How to Update Android on Xiaomi Phone: All Ways in 2026

Why Android Updates on Xiaomi Are Not Just New Features, But Security

Xiaomi smartphones regularly receive updates to MIUI firmware and the basic version of Android, but not all users know how to install them correctly. Unlike the iPhone, where updates come automatically, on Redmi, POCO or Black Shark, the process can depend on the region, model and even version of the bootloader. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating – from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also explain how to avoid errors that turn the phone into a “brick”.

It’s important to understand that updating Android on Xiaomi is not just about accessing new chips like HyperOS or an improved camera, it’s also about closing security vulnerabilities (such as critical bugs in MediaTek chips in 2023), optimizing battery life, and fixing bugs with the connection to the device. 5G-However, some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) can only receive an update. MIUI No change to Android due to manufacturer restrictions. How to check which update is available to you - read on.

How to check the current version of MIUI and Android on Xiaomi

Before you upgrade, you need to understand which firmware is installed now, which will help you avoid installing the wrong version (for example, trying to put Android 14 on a device that officially only supports Android 13).

To get a version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version block – the current firmware (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5 Global) is listed here.
3. Click multiple times on the MIUI version to see the hidden item Android version (e.g. Android 13 TKQ1.221114.001).
4. Write down or take photos of this data – it will be useful when choosing a firmware.

Please note the postfixes in the MIUI version:

• 🌍 Global – International firmware (supported by Google Services).
• 🇨🇳 China – Chinese version (without Google, but with local services).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European assembly (corresponding to the GDPR).
• 🇷🇺 Russia - adapted for Russia (may be absent in new models).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is bought in China and is based in China ROM, Trying to install Global firmware without unlocking the bootloader will cause an error: This package is for "xxx" devices; this is a "yyyy.

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest and safest method

Most Xiaomi users get updates automatically through OTA (Over-The-Air), which requires no technical skills and saves all the data on the phone.

• 📶 The update only loads when you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (mobile internet is usually blocked).
• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged (otherwise the system will block the installation).
• ⏳ The process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the package size (for example, an update from Android 12 to 13 weighs in). ~2-3 GB).
• 🌐 Regional restrictions: some updates are first released in China and then in global versions (delay can be several weeks).

How to update through OTA:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, a Download button will appear.
3. After download, click Set and confirm the reboot.
4. Wait until the phone is finished (rebooted 1-2 times).

Close all applications | Connect to Wi-Fi | Charge your phone to 60%+|Free 5GB of storage |Disable VPN (can block Xiaomi servers)

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If the Check Updates button is inactive or writes no Updates, but you know it’s out (e.g., on news on Xiaomi Community), try:

• Reboot the phone.
• Clear the cache of the application System Update (Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Update → Storage → Clear the cache).
• Change the region in your Mi Account (sometimes helps you get an update sooner).

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If the update is stuck during the boot phase, try connecting to another Wi-Fi or using a mobile hotspot from another device, sometimes the problem is blocking traffic by the provider.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery – if OTA doesn’t work

If the automatic update fails or if it comes up with an error (e.g., Couldn't verify update package), you can manually install the firmware via Recovery Mode, which saves user data but requires the correct firmware file selection.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi phone with a charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 Computer (or other phone) to download firmware.
• 🔗 Official.zip service package (download only from Xiaomi official website).
• 📁 Memory card or internal phone memory with a minimum of 4 GB of free space.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware for your model (for example, for Redmi Note). 11 Pro+ 5G It's gonna be a file, like, veux_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TKCCNXM_20231012.0000.00_13.0_global_100d1a3b54.tgz). Don't unpack the archives!
2. Rename the file to update.zip (more conveniently do it on PC).
3. Move it. update.zip the root catalog of internal memory or SD-map.
4. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
5. Select the language (English / Whale), then Install update.zip to System.
6. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (the phone will restart automatically).

⚠️ Note: If you download firmware for another model (for example, try to put firmware from the POCO X5 Pro on Redmi Note 12 Pro, the phone will stop turning on and will require flashing through Fastboot.Always check the model name in the firmware file!

If the phone boots for more than 10 minutes after the update or there is a No command error, try:

• Repeat the process with another firmware (you may have downloaded a broken version).
• Reset your settings via Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data, but it will delete all files!).
• Use the Fastboot method (described below).

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔄 We need to roll back to the old version of the firmware.
• 🚨 The phone is not switched on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔓 Requires to change the firmware region (for example, from China to Global).
• 📦 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

This method erases all data from the phone, so pre-backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud. You will also need to unlock the bootloader if you haven’t done it before.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in the folder (files like boot.img, system.img, etc. should appear).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (complete clean) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always working).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
7. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models 2022-2026 (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12) uses Anti-Rollback protection. Trying to flash the old firmware version after the update will cause the phone to break (requires repair through the service center!

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Fastboot is the most reliable way to run the firmware, but it requires unlocking the bootloader, and without that step, all manipulation is pointless.

Method 4: Update with ADB Sideload – Recovery alternative

If Recovery doesn't see the file update.zip or makes errors, you can download the firmware through ADB Sideload: This method works even on phones with damaged screens (if you have a bad screen). USB-debugging was included earlier).

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 On. USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → USB-debugging).
• 📦 Firmware in.zip format (the same as for Recovery).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware and rename it to update.zip.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and go to Recovery Mode (Loudness Up + Power).
3. Select Connect with MIAssistant (a cable phone image will appear).
4. On PC, open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: Adb devices should display your phone.
5. Enter the command to download the firmware: adb sideload update.zip
6. Wait until the end (the progress bar will appear in Recovery).

If the process is interrupted with the Total xfer: 1.00x error, try:

• Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
• Disable the antivirus (it can block ADB).
• Reboot the phone and PC.

Frequent mistakes when updating Android on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If root rights are lost after the update (for example, after switching to HyperOS), they will have to be re-acquired through Magisk or OrangeFox Recovery, and some users will experience banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) that stop working after the update, due to a change in security certificates, the solution will be to install Magisk with the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

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If the phone is running out quickly after the upgrade, reset the cache via Recovery (Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache).This will not delete your data, but can eliminate background errors.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi update