Xiaomi Update TV through three points: hidden menu and alternative methods

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi TVs through the standard menu usually does not raise questions — just go to the settings and click “Update.” But what if the system is frozen, automatic update does not work, or you need to install custom firmware? In such cases, a hidden engineering menu that users often call “three-point update” comes to the rescue, this method allows you to manually download the firmware from a flash drive, bypass locks or restore the TV to work after a failure.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to open a hidden menu with three points on different models Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV mi TV A.
• 📁 What firmware files are needed for manual updates and where to download them.
• ⚠️ Typical errors when updating through three points and how to avoid them (e.g. bug) E2001 or).
• 🔄 Alternative ways to update if the menu with points is not available.

The method is suitable for most Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV or PatchWall, Released from 2018 to 2026. if your model is older (e.g. Mi). TV 3 2016), some steps may differ - check compatibility in official documentation.

1 What are the “three points” and why do they need them?

«Three Dots is the unofficial name for the hidden recovery menu (Recovery Mode), which is available on Xiaomi TVs running Android. TV Or a proprietary PatchWall shell:

• 🔄 Install firmware manually with USB-storage.
• 🔧 Restore the system after a failure (for example, if the TV is not turned on or hangs on the logo).
• 🗑️ Reset the settings to factory (full wipe).
• 🛠️ Check the hardware status of the device (memory, display, etc. tests.).

This menu is not documented in Xiaomi’s official instructions, but is used extensively by service centers and enthusiasts to repair and modify the TV. It is important to understand that improper actions here can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device, so follow the instructions carefully.

⚠️ Note: If your TV is warranty, updating through a hidden menu can lead to its loss. Official service centers Xiaomi do not recommend using this method unless absolutely necessary.

The three-point menu is available on the following models (the list is incomplete, but covers most popular lines):

2.Ready for the update: what to do before entering the menu

Before opening a hidden menu, make sure you follow all the preparatory steps, which minimizes the risks of crashes and data loss.

Download the correct firmware version for your model |

Format USB-storage FAT32|

Check the charge of the remote (or prepare a spare one)|

Disable all peripherals (sound panels, game consoles)|

Take a picture of the current TV settings (brightness, sound, networks)

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Step 1: Determine the exact model of the TV.

The firmware version must match the TV model.

• 📺 On a box or sticker on the back of the TV (for example, L43M6-6ARG For Redmi Smart TV X43).
• 📱 In settings: Settings → On TV. → Model.
• 🔍 Through service menus (if TV is turned on): click on the Menu remote → Settings → All Settings → Device Preferences → About.

Step 2. Download the firmware.

Official firmware for manual updates can be found:

• 🌍 On the official website of Xiaomi (section "Support" → TV Updates»).
• 📁 In the forums of enthusiasts (for example, 4PDA Xiaomi.EU for custom firmware).

The firmware file must have a.zip or.pkg extension and a name corresponding to the model (e.g., a name for the firmware file, mi_tv_5_pro_global_v1234.zip). Do not unpack the archive! – it should be loaded on the flash drive in its original form.

Step 3. Prepare. USB-accumulator.

Requirements for the flash drive:

• 💾 Volume: from 4 GB (better 8-16 GB).
• 📁 File system: FAT32 (NTFS or exFAT won't work!).
• 🔌 Port port: USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not work on older models).
• 🚫 There should be no other files on the flash drive - only firmware!

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If the TV can’t see the flash drive, try formatting it into a flash drive. FAT32 with a cluster size of 4096 bytes (use the utility) HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool or standard Windows tools).

3. How to open a menu with three points: step-by-step instructions

How you log into the hidden menu depends on the TV model and firmware version. Below are the current methods for most Xiaomi devices.

Method 1. For TVs with remote control without microphone (Mi) TV 4/4A/4S, Redmi Smart TV).

1. Turn off the TV with a button on the remote (not from the socket!).
2. Press the Menu button on the remote. + Volume Down (volume down) at the same time.
3. Holding them, press the power button on the remote and hold all three buttons for 5-10 seconds.
4. Release the buttons when the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen and the three dots at the bottom.

Method 2. For TVs with remote control with microphone (Mi) TV 5/5X, Q1/Q2).

1. Turn off the TV.
2. Press the Home button (home) on the remote control) + Volume Down.
3. Holding them, press the power button on the remote.
4. Hold all three buttons until the three-dot menu appears.

Method 3. For Mi TV A (required) OTG-cable).

Some Mi models on some of them TV A menu with points opens only when connected OTG-cable (even if the flash drive is not inserted). USB-Do the TV port and repeat the steps from Method 1.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔌 Turn off the TV for 1 minute, then try again.
• 🔋 Replace batteries in the remote (weak signal may interfere with combinations).
• 📺 Use buttons on the TV body (if any).

