Update Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device that converts a regular TV into a smart TV. However, without regular firmware updates, you risk playing errors, application compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating (automatic, via USB, manually through ADB), and also explain how to avoid errors and what to do if the update is “hanged”.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade procedure for the Mi TV Stick (including the 1st Gen, 4K and S models) is nuanced. For example, Android TV 9/10 devices are updated differently from those that run on Google TV (as in the new Xiaomi TV Stick 2023/2026 versions), and we took these differences into account and prepared universal instructions.

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

Before you start an update, make sure your device is ready for the procedure, and failure to comply with these conditions is the main reason for the “bricks” after a failed update.

First, check the current firmware version.

1. Go to Settings → About the device → Software version.
2. Record the current version (e.g. MIUI TV 2.0.18 or Android TV 11).

Second, prepare the equipment:

• 🔌 Stable power: use the original Xiaomi adapter (5V/1A). Connection to USB-The TV port can cause failures due to insufficient power.
• 📶 Internet connection: for automatic updates, you need a network with a speed of at least 10 Mbit / s. If the signal is weak, download the firmware in advance on your PC.
• 💾 Free space: the device must have at least 500 MB of free space. → Warehouse.

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours TV Stick connected via extension cord HDMI, before updating, connect it directly to the TV. Extension cords can cause signal loss during reboot.

2. Method 1: Automatic update via the Internet

The easiest method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that is suitable for most users if:

• 🌐 The device is connected to stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 No critical errors in the current firmware.
• ⏳ You have time to wait (downloading can take up to 30 minutes).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the device → Update the system.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is found, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (the device will restart automatically).

If the update is not available, it is possible:

• 🔄 Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (check Later).
• 📵 Your model is no longer supported (relevant to the Mi) TV Stick 1st Gen 2020).
• 🔒 Update blocked by regional restrictions (solution – change of region in settings).

💡

If the update is “hang” at the download stage, try changing the DNS-server on your TV. Use 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

3. Method 2: Update through USB-flash drive (for experienced users)

This method will be useful if:

• 📶 There is no stable Internet.
• 🔄 Automatic updates are not working.
• 🛠️ You need to revert to the previous version of the firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Internet access.
• 💾 USB-flash drive (formatted in FAT32, up to 32 GB).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download at miuirom.org or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, mdt6_eea_global_images_*.zip for the European version).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (important!).
3. Copy it into the root of the flash drive (not into the folder!).
4. Connect the flash drive to the Mi TV Stick through OTG-cable (included in the package).
5. Go to Settings → About device → System Update → Update via USB.
6. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (do not remove the flash drive!).

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through USB If you're not turning on, try resetting your settings through recovery.

Method 3: Manual update via ADB (for developers)

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to install custom firmware or debug the device. It requires skills to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (you can download it from Android Studio).
• 🔌 USB-cable TV Stick to PC (needed) OTG-adapter).
• 📁 Firmware in.img or.zip format for your model.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on Mi TV Stick: Settings → About device → Assembly number (click 7 times) Settings → Developers → USB debugging (enable)
2. Connect the device to the PC through OTG-cable.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
4. Download firmware: adb sideload update.zip
5. Wait until the cable is completed (don’t turn off the cable!).

5. Typical update errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If the device doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on boot after the upgrade, try:

• 🔄 Hard reset: Press the Menu button on the remote when turned on for 15 seconds.
• 📥 Fly through. USB formalized.
• 🔧 Call for Xiaomi support (if warranty is valid).

💡

If the sound or image is gone after the update, check the HDMI output settings in the TV menu, often with the correct HDMI-CEC or Dolby Vision mode.

6. Optimization of work after updating

Updating your firmware is only half the battle, so to keep your Mi TV Stick running fast and stable, you can do a few extra steps:

1. Cache cleanup:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Select apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Netflix).
• 🗑️ Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (if necessary).

Performance adjustment:

• ⚡ Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Screen and sound → Image mode → Dynamic.
• 🔇 Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 📶 If you use an Ethernet adapter, turn off Wi-Fi for stability.

Updating the annexes:

• 📱 Open the Google Play Store and update all apps.
• 🔄 For system applications (such as Mi Remote), updates come through Settings. → About the device → Updating the system.

⚠️ Attention: After upgrading to Android TV 12 or Google TV Some old apps may stop working. Check compatibility on the developer's website.

7.How to roll back an update if the new version is worse

Sometimes fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits, such as brakes, playback errors, or broken functions, in which case you can return the previous version.

Important: Recoil is only possible if:

• 🔙 You have a backup copy of the old firmware.
• 🔓 Loader unlocked (for some models).
• 📁 There is an official firmware of the previous version (not all versions are available for rollback).

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and copy it to the flash drive.
3. Connect the flash drive to the Mi TV Stick and update via USB (as in Method 2).
4. If the device does not allow rollback, use ADB (see Method 3).

After the rollback, it is mandatory:

• 🔄 Perform a reset settings (Settings) → About the device → Resetting settings).
• 🔒 Turn off automatic updates (Settings) → About the device → Updating the system → Auto-update → Off.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi TV Stick update