How to upgrade Xiaomi smartphone: 3 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi smartphones regularly receive MIUI and Android updates that fix bugs, add new features and improve performance. However, not all users know how to install the update correctly to avoid errors or data loss. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update – from automatic through settings to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to prepare the device and what to do if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process can vary depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the version of MIUI, and even the firmware region (global, Chinese, European). We’ve put together universal instructions that will work for most devices, but also point out the nuances for specific cases. If you’ve never manually updated your smartphone before, don’t worry: follow the step-by-step recommendations, and everything will work out.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for the update

Before you start updating, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, device freeze or even “bricking” (completely inoperable).

• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 50%. Optimally — 80-100%. If during the upgrade the smartphone is discharged, it can interrupt the process and damage the system files.
• 📱 Back up your important data: contacts, photos, messages. Use Settings. → Google → Backup or third-party services like Mi Cloud.
• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Updates "weigh" from 1 to 3 GB - download them via mobile Internet is irrational.
• 🔄 Close all applications before starting. background processes may interfere with installation.

If you upgrade a Xiaomi smartphone with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (like LineageOS), the process may not go according to standard, in which case it is better to use the method of firmware through Fastboot or TWRP – we will discuss this below.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone was purchased in China and runs on Chinese firmware (CN ROM), Update via global server may block the device. Before updating, check the region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Battery charge ≥ 50% | Data backup created | Wi-Fi connection stable | All applications closed |Model and firmware region checked-->

2. Method 1: Automatically update via settings

This is the easiest and most recommended method for most users, and it finds the updates and installs them without any further manipulation.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
3. After downloading, click Install and confirm the reboot.

The whole process will take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the upgrade and the performance of the device. During installation, the smartphone will restart 1-2 times, which is normal. Do not interrupt the process, even if the device seems to be getting stuck (if the boot indicator flashes, then everything is going according to plan).

If the Update button is inactive or the system says “No Updates” but you know they’re out, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by the provider).
• 📅 Check if updates are manually disabled in Settings → Additionally. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.

Once a month |Only when critical updates |When new features appear |Never update |I don't know what an update is-->

Method 2: Update via Mi PC Suite (for Windows)

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to a server error or corrupted system files), you can use the official Mi PC Suite utility, which is suitable for devices that cannot be updated “over the air”.

Download Mi PC Suite from Xiaomi’s official website and follow the instructions:

1. Install the program on your PC and run it.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through the original USB-Cable (important!) Turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times on "Version" MIUI", Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers).
3. In Mi PC Suite, select your device and click Update.
4. If the update is available, confirm download and installation.

The advantage of this method is that it can pick the right firmware for your model and region, but there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Sometimes Mi PC Suite doesn’t see the device – in this case, try reinstalling the driver or using a different cable.
• ⏳ The process may take longer than "over the air" due to data transmission over the air. USB.

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If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see your smartphone, try plugging it in Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Mi Bunny logo appears in the Ushanka hat.

Method 3: Manually Update via Recovery or Fastboot

This is a method for power users who want to install a particular version of firmware or restore a device after a crash, and it takes more action, but gives them full control of the process.

Update via Recovery (for official firmware)

This is good if you have stock Recovery (not custom, for example, TWRP).

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads. Choose a version marked Recovery.
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, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. After completion, select Reboot.

Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to flash the device from the "brick" (does not turn on).
• 📥 You need to install a firmware version (for example, with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 🔓 Device with unlocked loader.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder on your PC (for example, C:\MIUI).
2. Turn off your smartphone and log in to Fastboot (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Connect the device to the PC and launch the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware completely erases data from your device, including photos, messages and apps. If you don’t have the bootloader unlocked, this method can block the device!

Table: Compatibility of Upgrade Methods with Xiaomi Models

Not all upgrades are suitable for all devices, and the following is the compatibility table for popular models:

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For most users, automatic updates through settings are sufficient.Recovery and Fastboot methods are designed for power users or device recovery after crashes.

6. Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Error "Cannot verify update" (Cannot verify update)

This error occurs if:

• 📁 The firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model.
• 🔐 Device with unlocked bootloader, but firmware is not signed.

Solution: Re-download the firmware from the official site and check its integrity (file size must match the specified on the site). If you use custom Recovery (TWRP), disable signature verification in the settings.

6.2. Hanging on the MI logo after the update

If after installing the update, the smartphone does not load beyond the logo, this may mean:

• 🔄 Firmware version conflict (for example, trying to install an old version on top of a new one).
• 🗑️ Damage to system files.

Decision:

1. Log in to Recovery (Loudness up + Power) and select Wipe Data (Reset settings).
2. If it doesn’t work, run the device again through Fastboot.

Error "Couldn't verify device" in Mi PC Suite

This error is related to:

• 🔌 Unoriginal USB-cable.
• 🖥️ Lack of drivers ADB PC-only.

Solution: Install drivers manually via Android SDK or use a different cable/port.

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If your smartphone is slowing down after the upgrade, try clearing the cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the app cache. This won’t delete your data, but it can speed up the system.

7.How to roll back an update if the new version is not working well

Sometimes fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits, such as bugs, performance problems, or broken features, and in such cases, you can go back to the previous version of MIUI, but this requires caution.

Recoil options:

1. Through Recovery: Download the old firmware version (Recovery only!) and install it in the same way as the update.Warning: rollback is only possible within one version of Android (for example, from MIUI 14 to MIUI 13, but not from Android 13 to Android 12).
2. Through Fastboot: Completely reflashing the old version. It's the only way to roll back to another version of Android, but it erases all data.

Before rolling back, check:

• 🔍 Is there an official firmware for your model on the Xiaomi website.
• 🔒 Will the device block the rollback (relevant for Chinese firmware).

⚠️ Note: A rollback to an older version of Android can lead to problems with the work of applications, especially if they are optimized for the new OS. For example, some banking applications stop working on Android 10 and below.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions