How to properly update the smartphone Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to get new features, but also a necessary measure to ensure security, stability and compatibility with modern applications. However, many users are faced with questions: which method to upgrade, how to avoid errors and what to do if something goes wrong. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update MIUI and HyperOS, including official and alternative methods, and give recommendations for preparing the device.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade procedure may vary depending on the smartphone model, firmware version, and even the release region. For example, global versions (MI) are updated differently than Chinese (CN). We will take these nuances into account and provide universal instructions that will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices of 2018-2026. If you have never updated the firmware yourself before, don’t worry: follow our steps and everything will work out.

1. Preparing the smartphone for the update: what to do in advance

Before you start an update, there are a few critical steps to follow: neglecting them can lead to data loss, device freezes, or even bricking (turning into a brick), starting with the most obvious but often ignored item: backup.

Backup all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and applications.

• 📱 Mi Cloud (Integrated Cloud Xiaomi): Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup and select the desired categories.
• 💾 Local Copy: In the same backup settings, select Local Backup and save the data to a memory card or computer.
• 🔄 Third-party services: Google Drive, Dropbox or specialized utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).

Also make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (optimum - 80-100%). Update at low charge can be interrupted.
• 📶 Internet connection stable. For large upgrades (1-3 GB), it is better to use Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet.
• 📱 There's enough free space on the device. The firmware can weigh up to 3-4 GB, and it will take another 1-2 GB to unpack it.

Battery charge > 60%|Created a backup of important data|Freely. ≥ 4GB of memory|Connected to stable Wi-Fi|Disabled. VPN proxy-->

If you are updating your smartphone through Recovery or Mi Flash Tool, check out:

• 🔌 Availability of original USB-cables (poor cables may interrupt data transmission).
• 🖥️ On the computer installed drivers Xiaomi (you can download on the official website).
• 🔒 Is the bootloader unlocked if you plan to install custom firmware.

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

The OTA (Over-The-Air) method is a standard upgrade method that does not require a computer connection, and is suitable for most users and is considered the most secure, as the firmware is checked for compatibility with your model automatically.

To update your smartphone via OTA:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (the HyperOS path may differ: Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI).
2. Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. After downloading, click "Install" and wait for the device to restart.

Advantages of OTA:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Automatically checks firmware compatibility.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates may be delayed (especially for global versions).
• ❌ The latest firmware versions are not always available (sometimes you have to wait weeks).
• ❌ It is impossible to roll back to the previous version without a full flashing.

Only when a notification appears | Every 2-3 months | Every month | Never update | Only when critical bugs-->

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes blocked by the Internet) IP obstruct).
• 📅 Wait 1-2 days – updates can come out in waves.

💡

If your smartphone does not receive OTA-Updates over 6 months, it may no longer be officially supported. check the list of supported devices on Xiaomi's website.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If automatic updates are not available or are frozen, you can install the firmware manually through Recovery mode, which is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware version from the official website, select a file marked Recovery (not Fastboot: miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V14.0.1.0.TKWMIXM_1234567890_12.0.zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (usually 5-15 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 📌 The firmware file should be for your model, and installing firmware from another model will lead to bricks.
• 📌 If the smartphone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes, try restarting it manually (clip the power for 10-15 seconds).
• 📌 After the update, the first launch can take up to 10 minutes.

💡

If you don't see an update.zip file in Recovery, make sure it's in the root folder (not inside folders like Download or DCIM).

If after the update, the smartphone does not turn on or constantly restarts:

• Try resetting your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data).
• If it doesn’t help, then try the device via Fastboot (see the next section).

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

The Fastboot method is used to completely flash the device, including crash recovery, and requires a connection to the computer and the installation of a special utility Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔄 You need to revert to the previous version of the firmware.
• 🛠️ The smartphone does not turn on or got stuck in the bootloop.
• 📦 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
3. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
4. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a bunny with the inscription Fastboot will appear on the screen).
5. Connect your smartphone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the program, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware. Then press Refresh - the device must be determined.
7. Select firmware mode: Clean all (the data will be erased); Clean all and lock (clean + lock the bootloader (for official firmware); Save user data (not always stable).

Flash

Attention: Fastboot firmware with Clean all and lock option will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware without re-unblocking.

If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error:

• 🔌 Check the cable connection (try another port) USB).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
• 📥 Download the firmware again - the file could have downloaded with errors.

5. Method 4: Update via EDL (Emergency Mode) - last resort

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is used when the smartphone is not turned on, not detected in the Fastboot or has critical firmware errors (EDL-cable or testpoint) and knowledge of technical nuances.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: use EDL This method is recommended only for repair centers or advanced users.

⚠️ Attention: for work in EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account with firmware rights (for new models) without it, the device will not accept firmware.

A brief guide (for experienced users only!):

1. Download firmware in.mbn or.elf format (special versions for EDL).
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer in EDL mode (via testpoint or a special cable).
3. Use utilities like Mi Flash Pro or QFil to download the firmware.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of firmware through EDL in official Xiaomi centers is about 1000-20000 rubles (2026).

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even when you follow instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the smartphone after the update:

• 🔄 Constantly rebooting. → Try resetting or flashing through Fastboot with the Clean All option.
• 📵 Not included. → Check the battery charge (plug in for 30 minutes) or run through EDL.
• 📱 He doesn't see. SIM-map → Update your radio module (sometimes it helps to re-update).
• 🔋 It's discharged fast. → Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).

💡

If some features (such as gestures or themes) are missing after the update, check the firmware region. Chinese versions (CN) may not support Google Services, and Global may not support some local features.

7. How to check the success of the update and what to do next

Once the update is complete, you need to make sure it's a success.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone and check the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
2. Make sure all the features work: camera, calls, mobile internet, Wi-Fi.
3. Check for important data (contacts, photos, messages).

If the update was successful, but you noticed the bugs:

• 🐞 Report the problem through Settings → The phone. → Review (feedback goes to Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Try resetting to factory settings (pre-made backup!).
• 📥 If the bug is critical, roll back to the previous version via Fastboot.

To avoid future update problems:

• 📅 Check for updates regularly (every 1-2 weeks).
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on battery power before upgrading.
• 📡 Avoid mobile updates – use Wi-Fi.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)