Why you need global firmware and what risks it carries
Xiaomi TVs with factory Chinese firmware often come with limited functionality: no Google Play Services, no support for some streaming services (such as Netflix in 4K), and the interface may contain unnecessary Chinese applications. Global firmware solves these problems, but requires caution: wrong actions can turn your Mi TV into a βbrickβ.
The main reasons for reflashing:
- π Access to Google Play Market and Google services (YouTube, Play Movies, etc.)
- πΊ Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Other formats blocked in the Chinese version
- π Removing pre-installed Chinese apps (e.g. Mi Home China)
- π± Compatibility with remotes and accessories for global models
But it has pitfalls, like the Mi models. TV 4S/4A (2018β2020 d.) support may be lost after installation of global firmware AV1-codec, and on Mi TV Q2 β quit HDMI-CEC. Before starting, be sure to check the compatibility of your model with global software.
Preparation for flashing: what to do in advance
The first step is to determine the exact model of your TV. To do this, go to Settings β About TV β Model. For example, Mi TV 4S 55" can have an index L55M5-5ASR or L55M5-5ANR β this is critical for choosing a firmware. Write down the full name, including alphanumeric code.
Next, prepare:
- π» Windows computer 10/11 or macOS (for working with the ADB)
- π USB-cable (preferably original, with data transmission support)
- π Empty. USB-flash drive (format) FAT32, volume)
- π§ Programme programmes: ADB Tools, Mi TV Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader)
Find out the exact model of the TV|Download the firmware for your model|Prepare. USB-flash-drive (FAT32)|Install ADB-PC drivers|Make a backup of current settings
-->
Attention! On Xiaomi TVs 2022 and later (for example, Mi TV P1 2023), the bootloader may be blocked, in which case you will need an official unlocker from Xiaomi, which is issued only after you link the account to the device, without which firmware through fastboot will not be possible.
β οΈ Note: If your TV is purchased in China and is linked to a Xiaomi China account, a firmware reset may be required after the firmware is installed. EDL-The process requires special equipment and skills.
Where to download the official global firmware for Xiaomi TV
The official firmware for Xiaomi Mi TV is published on two resources:
- Xiaomi Community website (section) MIUI TV) β Stable and Beta versions are available here.
- 4PDA forums (model-specific themes) β often contain modified firmware with Russification and patches.
When selecting a file, pay attention to:
- π Model version (e.g, L55M5-5ASR vs L55M5-5ANR)
- π Assembly date (current firmware - no older than 6 months)
- π Firmware type: Fastboot (full) or OTA (renewal over existing)
| Model TV set | Type of firmware | Download link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S (2018β2020) | Fastboot | Official server | Supports manual updates via USB |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2021) | OTA | Xiaomi Community | Requires unlocking the loader |
| Redmi Smart TV X | Fastboot | 4PDA | Modified firmware with patches for Netflix |
Never download firmware from unknown sites. In 2023, there were cases of files spreading under the guise of global firmware with malware blocking the TV after installation.
π‘
Before downloading, check the hash amount of the file (MD5 or SHA-1) using the HashMyFiles utility.
Methods of installing global firmware: which one to choose
There are three main methods of flashing Xiaomi TV:
- USB (OTA) is the easiest way to do this, but it doesnβt work on all models.
- Through ADB (from a computer) β requires unlocking debugging over USB.
- Through Fastboot - complete flashing, but risky for beginners.
Letβs look at each method in more detail:
Update via USB (for models with OTA support)
Suitable for Mi TV 4S/4A and some Redmi Smart TVs.
- Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
- Copy the file to a FAT32 formatted flash drive.
- Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port and go to Settings β On TV. β Updating the system β Local Update.
Installation via ADB (for power users)
Requires USB debugging enabled in the developer settings.
adb devices
adb sideload update.zipIf the TV is not detected, try the command:
adb tcpip 5555
adb connect [IP- TV address]3. Full firmware via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
The most difficult method, but the only option for models with a locked OTA-It'll be revamped:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install Fastboot drivers on PC.