4. Install firmware through three points: a step-by-step guide

When you successfully logged into the hidden menu, the screen will display an interface with three dots at the bottom. Use the Volume buttons. Up/Down on the navigational remote and OK choice.

Step 1. Choose your language.

The default menu can be in Chinese. To change the language:

1. Select the first point (left) and press OK.
2. Find a paragraph with a flag or a Language label.
3. Choose English (or Russian if available).

Step 2. Connect the flash drive with the firmware.

Put it in. USB-drive to the TV port, unless the flash drive is detected:

• 🔄 Reconnect it or try another port.
• 📁 Check the format (should be) FAT32).
• 🔍 Make sure the firmware file is correctly named (no spaces and Cyrillic).

Step 3. Launch the update.

1. Select the second point (center) and press OK.
2. Select Update or Install from USB.
3. Find the firmware file (usually it is displayed automatically).
4. Confirm the installation by selecting Yes or Start.

Step 4. Wait until it's done.

The upgrade process will take 5-15 minutes, the progress bar will be displayed on the screen, don't turn off the TV or remove the flash drive, and the TV will automatically reboot when the screen is finished.

⚠️ Note: If there is an error during the update E2001 («Invalid package, which means that the firmware file is corrupted or not suitable for your model. Check the integrity of the archive (compare the hash amount with the official one) and try again.

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If the update is 0% or 100% over 20 minutes, it's a sign of a failure. Turn off the TV outlet, wait 30 seconds and try to repeat the process with another flash drive or firmware.

5. Alternative ways to update if three dots are not available

If you failed to open a hidden menu or the update through it ended in an error, use one of the alternative methods.

Method 1. Update through the standard settings menu.

If the TV is turned on but the automatic update is not working:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Update Checker.
3. If an update is found but not installed, download it manually from the official website and download it through the Local Update item.

Method 2. Update through ADB (for advanced users).

If you have access to the debugging USB (ADB), You can install firmware through a computer:

1. Turn on the debugging. ADB in the developer settings (Settings) → On TV. → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers).
2. Connect TV to PC via USB (may be required OTG-cable).
3. Use the command: adb sideload /path/to/firmware.zip

Method 3: Update through a service center.

If all methods fail and the TV fails to turn on or if a critical error is issued (e.g., a crash, E1000 — damage to the bootloader, contact the official service center Xiaomi. In Russia and CIS countries, this can be done through the use of the:

• 📞 Hotline: +7 (495) 662-90-20 (for Russia).
• 🌐 Online form on the site: mi.com/ru/service.

6.Typical update errors and their solutions

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

Error: The TV does not turn on after the update.

If after updating through three points, the TV stopped responding to the remote or got stuck on the black screen:

1. Turn off the TV for 5 minutes.
2. Try to log back into the three-point menu and repeat the update.
3. If the menu is not available, perform a hardware reset: 1. Turn off the TV from the socket. 2. Press the power button on the case (if any) for 15 seconds. 3. Connect the power and try to turn on.

Error: After the update, there is no sound or image.

This may be caused by:

• 🔊 Incompatibility of firmware with the hardware version of the TV (for example, firmware for Mi) TV 5 Pro is set to Mi TV 5).
• 📺 Failure in signal output settings (e.g., incorrect resolution).

Decision:

• Reset your settings through the three-point menu (Wipe data).
• If there is an image but no sound, check the audio output settings (Settings) → Sound. → Exit).

7. How to roll back firmware if the update failed

If the TV gets worse after a three-point update (lacks, overheats, no features), you can return the previous firmware version. However, a downgrade (rollback) is not always possible due to Xiaomi's security policy.

Step 1. Find the old firmware version.

Download the archive with the desired version from the official website or verified sources (for example, Xiaomi Firmware). Make sure that the version is older than the current one (check in Settings). → On TV).

Step 2. Install the firmware through three dots.

The process is similar to an update (see section 4), but:

• 🔄 You may need to perform Wipe data first).
• ⚠️ On some models, Xiaomi blocks the rollback of the firmware - in this case, an error will appear. E4001 («Downgrade not allowed»).

Step 3: Alternative method of rollback (through ADB).

If a pullback through a dot menu is not possible, try:

1. Connect TV to PC via ADB.
2. Execute the commands: adb shell su dd if=/sdcard/update.zip of=/dev/block/by-name/update
3. Reboot the TV.

This method requires superuser rights (root) and is only suitable for advanced users.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback can lead to data loss (installed applications, settings).Always back up important data before downgrading.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)