How to change the version of Android on Xiaomi phone: all ways from MIUI to custom firmware

Changing the Android version on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge for both beginners and experienced users, and the reasons range from wanting fresh features to needing to bypass manufacturer restrictions. However, the upgrade process doesn’t always come down to clicking on the “Update” button — especially if it’s older models like the Redmi Note 5 or Mi A2 that are no longer officially supported.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the version of Android on Xiaomi devices, including official updates via MIUI, manual firmware via Fastboot and install custom firmware like LineageOS. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of blocking the bootloader on new models (2022-2026) and the nuances of working with the Mi Flash Tool and ADB tools. If your phone is stuck on the old version or you want to try Android 14 on a stale device – read more.

1. Verify the current version of Android and compatibility

Before trying to update your firmware, make sure your device supports the target version of Android. For example, Redmi 9A (2020) will not officially get Android 13, and Xiaomi 13 Pro can already run Android 14 with MIUI 15.

To check the current version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines "Version" MIUI» and “Android version».
3. Remember or write the model code (e.g. 2201116PG for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).

Check the compatibility on official resources:

• 🔍 Download page MIUI — Here are the latest stable and beta versions for each model.
• 📱 Firmware Updater – a service with firmware history and download links.
• ⚠️ Note: If your model is older than 2019 (such as the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 7), the official updates may have stopped.

Also note that on new devices (2022-2026), Xiaomi uses Bootloader Lock, which means that manual firmware will require:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official tool (can take up to 720 hours of waiting!).
• 🛠️ Use the Fastboot or EDL-The mode (only for experienced users).

2. Method 1: Update via settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way is to upgrade to an over-the-air (OTA) update, which is suitable if:

• ✅ Your model is supported by the manufacturer.
• ✅ You have enough battery power (minimum 50%).
• ✅ There is a stable Wi-Fi connection (updates weigh 1-3 GB).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates."
3. If a new version is available, download it and confirm the installation.
4. Wait for the reboot (it can take 10-20 minutes).

What to do if the update does not come?

• 🔄 Try resetting your network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 weeks – updates often come in waves.

💡

If your phone is stuck checking for updates, try clearing the System Update app cache in Settings → Apps → App Management.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for devices that are out of support (e.g. Redmi). 4X Mi Max 2).
• ❌ Do not allow you to skip versions (for example, with Android 10 immediately on Android 12).
• ❌ May contain regional restrictions (e.g. global firmware vs. Chinese firmware).

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If OTA-No update, but there's an official firmware for your model, and you can install it manually through stock Recovery:

• 📦 Devices that “hang” on the old version due to errors in Xiaomi servers.
• 🔄 Switching from beta to stable (or vice versa).
• 🌍 Changes in the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the right firmware for your model from the page MIUI Downloads. Pay attention: 📌 Device code (e.g. vili for Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite). 🌐 Region (Global, China, EEA, India, etc.). 🔢 Version (Stable or Beta).

update.zip

root-folder

Recovery mode

Turn off the phone → Press the power button + volume up → Wait for the MI logo to appear.

Install update.zip → Confirm installation → Reboot your phone.

Download the correct firmware version | Check battery power (>50%) | Make a backup of data |Rename the file to update.zip| Put the file in the root of memory

-->

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware (e.g., for another model or region) can cause a device to fail (totally) and it is especially dangerous to install Chinese firmware on global devices, which can block Google services.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) Stock Recovery can block downgrade firmware installations, which requires a Fastboot.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔧 You need to install firmware on the blocked bootloader (after official unlocking).
• 🔄 You need to downgrade the Android version (downgrade).
• 🛠️ The device does not load into the system (soft-brick).

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged!).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from verified sources).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool (official). ADB and Fastboot (for command line).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone → Press the power button + volume down → Connect to your PC.
4. In Mi Flash Tool, select firmware mode: Clean All – complete cleanup (removes all data!), Clean All and Lock – cleanup + lock bootloader (for official firmware), Save User Data – data storage (not always stable).

Click Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Common mistakes and decisions:

💡

Fastboot is the only officially supported way to install software on locked Xiaomi devices, but it requires unlocking the bootloader, which can take up to 30 days to wait on new models.

5. Method 4: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If your device is no longer getting official updates, but the hardware is still capable of running new versions of Android, you can install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features.
• 📱 ArrowOS or HavocOS – firmware with advanced customization.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader (required!).
• 🔧 Installed custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 📦 Compatible firmware for your model (check on the XDA Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Download: 📦 Firmware (e.g. LineageOS). 🔧 TWRP Recovery for your model (search at twrp.me). 🔑 Open GApps (if you need Google services, choose the option) arm64 or arm depending on the processor).

TWRP

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

TWRP

backup

Backup → Select sections → Swipe to Backup

Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Tag Dalvik, Cache, Data, System


Install → Select firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash




Install → Select GApps → Swipe to Confirm Flash

Restart to the system (the first start can take 10-15 minutes).

Risks and disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ❌ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, camera, sensors).
• ❌ Lack of official security updates.
• ❌ Risk of hard-brick (complete failure) in case of an error.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes.

1.The device is not seen in the Mi Flash Tool

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (better USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, try a different connection mode (e.g., reboot your PC and phone, EDL instead of Fastboot).

2. "Anti-rollback" error

This error occurs if you are trying to install firmware older than the one on the device before. For example, you can’t install a MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 10 Pro if you already have a MIUI 13.

Decision:

• 📌 Find the list of allowed versions for your model on Firmware Updater.
• 🔧 Use only firmware that is not lower than the current version of the Anti-rollback.

3. After firmware there is no network or sensors do not work

This is a typical problem when installing the wrong firmware (e.g. global on a Chinese device or vice versa).

• 🔄 Scroll through the correct version (check the model code and region!).
• 📡 If the network is missing, install the modem firmware (firmware-update) through TWRP.
• 🛠️ Sensors (gyroscope, compass) may require calibration or resetting of settings.

4.The phone got stuck on the MI logo after firmware

Reasons:

• ❌ Incompatible firmware.
• ❌ Interrupted installation process.
• ❌ There is no vendor or firmware.

Decision:

1. Download to Fastboot and run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).
2. If it doesn't help, try it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If the custom firmware experiment failed or you want to return the warranty, you can roll back to stock MIUI.

Method 1: Fastboot (recommended)

1. Download the full firmware (.tgz) for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack it and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode (this will block the bootloader back).
3. Wait 5-10 minutes and the phone will restart with a clean MIUI.

Method 2: Recovery (if the Fastboot is not working)

1. Download the backupdate.zip for your model.
2. Put it in the root of memory.
3. Download to stock Recovery and select Install update.zip.

It's important!

⚠️ Warning: After returning to stock firmware, all data will be deleted and the bootloader will be blocked.If you plan to install custom firmware again, do not block the bootloader (choose Clean All without Lock).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions