The three-point mode in Xiaomi devices is a hidden service tool that allows you to manually update your firmware without using standard menus. This method often saves you when your phone or TV is getting stuck on your logo, does not respond to buttons, or the system refuses to install an update via OTA. But there are nuances: improper actions can turn a gadget into a brick, and some models (for example, Mi TV Stick or POCO F5) require additional manipulation.
In this article, we will take a step-by-step flashing algorithm through three dots, explain which firmware files are suitable for your model, and warn against typical errors. We will pay special attention to Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A2, P1, Q2), because they have a different process from smartphones. If you have never done firmware, do not worry: the manual is adapted for beginners, but with technical details for experienced users.
What is the 3 Points Mode and Why You Need It?
Three-point mode (or ADB update mode) is an alternative way to install firmware that bypasses standard system constraints, activates via the service menu and allows:
- 🔄 Restore the device after failure OTA-update;
- 📥 Install firmware if the system does not see it»;
- 🛠️ Update your TV or smartphone without access to the Internet;
- 🔒 Unlock some features (e.g. Fastboot on locked devices).
On Xiaomi smartphones, this mode is most often used for manually updating MIUI when automatic updates through Settings → About Phone → System Update doesn’t work. On TVs (like Mi TV Q1E or Redmi Smart TV X) it’s the only way to flash a device if it doesn’t boot or hangs on the screensaver.
⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mi 11 Ultra), the three-point mode can be blocked by the manufacturer.
Before you start, make sure your problem does require flashing.Sometimes a simple factory reset via Recovery helps (press Power + Volume up when turned on).
What devices support firmware through 3 points
Not all Xiaomi gadgets have access to the three-point mode. Below is the compatibility table for popular models:
| Type of device | Supported models | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 10/11/12 | Requires an unlocked bootloader for some firmware |
| Televisions | Mi TV A2 43"/55", Redmi Smart TV X50/X65, Mi TV Q1E/Q2 | Firmware only through USB-accumulator (FAT32) |
| Tablets | Mi Pad 5/5 Pro, Redmi Pad | Supporting. ADB-Firmware, but rarely require it |
| Smart watches | Mi Band 7/8, Watch S1/S2 | Firmware through 3 points is not supported |
If your model is not on the list, check the official Xiaomi forum or resources like Xiaomi.eu. For example, Black Shark (gaming smartphones) have its own update mechanism and are not compatible with this method.
Important: Devices on HyperOS (a new firmware from Xiaomi released in 2023-2026) may require a different approach. If your gadget runs on HyperOS, first try to update via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three dots (in the upper right corner).
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Before you run the firmware, check the serial number of the device in the Settings menu → About Phone → All specs. This will help you find the correct version of the firmware.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Incorrect preparation is the main cause of breeches (inoperable devices) after firmware. Follow this checklist to avoid problems:
☑️ Preparation for Xiaomi firmware through 3 points
Now, more details on each item:
1. Downloading firmware
Use only official firmware from resources:
- 🌐 Official website MIUI (smartphone);
- 📺 Mi support page TV (TV-set);
- 🔧 Xiaomi.eu (Castom Firmware for Experienced Users).
The firmware file should have an extension:
- 📱 For smartphones:.zip (for example, miui_HMNote10Global_V12.5.1.0.RJOMIXM_....zip);
- 📺 For TVs:.pkg (e.g, mibox3_ota_update_20260315.pkg).
