How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to the latest version of Android: 3 proven ways

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a way to get new features, but also a necessary measure for security, optimization and bug fixing. However, many users face problems from endless boot to device brik. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update (including hidden ones), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give recommendations for preparing the device.

It's important to understand that the upgrade procedure depends on the Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ updates differently than the Redmi 9A), the current version of MIUI, and even the firmware region. We took these nuances into account and created a universal guide that will suit most devices in the series. If you have never updated your smartphone yourself, don't worry: the steps are detailed, with illustrations of the key points.

1. Preparing the smartphone for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start updating, you need to perform several critical actions, neglecting them can lead to data loss, malfunctions or even the inability to turn on the device.

First, check the current MIUI and device model. You can do this in Settings → About your phone. Write down or take a picture of this data, which you'll need to choose the right firmware, especially for devices with Global, China or EEA firmware versions, because the files are different for them.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. Update via Recovery or Fastboot can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will lead to a failure.
• 📱 Backup data. Use Settings. → Google → Backup or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root). Update via Fastboot erases all data on the device without the ability to restore.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection: Avoid mobile Internet to download firmware weighing 2-4 GB – use Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables can interrupt data transmission while running through Fastboot.
• 🔐 Unlock bootloader (if necessary) If you plan to flash custom firmware, unlock bootloader in advance via Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting!).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi was purchased in China (China version) ROM), Update to Global ROM It's not possible to use standard methods. It's going to require a complete flashing with data loss and possible loss of warranty.

Charge the battery to 60%+

Create a backup copy of important data

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Download the original USB-cable

Check the model and version MIUI-->

2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

Automatic updates via OTA (Over-The-Air) are the recommended way for most users, and it doesn't require technical skills and stores all the data on the device.

• ⏳ Updates are delayed (from days to months after the official release).
• 🔄 Not all versions are always available (e.g. beta firmware or regional builds).
• 📵 Requires an active Internet connection and enough free space (minimum 5 GB on the system partition).

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if it is already downloaded).
3. If the update is available, click Download and wait until it is completed (can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on internet speed).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

If the update doesn’t come, try:

• 🔄 Compulsory check: several times click on the logo MIUI In the About Phone menu to activate hidden settings.
• 📡 Change region: In some cases, changing the firmware region through Settings helps → Additionally. → Region (e.g. Russia to India).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Once a month (I expect stable versions)

After the release (I love the new features)

Only if there are problems

Never update.-->

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery - if OTA doesn't work

If automatic updates are not available or if they give you an error, you can manually install the firmware through stock Recovery, which saves user data but requires you to pre-load the correct firmware file.

First, download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.

• 📌 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G It has the code name veux).
• 🌍 Firmware Region (Global, China, EEA, Installing an inappropriate region can lead to network or language pack problems.
• 🔢 Version MIUI (Stable or developer. Choose Stable for everyday use.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the firmware file (usually in.zip format) to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press the Power + Volume combination up to enter Recovery.
4. Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
5. Go to Install update.zip to System and confirm the installation.
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If E:footer is wrong occurs in the process, it means that the firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model. MD5.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

Fastboot is the most reliable way, but it's also the most risky way, and it's good if you:

• 🔄 Your device is blinked (not switched on or hung on the Mi logo).
• 📦 You want to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🔧 You need to re-cover the custom (for example, TWRP) further-manipulation.

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot (downloaded from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (for security); Save user data – data storage (not always stable).

Flash

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disabling the antivirus. USB-port (preferably 2.0).

5. Solving Common Mistakes When Upgrading Xiaomi Redmi

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error: “Failed to update the system” (OTA)

Reasons:

• 📱 Insufficient space on the system partition (requires a minimum of 5 GB of free space).
• 🔌 Interrupted Internet connection during download.
• 🔄 Damaged cache of the application System Update.

Decision:

1. Clean the cache in Settings → Applications → System Update → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to the SD-map.
3. Download the full firmware package manually (see method 2) and install via Recovery.

Error: Hanging on the Mi logo after the update

This is one of the most frightening problems, but it is solvable:

1. Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the first download after the update takes a long time.
2. If the freeze continues, press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
3. If the phone doesn’t respond, run it through Fastboot (method 3).

Error: "This package is for xxx devices only"

This error occurs if you're trying to install firmware that's not designed for your model.

• Double-check your device’s code name (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro is sweet).
• Download firmware specifically for your region (Global, China, etc.).
• If you are sure that the firmware is suitable, rename the file to update.zip and try again.

💡

If after the update, the sound disappeared, the mobile network is not working or other problems arise, reset settings through Settings → Additional → Restore and reset. Pre-backup!

6.How to roll back the update on Xiaomi Redmi

Sometimes newer versions of MIUI are worse than the previous ones, with bugs, poor autonomy, or loss of familiar features, and in such cases, you can downgrade to the old version of the firmware.

• ⚠️ Anti-Rollback protection: Most Xiaomi devices block downgrade after a certain firmware version.
• 🔒 Data loss: rollback almost always requires a complete reset (wipe).
• 🔄 Limited version selection: You can only roll back to versions that support the current Anti-Rollback policy.

To see if you can pull back:

1. Check the current version of Anti-Rollback in the Settings menu → About Phone → All specs → Anti-Rollback version.
2. On the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website, find your model and see which versions support your Anti-Rollback.
3. If a suitable version is found, download it and run it through the Fastboot with a complete clean (Clean all).

⚠️ Attention: Retracement on Redmi Note 9/10/11 It is often impossible to do so due to the strict Anti-Rollback policy, and on these devices it is better to wait for patches in new versions or use custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), if the official updates do not suit the official updates.

7.Castom firmware: is it worth trying?

If you are not satisfied with the standard MIUI, you can install alternative firmware, for example:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without add-ons Xiaomi.
• 🔧 LineageOS - stable and lightweight firmware.
• 🎯 Havoc-OS or Corvus OS — customist.

But keep in mind:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, it is better to refrain from).
• 🔋 Battery problems – custom firmware is often worse optimized.
• 📶 Unstable operation of the module NFC or camera (depending on firmware).
• 🔒 Unlocked bootloader required (up to 360 hours of waiting time!).

If you do, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum for your model).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services if not included in firmware).
4. Reboot to TWRP, back up the current system and flash new firmware.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)