Xiaomi manual update: instructions with photos and videos for all models

Updating firmware on Xiaomi devices is a key process for improving performance, fixing bugs and getting new features. Automatic updates over the Internet do not always work: slow speeds, server errors or lack of notifications can cause users to look for alternative ways. Manual updates allow you to install the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS without waiting, but requires accuracy - wrong actions can lead to a "brike" (breakdown) of the device.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), Mi TVs and other Xiaomi gadgets, including how to download official firmware, check compatibility and solve common errors. We will also discuss when to choose manual updates instead of automatic ones, and what risks exist when using informal (custom) firmware.

Why upgrade Xiaomi manually?

Automatic Update via Settings → About Phone → Updating the system seems like the simplest solution, but it has limitations:

• 🔄 Distribution delays: Xiaomi often rolls out updates in waves - your device can wait in line for weeks.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some firmware first appears in China, and global versions later.
• 🚫 Download errors: Network or server failures of Xiaomi can interrupt the process, leaving the device on the old version.
• 🔧 Reverse version: If the new firmware is unstable, manual installation allows you to go back to the previous one.

Manual updates give you control over the process, but require attention to detail, for example, installing firmware for another model (even from one line, for example, the Redmi Note 11 instead of the Redmi Note 11 Pro) can cause the device to fail.

• 📱 Recovery – installed via the standard recovery menu, suitable for most users.
• 💻 Fastboot – requires connection to PC and special commands, used to “reanimate” devices.

Preparing the device for manual update

Before starting the process, be sure to follow the following steps:

1. Backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or via Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, messages and application settings.
2. Check the device model in Settings → About Phone → Model. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G are different devices!
3. Make sure the battery is at least 60% charged, and interruption due to discharge can result in data loss.
4. Download the correct firmware from the official website (links below) Do not use files from torrents or unverified sources.

For Mi TVs, you will need to:

• 📁 USB-format-storage FAT32 (not NTFS!) up to 32 GB.
• 🔌 Disable all peripherals (configures, sound panels) during the update.

⚠️ Note: If your device was unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool (for custom firmware installation), manual updates to the official firmware may block the bootloader again.

Where to download the official firmware for Xiaomi

The only safe source of firmware is official Xiaomi resources, and here are the verified links and instructions for choosing the right version.

On the download page, pay attention to:

• 📅 Release Date: Fresh firmware is published weekly (for beta versions) or monthly (for stable versions).
• 🔢 Android Version: For example, MIUI 14.0.5.0 (TKBRUXM) This means that the firmware is based on Android 13 (the letter T).
• 🌐 Region: Firmware for China (CN) Not suitable for global devices (Global or EEA).

Firmware files have the extension.zip (for Recovery) or.tgz (for Fastboot). Don't unpack the archives - they are installed in their original form.

💡

If your site does not have firmware for your model, check alternative sources through Xiaomi Firmware Updater – this service aggregates official firmware from all regions.

Step-by-step: Update through Recovery

Recovery is the easiest and most secure method for most users, requiring no PC connection, and is suitable for installing both stable and beta versions of MIUI/HyperOS.

Step 1. Transfer the firmware to the device

1. Move the downloaded.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folder).
2. Rename the file for convenience, such as update.zip (optional, but simplifies search).

Step 2: Launching Recovery Mode

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For smartphones: Volume up + Power (hold for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears). 📺 For TVs: Power button on remote + Home button (hold 15 seconds).

Step 3: Installation of firmware

1. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available).
2. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
3. Select the firmware file and confirm the installation.
4. Wait until it is completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

If after the update, the device hung on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes, reset the cache:

1. Enter Recovery again.
2. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
3. Reset the device.

Update via Fastboot (for experienced users)

The Fastboot method is used if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on or hung on the logo ("brick").
• 📉 You need to downgrade the firmware version (downgrade).
• 🔄 Complete reflashing is required with the removal of all data.

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (unpacked into a folder with.img files).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware.tgz in the folder (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off the device and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power The screen should appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All (complete clean) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always stable).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool produces an anti-rollback error, it means you are trying to install too old firmware.

💡

The Fastboot firmware completely overwrites the system partition, and if the device is unlocked, the bootloader can lock again after the procedure.

Typical errors and their solution

Even when you follow the instructions, you can have failures, and here are some common mistakes and ways to fix them.

If the device stopped turning on after an unsuccessful update:

1. Try to log into Recovery and do Wipe Data (full reset).
2. If Recovery is not available, use Fastboot to flash.
3. In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center - some "bricks" are fixed only with the help of special equipment.

For Mi TVs, a typical bug is Update failed when installed with USB.

• 🔌 Format the flash drive into FAT32 (not NTFS!).
• 📁 Make sure that there is only one firmware file on the flash drive (without other folders).
• 🔄 Restart the TV and try again.

Xiaomi update without data loss: myth or reality?

Many users are afraid to update because of the risk of losing photos, messages or settings.

• ✅ Recovery updates usually save data, but it is recommended to backup in case of a crash.
• ❌ Clean All Fastboot removes everything, including internal memory.
• ⚠️ Beta versions MIUI may contain bugs that cause data loss (e.g. resetting Bluetooth settings).

To minimize the risks:

1. Use Mi Cloud to sync your contacts, notes and photos.
2. Save backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. For important files (documents, videos) copy them to a PC or external drive.

If the data is missing after the update:

• 🔍 Check the folder. MIUI/Backup/AllBackup on the internal drive - there can be backup copies.
• 📲 To recover deleted files, use programs like DiskDigger (root rights required).

💡

Before updating, turn off the protection with a pattern lock or password (if it is enabled).In rare cases, after firmware, the device may require an old password that cannot be reset without losing data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)