How to Update Your Xiaomi TV Firmware with the Three Dots Menu: Secure Algorithm 2026

Updating firmware on Xiaomi TVs through a hidden three-point menu is a method that is often used to force the installation of a new version of software when standard methods do not work. This method is relevant for Mi TV 4/4S/4A/4X/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV and other lines, where the manufacturer has restricted access to manual updates through basic settings. However, improper actions can lead to a device “brick” when the TV stops turning on or loads only before the logo.

In this article, we will break down the step-by-step update algorithm through the developer menu (three dots), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give recommendations for system recovery in the event of a failure. Also, you will find relevant links to official firmware, model compatibility table and answers to frequent questions. If your Xiaomi TV “hangs” on the logo after a failed update or does not see a new version of the software through Wi-Fi, this guide will help solve the problem without contacting the service center.

What is the Three Dots Menu and When to Use It

The three-dot menu (or hidden engineering menu) is a service section in Xiaomi TV’s firmware that allows you to manually download and install updates, reset to factory settings, test hardware components, so called because you need to click three points in the upper right corner of the settings screen to enter (in some versions of the software, hold the Back button on the remote).

This method should be used in the following cases:

• 🔄 The TV doesn't find an update through Settings → About Device → Software Update, although the new version has already come out.
• 🐢 The update is “hanged” during the boot or installation phase (the progress bar does not move for more than 30 minutes).
• 📥 You downloaded the firmware manually (for example, from the official Xiaomi website) and want to install it without waiting OTA.
• 🔧 After resetting the settings, the TV stopped seeing Wi-Fi or other features were not working properly.

⚠️ Warning: The three-dot menu is not intended for ordinary users. Incorrect actions (for example, installing firmware from another model or interrupting the process) can lead to a breakdown of the bootloader. If you are not sure about your actions, you better wait for an automatic update or contact the service.

Preparing for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start updating through a hidden menu, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which minimize the risk of failure and make it easier to restore the system if errors occur.

1. Check the current firmware version

Find out the latest version of your TV:

1. Open the Settings → About the device → The version of the software.
2. Write down or take a picture of the build number (e.g., MSA25.1-RU-2.0.123).

2. Download the correct firmware

The firmware for Xiaomi TV is divided into:

• 📦 OTA- Updates (installed on top of the current version, weighing 100-500 MB).
• 📦 Full ROM (full firmware, weighs 1-2 GB, requires resetting).

Download files only from official sources:

• 🌍 Official Xiaomi website (select Mi TV section).
• 📁 XDA Developers (For power users only, check reviews!)

3 Prepare the USB- drive

To install the firmware through the three-point menu, you will need a FAT32 flash drive up to 32 GB. The firmware file should lie at the root of the disk (not in folders!) and be called update.zip (for OTA) or full_rom.zip (for full firmware).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use data flash drives - they will be formatted in the process. Also avoid USB 3.0 (blue connectors) - they may not be recognized by older Xiaomi models TV.

How to Update Xiaomi TV in Three Points

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly by step, and skipping the steps can lead to errors.

Step 1 Entering the Hidden Menu

1. Turn on the TV and open Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
2. Go to About the device (or About TV in new versions of the software).
3. Find three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper right corner of the screen and click on them.
4. If there are no points, hold the Back button on the remote for 5-10 seconds.

After that, an engineering menu with advanced options will open, and if the menu does not appear, your model does not support this method (see the compatibility table below).

Step 2: Selecting the Update Mode

In the hidden menu, select:

• 🔄 Update via USB—to install OTA-update (update.zip).
• 📦 Install full firmware for full_rom.zip (requires reset!).

Connect the prepared flash drive to the USB- port of the TV (preferably the rear one, if there are several).

Step 3: Start the process

Once you select the firmware file, you'll see a warning on the screen, confirm the installation by pressing OK, take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the model and the firmware type, and display the progress bar and the installation log.

In no case do not turn off the TV from the outlet and do not press the buttons on the remote during the update - this will lead to damage to system files.

Step 4: Completion and reboot

Once installed successfully, the TV will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up, which is normal. If the screen stays black for more than 15 minutes or the Mi logo burns without progress, see what to do if the update fails.

💡

If your model does not support the three-point menu, use alternative methods: upgrade via ADB or restore via service mode (requires a special cable).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.

1.The TV doesn't see the firmware file

Causes and solutions:

• 📁 Wrong file name: Must be update.zip (for OTA) or full_rom.zip. Check the register and extension.
• 💾 Inappropriate flash drive format: only FAT32. NTFS or exFAT is not supported.
• 🔌 Problems with USB-port: try another port or flash drive. Some models only have rear ports.

2. Update "hangs" by 0% or 100%

If the progress bar does not move for more than 30 minutes:

• ⏳ Wait another 10-15 minutes — sometimes the process takes longer than the time specified.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV with a long press of the power button (10 seconds). If the TV doesn't turn on after that, see the recovery section.
• 📡 Firmware file problems: download it again and check the checksum (MD5).

3.The TV will not turn on after the upgrade

If the screen is black or the Mi logo is on:

• 🔌 Hard reset: Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.
• 📥 Flashing through USB: Repeat the process with another version of the software (e.g., an older version).
• 🛠️ Service mode: If nothing helps, flashing through Fastboot (requires PC and cable) is required.

💡

If you lose your sound or image after the update, reset the settings in the Settings menu → System → Reset to factory settings. This will return the standard settings without losing firmware.

How to roll back firmware if the update failed

If the TV is unstable after updating via the three-point menu (lags, departures, no features), you can return the previous version of the software. However, rolling back the firmware is a more risky procedure than updating, so follow the instructions carefully.

Method 1: Install the old version via USB

1. Download the previous stable firmware for your model from the official website or forums (for example, 4PDA).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it on the flash drive.
3. Repeat the installation process through the three-dot menu (see section above).

Method 2: Recovery via Fastboot (for experienced)

If the TV is not turned on or loaded only before the logo, you will need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A — USB-A (for connecting TV to PC).
• 📦 Firmware in.img format for your model.

Algorithm:

1. Connect the TV to your PC via the USB-port on the back.
2. Run the command line and type: fastboot flash all firmware.img
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently bring the TV down. If you're not sure, contact Xiaomi's service center.

Alternative ways to upgrade Xiaomi TV

If the three-point menu is not available or you don’t want to take risks, use other methods:

1. Automatic update via Wi-Fi

The safest way is:

1. Connect the TV to the Internet (preferably via cable).
2. Go to Settings → About the device → Software update.
3. Click Check for Updates and follow the instructions.

2 Update via Mi Home app

For some models (such as Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV X), the update is available via the Mi Home app:

1. Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Mi Home, find your TV in the list of devices.
3. Select the firmware update in the device menu.

3 Update via ADB (for advanced)

If you have experience with ADB, you can install firmware through the command:

adb sideload update.zip

For this:

• Turn on USB debugging in the settings of the TV developer.
• Connect the TV to your PC via USB.
• Launch the command at the terminal.

💡

Automatic updates over the Internet are the most reliable method, but they may not be available if Xiaomi has suspended support for your model, in which case manual installation via USB remains the only option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions