How to upgrade Xiaomi phone to the latest version of MIUI: all ways + problem solving

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is not just a way to get new features, but also a necessary measure for security, stability and battery optimization. However, many users face problems: the update “hangs” by 50%, the phone stops turning on after firmware, or the system does not find new versions at all. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update (including hidden ones), explain why MIUI can not be updated automatically, and give a checklist for secure firmware installation.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process on Xiaomi devices is different from other brands. There are nuances with regional firmware (Global, China, EEA), bootloader locks and even “gray” methods of circumvention. We will not advise risky manipulations – only official and proven ways that work on models from Redmi Note 10 to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If your phone is released before 2018, MIUI updates for it are no longer coming out – but you can install custom firmware (about this in a separate section).

1. How to check the current version of MIUI and available updates

Before you upgrade, make sure your firmware isn't the freshest.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version string, which looks like a number (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5).
3. The following will be the Security Patch Level (e.g., May 5, 2026).

If the patch date is older than 2-3 months, your device needs an update to check the available versions.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Click Check Updates (if the button is inactive, wait 10 seconds - the system can check servers).
• 📊 If there is an update, you will see its size, version number and list of changes.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) The update menu may show a message that says "No update" when it actually is. MIUI — Try to repeat the test in 1-2 hours or use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Automatic update via the Internet (the safest way)

This is the standard method recommended by Xiaomi, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.

• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (update "weighs" from 1 to 3 GB).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (it is better to connect the charger).
• 📱 Enough free space (minimum 5 GB on internal storage).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Update the system.
2. Click Download (if the update is available).
3. Wait until the download is complete (don’t leave the update menu!).
4. Click Set and confirm the reboot.

The phone will reboot and install the firmware in the background (it will take 5-15 minutes). Don't be afraid if the screen goes out or the MIUI logo appears - it's okay. Don't press buttons or turn off power until you see the lock screen.

Make a backup copy of important data|Connect to Wi-Fi|Charge the phone to 80%+|Release 5+ GB memory|Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->

Manual update via Recovery (if the automatic method does not work)

If the system doesn’t find updates, but you’re sure they are (e.g., Xiaomi forums write about a new version for your model), you can install the firmware manually through Recovery.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer (or other phone) to download firmware.
• 📁 Official firmware file in.zip format (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 📂 Empty microSD card or USB-OTG (if the phone supports).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model (choose the Recovery version) ROM, Not Fastboot! for example, for Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ The file will be called something like this: toco_global_images_V14.0.5.0.TMOMIXM_20260315.0000.00_13.0_global.zip.
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and move it to the root directory of internal memory or MicroSD.
3. Open the System Update app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
4. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI After 20 minutes, the firmware is not suitable for your model or damaged, in which case you will have to refashion the device through the Fastboot (see section 5).

Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable if:

• 🔄 Phone 'bricked' after failed update.
• 📥 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🔧 Automatic updates are not possible due to errors.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, follow the instructions at the end of the article).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your model requires authorization of your Xiaomi account for firmware, in which case you will have to use alternative tools like XiaoMiTool V2.

5. How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi (required for Fastboot)

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for firmware via Fastboot or custom firmware installation (like LineageOS). Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process takes up to 7 days due to account verification.

Requirements:

• 📱 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone.
• 📱 Phone with version MIUI No older than 2 years (on very old models, unlocking may not work).
• 💻 Computer with Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. On the phone, go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (clamp Volume Down + Power).
5. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
6. Sign in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions of the program. The first account-to-device binding takes 168 hours (7 days)!

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted from the phone, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Face Unlock) may stop working on informal firmware.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even official updates sometimes fail, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Install firmware through Fastboot (section 4).
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), but this voids the warranty.

💡

If the phone is loaded into Fastboot or Recovery after a failed update, but doesn’t turn on normally, don’t panic. 90% of the time, it can be “reanimated” by re-running through the Mi Flash Tool.

7.Castom firmware: when is it worth taking the risk?

Official MIUI updates come out every 1 to 3 months, but some users want to get new features sooner or get rid of advertising in system applications.

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without shell MIUI.
• 📱 LineageOS – stable firmware with open source.
• 📱 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI Advertising free and weekly updates.

However, custom firmware has disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• ⚠️ The risk of “bricking” the phone with installation error.
• ⚠️ Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster or NFC) may not work.

If you do decide to try it, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader (Section 5).
2. Download the firmware from a trusted source (e.g. XDA Developers).
3. Install it through TWRP Recovery.
4. After installation, run Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Unlocking the bootloader often results in a total loss IMEI And the only way to restore it is through a service center.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)