Updating the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a process that can both improve the device and lead to serious problems with the wrong approach. With the release of HyperOS (which replaced MIUI on new models), the update algorithms have changed, and old instructions from the Internet often contain outdated data. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of updating – from automatic through settings to manual through Fastboot and Recovery, and also tell you how to avoid errors and what to do if the phone after the update stopped turning on.
It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 updates differently than the Redmi 9A), the firmware version (stable/beta) and even the region (global/Chinese version).We’ve put together generic instructions that will work for most of the series’ devices, but some nuances will have to be clarified for your particular model. If you’ve never manually updated your firmware before, start with the automatic method through the settings.
1. How to check the current firmware version and available updates
Before you start upgrading, make sure it's really necessary. Newer firmware versions don't always bring improvements: they sometimes contain bugs that can degrade performance or drain the battery faster. Here's how to check your version's relevance:
Open the Settings menu → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS. You'll see here:
- 📱 Version MIUI/HyperOS (for example, HyperOS 1.0.3.0.UMCRUXM)
- 📅 The date of the assembly (shows how fresh the firmware is)
- 🔄 Update status (if new is available, the Download button will appear")
To check for updates manually, go to Settings → Update Center and click “Check Updates.” The system will find the current version for your model. Pay attention to the update file size: if it exceeds 1.5 GB, it can be a transition to a new version of Android (for example, from 12 to 13), which will require more time and space.
2. Method 1: Automatically update via settings (most secure)
This method is recommended for most users because it minimizes the risks, and the system downloads and installs the firmware itself, checking compatibility with your device.
- Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
- The battery charge should be at least 50% (preferably 80%+).
- Go to Settings. → Renewal centre.
- Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
- After download, click "Install" and wait for the reboot.
The process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the file size. If the phone hangs on the MI/HyperOS logo for a long time after the reboot (more than 15 minutes), don't panic - wait for the installation to be completed.
☑️ Preparation for automatic update
Method 2: Manual update via Recovery (for power users)
If the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, due to a Xiaomi server failure) or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can use Recovery Mode.This method requires more attention, but allows you to update even if the system partition is damaged.
You'll need:
- 📄 Official firmware in.zip format for your model (you can download it on the official website of Xiaomi)
- 🔌 Charge at least 70%
- 📱 Unlocked bootloader (not required, but recommended for new models)
Instructions:
- Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip.
- Move the file to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select the language, then select "Install update.zip to System".
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion.
⚠️ Note: If you see an error "Cannot verify update" means that the firmware is not intended for your model or region, 4PDA Xiaomi Community).
What if Recovery doesn’t see the update.zip file?
Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for advanced users)
Fastboot is used when other methods fail or you need to "restore" your phone after a failed upgrade, it requires you to connect to your PC and work with the command line.
Tools required:
- 💻 PC Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers
- 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged)
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz format (unpacked into a folder with.img files)
- 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website)
Step-by-step:
1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select "clean all" or "save user data" (save data).
5. Press "Refresh" → "Flash" and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
6.The phone will automatically restart.| Mode in Mi Flash | What's he doing? | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| clean all | Complete cleaning of all sections | When critical crashes or switching to another version of Android |
| save user data | Stores user data | With a normal update without resetting settings |
| clean all and lock | Cleaning + Locking of the loader | Only if you want to return the phone to the factory state. |
⚠️ Warning: Using clean all mode will delete all data from your phone, including photos and apps. pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
5.Typical Update Errors and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔴 "Cannot verify update - firmware is not suitable for your model/region. Check the file name and download the correct version.
- 🔴 The phone is stuck on the logo – wait. 20-30 If it doesn't work, you can hold the power. + Loudness up on 10 second-on-seconds.
- 🔴 Lack of space – free up at least 3GB of memory or use it SD-card (if supported).
- 🔴 Error 7 in Recovery means firmware incompatibility. Try another version or method of Fastboot.
If the phone gets too hot, discharged, or braked after the upgrade, reset through Settings → Settings → Reset. This often solves problems with optimizing new firmware.
💡
If after the update, the mobile Internet disappeared, check the settings. APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and select the operator manually.
6.How to roll back an update if the new firmware is performing worse
Sometimes the new MIUI/HyperOS version contains bugs that make the phone unusable, in which case you can return the previous firmware, but there are nuances:
For HyperOS devices, the only way to roll back is through Fastboot with full data clearing. For MIUI (up to 14), you can use Recovery, but you need to:
- Download the old stable firmware (not beta!).
- Rename the file to update.zip.
- In Recovery, select "Install update.zip".
- Confirm the rollback (possible data loss!).
On newer models (Redmi Note 13, Redmi K70 and later), the recoil through Recovery is often blocked, in which case only the Fastboot with clean all mode will help, but this will lead to a complete reset.
💡
Firmware rollbacks on Xiaomi often lead to data loss. Always back up before experimenting with software versions!