Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, have hidden features that do not appear in the standard interface for the average user. One of these features is access to advanced update options, often called the “three-point menu”, This option allows you to force check for new firmware versions, select a file for local installation or activate early access to beta versions of the system.
Many users face a situation where automatic notification of the release of a new version of system software does not come for months, although on other devices of the same model, the update is already available, in which case manual activation of hidden functions of the update bootloader becomes the only way to speed up the process of obtaining security patches and new features without losing data.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the hidden menu, where to find those “three dots”, and how to correctly perform a firmware update manually. We will look at various methods, including using the standard bootloader application and alternative methods through the engineering menu if the standard path is blocked by a region.
Why You Need a Hidden Update bootloader Menu
Xiaomi’s standard update mechanism is a gradual rollout, which means that the company’s servers don’t send the update pack to all users at once, but in random groups to avoid infrastructure overload and track down possible critical bugs, which is why the same smartphone can receive updates in different regions or even from different owners with a difference of several weeks.
Activating the extended menu bypasses this waiting algorithm, allowing the user to manually initiate a server check for a new version of the recovery, and even more so, this is where the firmware file selection function is hidden, which is critical for those who prefer to download full versions of updates manually, so as not to depend on the speed and stability of the wireless connection during a long installation.
⚠️ Note: Using manual update methods carries risks.If you interrupt the data writing process or select a firmware file that is not intended for your particular model, the device may stop booting.
In addition, the hidden menu is often required by enthusiasts who are testing early versions of MIUI. The switch that allows you to get updates to weekly builds (Developer Beta) is in this section. Without activating additional features through a special code or multiple clicks, this option simply does not appear in the interface.
Preparation of the device for manual firmware
Before you start activating hidden functions and installing updates, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps can lead to loss of personal data or malfunctions in the operating system. The first and most important step is to create a full backup.
The second critical point is battery power. The upgrade process, especially if it involves overwriting system partitions, requires steady power, and if the battery runs out when the bootloader or system partition is written, the phone will only be recoverable through sophisticated tools like EDL Mode.
☑️ Checklist before update
It’s also worth making sure you’re using the original cable and power supply if you plan to keep your phone charging during the process.Unstable voltage can cause a short-term screen shutdown or power controller malfunction, which the system may consider a critical error.
How to activate the menu through three points in the app Update
The most common and secure way to access additional update features is built directly into the standard system application, but in the latest versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, the company often changes the activation algorithm, either hiding or returning this feature.
To start, open the Settings app and go to About Phone, where you'll see a large icon of the current version of the system (the MIUI logo or Android logo). This is where the activation process begins. Click on the version icon quickly 7-10 times in a row.
If the method works, you will see a pop-up notification “Additional Features Enabled.” After that, go back to the main screen of the System Update app (where you landed by clicking “Check Updates”). In the upper right corner, a button with a three-dot image should appear.
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If after 10 clicks nothing happens, try not to click on the logo, but on the version number (small text under the logo) or on the largest logo icon in the center of the screen.
If the standard multiple tap does not activate the menu, there is an alternative method through the Phone app. Open the dialer and enter a special code: ##6485##. In the list of options that opens, find the item responsible for the current version or checking for updates, although in new versions this code often shows just battery statistics.
Step-by-step update instructions through three points
Once you successfully activate the hidden menu, you will have new features, clicking on three dots will show you a list of actions available, the most useful are “Select firmware file” and “Settings” (where you can enable manual updates).
If you want to update manually, download the full ROM for your model from an official website or a trusted source. The file must have a.zip extension and must not be an.rar or.zip archive containing another zip (sometimes browsers automatically archive the downloaded).
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📂 Click on three dots in the update app and select "Select firmware file».
- 📂 Find the downloaded zip archive in the list of files and confirm the selection.
- 📂 The system will check the integrity of the file. If the version is newer than the current one, the Update button will appear».
- 📂 Press the button and wait for the reboot. The phone will go into recovery mode and start installing.
⚠️ Note: The firmware file must be strictly consistent with your device model. Trying to install firmware from Global to Chinese (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will result in a validation error and a failure to install.
The installation process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, which will show the Xiaomi logo and progress scale on the screen, and don’t try to interrupt the process, even if it seems that the phone has been stuck in one place for a few minutes, which is normal behavior when writing system partitions.
What if you say “file cannot be updated”?
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can run into technical problems, and one of the most common mistakes is, "Can't check the updates." DNS-Provider servers or temporary unavailability of Mi servers in your region.
To solve this problem, try changing it. DNS-servers in Wi-Fi settings at 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), also helps switching to mobile Internet, as switching to mobile Internet helps. IP-Mobile address less likely to be blocked or filtered.
Another common situation is an endless check cycle or Update Download error, in which case it is worth clearing the Updater application data. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, search the bootloader (MIUI logo icon) list, click Clear and select Clear All Data.
| Type of error | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| I couldn't check it. | Problems with the Internet or server | Change the DNS, use the mobile Internet |
| The file cannot be updated | Inconsistency of region or version | Download the correct zip file for your model |
| Lack of memory | Little space available in the system | Delete photos, videos and cache of applications (minimum 5 GB) |
| 404/503 error | The server is temporarily unavailable | Wait 2-3 hours and try again |
If the phone is running slower or interface artifacts are present after the upgrade, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory settings.This action will delete all user data, so having a backup is mandatory.
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Uploader data cleanup often solves 90% of update checker cyclic errors by removing cached server erroneous responses.