How to upgrade Xiaomi phone: 5 ways with step-by-step instructions

Update firmware on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO — It's not just a way to get new features, it's a necessary measure to protect the device from vulnerabilities, and the manufacturer regularly releases security patches, optimizes the system, and adds exclusive features to different regions. However, the update process may vary depending on the model, current version MIUI even the method of installation.

If your phone is slowing down, running out, or making errors, the first thing to do is check for updates. But how do you do it to avoid turning your phone into a brick? In this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from automatic air-to-air updates (OTAs) to manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery. We'll focus on the nuances for global and Chinese firmware versions, and tell you what to do if the update is "hangling" or the device stops turning on.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your important data, and even a regular update through your settings can go wrong — especially if you're switching to a new version of Android (like 12 to 13), and if you're going to flash your phone manually, the risks are even higher, but don't worry, with the right approach, it's only 20 to 30 minutes, and the result will pay off.

1.Preparing the phone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Regardless of the method of updating chosen, preparing the device is half the success, and neglecting these steps can cause crashes, data loss, or even a build-up of the smartphone, starting with the most important thing.

Battery charge should be at least 60%. This is critical: if the phone runs out during the upgrade, there is a risk of damage to system files. A1 or Redmi 4X) We recommend connecting the charger, but not through USB-Hub - only directly to the outlet.

Next, check for free space. Updates weigh 1.5 to 3 GB, so the internal drive should have at least 4-5 GB of free space. If there is not enough space, transfer photos and videos to a memory card or to the Mi Cloud, and then clear the application cache in the Settings → Memory section.

Just as important is the Internet connection. Mobile Internet is enough to upgrade over the air (OTA), but it's better to use Wi-Fi, which will make it faster and more stable. If you're planning to have manual firmware, download files only from official sources (which we'll discuss below).

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, ideally 80%+.
• 📱 Free space: 4-5 GB on internal storage.
• 🌐 Internet: stable Wi-Fi for the OTA, Mobile – only as a last resort.
• 🔒 Backup: sync with Mi Cloud or local backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔧 Debugging by USB: set up → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you upgrade through the standard menu, a crash can happen at any time. In Mi Cloud, contacts, notes, SMS and some settings are saved, but you will have to backup photos and application files manually, Google Photos, Local Backup in settings or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

2. Method 1: Automatic update via OTA

The easiest and safest method is an Over-The-Air (OTA) update, which is suitable for most users because it doesn’t require technical skills or resets. However, it has limitations: for example, if your model hasn’t received updates in a long time (like the Redmi Note 5 on MIUI 12), then a new patch may not come.

To check for updates, go to: Settings → About Phone → System Update.

The system will automatically check the firmware's relevance. If the update is available, you'll see the Download button. Click on it and wait for the download to be completed. The phone will then suggest installing the update -- agree and wait for the restart. The entire process will take 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the file size and device performance.

If the update is not there but you are sure it should be, try the following:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and check again.
• 🌍 Change region in settings (e.g. India or Europe) as updates may be delayed in different regions.
• 📡 Clear the cache of the application System Update in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – sometimes updates roll out gradually.

Note: if your phone is unlocked (has custom recavéri or root), OTA-The updates may not work, and then you'll have to use manual methods, which we'll talk about later.

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If the update is stuck during the boot phase, try connecting to another Wi-Fi or using mobile internet, sometimes changing the DNS to 8.8.8.8 in the router settings helps.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic update doesn't work or you want to install the firmware yourself, you can use Recovery, a special recovery mode that is suitable for official.zip firmware and doesn't require a PC connection, but it will reset all the settings to factory settings, so be sure to backup in advance.

First, download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index.

Choose your own model, region (Global, EEA, China or India) and the latest stable version. miui_[model]_global_[version.zip.

Next, follow the following steps:

1. Move the downloaded.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or DCIM folder).
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO and some Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Install update.zip to System

Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

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Important: If you install firmware for another region (e.g. Global on the Chinese model), you may have problems with the language, Google services, or mobile network, in which case you should use the Fastboot method (described below).

4. Method 3: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for manual updates, but it's also the most complex, requiring a PC connection, driver installation, and a special Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔄 Restore the “brick” phone.
• 🌍 Install firmware in another region (for example, transfer the Chinese model to Global).
• ⚡ Switch a new version of Android (for example, 11 to 12).
• 🔧 Resolve mistakes after a failure OTA-update.

First, download:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official version): link.
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (look for Fastboot).
• 🔌 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your phone’s processor).

Follow the instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power Connect the device to your PC via USB (it is better to use the original cable).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing region); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (for security); Save user data – data storage (not always stable).

Flash

If the process ends with an error (such as an anti-rollback), you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one already on your phone, in which case you will have to look for a newer build or use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

5 Features of updates for Chinese and global firmware

One of the most common questions is whether you can flash the Chinese version. MIUI Technically, yes, but there are nuances that many people don't know about. ROM) Google does not have Google services, but they do support more features (such as Super Wallpapers or Google Wallpapers). AI-The camera is global (Global/EEA) They are deprived of some “chips”, but they work more stable with Western services.

If you decide to change the firmware region, consider the following:

To switch from China ROM to Global, you need to:

1. Unlock the boot loader (if it is blocked).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model marked Global.
3. Swipe through the Mi Flash Tool with a full clean (Clean all).
4. After installation, you may need to manually install Google services (via Google Installer from the Mi App Store).

If the screen is black and the device does not respond to buttons, try:

1. Connect your phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes (sometimes the battery is discharged to zero).
2. Try logging in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power). If you can, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. If Fastboot is not available, try it. EDL-mode (requires special cable and authorization in Mi Account).

In the most severe cases (such as a failed call or a change of region), a service center may be needed, but in 90% of cases, the phone can be reanimated by itself if you follow instructions.

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If the phone vibrates after a failed update but doesn’t turn on, try holding the power button for 20 to 30 seconds, which sometimes helps wake the device up.

⚠️ Note: If you see an anti-rollback error when running your firmware, it means you are trying to install the version. MIUI It's older than the one on the phone, so you need to look for a newer firmware or use it. EDL-Method (only for experienced users!).

7.How to roll back an update if the new version is not working well

Sometimes, after an update, the phone starts to slow down, discharge quickly or give out errors, in which case you can try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI. However, there is an important limitation: Xiaomi uses the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which blocks the installation of old firmware on new ones. If you upgraded from, for example, MIUI 13 to MIUI 14, you will not be able to return.

If you can roll back (for example, within a single major version), do this:

1. Download the required firmware version (only Fastboot!) from the Xiaomi website.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool with a full clean (Clean all).
3. If the phone does not turn on after rolling back, try stitching again with the Clean all and lock tick.

If the Anti-Rollback does not allow you to roll back, there are two options:

• 🔧 Resetting to factory settings (sometimes helps eliminate lags).
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.

Before rolling back, make sure to check if your model supports Anti-Rollback.A list of devices with this protection can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.For example, all phones on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50) have this protection, while older models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) do not.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update