⚠️ Note: Firmware from sites like 4PDA or XDA Developers may contain modifications that are incompatible with your model. Use them only if you understand the risks! 2. Check battery and connections For smartphones: battery power should be at least 50%. If the device runs out during firmware, it will cause permanent damage to system files. For TVs, connect the device to a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to avoid power surges. 3. Backing up the firmware through three dots erases all data on the device: 📸 Photos and videos (on PC or cloud); 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf); 🔑 Passwords (use Google Smart Lock or Mi Account); 🎮 Save games (via Mi Cloud or manual backup). What happens if you flash the wrong version?If you install firmware from another model (for example, flash Redmi Note) 10 file POCO X3), The device will stop turning on. It can only be restored through EDL-Mode (requires special cable and software) Step-by-step instructions: how to reflash Xiaomi through 3 The process is different for smartphones and TVs. Choose your own: 📱 For smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Download the firmware (.zip) and rename it to update.zip. Place the file in the root of internal memory (not in the folder!). + Power to log in to Recovery. From the recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection) Confirm installation and wait until completion (5–10 Select Reboot to System. If after the reboot the device is stuck on the logo - reset to factory settings through the same Recovery menu (Wipe Data). 📺 For TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV) Download the firmware (.pkg) and rename it to update.pkg. Copy the file to an empty flash drive (FAT32, Up to 32 GB. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (it is better to use the port) USB On the remote, press Menu. → Settings → On TV. → Updating the system → Update through USB. Select update.pkg and confirm installation. Wait until it is completed (the TV will restart automatically: 🔌 Try another one. USB-port; 🗄️ Format the flash drive into FAT32 (not exFAT!); 📁 Make sure the file is called update.pkg (without any extra characters). 💡On Xiaomi TVs, firmware is through USB It only works if the file is called update.pkg and is located at the root of the flash drive. Folders or other names are not recognized! Typical errors and how to avoid them Even experienced users sometimes face problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions: Error Reason Solution "Cannot verify update" Damaged firmware file or incomplete installation Reset the firmware again, check the model name The TV does not see the flash drive Incorrect file system (not FAT32) Format the flash drive in FAT32, use the USB port 2.0 Hangs on the logo after the firmware version conflict or incomplete installation Reset via the official Recoverer screen (if you have a faulty device after the installation), if the error is a faultyer from the device is not downloaded from the data base base (therecord from the device), In this case: Try logging into Fastboot (click Volume Down) + Food; if it doesn’t help, use it. EDL-Mode (requires a special cable and Mi Flash Tool software). ⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) If you fail to get your firmware, you may be able to activate the Anti-Rollback, which locks the device permanently. Before you run the firmware, check the Anti-Rollback version in the firmware file! If after all the manipulations the device does not work, follow this algorithm: Check the power: Make sure the device is charging (the indicator should burn when connecting the charge)./USB-Port: Sometimes the problem is in a damaged cable or port. Use another firmware file: Download the firmware from another source (e.g., Xiaomi Firmware Updater). Contact the service center: If the device does not respond to any action, you may need to solder memory. For Xiaomi TVs, there is another way to restore it: through the service menu: Turn off the TV from the outlet; Press the Menu button on the remote control and the Power button on the case; Connect the TV to the outlet (without releasing the buttons); after 10 seconds, release the service menu; select Reset to Factory. If none of the methods worked, do not try to flash the device again - this can aggravate the problem. Better consult the specialists. FAQ: Frequent questions about firmware through 3 points ❓ Can you flash Xiaomi through 3 points without a computer? Yes, you don't need a computer for smartphones and TVs. You just download the firmware to another gadget, transfer it to a flash drive or internal memory, and then follow the instructions above. However, some models (such as Xiaomi 13) may require unlocking the bootloader via PC. ❓ Why does Xiaomi TV not see the firmware file on the flash drive? The reasons may be: the flash drive is not formatted in the flash drive. FAT32; The firmware file is not called update.pkg; the flash drive is connected to the port USB 3.0 (try it out) USB 2.0); Firmware file corrupted (download again). ❓ Can I roll back firmware to an older version? Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it is fraught with problems: New devices (2022 and later) have anti-rollback protection that will lock the gadget; old firmware may not support new hardware; After a rollback, some features (such as the camera or sensors) may stop working.If you really need to roll back, use only official firmware and check compatibility on forums. ❓ How to find out the current version of the firmware on Xiaomi? For smartphones: Go to Settings → About phone; Find the item Version MIUI Or build number. For TVs: Open Settings. → About TV; Watch the line version of the software. ❓ Can I use Xiaomi to help you? 3 Yes, but with reservations: If the bootloader is blocked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool; If the screen is locked (pattern lock)/PIN), Firmware will reset all data, including locking; on some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12) You may need to have a Mi Account.