Modern Xiaomi Smart TVs run on Android TV, which requires regular maintenance to work properly. Device owners often face the need to install new firmware versions to access fresh features, fix security bugs or improve interface stability. Lack of up-to-date software can lead to incorrect display of content in streaming services or problems with connecting peripherals.
The update process can be carried out automatically through the Internet or manually through the Internet. USB-It's important to understand that flashing and regular updating are different processes, and there's enough regular system tools for the average user. In this article, we will analyze in detail all available methods of updating the software, consider the nuances of working with different versions of Android. TV And we'll answer frequent questions.
Before you start taking action, you need to determine the current version of the operating system and the model of your device, which will help to avoid installing incompatible files that can lead to software failures. Built-in protection mechanisms usually prevent the installation of corrupted data, but manual care will never be superfluous when working with system software.
Preparing for updates and checking the current version
The first step before any interference is to diagnose the current state of the device, so you need to know exactly which version of MIUI for TV or pure Android TV is currently installed, so you can compare it to the latest version available on the official website and see if any intervention is required.
To get this information, go to the main menu and select Settings. Then go down to the About Device or Help section. In the window that opens, you are interested in the Version or Build number bar. Write down this data or take a screen photo so you can return to it if necessary.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the process, make sure that the TV is connected to the power grid via a stabilizer or UPS. Abrupt power outage during system file recording can cause permanent damage to the software module.
It is also critical to check for free space in internal memory: system update files can take up a significant amount of space, and if there is a shortage of it, installation will simply not begin. If there is not enough memory, it is recommended to delete unused applications or clear the cache through the storage management menu.
Automatic updates via Wi-Fi
The simplest and most recommended way is to upgrade through the air (OTA), which checks Xiaomi servers for new data packets, and if you're connected to the Internet, this often happens in the background, but it can be forced to start.
To do this, in the About Device menu, look for System Update. Click Check Updates. If a new version is found, a notification will appear on the screen describing the changes and the file size, and you will only have to confirm the download and installation.
When you load and install the TV, it can reboot several times, the screen can go out and light up again, which is normal behavior, indicating that the system partitions are rearranged, and do not try to interrupt this process with a remote control or power button, even if the device seems to be getting stuck.
☑️ Check before OTA-renewal
Sometimes the system says, "No new version found" even though the site already has one, and this is due to the phased deployment of updates to different regions and batches of devices, leaving you to wait a few days or use manual installation methods.
Manual installation of firmware through USB-accumulator
If the automatic method doesn't work or the Internet connection is too slow, the only way out is manual installation. This method requires you to pre-prepare the firmware file on your computer. USB-USB flash drive with a volume of at least 4 GB, formatted in the file system FAT32.
Download the current firmware file for your particular model from Xiaomi's official support portal. The file usually has a.apk extension or a special system format. Place the downloaded file in the root of the flash drive without packing it in archives or hiding it in folders.
Put the drive in USB-The system must automatically detect the new file and prompt the installer to start. If this does not happen, use the file manager (for example, X-Plore or built-in conductor), find the file on the flash drive and run it manually.
What if the TV doesn’t see USB?
The manual installation process takes longer than the automatic one. The progress indicator can freeze at a certain percentage — don't panic, at which point there's integrity check and sector recording. Wait for the device to be fully completed and automatically restarted.
Update via Google Play Store and Services
The Android TV operating system consists of many components that are updated independently of each other, and often problems with launching YouTube or Netflix are solved by updating these applications, rather than the entire firmware.
Go to the Google Play Store on your TV. Go to your user profile and select App and Device Management, which will show you the number of updates available, you can update all at once, or select specific programs.
Google Play Services for Android TV is a system component that handles authorization, voice search and synchronization, and if it is outdated, there may be errors in the entire interface.
| System component | Frequency of updates | Impact on work | Method of updating |
|---|---|---|---|
| System firmware (OS) | Every 3-6 months | Critical (security, new features) | Settings/USB |
| Google Play Services | Monthly | High (authorization, shop) | Auto/Play Store |
| Apps (YouTube, Netflix) | Weekly | Medium (video formats, interface) | Play Store |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth drivers | Rarely (with firmware) | High (communication stability) | System update |
It is recommended to configure automatic updates of applications so as not to waste time manually checking each time, this can be done in the settings of the Google Play store by selecting the appropriate item in the settings menu.
Solving Common Errors During Updating
During the update process, users may encounter various errors, one of the most common is “Not enough space.” In this case, you need to delete the app cache. Go to Settings → Apps, select heavy programs (for example, browser or cinemas), and click Clear cache.
Another common problem is a download error or connection interruption. If you're upgrading over Wi-Fi, try bringing your router closer to your TV or using a wired router. LAN-Connecting via USB-to-Ethernet adapter, the stability of the link directly affects the integrity of downloaded packets.
⚠️ Warning: If the TV stops turning on or is not working properly (artifacts, cyclic reboot) after the update, do not rush to bring it to the service.
In some cases, antivirus programs or router settings (DNS, Ad blockers can block the connection to Xiaomi update servers. Try temporarily disabling traffic filtering or prescribe in the network settings DNS-servers from Google (8.8.8.8).
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If the update is 99% stuck for more than 30 minutes, try removing the power cord from the socket (precisely from the socket, not the TV switch), wait 1 minute and turn it on again. 80% of the time the system will complete the process or roll back.
Install Third Party Applications (APKs) after Updating
After a successful upgrade, users often want to expand the functionality of the TV by installing apps from a non-store, which requires permission to install from unknown sources.
Download the necessary APK-file on a flash drive or use an application to transfer files, for example, Send Files to TV. Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. Note that not all smartphone apps are adapted to control the remote.
For comfortable work with the file system and installers, it is recommended to install a file manager, for example, File Commander or X-Plore. They allow you to conveniently navigate through folders and manage access rights.
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Installation of third-party applications is possible only after permission in the security menu "Installation from unknown sources" for a specific installer application.
Be careful when installing software from unverified sources: TVs, like smartphones, can be infected with malware that will show ads or steal data. Use only trusted resources such as 4PDA or Xiaomi's official forum.
Resetting and returning to the factory version
Sometimes, an update will cause system instability, software errors or configuration conflicts, and in such cases, the most effective solution is a full reset, which will return the TV to a “store-like” state.
You can reset via the menu: Settings → Device → Reset. The system will alert you that all data, accounts and installed applications will be deleted. Once the reboot is complete, the TV will require an initial setup again.
There is also a Recovery menu reset method that is used if the system is not booting, which is to turn off the TV, then press the confirmation button on the remote (or joystick) and, without letting it go, turn on the power. Hold the button until the recovery menu appears.