The Xiaomi Mi 10, released in 2020, is still the current flagship with powerful hardware and support for modern versions of MIUI. However, over time, system performance may decline, bugs appear, and new features remain unavailable. Regular firmware updates solve these problems, but not all users know how to install them correctly.
In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative ways to update the Mi. 10 (including the Mi models 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra, tell about the nuances of the transition to Android 13/14 We'll give you some tips to avoid "bricks." We'll focus on the problem of locking the bootloader on older versions. MIUI, which can make the smartphone unsuitable for firmware through Fastboot without unlocking.
1.Refreshment preparation: what to do before installing a new firmware
Before you start updating, make sure to back up your data. Even with a regular update through Settings, there is a risk of losing photos, contacts or messages. Use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.
Also check:
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. When discharged during firmware, the device can turn off and turn into a brick».
- 🌐 Stable Internet connection: Wi-Fi is better than mobile to download firmware weighing 2-3 GB.
- 📱 Free space - at least 5GB in internal memory.Updates MIUI Requires temporary space to unpack files.
- 🔑 If the bootloader is unlocked (relevant for manual firmware) if not, you will need official permission from Xiaomi.
If you’re upgrading from Android 10/11 to Android 12+, note that the new version of MIUI may reset some settings (like app permissions or power saving options).
2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method
Most Mi 10 users can upgrade through the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) system, which does not require a computer and is suitable for installing both small patches and large updates (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
- After downloading, tap Install and wait for the reboot.
If the update is not available, it is possible:
- 🔄 Your version. MIUI It is already relevant for the region.
- 🕒 The update rolls out in stages - wait 1-2 weeks.
- 🌍 Your phone is linked to another region (e.g. Global instead of Global). EEA).
💡
If OTA-Update “hang” during the verification phase, try clearing the cache of the System Update app in the settings or restarting the phone.
Advantages of OTA:
- ✅ Does not require technical skills.
- ✅ Stores all data and settings.
- ✅ Minimum risk of error.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Long wait if rolling out is in waves.
- ❌ There is no way to choose a specific version. MIUI.
Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If OTA is not available or you want to install a specific version of MIUI (for example, roll back to a stable build), use Recovery mode. This method is suitable for firmware with the.zip extension downloaded from the official Xiaomi website.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for Mi 10 (model umi) from en.miui.com. Choose the version that fits your region (Global, EEA, China).
- Move the update.zip file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select the language, then go to Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
Download the correct version MIUI umi-model|Check integrity ZIP-file (MD5)|Charge your phone at least 60%|Disable password/fingerprint protection|Make a data backup-->
⚠️ Note: If you install firmware from another region (e.g. China on a Global Device), you may have problems with the software:
- Google services (there are no Google services out of the box on Chinese assemblies).
- 4G/5G support in your area (different modems)
- Language packages (may not be Russian).
To avoid conflicts, use only firmware for your regional Mi 10. You can find out the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)
If OTA And the Recovery doesn't work (for example, because of a damaged system), and the firmware is left over via Fastboot, USB-The Mi Flash Tool cable and software:
- 🔧 Brick recovery (if the phone is not turned on).
- 🔄 Switching to custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu).
- 🆕 Install the first stable version after beta testing.
⚠️ Note: For Fastboot firmware, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Without this, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to write the firmware, and you will get a flash not allowed error.
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s website and install it on PC.
- Download the Fastboot firmware for Mi 10 (.tgz or.zip file) and unpack it.
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect the Mi 10 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the program, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
- Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
| Firmware mode in Mi Flash Tool | What's he doing? | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean all | Complete data cleaning, installation of new firmware | When changing the regional version or after resetting |
| Clean all and lock | Cleaning + Locking of the loader | If you want to return the phone to the factory state |
| Save user data | Stores user data | Update only within one MIUI branch |
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “flash not allowed” error
5. Update to Android 13/14: Features of Xiaomi Mi 10
Xiaomi Mi 10 officially supports Android 13 (MIUI 14), but Android 14 is only available in custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS).
Problems after upgrading to Android 13:
- 🎮 Gaming performance may fall due to stricter restrictions on background activity.
- 🔋 Battery consumption in the first days after the update will increase (the system indexes files).
- 📱 Some applications (especially banking) may require updates due to changes in the API.
If after the update Mi 10 began to slow down:
- Reboot the phone.
- Clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
- Turn off animation in Settings → Special Options → Remove animation.
- Reset the settings to factory (if the problem is critical).
To install Android 14 on Mi 10, you will need:
- Unlocked bootloader.
- Castomic recovery (e.g., TWRP)
- Firmware from third-party developers (there is no official support from Xiaomi).
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Upgrading to Android 13 on Xiaomi Mi 10 is officially supported, but may require a reset if there are app compatibility errors.
6. Frequent update errors and how to fix them
Even when following the instructions, Mi 10 users face challenges.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't verify update in Recovery | Damaged. ZIP-file-model | Download the firmware again, check it out. MD5-hash |
| phone is stuck on startup MI logo after firmware | Data conflict or incomplete installation | Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery and Re-Install |
| This package is for umi devices | The firmware is not suitable for your model. | Download firmware specifically for umi (Mi 10) or cmi (Mi 10 Pro) |
| Mistake 7 in TWRP | Incompatibility of custom recovery with firmware | Update TWRP or use official Recovery |
⚠️ Warning: If Mi 10 fails to turn on and respond to buttons after a failed firmware, try emergency mode EDL. For that:
- Turn off the phone from charging.
- Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
- Install the Qualcomm 9008 driver and use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware in EDL mode.
If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center. EDL-The system can permanently damage the memory module.
7. Alternative firmware: should custom assemblies be installed?
Official updates for the Mi 10 are less common, and some users are switching to custom firmware, such as:
- 📱 Xiaomi.eu – Optimized version MIUI softwareless.
- 🤖 LineageOS or Pixel Experience – “pure” Android.
- ⚡ ArrowOS or HaventOS – firmware with improved performance.
The advantages of custom firmware:
- ✅ More recent versions of Android (such as Android 14).
- ✅ Lack of Bloatware (pre-installed Chinese applications).
- ✅ Additional features (such as themes or gestures).
Cons:
- ❌ Risk of unstable work (bugs with camera, modem).
- ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- ❌ Absence OTA-Updates (you will have to hand-write them).
If you decide to cast, follow the instructions on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. be sure to check reviews about a specific build for the Mi 10 (codename umi).
8 How to Reverse to Older MIUI Version
Sometimes a new update brings more problems than good. To roll back on the previous MIUI version on the Xiaomi Mi 10, follow these steps:
⚠️ Warning: Retrace to an older version erases all data (including photos and apps!
Instructions:
- Download the desired version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5) from the official website.
- Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root of the memory.
- Enter Recovery (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Full Reset).
- Go back to the main menu and select Install update.zip to System.
If the phone is stuck on the boot after the rollback:
- Repeat the installation by pre-formatting the data section in Recovery.
- Use the Mi Flash Tool for clean firmware through Fastboot.
A rollback to an older version of Android (like 13 to 12) can cause app compatibility issues, and some programs (like Google Pay) will stop working because of outdated APIs.