Why You Should Update Your Firmware on Xiaomi TV Stick and When You Need It
Software Update on Xiaomi TV Stick is not just a manufacturerโs recommendation, but a necessary procedure to keep the device running smoothly. New firmware versions bring corrections to critical bugs, improve compatibility with applications (for example, Netflix or YouTube in resolution). 4K), They optimize power consumption and even add new features, such as the 2023-2026 updates for Mi models. TV Stick 4K mi TV Stick (2022) has a support AV1-streaming codec and improved remote gesture management system.
But how do you know it's time to update?
- ๐ Apps have started to freeze or fly out (especially Google Play Store and Prime Video).
- ๐ถ Wi-Fi connection problems (frequent breaks, low speeds with stable internet).
- ๐ฎ Remote control responds with a delay or does not respond to pressing.
- ๐ No sound in some applications or formats (e.g. Dolby Digital).
If youโre facing at least one of these issues, checking for updates should be the first step, but updating your firmware doesnโt always solve hardware problems โ for example, overheating your device or physical damage to ports requires repairs, not firmware.
How to check the current version of the firmware
Before you start the update, make sure it is really necessary. You need to know the current version of your Xiaomi TV Stick software.
- Turn on the TV and go to the Mi TV Stick main screen.
- Open the settings (cog icon in the upper right corner).
- Select the About section (or About in English).
- Scroll down to the Software Version (e.g. MIUI TV 1.6.23).
Compare the version you see with the latest official releases on the Xiaomi Support website. If your firmware is 2-3 months older, it is recommended to update. Note: for the Mi TV Stick 4K and Mi TV Stick (2022), updates are more frequent than for the first generation devices.
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If the menu doesn't have "About" on it, try the path: Settings โ System โ About this device. Some firmwares have a section hidden behind additional settings.
Method 1: Automatic updates via Wi-Fi
The simplest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA), which requires no additional devices and is suitable for most users.
- Connect Xiaomi TV Stick to your TV and make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (donโt use mobile internet!).
- Go to Settings โ About the device โ System update.
- Click Check Updates. The device will contact Xiaomi servers and find the current firmware.
- If the update is available, click Download (file size is usually 300-800MB).
- After downloading, select Install and wait for the process to complete (it will take 5-10 minutes).
During installation, the TV Stick will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't turn off power or press buttons on the remote until the main screen appears on the screen. If the update has been stuck in Prepare to Install for longer than 20 minutes, see the Problem Solving section.
Connect TV Stick to the socket (do not use) USB-television-port)|Make sure that the speed of Wi-Fi is not lower than 10 Mbit / s|Close all working applications|Shut down. VPN (if used)|Free at least 1 GB of memory on the device-->
โ ๏ธ Attention: If your Xiaomi TV Stick was bought in China (models with suffix) CN In the title, automatic updates may be blocked due to regional restrictions, in which case use the manual firmware method (see below).
Method 2: Manual update through USB-accumulator
If automatic updates donโt work (for example, due to slow internet or regional restrictions), you can manually install firmware via a flash drive, which requires more action, but is reliable and suitable for recovering the device after crashes.
Step 1: Download the correct firmware
It is important to use the exact version of the software for your model. The firmware for Mi TV Stick 4K and Mi TV Stick (2022) are not compatible!
- ๐ For global models: Xiaomi Support (Global)
- ๐จ๐ณ For Chinese models: Xiaomi Support (China) (requires an interpreter)
The firmware file will be in.zip format (for example, mi_tv_stick_4k_global_v1.7.24.zip). Don't unpack the archives!
Step 2: Prepare USB-accumulator
You'll need a USB drive up to 8GB formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS or exFAT!). Copy the downloaded.zip file into the root drive directory (not into the folder!).
- ๐ There are no other files on the flash drive (especially with the name). update.zip).
- ๐ The firmware file name does not contain Cyrillic or spaces.
- ๐ The flash drive is connected to TV Stick through USB-hub (if port one) or directly (if port is free).
Step 3: Install the firmware
Connect the flash drive to the Xiaomi TV Stick and do the following:
- Go to Settings โ About the device โ System update.
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner (โฎ) and select Select the update file.
- Specify the path to the firmware file on the flash drive and confirm the installation.
It takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once it's done, the device will restart automatically. If the screen is out and doesn't turn on for more than 5 minutes, turn off the power for 30 seconds and turn it on again.
What if TV Stick doesnโt see the flash drive?
Method 3: Update via ADB (for power users)
This method is suitable if the standard methods do not work, for example, due to a damaged system or lack of access to the settings menu, it will require a computer with installed ADB tools (Android Debug Bridge) and a little technical skills.
Step 1: Install ADB on PC
Download and install:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Google Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
- ๐ Drivers for Xiaomi TV Stick (if Windows does not recognize the device).
Unpack the archive from Platform Tools in the C:\adb folder for convenience.
Step 2: Connect the TV Stick to your PC
You'll need it. OTG-cable (Micro-USB or USB-C depending on the model. TV Stick to the computer and execute in the command line:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, move to the next step. If not, check the drivers or try another cable.
Step 3: Download and install the firmware
Download the firmware in.zip format (as in method 2) and place it in the folder with adb. Then execute the commands:
adb push name file.zip /sdcard/
adb shell
su
recovery --update_package=/sdcard/ filename.zipOnce the installation is complete, the device will restart, a method that is more risky than OTA, so only use it if other methods have failed.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Continuous use ADB Updates may result in a bootloader lock on some Xiaomi models TV If the device does not turn on after the procedure, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official website).
Table: Comparison of Update Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Devices required | Time. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (OTA) | โญ (simple) | Only TV Stick + Wi-Fi | 10-15 minutes | Minimum (interrupted due to the Internet) |
| Through USB. | โญโญ (middle-of-the-road) | TV Stick + flash drive + PC | 15-20 minutes | Errors of reading flash drive, incorrect firmware |
| Through ADB | โญโญโญ (difficult) | TV Stick + PC + OTG-cable | 20-30 minutes | Lock loader, "brick" device |
Solving Common Errors in Updating
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.
1. The error "Can't download the update"
Causes and solutions:
- ๐ Low Internet speed: Connect to a 5GHz network or use a cable connection via a USB-Ethernet adapter.
- ๐ Lockdown VPN/firewall: turn it off VPN and temporarily add an exception to TV Stick in antivirus.
- ๐ Xiaomi servers are overloaded: try to upgrade later (for example, at night).
2.The device got stuck on the Mi logo after the update
This is due to interrupted installation or incompatible firmware.
- โป Hard reset: press the Reset button on the body TV Stick for 10 seconds (use a paper clip).
- ๐ Firmware rollback: download the previous version of the software and install it through USB.
- ๐ง Recovery through ADB: If the reset does not help, follow the instructions in Method 3.
3. "File corrupted" error when installed from a flash drive
The problem is probably with the firmware file or the drive itself.
- ๐ Archive Integrity: Compare the Hash Sum (MD5) downloaded file from the official (specified on the Xiaomi website).
- ๐พ The flash drive: format it again in FAT32 and repeat the copy.
- ๐ Cable/Port: Try another one USB-port.
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If you have lost audio in some apps (like Disney+) after the update, check your Settings โ Sound โ Audio Format. Dolby Digital or PCM settings may have reset.