Why it’s important to update your firmware to Redmi 6A and what it does
Xiaomi Redmi 6A, released in 2018, is still a popular budget device due to its reliability and support for MIUI. However, over time, even the most stable firmware requires updates — not only to get new features, but also to close security vulnerabilities, optimize battery life and fix bugs. For example, the latest versions of MIUI for Redmi 6A have eliminated overheating problems with long-term mobile Internet use and added support for modern Wi-Fi protocols.
But not all updates are equally useful. Some users find that after an upgrade, the device begins to “brake”, discharge faster or loses compatibility with familiar applications. This is due to the fact that firmware for budget smartphones is often optimized for new versions of Android with limited resources. So before updating, it is important to assess what changes the new version will bring and whether it will become “heavy” for your Redmi 6A.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update, from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot and Recovery, as well as how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.
📊 How often do you update your firmware on Xiaomi?
Only in critical errors
Six months
Every time a new version is released
Never updated.
I don't know how to do that.
Preparing a smartphone for an update: 5 mandatory steps
Before you start upgrading to Redmi 6A, there are a few key steps to take to minimize the risk of crashes. Even if you upgrade through the standard Settings menu → About Phone → System Update, you will need to prepare.
First, check the current version of MIUI and Android. Go to Settings → About Phone. If your version is older than MIUI 12.5, upgrading to the latest available firmware may take longer and require more free space. Second, make sure the device has enough battery power of at least 50%, or better connect it to charging while the process is underway.
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50%, optimally 70% and above. interruption of the update due to discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.
- 📶 Stable Internet connection: it is better to use Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet, to download firmware weighing 1.5-2.5 GB.
- 📁 Free space: at least 3GB on the internal drive.Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to the memory card.
- 🔐 Backup: Save contacts, photos and app data to Mi Cloud or your computer.
- 🛠️ Disabling Antivirus: Some security programs (such as Avast or Kaspersky) can block firmware from downloading.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 6A with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), standard OTA-update may cause a failure, in which case it is recommended to sew the device manually through the Fastboot.
Method 1: Automatically update via OTA (the easiest method)
The safest and most recommended way to upgrade is through the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) system, which is suitable for most users because it requires no additional knowledge and minimizes risks. However, there are limitations to this method: you will only get the version of MIUI that Xiaomi officially released for your region.
To check for updates, follow the following steps:
- Open the settings on your Redmi 6A.
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Click on System Update.
- Slip the button to check for updates.
- If the update is available, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
- After downloading, select Install and confirm the reboot.
The installation process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the firmware, and don't interrupt it or turn off the smartphone, even if the screen goes out for a long time, which is normal, and once you restart, the device will be ready to use.
⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA The smartphone began to “lay” or discharge quickly, try resetting to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This often solves performance problems.
| Problem is, OTA-renewal | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|
| Update not in progress | Regional restrictions or outdated version of MIUI | Try changing the region in the settings or download the firmware manually |
| Error “Cannot install the update” | A damaged firmware file or lack of memory | Delete the downloaded file and re-upload |
| Smartphone got stuck on the MI logo after the update | Conflict with user settings or applications | Reset through Recovery (see Method 2) |
| Slow firmware loading | Low Internet speed or overloading of Xiaomi servers | Use Wi-Fi or try it later |
💡
Automatic updates via OTA are suitable for 90% of users, but do not guarantee the latest version of MIUI.
Method 2: Manual update via Recovery (for power users)
If automatic updates are not available or you want to install a specific version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced), you can use Recovery Mode.This method requires a little more effort, but allows you to bypass regional restrictions and install firmware that Xiaomi does not offer through OTA.
To start, download the official firmware for Redmi 6A (codename of the device is cactus) from MIUI Downloads. Choose the version of Recovery ROM (file with the extension.zip). Pay attention to the region: for Russia, the firmware marked RU is suitable, for the global version - Global.
Follow the instructions:
- Move the downloaded.zip file to the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
- Turn off Redmi 6A.
- Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time to enter Recovery.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then tap on Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.
- After the reboot, the smartphone will be updated.
Important: If you install firmware for another region (e.g. global on a Russian smartphone), you may need to reset after the upgrade, as some features (e.g. NFC or 4G frequencies) may not work properly.
What if Recovery doesn’t see the firmware file?
