even if the process goes well, the risk of software failure is never zero. Save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to an external medium.

The second important aspect is a stable connection to the network: downloading a multi-gigabyte installation package over the mobile Internet can take hours and exhaust your traffic, it is recommended to use a reliable Wi-Fi channel, and also make sure that the battery is at least 60% charged, and preferably fully charged.

There are several scenarios in which the update can be blocked automatically by the system, for example, if the device received root rights or unlocked the bootloader, the standard update path may not be available or require special actions, and it is also worth checking the device model, since global firmware versions sometimes come later than Chinese ones.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a modified version of the system or custom Recovery, a standard update through the settings menu may result in a loss of access to the device (bootloop).

Automatic update via the settings menu (OTA)

The easiest and most common way to get a new version MIUI or HyperOS is a mechanism. OTA (Over-The-Air. The system checks the servers for new versions and offers them to the user. To run the manual check, you need to go to the Settings menu. → About the phone and click on the big icon version of the system.

If Xiaomi servers detect a current update for your model, the Download button will appear on the screen. Once the boot is complete, the device will request a reboot for installation, at which point the phone will be unavailable for 5-15 minutes.

Many people wonder why the notification doesn't come, and this may be due to regional features of firmware distribution. Global versions are often updated in waves, so the new system can come to the same models in different countries with a difference of several weeks, in which case you have to wait or use a manual method.

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 📲 Click on the current version MIUI origen.
• 📲 Wait for the check and click Download if the file is available.
• 📲 After download, click “Reboot” to start installation.

Manual Update installation via Recovery

If the automatic search does not produce results, you can use the manual method. This requires you to download the installation package (Recovery ROM) in advance. The files are.zip extension and weigh from 3 to 5 GB. It is important to download the firmware strictly for your device model to avoid hardware conflicts.

Once you download the file, place it in the root folder of the phone's internal memory. Then, in the update menu (same where you did the first method), click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select File." The system will find the archive and suggest you start installing. This method is often updated, even if OTA-Notification has not yet arrived.

There is an important difference between a save update and a complete cleanup. When you manually select a file, the system usually offers both options. If you are switching from one version of Android to another (for example, from Android 13 to 14) or changing the firmware region, it is strongly recommended to choose the option with data cleaning to avoid errors in the interface.

⚠️ Note: When selecting the Clear Install option, all photos, contacts and apps will be deleted.

Update via computer and Mi Flash utility

For advanced users or in cases where the phone does not load normally, there is a method of firmware through the PC. This is used by the official Mi Flash Tool utility and firmware in.tgz format (Fastboot ROM), This method requires an unlocked bootloader, which is a separate procedure that takes from 3 to 7 days of waiting.

The process is as follows: the phone is converted to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the device is turned off and connecting the cable to the PC). Mi Flash selects the path to the unpacked firmware and the mode "Clean all" or "Save user data". Pressing the "Flash" button starts the process of writing memory sectors.

The process of firmware through Fastboot:


1. Install ADB and Mi Flash drivers.




2.Put your phone in Fastboot mode (Volume Down + Power).




3. Connect to the PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.




4. Select a path to the firmware folder.




5. Press Flash All (complete clean) or Flash All Lock (bootloader lock).

This method is the most reliable for restoring the system to work (“fixing”) or changing the region of the device, but for the average user who just wants to get new features, it is redundant and carries increased risks if instructions are not followed correctly.

Comparison of System Update Methods

The choice of upgrade method depends on your goals, technical training and the current state of the smartphone. Below is a table that will help determine the best option for your situation.

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For 95% of users, the best and safe choice is the standard one. OTA-update via smartphone settings.

Using manual methods through Recovery is often a lifeline when an automatic update is stuck at a certain percentage or gives an error, while using a PC method is a “heavy artillery” for system repairs or software changes.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them

There can be a variety of disruptions during the upgrade process. One of the most common problems is the message "No updates were received", which is often due to problems on the server side of Xiaomi or an unstable Internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet or vice versa, and also changing the DNS in the router settings.

Another common situation is endless reboot after installation. If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 15 minutes, you will need to log in to Recovery mode to reset. To do this, press the power and volume button. From the menu, select Wipe Data, but remember that this will delete all files.

• 🔋 Error 1001: Usually indicates a problem with access rights or file integrity.
• 📉 Lack of space: The system requires more space than is free.Delete app cache or large video files.
• 🌐 Network Error: Check if antivirus or firewall is blocking connection to update servers.

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If the update is stuck in the Installation phase, don't panic. It can take up to 20 minutes on older models. If the phone is hot, let it cool, but don't force it to turn off if the screen responds to touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)