How to properly update the Xiaomi system: MIUI and Android on smartphones, TV and gadgets

Updating the software on Xiaomi devices is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for stable operation, security and access to new features. MIUI (The company shell and Android (the underlying system) that eliminate vulnerabilities, optimize performance and add fresh features, but many users are faced with the following questions: How to check for update availability, what to do if you have download errors, and if you can roll back if the new version is worse?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of updating - from automatic through Settings to manually installing firmware through Fastboot or Recovery, POCO, Xiaomi), TVs (Mi TV), You will also find a version compatibility table, a preparation checklist, and answers to frequent errors like "Cannot verify update" or "Update failed update".

If you've never upgraded your system yourself, don't worry. We'll explain each step in simple language, with illustrations and warnings about the risks involved. ADB and custom firmware (with reservations about loss of warranty).

1.Why is it important to update Xiaomi's system?

Regular updates are not a marketing ploy, but a critical process for any Android device. Here are the key reasons why it’s worth keeping an eye on the relevance of the update. MIUI:

🔹 Security: Every month, Xiaomi closes dozens of vulnerabilities that could be exploited to steal data, install malware or remotely control a device. MIUI 14.0.5.0 for Redmi Note 11 was fixed bug that allows you to bypass the lock screen through Emergency Call.

🔹 Performance: New versions optimize battery life, speed up animations and reduce lag. So, after upgrading to Android 13, you can use the new version. POCO F4 Battery time increased by 15% thanks to improved background management.

🔹 New features. Xiaomi often adds exclusive features, from navigation gestures to integration with the Mi Home. MIUI 15 appeared mode "Ultra Battery Saver", extending the smartphone to 2 days at 5% charge.

🔹 Older versions of the software may not support new applications (for example, WhatsApp requires Android 8.0).+) or accessories (wireless headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro optimized for the use of the MIUI 14+).

⚠️ Note: Failure to update for more than 12 months may result in a blocking of access to Google services (due to outdated Google Play Services) or a bank in online games (for example, a Google Play Services service, PUBG Mobile bans login on Android 7 and below devices).

But there's a downside: sometimes updates bring bugs. MIUI 14.0.3.0 for Xiaomi 12T Users complained about spontaneous reboots, and in such cases, you can roll back (this is discussed in the manual installation section).

2. How to check the current version MIUI Android

Before you upgrade, make sure you know the current version of the system, which will help you avoid installing the wrong firmware (for example, for the Redmi Note 10 instead of the Note 10 Pro).

📱 For smartphones and tablets:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Tablet).
3. Scroll down to the block version MIUI — herein: 📌 MIUI: for example, 14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM (where TKL — code, CN — region, XM — Xiaomi version). 🤖 Android: for example, 13 TKQ1.221114.001.

📺 For Mi TVs, TV / Redmi TV:

1. On the remote, press Settings.
2. Choose Device Preferences → About.
3. Search for Android strings TV OS version MIUI TV version.

⌚ For smart watches Mi Band 7 Pro / Watch S3:

1. In the Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life) app, open your device profile.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ top-right.
3. Select the firmware - there will be a firmware version.

💡 Decoding the version code MIUI:

⚠️ Note: If there is a suffix in the version code DEV (for example, 23.5.29 DEV), It's a beta. MIUI. Install it on the main device is not recommended - it may contain critical bugs.

3. Ways to Upgrade Xiaomi System

There are three main methods of updating, and the choice depends on your goals and technical skills.

Automatic update (recommended for most)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Settings update feature, which is suitable for all devices: smartphones, TVs and even smartwatches.

🔄 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your device to Wi-Fi (updates via mobile internet may be blocked).
2. The battery should be at least 50% (for smartphones).
3. Open the Settings. → The phone. → System Update (or Settings) → System system → Update of TV software).
4. Click Check for updates.
5. If an update is available, tap Download (file size is usually 1.5-3 GB).
6. After downloading, select Install and confirm the reboot.

🛠 Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, for Xiaomi). 11T Select a file with the Vili code).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to Download or MIUI!).
3. Turn off the device.
4. Hold the Loud up. + Power before the Mi logo (this is Recovery Mode).
5. Select the language (volume buttons) and tap Install update.zip to System.
6. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).
7. After the reboot, the device will have a new version. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, This means your device is locked (for example, due to an unlocked bootloader or custom Recovery).

🔹 When is the method needed?

• 🔄 If the automatic update is “hanging” by 0% or 50%.
• 🔧 If you need to install the old version MIUI (kickback).
• 🌍 If you want to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

Installation via Fastboot (for advanced)

The Fastboot method is used to completely flash the device when other methods don't work. It requires a PC connection and command line knowledge. ⚠️ Note: This method will reset all data on the device!

💻 What's the matter:

• 🖥 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Fastboot archive (.tgz or.zip format, download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in Android SDK.

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder on the PC (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off your smartphone and press the volume down. + Food for entrance to Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-ushank will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode (full reset) or Save User Data (but this can lead to bugs!).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
7. The device will automatically restart with a new firmware.