- Run the firmware script from the file folder.
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor S905 (Like Mi. TV 4A) Fastboot firmware can lead to loss DRM-The keys that will stop working Netflix and Disney+ high-resolution.
π‘
For most users, the best option is to update through USB. method ADB It's fine if USB-The firmware does not work, and leave Fastboot for an emergency.
Step-by-step: firmware via USB
This method works on most Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV models from 2018-2022.
- Step. 1. Download firmware Choose a file for your model on the official website. For example, for Mi. TV 4S 55" It could be a file. miui_TV_MSL42_update_123456789.zip.
- Step. 2. Prepare. USB-Flippad the flash drive into FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS!). Copy the firmware file into the root of the flash drive and rename it to update.zip.
- Step. 3. Start the update Insert the flash drive in USB-TV port (preferably to port) USB 2.0, If you have one, go to Settings. β On TV. β Updating the system β Local update. Select a file. update.zip and confirm installation.
- Step 4. Wait until the TV is finished, it will restart 2-3 times. Don't turn it off for 10-15 minutes! The first download after the firmware can take up to 5 minutes.
If after the update, the TV hovers on the Xiaomi logo, try resetting through Settings β Reset and Restore β Reset to factory.
What to do if the TV canβt see the flash drive?
Unlock the bootloader and firmware through Fastboot
This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV P1 and others with a locked bootloader.
Step 1: Obtaining permission to unlock
1. Go to Mi Unlock and log in to your Xiaomi account (it should be tied to your TV!).
2 Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your PC.
3. Turn on the developer mode on your TV (go to Settings β About TV and 7 times click on the MIUI version). Then activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the developer menu.
Step 2: Unlocking the loader
1. Connect the TV to your PC via USB and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Follow the instructions of the program. the process can take up to 72 hours (Xiaomi imposes a limit on the frequency of unlocking).
3. Upon successful unlocking, the TV will restart and you will see the Unlocked label on turning on.
Stage 3. Firmware through Fastboot
1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
3. Connect the TV to the PC in Fastboot mode (for this, when you turn on, press Menu + Power on the remote).
4. Run the script. flash_all.bat And wait until it's done, the TV will reboot automatically.
β οΈ Note: On TVs with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X50) Fastboot firmware can lead to loss MAC-The Wi-Fi address, which requires manual recovery through the SP Flash Tool.
What to do after a successful firmware
After installing the global firmware, follow the following steps:
- π Reset the settings to factory (Settings) β Reset and restore: This will eliminate any conflicts between old and new system files.
- π Set up a region. Global firmware may default to India or Europe. Change to Russia in Settings β Region.
- π Log in to a Google account. Without it, Google Play and data synchronization won't work.
- πΊ Check it out. DRM-Install the application. DRM Info from Play Market and make sure Widevine L1 Netflix is active (otherwise Netflix will only work in the future). 480p).
If a sound or image is missing after the firmware, try:
- Update the TV to the latest version via Settings β System Update.
- Reset the sound settings (Settings β Sound β Reset).
- Check the connection of cables (sometimes after firmware is lost HDMI settings).
π‘
If after firmware TV began to slow down, turn off the animation interface in the developer settings (Settings β For developers β Animation of windows = Off).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV will not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process | Switch through Fastboot from a computer or use EDL-The service (requires a service cable) |
| The error "Update failed" when USB-firmware | A damaged file or incorrect name | Upload the firmware, check the file name (update.zip), try another flash drive. |
| No sound after firmware. | Resetting audio settings or codec conflict | Reset your sound settings or install Equalizer from Play Market |
| Wi-Fi's not working. | Lost. MAC-address (often on MediaTek) | Restore your MAC via SP Flash Tool or contact the service |
Important! If the TV boots up after the firmware is up and it's rebooted all the time, it's likely that the firmware for another model has been installed, and then the only thing that helps is to flash it through Fastboot with the right file.