How to update Android on Xiaomi smartphones: 4 proven ways

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that can both improve the performance of the device and lead to serious problems if approached incorrectly. Unlike other brands, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark phones have a unique MIUI architecture, where updates are distributed in waves, and some models require unlocking the bootloader before installing custom firmware. This article will help you understand all the nuances from automatic updates via OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.

Xiaomi often suspends the distribution of updates to specific regions or models due to bugs. For example, in 2023, the upgrade to MIUI 14 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro was delayed by 3 months due to autonomy problems. We will tell you how to check the availability of the update for your model, what to do if it “hangs” during the boot phase, and how to safely return to the previous version if the new firmware is unstable.

1.Preparation for Update: What to Do Before Installation

Before you click the Update button, follow a few critical steps that may result in a device blinking (total inoperability) or data loss.

First, check the current MIUI and smartphone model. Go to Settings → About Phone. Remember or write down:

• 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) 5G or POCO F5)
• 🔢 Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5.0)
• 📅 Assembly date (last line in the About Phone section»)

This data will be needed if you have to roll back to the previous firmware.

Second, make sure the device has enough free space. The update weighs 1.5 to 3GB, and an additional 500 to 800MB is required to unpack and install. It is optimal to have a minimum of 4GB of free space. Check this in Settings → Storage.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Make a backup copy of the data|Record the current version MIUI model|Release. ≥4GB of memory|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network-->

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi was purchased in China (suffixed firmware version) CN), Automatic update to the global version (Global or Global) EEA) can block some features, such as Google Pay. In this case, manual firmware through Fastboot with pre-unlocking the bootloader is recommended.

2. Method 1: Automatic update via OTA

The simplest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA), which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.

• 🔄 Update comes in waves – your device can get it later than others.
• 🚫 You cannot miss the version (for example, with the MIUI 13 straight on MIUI 15).
• 📶 Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi (update via mobile Internet blocked).

To check for updates:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on System Update (or MIUI Update on older versions).
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If the update is available, click Download (file size will be specified).
5. After downloading, select Install and confirm the reboot.

The installation process will take 5-15 minutes. The device will restart 1-2 times, which is normal. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen remains black for a long time (maximum wait time is 20 minutes).

Only when a notification arrives |I check manually every 2-3 months |I update immediately when a new version comes out |I never update |Only if there are critical bugs-->

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA-Update doesn't come or freezes, you can manually install firmware through Recovery. This method is suitable for official firmware (with the.zip extension) and does not require unlocking the bootloader. However, it does not work on devices with locked Recovery (for example, on some models). POCO post-2022).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware from MIUI Downloads, select the version that fits your model and region (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Global).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders like Download!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On dynamic partition devices (Dynamic Partitions, for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro) Manual updates via Recovery may result in the error "Can't verify update.

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

Fastboot is the most versatile, but also the riskiest, and allows you to install any version of MIUI (including custom firmware like xiaomi.eu), but requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

• 🔓 Devices with blocked recovery.
• 📉 «Recoil from the previous version MIUI.
• 🌍 Transition from Chinese firmware (CN) global (Global/EEA).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder on your PC. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the device to the PC and start flash_all.bat.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the device and the warranty will be canceled (officially). L1 (for Netflix HD), They may stop working.

5. Method 4: Update via ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If Recovery is locked on your device but the bootloader is unlocked, you can use ADB Sideload, a method that allows you to install firmware through the PC command line without downloading the file directly to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware.zip and place it in a folder with ADB (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
5. In Recovery, select Apply update from ADB.
6. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload name file.zip

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Upon completion, select Reboot system now.

1. Reinstall drivers (use Google USB Driver).

2. Change. USB-cable (some cables are only for charging purposes).

3. Enable in the developer settings Cancel authorization USB-debugging and reconnecting.-->

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the update, the phone began to overheat, quickly discharge or spontaneously reboot, follow the following steps:

1. Clear the cache in Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Cache).
2. Reset your settings to factory (Wipe → Factory Reset, but it will delete all data!).
3. If the problem persists, roll back to the previous version of MIUI.

💡

Before installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), be sure to check compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum.Incompatible firmware can disable camera, NFC or 5G modules.

7. How to roll back to the previous version of MIUI

If the new firmware is unstable, you can go back to the previous version.

• 🔙 Recoil is possible only through Fastboot (Recovery requires a special “rollback” firmware).
• 📉 The recoil version must be older than the current one (e.g., with a MIUI 14.0.5 on 14.0.3, but not on 13.0.10).
• 🔓 On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) the rollback is blocked by the policy of anti-rollback.

Instructions:

1. Download the required firmware version from the MIUI Firmware Archive website.
2. Unpack it and delete the file from the folder flash_all_lock.bat (If there is one, so as not to block the loader.
3. Fastboot as described in Method 3.

Important: After a rollback, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account and unlock the bootloader.

8. Update for POCO and Black Shark devices: features

The POCO and Black Shark smartphones have unique firmware different from the standard MIUI, for example, the POCO F5 runs on POCO UI, and the Black Shark 6 Pro runs on JOYUI.

Key differences:

• 📲 POCO: Firmware is based on MIUI, But with optimizations for gaming, updates come less often than Redmi.
• 🎮 Black Shark: Using its own shell JOYUI, Updates are issued every 2-3 months. OTA limited.

For these devices, it is recommended:

1. Check the updates manually through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Download firmware only from official sources: 🔗 POCO: Official website POCO 🔗 Black Shark: Black Shark Support

Xiaomi

Redmi K50 Gaming

POCO F4 GT

Note: Black Shark may reset the GPU performance setting after the update. Go to Settings → Shark Space and select Ludicrous Mode again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions