Update Xiaomi via mobile Internet: a safe way without Wi-Fi

Updating firmware on Xiaomi smartphones via the mobile Internet is a must-do when stable Wi-Fi is not at hand. But this method carries risks from interrupted downloads to unexpected tariff costs. In 2026, the manufacturer optimized the process, but users still face typical problems - slow downloads, bugs checking updates or a sudden data shutdown.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of updating through 3G/4G/5G, from checking the current version of MIUI to forced installation of firmware manually, learn how to bypass the limitations of the operator, speed up the loading and what to do if the smartphone “hangs” during the unpacking phase of files, and also a list of Xiaomi models that are strongly discouraged from updating through the mobile network due to the high risk of “bricking”.

Why is Xiaomi blocking updates via mobile?

By default, Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) limit downloads of major updates via the cellular network.

• 📦 File size: The MIUI firmware weighs between 1.5 and 3 GB. Even with a tariff with "unlimited" internet, operators often limit speeds after 10-15 GB of traffic.
• 🔄 Interrupt risk: A mobile network is less stable than Wi-Fi. An interrupted download can cause OTA (.zip) file corruption.
• 💰 Hidden costs: At some rates, downloading a large file can activate paid options (for example, Turbo-Internet from MTS or Dayless from Tele2).

However, it is possible to bypass the lock, which is a hidden forced upgrade mode in MIUI, available on all devices starting with MIUI 12 (including global and Chinese versions), but a number of preparatory steps must be taken before activating it.

Preparing the smartphone for updates through the mobile network

Before downloading the firmware through 3G/4G/5G, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. Skipping at least one of the items can lead to a freeze on the Mi logo or an error "failed to install the update."

Check the free space (minimum 5 GB)

Disable VPN and proxy

Activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode

Connect the charger (battery ≥ 50%)

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud

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Pay special attention to the settings of the mobile network:

1. Go to Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Mobile Data Settings.
2. Enable the option “Allow background data transfer” (important for downloading in the background).
3. Turn off the “Background Limit” for the System Update app (in the Settings menu → Applications → Application Management).

If you have a speed limit tariff after the traffic has run out, use the trick with changing the APN:

⚠️ Warning: Changing settings APN may cause communication loss. Save current settings before editing.

Go to Settings → SIM- cards → Access Points (APN), select your operator and add a dun through the comma parameter to the APN Type field.

Step-by-step: how to update Xiaomi via mobile Internet

There are two official ways to upgrade via the cellular network: standard (through the settings menu) and forced (through MIUI Hidden Settings).

Method 1: Standard Upgrade (if permitted by the system)

This method works on devices with MIUI 13+, where the manufacturer has relaxed the restrictions.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Update Settings”.
3. Activate the “Allow Download via Mobile Network” switch.
4. Return to the main update menu and click “Check Updates”.

If the system finds a new firmware, it starts to boot, and it's important that you don't switch to other applications at this point, because MIUI can pause downloading.

Method 2: Forced updates via hidden menu

For devices with an older version of MIUI or if the standard method does not work:

1. Install the MIUI Hidden Settings app (ADB or Root rights are required for some features).
2. Open the app and go to the System → Updater section.
3. Activate the option “Force OTA via Mobile Data”.
4. Return to the standard update menu and start checking.

Once activated, the system ignores the restrictions on mobile traffic, but the risk of interruption of the download remains, and use this method only when you are confident in the stability of the network.

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If the update is stuck at 0% or 100%, restart the smartphone and try again. Often, changing the network type from 4G to 3G (or vice versa) in the SIM- card settings helps.

How to speed up the loading of firmware via mobile Internet

The speed of downloading an update via 3G/4G/5G depends on many factors: base station load, tariff plan and even time of day. Here are 5 proven ways to speed up the process:

• 🕒 Select optimal time: Mobile internet speeds are higher from 2:00 to 6:00 when the network is least loaded.
• 📶 Use LTE Advanced: If your Xiaomi supports 4G+ (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or Xiaomi 12T), enable this option in the network settings.
• 🔗 Disable other devices: If you have a mobile hotspot, deactivate it while you boot.
• 📱 Activate Airplane Mode for 10 seconds: This resets the network connection and sometimes increases speed.
• 🌐 Use alternative DNS: In your Wi-Fi settings (yes, even for a mobile network), write DNS 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google).

For devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 11T Pro), you can turn on the high performance mode of the network:

1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
2. Select “Phone Information” → «Set preferred network type».
3. Install "LTE only" or "NR/LTE" (for 5G- devices).

Errors when updating via mobile Internet and their solution

Even with proper preparation, users are faced with common errors, and below is a table of common problems and specific solutions for each:

If the smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo after the update, try the following steps:

1. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot.
2. If it doesn’t work, go to Recovery Mode (power button + volume up) and select “Wipe Cache Partition”.
3. In extreme cases, reset via Fastboot using the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Xiaomi models that can not be updated via mobile Internet

Some Xiaomi devices have critical bootloader errors that can cause a “hard brick” upgrade over an unstable network.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (due to problems with /vendor partitioning when booting is interrupted).
• 📱 Redmi Note 5 Pro (versions with Snapdragon 636 and MIUI 9-10 processor).
• 📱 POCO F1 (boot.img is known to be damaged when updated via 3G).
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Max 3 (problems with /persist partitioning when using mobile data).
• 📱 All devices on the MIUI China Stable with a locked boot loader.

For these models, be sure to use Wi-Fi or manual firmware via Fastboot. If you still dare to upgrade via the mobile network, prepare a cable for emergency firmware via PC and a spare SIM- card in case of loss of the IMEI.

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Even if your model is not on the blacklist, avoid mobile network updates on devices older than 2019.

Alternative ways to upgrade without Wi-Fi

If mobile internet is too slow or expensive, consider these options:

1 Update via USB- Cable (OTG)

Download firmware on PC, connect your smartphone via cable and:

1. Move the.zip file to the /Downloaded_rom folder on your device.
2. Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
3. Tap on three points → "Select the update file."

2.Using a mobile hotspot from a laptop

If you have a laptop with a 4G- modem:

1. Activate the “Mobile hotspot” on your laptop.
2. Connect your smartphone to this access point.
3. Run the update via a “fake” Wi-Fi connection.

3 Manual update via Recovery

For advanced users:

1. Download Recovery ROM for your model from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Reboot to Recovery (Power button + Volume up) and select "Install update.zip."

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For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can use TWRP and flash Fastboot ROM through ADB Sideload, which is the most reliable method, but requires skill.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade via mobile internet