How to switch from Android 10 to Android 11 on Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide to solving typical problems

The transition from Android 10 to Android 11 for Xiaomi smartphone owners is not just a change in number in the OS version, but a major update with new features: improved resolution management, built-in screen recording, bubble notifications and optimization for foldable devices. However, the update process can turn into a headache, if you do not take into account the nuances of the bootloader lock to data loss when the firmware is incorrect.

Many Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10 or POCO X3 users are experiencing problems: the update “hangs” by 50%, there is a Couldn’t verify update error, or the device goes to the bootloop after a reboot. In this article, we will analyze all official and alternative ways of updating, including the hidden method using ADB for devices with a locked bootloader, and also give a checklist for troubleshooting.

Important: If your smartphone is released before 2019 (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9 SE), check for Android 11 support on Xiaomi's official website.Some models have received an update only as part of beta testing and may have critical bugs.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support Android 11?

Not all Xiaomi devices have received an update to Android 11 (MIUI 12.5+).For example, the Redmi 8A and Mi A3 have remained on Android 10 due to hardware limitations. To avoid a "brick," first make sure that your model is on the list of supported:

• 📱 Flagship series: Mi 10/10 Pro/10 Ultra, Mi 11 Lite (received an update to the 2021 year)
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 9 Pro/9S/9T, POCO X3/X3 Pro, Mi Note 10 Lite
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 9/9A/9C (Only some regions, check manually)
• ❌ Not supported: Redmi 7/7A, Mi 9T Pro (remained on Android) 10)

How to check the current version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. See the lines MIUI version and Android version
3. If the Android version is 10 QKQ1 and MIUI is older than 12.0.1, the update is possible.

⚠️ Note: Devices with custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) require prior return to stock MIUI Trying to upgrade on top of custom firmware will lead to an error. E1001.

2.Preparation for the update: backup and free space

Make sure to back up before upgrading, even the official one. OTA-Update can erase data when you crash. Use a combination of methods:

• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi Cloud → Backup (free 5GB)
• 💾 Local Copy: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup
• 🖥️ Computer: Copy folders DCIM, Downloads and WhatsApp on PC via USB

Also make sure there is enough space on the device:

⚠️ Attention: If you have less 3 GB of free space, update OTA lapse INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE. Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Make a backup of contacts and photos|Check the vacant space (minimum) 4 GB)|Connect to charging (battery) > 50%)|Remember the password from Mi-account|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->

Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

If your device supports Android 11, try the standard method first through Settings:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update weighs ~2 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If the Android 11 version is available, the Download button will appear.
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

It takes 15 to 30 minutes. The device restarts 2-3 times, which is normal. Don't turn off power until the system is fully loaded (until the lock screen appears).

If the update does not appear:

• 🔄 Try changing the region to Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. India or Europe).
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile data (if allowed in settings).
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 days – updates roll out gradually in batches of devices.

💡

If the "Check Updates" button is inactive, try resetting the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resets. This often solves problems with connecting to update servers.

Method 2: Update via Recovery – if OTA doesn’t work

If OTA-Update is unavailable or gives you an error, try installing the firmware manually through Recovery. This method saves user data, but requires you to download the correct firmware file.

Steps:

1. Download stable firmware for your model from Xiaomi's official website.Look for a file marked Recovery and Android 11.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select Update File.
4. Select update.zip and confirm the installation.

If the error E: Footers are wrong appears after the reboot, then:

• The firmware file is corrupted – download it again.
• You downloaded firmware for another model (for example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Global instead of the Redmi Note 9 Pro India).
• You have custom firmware installed - go back to stock MIUI.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

If the first two methods fail, you'll have to run the firmware on Fastboot, which erases all data, but it's guaranteed to update the system, and you'll need a computer with the Mi Flash Tool drivers installed and the bootloader unlocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a tied Mi-account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.

In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all or Clean all and lock mode (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have run the firmware), and it takes 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is running critical partition flashing is not allowed, you have the bootloader locked, unlock it via the Mi Unlock Tool, or use an alternative method with the Mi Unlock Tool. ADB Sideload.

💡

Fastboot firmware is the only way to update the brick (a device that doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo), but it requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can take away warranty.

6. Solving typical errors during the update

Even with the right actions, mistakes can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If after the update the device began to slow down:

• 🔄 Make a reset of settings: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

7 What to do if the update never appeared?

If your model officially supports Android 11, but the update doesn’t come in:

1. Check if you are participating in the MIUI beta. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click 10 times on the MIUI logo. If the Beta label appears, exit the testing program.
2. Update the System Update app via Google Play.
3. Try changing the update server: Install MIUI bootloader from Google Play. Select your model and download the latest stable firmware. Install it through Recovery (see Method 2).

If the model doesn’t support Android 11, you’ll need an update:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware based on Android 11 (for example, LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience).
• ⚠️ Risks: loss of warranty, possible bugs with camera/network modules.
• 🔗 Look for instructions on the forums XDA Developers (for example, there are unofficial ports for the Redmi Note 8 Pro).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade to Android 11