Make sure the file is named exactly. update.zip (No extra characters) and it's at the root of the memory. If the problem persists, try renaming the file or downloading it again.—> Method 3: Fastboot firmware is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it's suitable if you want to use it: 🔄 You need to revert to an older version. MIUI. 🛠️ Smartphone “bricked” (does not turn on or hover on the logo). 🌍 You want to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global), this method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool, as well as the official Fastboot firmware (file with the extension.tgz). MIUI Downloads by selecting the Fastboot section. Step-by-step instruction: Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive into a folder on your computer. Turn off Redmi. 6A and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping Volume down + Power. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Start the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the way to the unpacked firmware folder. Select firmware mode: Clean all — clean (recommended when changing region). Clean all and lock — clear + Save user data - saving user data (not always stable). Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed (about 5-10 minutes). ⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets all data on your device, including photos, messages and apps. If you don't have the bootloader unlocked, select Save user data mode, but be prepared for possible crashes. How to Check if an Upgrade Is Successful and What to Do If Something Goes Wrong After a Redmi Update 6A In any of these ways, you need to make sure that the firmware is installed correctly. → Check the fields of the version. MIUI And the Android version -- they should match the firmware you installed. Run a few apps (like a camera, a browser, a messenger) and make sure they work without errors. Check your mobile network connection and Wi-Fi. If you have problems after the update, use the following tips: 🔄 Factory reset: solves most performance problems.Be sure to pre-draft a backup. 📡 Network Settings Reset: If Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is Missing, Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings. 🔋 Battery calibration: If the battery drains too quickly after the upgrade, completely discharge the smartphone, then charge to 100% without interruption. MI, Try: Go to Recovery (Loudness Up) + Power) and select Wipe data (data reset). If this does not help, repeat the firmware via Fastboot. In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center - you may need to flash it using special equipment. 💡If after the update the smartphone is slower than before, try to disable animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Scale of animation and choose No animation). How to roll back an update on Redmi 6A, if MIUI Sometimes fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits, such as missing support for some applications or deteriorating autonomy. MIUI. However, rollback is not always possible – it all depends on Xiaomi policy and the type of firmware installed, MIUI 11 instead MIUI 12.5) from the website MIUI Downloads. if you're updating through OTA Or Recovery, try installing the old firmware the same way. If the rollback through Recovery doesn't work (can't verify update error appears), use Fastboot: 🔙 A rollback to a version older than the one installed out of the box can result in loss of functionality (e.g., new camera features will stop working). 🔒 If the bootloader was blocked after the update, you can only unlock it again through the official Mi Unlock tool, which will take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting. 📱 When rolling back on the old firmware, sometimes you need to reset all the data. ⚠️ Note: If you have moved back to an older version MIUI And the smartphone stopped supporting some apps (like banking apps) because of an outdated version of Google Play Services, which is to manually update Google services via APKMirror (FAQ) Can I upgrade Redmi? 6A Android 11 or 12? No, Xiaomi Redmi 6A It only officially supports Android 8.1 Oreo (in the latest versions). MIUI). No firmware based on Android 9 or newer for this device was released. However, there are custom firmware (like LineageOS 16 based on Android 9), but installing it requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to unstable work. This problem often occurs when you change the firmware region (for example, if you installed a global version on a Russian smartphone). APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). If APN If you're missing, add them manually (you can find them on your carrier's website) reboot your smartphone. If that doesn't work, go back to the previous firmware version or run the device through Fastboot to select the right region. How do you know if the bootloader on my Redmi is unlocked? 6A? To check the status of the bootloader: Turn off the smartphone. Press Volume down. + Meals to enter the Fastboot. Connect the device to your computer and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux). Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. How long does it take to update via Fastboot? 5 before 15 minutes depending on: Speed USB-port (USB 3.0 faster than USB 2.0). Firmware size (Fastboot firmware weighs) 1.5–2.5 Computer performance if the process is more than delayed by 20 Just a minute, check the cable connection and try again. 6A No computer? Yes, if it's about updating through OTA Or Recovery. For that, download Recovery's firmware. ROM You can move the file to the root of the memory and rename it to the smartphone. update.zip. Go to Recovery and select Install update.zip. The computer will only be needed to run through Fastboot or if the smartphone is not turned on.