How to upgrade the version of Android on Xiaomi phone: official and hidden ways

Updating the Android version on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to get new features, but also a necessity for security, performance and compatibility with modern applications. However, the process can seem complicated, especially if your device has not received official updates for a long time or you have encountered errors when trying to update. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to improve the version of Android – from standard methods through Settings to manual firmware through Fastboot and custom recovery.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi devices support an update to the latest version of Android. For example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) officially stopped on Android 11, while flagship models like Xiaomi 13 Ultra already get Android 14. We’ll tell you how to check the compatibility of your device, prepare it for an update and avoid errors that can turn your smartphone into a “brick.”

1. Check the current version of Android and available updates

Before you try to upgrade to Android, make sure your device really needs an upgrade.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version, for example, MIUI 14.0.5 based on Android 13.
3. Remember or write down this data – it will be necessary to search for firmware.

To check the official updates available:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Click Check for Updates.
• 🔍 If the update is available, the system will prompt it to download. If not, you will see the message Updates not found.

If no update is available, this could mean:

• 📅 Your device is no longer supported by Xiaomi (usually 2-3 years after release).
• 🌍 The update has not yet been released for your region (for example, global firmware lags behind Chinese firmware).
• 🔧 The device is locked by a carrier (e.g., models for T-Mobile or Vodafone).

2.Preparing the phone for the update: backup and charging

Updating Android is a process that may not go according to plan. To avoid data loss, make sure to back up.

• 📱 Sync with Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for Contacts, Messages, Photos and Notes.
• 🖥️ Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and copy folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp (if you use) to your hard drive.
• 🔄 Settings reset (optional): If you upgrade through Fastboot or custom recovery, it’s best to do a full reset (Wipe Data), but it will delete all data!

Also make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when upgraded via Recovery – at least 80%).
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection stable (downloading firmware “over the air” can weigh 2-4 GB).
• 🔌 If you are upgrading via PC, use the original cable. USB Type-C (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).

Backup data | Charge phone to 80%+| Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Download the right firmware (if you update manually) | Disable antivirus and ad blockers-->

⚠️ Note: If you upgrade to Xiaomi with a bootloader unlocked, after installing the new firmware, the device may automatically lock.This is normal, but will require re-unlocking to install custom firmware.

3. Official ways to update Android to Xiaomi

If your device is still supported by Xiaomi, use official methods. They are the most secure and do not require technical skills.

Method 1: Update "over the air" (OTA)

The simplest method is:

1. Open Settings → Update the system.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it (may take 10 to 30 minutes).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update doesn’t come, try:

• 🌐 Change the firmware region (for example, from Global to EEA or China through Settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 🔄 Manual download. OTA-Package from Miui Download and install it via System Update → Three points. → Select the update file.

Method 2: Update with Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot)

If the OTA is not working or you want a clean installation:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (for example, tucana_global_images_V14.0.5.0.TKFMIXM_20231010.0000.00_13.0_global For the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

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Official firmware guarantees stability and support for Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud and Mi Pay), but can lag behind the latest versions of Android by 1-2 years.

4. Alternative methods: custom firmware and projects

If Xiaomi no longer releases updates for your model, but you want to get a new version of Android, you can use informal firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without shell MIUI, Supports many older models.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• 🌍 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI with advanced settings and without Chinese software.
• 🛠️ ArrowOS – Lightweight firmware with a focus on performance.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours of waiting). SMS-code).
2. Install custom recovery, such as TWRP.
3. Download firmware from the XDA Developers website or the official project resource.
4. Sweep through TWRP by pre-making Wipe Dalvik/Cache and Wipe Data.

⚠️ Warning: Installation of custom firmware cancels the warranty, may lead to the inoperability of the module NFC, Some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) can block work on uncertified firmware.

5. Solving common errors in the update

Even when following instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If after the update the phone began to slow down or discharge quickly:

• 🔄 Make a reset to the factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache with Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).

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If the sound is gone or the camera is not working after the update, check if the permissions for the applications in Settings → Apps → Permissions are lost. Sometimes resetting the rights helps to return functionality.

6. Optimize work after Android update

The new version of Android may require additional settings for maximum performance. Here's what to do after the update:

• 🔒 Turn off unnecessary permissions: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Permissions and disallow applications from accessing Location, Microphone and Camera if they are not needed.
• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Background Limiting Turn Off Autostart for Unnecessary Applications.
• 🔄 Turn on adaptive brightness: Settings → Display. → Adaptive brightness – this will save battery power.
• 🛡️ Update apps: Go to Google Play and click Update All – Older versions of programs may conflict with newer Android.

If you notice that after updating the phone warms up or quickly sits down, check:

• 🔍 Background activity in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📡 Network 5G: If you are not using it, switch to 4G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🎮 Game mode: Turn it off if you are not playing (Settings) → Special facilities → Turbo-playing mode).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)