💡 Alternatives for Linux/macOS:

# Install fastboot (if not installed)


sudo apt install fastboot # For Debian/Ubuntu




Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked)



fastboot oem unlock




Sweep through the firmware (example for Xiaomi 12)



fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Using Fastboot on devices with a blocked bootloader will cause the error "Device is locked". To unlock, you need to obtain permission from Xiaomi through the official website (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting!).

💡

Fastboot is the most reliable way to run a firmware in case of serious crashes, but it requires data reset and unlocking the bootloader. It is not suitable for beginners.

4. Updating Mi TVs TV redmi TV

Xiaomi TVs are updated differently than smartphones. There are nuances associated with Android TV and manufacturer's restrictions.

📺 Refreshment methods:

• 🔄 Automatically via the Internet (recommended).
• 📁 Manually through USB (if there is no connection to the network).
• 🖥 Through ADB (power-user).

🔄 Automatic update:

1. On the remote, press Settings.
2. Choose Device Preferences → About → System update.
3. Press Check for updates.
4. If an update is available, confirm the installation.

📁 Manual installation through USB:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (section) TV).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32!).
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-television-port.
4. In the update menu, select Update via USB.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Frequent mistakes and decisions:

💡 Advice for Mi owners TV Stick:

Update for TV-The set-top boxes are only installed automatically. If the device doesn't see the updates, try it:

• 🔌 Connect the console to another USB-TV port (some ports do not provide enough power).
• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Device Preferences → Reset).
• 📶 Use a wired Internet connection via a USB-Ethernet adapter.

💡

If the TV after the update began to slow down, try to turn off animation: go to Settings → Device Preferences → About → Build and 7 times click on Build number to activate Developer options. Then in Developer options, turn off Window animation scale and Transition animation scale.

5. Update of Xiaomi smart watches and fitness bracelets

Xiaomi smart watches and bracelets (Mi Band, Mi Watch, Watch) S3) They are updated through branded applications: Mi Fitness or Zepp Life. The process is easier than on smartphones, but there are nuances.

⌚ How to update firmware:

1. Make sure the watch battery is over 50% charged.

🔹 Features for different models:

• 📌 Mi Band 7 Pro: Update is still in progress ~5 minutes after which the bracelet will restart.
• 📌 Mi Watch Lite: Wi-Fi connection required (update downloaded directly to the watch).
• 📌 Watch S3: Update can weigh up to 100MB – make sure there’s enough memory on the watch.

❌ Frequent problems and solutions:

• 🔴 Connection Error: Reboot your smartphone and watch, then re-match them in Bluetooth.
• 🔴 Update freezes at 0%: Remove the watch from the app, then add again.
• 🔴 After Update Disappeared: Sync Data with Mi Account Cloud Before Update.

💡 How to find out the firmware version on the clock?

For the Mi Band 7 Pro:

1. On the clock screen, swipe up to open the menu.
2. Select Settings → About the device → POS version.

For the Watch. S3:

1. Press the Power button to open the menu.
2. Choose Settings → System → About → Software version.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even when you follow instructions, you're going to have errors, and we've collected the most common problems and solutions.

🔴 Error: "Cannot verify update" (cannot check update)

🔹 Reason: Damaged firmware file or model mismatch.

🔧 Decision:

• Download the firmware again from the official website.
• Check that the file is named update.zip (symbolless).
• Make sure the firmware is suitable for your model (e.g., Redmi Note 11 has spes code, and Note 11 Pro has vexer code).

🔴 **Error: “Update failed. Updater process ended with ERROR: 7"

🔹 Reason: Trying to install firmware for another model or region.

🔧 Decision:

• Check the model code in Settings → The phone. → Model.
• Download the firmware with the correct code (for example, for POCO X3 NFC code).
• If you are trying to switch from Chinese firmware to global, unlock the bootloader first.

🔴 Error: "Device is locked. Please unlock first)

🔹 Reason: Bootloader is blocked.

🔧 Decision:

1. Apply for unblocking on the official website.
2. Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode.
3. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions (it may take up to 720 hours to wait!).

🔴 Error: The TV will not turn on after the update

🔹 Reason: Failure to firmware or incompatible version of the software.

🔧 Decision:

• Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.
• If the Mi logo appears, but the system does not load, try resetting: On the remote, press Home + Back up. + Up at the same time. From the recovery menu, select Wipe. data/factory reset.

UART

🔴 Error: After the update, the smartphone began to slow down

🔹 Reason: User data conflict or bug in new version.

🔧 Decision:

• Clear the cache: Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
• Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Resetting).
• If the problem persists, roll back to the previous version via Recovery.

💡

90% of update errors are due to a mismatch between the device model and the firmware. Always check the model code before downloading the file!

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

If the new version MIUI It's unstable, you can go back to the previous one, but it's a process that has limitations and risks.

⏪ Ways of rollback:

• 🔄 Through Recovery (if there is a backup copy).
• 📁 Manual installation of old firmware (file required) update.zip previous version).
• 🖥 Through Fastboot (complete flashing).