How to update the firmware Xiaomi through your computer: 3 working ways

Updating Xiaomi firmware via a computer is the only way out when the smartphone refuses to update by air (OTA) or is stuck in a reboot cycle.This method is also relevant for owners of older models (Redmi Note 3, Mi 5), who no longer receive updates through standard channels, or for enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware like LineageOS.

Unlike automatic updates, manual firmware via PC requires more steps but gives you complete control over the process. You can choose a specific version of MIUI (including global, Chinese or European), avoid errors like ERROR: 7 or Couldn't verify device, and restore the device after a failed update. In this article, three proven methods (the official Mi Flash Tool, Fastboot and Recovery), detailed instructions for beginners and solutions to typical problems.

Preparation for the update: what to do before the firmware

Before you connect Xiaomi to your computer, follow the mandatory steps. Neglect of preparation is the main cause of "bricks" (non-working devices) after firmware.

First, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About → About → MIUI version. Write it down or take a screenshot – this will help you choose the right firmware. For example, if you have Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI version 13.0.5, you need to download the firmware at least below this number, otherwise you risk ERROR: 1 error (downgrade).

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 60% – when discharged during firmware, the device can turn into a “brick".
• 💻 Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC (link to the official package - in the section "Downloading tools").
• 📁 Create a backup of data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud. firmware erases user files in Fastboot methods and when installing custom software.
• 🔗 Choose the right firmware: Fastboot requires files with the.tgz extension, for Recovery -.zip.

Pay special attention to the choice of version MIUI. Global firmware (Global) is suitable for most regions, but may lose some features (such as Mi Pay or Themes). Chinese versions (China) are often updated first, but require binding to the Mi Account account and contain Chinese services (EEA) standardize GDPR, but updated less frequently.

Know the model and code name of the device (e.g., "surya" for the Redmi Note 9 Pro)

Download firmware from the official website (miui.com) or trusted forums (4PDA, XDA)

Disable the antivirus on your PC (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)

Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original, without damage)

Check the battery discharge (minimum 60%)

-->

Method 1: Official update via Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot)

This method is suitable for full flashing of the device when you want to restore the health after a failure or install a clean version of MIUI. It erases all data, so backup is mandatory.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website ("Tools" section). Install the program on your PC.
2. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiFlash\rom).
3. Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (there will be a picture of a hare in a hat-outset).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the program must identify your Xiaomi.
5. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder. Select the firmware method: Clean all — complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures); Clean all and lock — cleaning + lock bootloader (dangerous for custom firmware!); Save user data — data storage (not always stable).

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “Couldn’t find fastboot” error, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Also make sure that the bootloader is unlocked, otherwise the firmware will not start.Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting after the Mi Account is linked.

Method 2: Update via Recovery (without loss of data)

Recovery is a method that is suitable for installing official updates (.zip) without completely cleaning the device.It is less risky than Fastboot, but requires a working recovery menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, recovery_rom_for_surya_13.0.6.0.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (usually English or Chinese) and go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm installation. Once completed, select Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu doesn't have Install update.zip, you have custom recovery (e.g. TWRP).

1. In TWRP, select Install.
2. Please indicate the path to update.zip.
3. Swipe for confirmation (do not forget to do Wipe → Format Data before you go from another firmware).

Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

Recovery (official or TWRP)

ADB Sideload

Brush firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

I don't ask for it myself, I give it to the service.

-->

Method 3: Update via ADB Sideload (for power users)

ADB Sideload is an alternative way to install firmware when standard methods don't work, and it requires USB debugging and unlocked bootloaders.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your PC (you can download from the Android website).
2. Place the firmware.zip in the folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools) and rename it rom.zip.
3. On your smartphone, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
4. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure your Xiaomi appears in the list.
5. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
6. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB.
7. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload rom.zip Wait for completion (progress will be displayed on the smartphone screen).

This method is useful if you have informal recovery (for example, OrangeFox), but there is no slot to install via Install. ADB Sideload often saves when the firmware through Fastboot gives an anti-rollback error.

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Find your Xiaomi under the "Other Devices" section (usually displayed as "Android").

3. Update the driver by specifying the folder with ADB (for example, `C:\platform-tools`).-->

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi firmware methods via PC

Typical Firmware Errors and Their Solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

• 🚨 ERROR: 7 - version inconsistency MIUI. Solution: download the firmware of the same branch (for example, 12.5.1 cannot be upgraded to 13.0.2 without an intermediate update).
• 🚨 Couldn't verify device - unblocked bootloader Solution: apply for unlock through the official website.
• 🚨 Flash not done in Mi Flash Tool - driver problems Solution: Install Qualcomm driver manually or use another PC.
• 🚨 Solution: Repeat the process with another version of the process. MIUI.
• 🚨 Anti-rollback check fail is an attempt to roll back to the old version. Solution: run a newer firmware or accept the current one.

If Xiaomi does not turn on after firmware or hangs on the screensaver, try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with the Clean All option.
3. Install firmware through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and Mi Authorized Tool boxing).

💡

If after firmware, the smartphone is not determined by the computer, but turns on - reset the settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This often solves the problems with USB-connection.

How to check the success of the update

After restarting the device, make sure the firmware is installed correctly:

1. Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone. It should match the one you installed.
2. Run multiple applications (e.g. Camera, Settings, Phone) – they should open without errors.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi and mobile networks. If the connection is missing, it is possible that the firmware does not support your region (for example, the Chinese version on a European smartphone).
4. Check the sensors: gyroscope (turn the phone), NFC (if any), fingerprint.

If you have a bug after the update (for example, the battery goes down quickly or Bluetooth does not work), try:

• Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
• Install an older or newer version of MIUI (possibly the current build is "raw").
• Clear the cache with Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s firmware through PC