Update of Xiaomi firmware through the menu “3 points”: a complete guide with nuances

The three-point hidden menu in Xiaomi devices is a universal tool for forcing firmware updates when standard methods don't work. It's available on most Mi TVs, Mi Boxes, and even some of the brand's smartphones, but the official documentation is silent about it. Why? Because it's a service menu designed for engineers and technical support. But knowing about it saves users in critical situations: when the TV freezes on the logo, doesn't see an update through the air, or after a failed firmware has turned into a brick.

This article is a step-by-step guide that takes into account all the pitfalls, from preparing for an update to taking action when you make an error, and we’ll look at how to log into the 3-point menu across Xiaomi devices, what firmware files you need, and what to do if the process is stalled. Importantly, the method only works on devices with Amlogic processors (most Mi TV 4/5) and is not suitable for MediaTek models or new chips from 2023-2026.

If you are here because of an Update failed or endless download, go straight to the section “What to do if the update is frozen.” For prevention, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the requirements for firmware files and data backup.

1 Which Xiaomi devices support the update through 3 points

The three-point menu is a feature of the engineering mode that is not implemented on all the gadgets of the brand.

• 📺 TVs: Mi TV 4A (All modifications), Mi TV 4S (32"–65"), Mi TV 5 (except Pro versions 2023), Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and Mi Box 4.
• 📱 Smartphones: Qualcomm-based models with unlocked bootloader (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco) X3 mode EDL).
• 🖥️ Monitors: Mi Surface Display and Mi Desktop Monitor 27" (for firmware updates only).

On new devices (released after July 2023), the 3-point menu is often blocked or replaced by Fastboot. For example, the Mi TV Q2 and Mi TV A Pro use a button combination on the remote rather than a hidden menu to force the update.

How do you check compatibility? Try logging in (instructions in the next section) If nothing happens after 5 attempts, your device doesn't support this method.

Step-by-step instructions: how to enter the menu "3 points"

The login process is different for TVs and smartphones, and below are the universal ways for each type of device.

📺 For TVs and consoles Mi TV/Mi Box

1. Turn off the TV (or console) with a button on the remote. Don't use the socket! Otherwise, the device may not recognize the command.
2. Press the buttons on the remote: 🔄 Menu (three horizontal lines) 🔽 Down (navigation arrow)

Hold them for 10-15 seconds until a three-dot menu appears in the upper right corner.

If nothing happens, try an alternative combination:

Home + Back + Up (arrow) + Home (back)

This works on the Mi Box S and some Mi TV 4S models.

📱 For smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

On smartphones, the 3-point menu is available only in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode to activate:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-20 seconds. EDL Mode should appear on the screen.
3. Connect your phone to a PC with the Mi Flash Tool installed (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
4. In the program, select firmware in.tgz format and press Refresh. The device will be determined as COM-port.

⚠️

Note: Fastboot-marked firmware is not suitable for 3-point updates! OTA.

4. Update process: step-by-step analysis with photo

When the firmware file is downloaded and the device is ready, we start updating. The instructions are universal for all supported models, but there are nuances for TV and smartphones.

📺 Update of the TV or console Mi TV/Mi Box

1. Copy the firmware file (.zip) on an empty one USB-storage device FAT32. The file name should be in Latin, without spaces (for example, update.zip).
2. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably in the USB 2.0, usually black).
3. Enter the 3-point menu (see section 2) and the screen will show the Upgrade Mode.
4. Select Install update from USB (navigation – Up/down buttons on the remote, confirmation – OK).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the TV will restart automatically.

📱 Updating the smartphone in mode EDL

For smartphones, the process is more complicated and requires a PC:

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB drivers (download on XDA Developers).
2. Connect your phone in EDL mode to your PC.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz) and press Flash.
4. Wait for the green tick to appear (the process takes 5-15 minutes).

⚠️

If the Mi Flash Tool is a failed Sahara communication error, try it: 🔌 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the original cable). 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator. 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

5. Typical errors and how to fix them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, failures can occur, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

If the TV does not turn on after an unsuccessful update, try:

1. Disconnect from the network for 10 minutes, then repeat the process.
2. Use the other USB-flash drive (maximum 32 GB, FAT32).
3. Download firmware from another source (for example, from 4PDA instead of the official website).

💡

If the Mi TV doesn't find Wi-Fi after the upgrade, reset the network settings: go to Settings → Network → Reset network settings. This helps 90% of the time.

6 How to return the old firmware if the new one is not working well

Updating through 3 points is only an irreversible process at first glance. In fact, you can roll back to the previous version of the software, but with reservations:

• 🔄 On TVs: Download old firmware (for example, with the 4PDA) and repeat the update process through the 3-point menu. The device will allow you to roll back 1-2 versions.
• 📱 On smartphones: you need to unlock the bootloader and firmware via Fastboot (instructions on xiaomi.eu).

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Attention: Firmware rollback on Mi TVs TV 5 or later may result in loss of Google Play and Netflix features (due to updates) DRM-In this case, only the official update through the OTA.

Step-by-step rollback instructions for Mi TV:

1. Download the archive with the firmware of the old version (for example, l55m5-5ar_in_user_20221201.zip).

💡

The rollback of firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is possible only with the unlocked bootloader. Without this, the device will be locked (Anti-Rollback).

7. Alternative ways to update if 3 points do not work

If a three-point menu is not available or the device is unresponsive, try these methods:

• 🔧 Service center: If the device is not turned on (brick), contact the official Xiaomi service. the cost of firmware is from 1500 to 3000 rubles.

For Mi TVs with MediaTek processor (e.g. Mi TV Q1), a button combination is used instead of the 3-point menu:

Menu → 1 → 3 → 9 → Menu

This opens the engineering menu where you can select Force OTA Update.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)