How to Upgrade Xiaomi Mi Pad: Official and Alternative Methods

Xiaomi Mi Pad tablets are popular devices that have received MIUI and Android updates over the years. However, not everyone knows how to install the new firmware correctly to avoid errors and save data. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update, from automatic OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot.

It is important to understand that the upgrade process depends on your Mi Pad model (first generation on Android 4.4, second on Android 5.1, third on Android 6.0, fourth on Android 9.0), as well as the current version of MIUI. Some methods are only suitable for the unlocked bootloader, while others require root rights. We will take a detailed look at each option so you can choose the best one.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start updating, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid losing data or turning the tablet into a brick.

Back up all important files. Even if you upgrade normally, there is always a risk of failure. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local storage on your PC.

• 📁 Photos and videos in the folder DCIM
• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📝 Notes and documents from Mi Notes or WPS Office
• 🎮 Save games (if they are not synced to the cloud)

Check the battery. Make sure it's at least 60 percent charge, and if the tablet runs out during the upgrade, it can have serious consequences, including having to flash through the phone. EDL-regime.

Also free up space in internal memory. Upgrades over OTAs require at least 1-1.5GB of free space, uninstall unnecessary apps, or transfer files to microSD (if your model supports memory cards).

Check the Mi Pad model in Settings → About the phone

Create a backup copy of the data

Charge the battery to 60% or higher

Free up 1.5 GB of memory space

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for OTA)

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Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade over-the-air, which is suitable for most users and requires no special skills. OTA-Packages that can be installed directly from the settings menu.

To check for updates:

1. Open the Settings. → About the tablet.
2. Slip on System Update (or MIUI Update on older versions).
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If the update is available, download it and confirm the installation.

It takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the package and the speed of the Internet, and it will reboot several times, which is normal, and don't turn off the power or press buttons during installation, even if the screen stays black for a long time.

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If the update is not available, try changing the region in the MIUI settings. To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Region and select India or Russia – sometimes updates come out earlier in these regions.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA-Update is unavailable or gives an error, you can install firmware manually through Recovery, which is suitable for users who do not have an unlocked bootloader, but require downloading the official service pack.

First, download the correct firmware version for your model:

• 🌐 Official website: MIUI Downloads
• 🔍 Select a model (e.g. Mi Pad 4 or Mi Pad 4 Plus)
• 📥 Download a file with the.zip extension (not.tgz!) and rename it to update.zip

Next:

1. Copy update.zip to the root directory of the tablet’s internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Turn off the device.
3. Press Volume+ and Power at the same time to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Install item in Recovery update.zip, Your device uses stock recovery from Xiaomi. In this case, you will have to use Fastboot. 3) Or reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is suitable for installing full firmware (including region change or downgrade version of MIUI) and requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked):

• 🔓 Register on Xiaomi’s website and get permission to unlock.
• 📱 Connect the tablet to the PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume)− + Nutrition).
• 🖥️ Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

Step 2. Switch the device over:

1. Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz) for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Connect the tablet to Fastboot and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
5. Wait until the program is completed (green tick).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware completely erases data, including internal memory.If you need to save files, pre-create a backup through TWRP (If installed, or copy them to the PC.

Automatic OTA|Recovery|Fastboot|TWRP|Never Update-->

5. Features of the update for different models Mi Pad

Each generation of the Mi Pad has its own nuances when updating, and the table below shows the key differences:

Unofficial firmware based on Android 10/11 is available for Mi Pad 4 and later, but installing them requires an unlocked bootloader and experience with ADB. Before experimenting, check out reviews on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

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The Mi Pad 1 and Mi Pad 2 are no longer getting official updates, and the only way they can update the system is by manually running custom ROMs, but this requires technical skills and may be unwarranted.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you update Xiaomi Mi Pad users face typical problems, let’s look at the most common and ways to fix them.

Error: “Failed to verify update” (OTA)

• 🔄 Reboot the tablet and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Change Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet (if supported).
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 days – sometimes Xiaomi servers are overloaded.

Error: "E: Signature verification failed" (in Recovery)

So that means that the firmware is not officially signed or the file is corrupted.

• 🔍 Download the firmware again from the official website.
• 🔧 If the firmware is custom, disable the signature verification in TWRP (Disable signature verification setting).

Error: "This package is for... but this is..."

You're trying to install firmware from another model. For example, the Mi Pad 4 package won't work for the Mi Pad 4 Plus. Check the exact model in Settings → About Tablet → Model and download the correct file.

7. Alternative firmware: whether to switch to custom ROM

If the official updates for your Mi Pad model are no longer coming out, you can consider installing custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS.

• 🆕 Newer versions of Android (for example, Android 12 for Mi Pad 4).
• ⚡ Improved productivity and battery life.
• 🛠️ No built-in garbage from Xiaomi (no ads and unnecessary apps).

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔋 Possible bugs (defunct Wi-Fi, camera or speakers).
• 🔒 Risk of locking the device in case of firmware error.

If you decide to try custom firmware, follow the instructions from trusted forums (for example, XDA Developers).

1. Unlock the loader.
2. Install TWRP Recovery.
3. Make a full backup through TWRP (including Boot, System, Data).
4. Sweep through the firmware and GApps (if required).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions