Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones have long proven to be reliable, but even the most stable system needs attention over time. Software updates are not just about changing numbers in the version number, but a critical process for the safety and performance of the gadget. Redmi 7 owners often wonder whether to switch to a more recent MIUI build or better stay on a proven version.
Many users ignore notifications about the availability of new data packets, believing that if the phone is working properly, then nothing needs to be touched, which is a misconception, since developers regularly release patches that close security vulnerabilities in Android. Ignoring these updates can lead to malfunctioning banking applications or leaking personal data.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to update software, from standard “over the air” updates to manual installation through the computer, how to properly prepare the device, what tools you will need and what to do if the process went wrong, and the information will be useful for both beginners and experienced users who want to refresh their knowledge.
Preparation of the smartphone before the procedure
Before you start the process of downloading and installing new files, you need to make sure that the device is ready. Data backup is the first and most important step that should not be ignored.Although Xiaomi’s regular tools usually save user files, the risk of failure is always there, and losing contacts or photos will be an unpleasant surprise.
Be sure to check the battery level. To successfully complete the process, the charge must be at least 60%. If the device runs out at the time of writing system files, this can damage the bootloader or completely fail the smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not start installing updates if the low charge indicator is on the screen, even if the phone is connected to a weak charger.
Temporary files, app cache and old downloads can take up gigabytes of space needed to unpack the installation package, and it is recommended to remove unnecessary applications or transfer photos and videos to a memory card or cloud storage.
Make sure the network connection is stable. 1-2 GB over the mobile Internet can be interrupted at the most inopportune moment, which will lead to an error of checking the integrity of the package.
Automatic update via settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new firmware version is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which does not require a computer, special cables or deep knowledge of programming, but the system will find the right package and suggest installing it.
To start the process, go to the settings menu of your Redmi 7. Find the "About Phone" item and click on the MIUI version icon. The device will contact the server and check for new builds. If the update is available, the corresponding notification with the download button will appear on the screen.
Once the file is downloaded, the phone will suggest restarting and installing, at which point the screen will go out and the Mi logo will appear with a progress indicator, which is strictly forbidden to interrupt this process, since the system makes changes to critical memory areas.
☑️ Check before OTA-renewal
Sometimes, the phone says “No Updates” when other devices of the same model already have a new version available, which may be due to regional features of the spread of firmware or the fact that your smartphone received an update earlier than others.
Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If the automatic method does not work or you want to install a specific version of the software manually, you will have to use Recovery mode. This method requires pre-loading the installation file from the official site and placing it in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card.
The firmware file should have a.zip extension and weigh about 1.5-2 GB. It is important to download the version for your region (Global, Russia, China), since the firmware from the Chinese version of Redmi 7 will not stand on the global without unlocking the bootloader and changing the region.
Once the file is uploaded, re-shoot the About Phone menu and click on the MIUI version icon several times in a row until the message “Additional Updates Features Enabled” appears. Then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Select firmware file.”
What if a three-point menu doesn’t appear?
The system will check the checksum of the file. If that's correct, the installation process will begin. OTA-The update gives an error or hangs on a certain percentage.
Use of Mi Flash Tool and Computer
For more advanced users who are facing serious problems or want to completely reflash the device, there is a utility Mi Flash Tool. This tool works in conjunction with the Fastboot mode and allows you to install full images of the system, erasing all data or storing it.
To work, you will need a PC with Windows OS, USB-High quality cable and drivers ADB/Fastboot. The phone needs to be put into fast load mode, holding the power buttons and volume down at the same time when the state is off.
In the Mi Flash Tool, you need to choose the path to the unpacked firmware folder. Note the three modes at the bottom of the window: “Clean all” (complete cleaning), “Save user data” (save data) and “Clean all and lock” (clean and lock the bootloader). For a regular update, you better choose to save data, but for the cleanliness of the system, a complete cleanup is recommended.
It takes 100 to 300 seconds. Once it's done, it automatically reboots. If the logs say "success" in green, it's a success. Red text indicates an error, often with drivers or cable.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
During the update process, users often encounter various errors, one of the most common is “Failure to verify the file,” which means that the checksum of the downloaded archive does not match the expected amount, possibly due to interruption of download or corruption of the file.
Another common problem is endless reboot or bootloop, where the phone gets stuck on the logo, which can happen if you interrupt the recording process or if the new firmware version conflicts with modified system files, in which case logging into Recovery mode and resetting to factory settings helps.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings (Wipe Data) will completely delete all your photos, contacts and apps.
Sometimes, after an update, the fingerprint or camera stops working, and this is a software glitch that is often solved by recalibrating the sensors or, in extreme cases, completely flashing the device and cleaning all partitions.
If the phone stopped responding to commands and didn't turn on, the bootloader might be damaged, and only the service center or deep flashing through the bootloader will help. EDL-A mode that requires an authorized Mi Account.
Comparison of MIUI versions and stability of operation
Redmi 7 users often argue which version of the shell is better: the good old MIUI 10 based on Android 9 or the newer MIUI 11/12.New versions offer improved design, dark theme and new gesture control features, but can be heavier for the Snapdragon 632 processor.
| Parameter | MIUI 10 (Android 9) | MIUI 12 (Android 10) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of operation | Tall. | Medium |
| Battery consumption | Optimal. | Elevated. |
| Interface design | Classical. | Modern. |
| Security | Basic | Expanded |
If you’re prioritizing maximum autonomy and performance on simple tasks, it might be worth staying on the older but optimized version. However, if you want new security features and compatibility with the latest versions of apps, an update is needed.
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To speed up work after updating to the new version of MIUI, it is recommended to give the phone to lie on a charge with the screen off on the first day - the system will conduct background optimization of applications.
It is also worth considering that support for the Redmi 7 model has already been discontinued, and new versions of Android will not officially be released for it.