Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi brand are famous not only for affordable price, but also for regular software support. Periodic installation of new versions of the operating system allows not only to get fresh features, but also to close security vulnerabilities, improve the stability of the interface. Users often wonder how to properly and safely update the phone to avoid losing data and avoid errors.
Software upgrades can be done in a number of ways, depending on the current firmware version and the device’s regional identity. Automatic updates are the easiest method for the average user, but in some cases manual interventions are required via Recovery or a computer, and understanding these mechanisms gives you complete control over the gadget.
In this guide, we will discuss all available methods of updating the system, from standard tools to advanced flashing techniques. You will learn how to prepare a device, where to download official files and what to do if the process went wrong.
Preparation of the device for the update procedure
Before you start the process of installing a new version of MIUI, you need to conduct a number of preparatory manipulations, ignoring these steps can lead to loss of personal data or turn the smartphone into a “brick”. First of all, make sure that the battery is at least 60%, or better, fully charge the device to 100%.
Make sure to back up all your important data. While regular update methods usually save user files, there is always a risk of software failures: use cloud services or transfer photos and documents to your computer.
⚠️ Do not try to update your phone if it is in Unlocked Bootloader mode without first examining version compatibility, as this may result in a Mi Account being blocked.
It's also worth freeing up space in internal memory. Temporary installation files can take up 3 to 5 GB of free space. If there's not enough memory, the system simply won't be able to download or unpack the update archive, delete unnecessary applications or move media files to the memory card.
Make sure your Internet connection is stable: downloading service packs of several gigabytes over a mobile network can be long and expensive, and it is recommended to use a reliable Wi-Fi channel with high data rates.
☑️ Checklist before update
Automatic update via settings (OTA)
The most common and safe way to do this is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which checks for new versions and suggests installing them. To start the process, go to the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.
If the update is available, you will see a notification and a Download and Update button, and the system will download the package in the background, then ask to restart the device for installation, the entire process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the power of the processor.
Sometimes, Xiaomi servers already have a new version, but your phone doesn't see it. This involves a phased firmware deployment, so you can click three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file" if you've already downloaded the archive manually.
The advantage of OTA is that you save all the data and settings, so you don't have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords or set up accounts, but if you have a lot of bugs or junk on your system, a clean installation can be more efficient.
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The OTA method is ideal for scheduled security updates and small version transitions within a single major version of Android.
Manual installation via Recovery menu
If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to upgrade to an earlier/specific version, use Recovery mode. To do this, you will need to download the.zip (Recovery ROM) firmware file from the official website.
Copy the downloaded archive to the root of the phone's internal memory. Then go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, click three dots and select "Select firmware file." Find the downloaded zip archive and confirm the action.
The phone will reset to recovery mode and begin the installation process. The screen will display the logo and progress lane. At this time, the device cannot be touched or turned off. Once completed, the smartphone will turn on with the updated system.
⚠️ Make sure you download the firmware for your region (Global, China, EEA). Installing Chinese firmware on the global version without changing the region can lead to a cyclical reboot (bootloop).
This is a good way to roll back to the previous version or to move to a stable branch from the beta version, but when Downgrade is downgraded, data can be deleted automatically for security reasons.
What if Recovery says "Can't verify update"?
Update via computer and Fastboot
For advanced users and in difficult cases (for example, when recovering from a crash), the Fastboot mode is used, USB-cable and installed utility Mi Flash Tool. firmware file must have the extension.tgz and be unpacked.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode by slamming the volume button and connecting the cable to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the firmware folder and press the "Flash" button. The process will take longer than OTA, as the partitions are completely rewritten.
There are three firmware modes in Mi Flash: "Clean all", "Save user data" and "Clean all and lock"; the mode choice depends on your goals and the status of the bootloader.
| Parameter | OTA Update | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data retention | Yes. | Yeah (usually) | Only in special mode. |
| I need a PC. | No. | No. | Yes. |
| Speed. | Medium | Medium | Tall. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
Using Fastboot, you can fix deep system errors that cannot be fixed by regular means, and it is the “heavy artillery” in the arsenal of the owner of Xiaomi, which requires carefulness and accurate follow-up.
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Use the original. USB-cable USB 3.0 on the computer motherboard (back of the system unit) to avoid a connection break during firmware.
Switch between Android and MIUI versions
Users are often interested in how to switch from one major version of Android to another, such as Android 11 to Android 12. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this usually happens along with the upgrade of the MIUI shell (for example, from MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 13 or 14), the process is similar to a regular OTA, but takes longer.
When you upgrade to a new version of Android, the interface may change, and some old apps will stop working correctly. It is recommended that after such an update, wait 1-2 hours while the system optimizes the applications in the background.
There are also beta ROMs that come out weekly on Fridays, which contain new features but can be unstable. Beta installation often requires registration in the Mi community and an unlocked bootloader.
If you are on the Chinese version of firmware (CN), the transition to Global is possible only through the Fastboot mode with full data clearing (Wipe All Data) and, often, with the flashing of the region. Direct updates between different regions are prohibited.
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Switching between major versions of Android (e.g. 11->12) always takes longer to boot and optimize the system.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Unforeseen situations may occur during the upgrade process. One of the frequent errors is “No Update Download possible.” This may be due to a crowded cache of the Component Update application. This is solved by clearing the cache of this application through the App menu → All Apps → Update Components → Clean.
Another problem is the endless reboot after installation. If the phone is stuck on logos, try logging in to Recovery. + Power, and reset to factory settings (Wipe Data) that will delete all the data, but bring the phone back to life.
⚠️ Attention! If the phone doesn't turn on and respond to buttons after the update, the system partition may be damaged, in which case only flashing through the Fastboot with complete erasure of data will help.
Signature verification failed occurs when you try to install a modified or unofficial firmware on a locked bootloader, the solution being to search for an official signed version or unlock the bootloader (which is difficult to do on new global versions).
Sometimes the update just doesn't find the server. Try changing the DNS in the Wi-Fi settings to 8.8.8.8 or using mobile internet for the initial handshake with the update server.