How to Update Xiaomi: All the Methods and Hidden Nuances

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi devices is a process that can both improve the performance of the gadget and lead to serious problems if you do something wrong. In 2026, the company actively releases updates for smartphones, Mi TVs. TV, There are no universal upgrades, some models only support automatic updates over the Internet, others require manual installation through Fastboot or Recovery, and others can be blocked if you do not perform the right thing.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update, including official and alternative methods, and also explain how to avoid typical errors. OTA Or maybe the region of the device will reset? Or maybe the Mi TVs. TV After a failed update, sometimes you need to flash through USB We've gathered all this information in one place, with step-by-step instructions, warnings and life hacks from power users.

1. Preparation of the device for updating: what to do before

Before you upgrade Xiaomi, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken: neglecting them can lead to data loss, system failure, or even a “brick” of the device, starting with the obvious: backup.

Create a backup of all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and settings. Even if the update is successful, sometimes you reset your personal settings (such as Always On Display settings or sound profiles).

• 📱 Mi Cloud – Cloud Storage from Xiaomi (Available 5 GB Free).
• 💻 Mi PC Suite - official backup software for your computer.
• 🔄 Google Account – synchronize contacts, calendar and some applications.
• 📁 Manual transfer – copy files to SD-card.

Pay special attention to battery power, if the device runs out during the upgrade, it is almost guaranteed to crash.

• 📱 Smartphones and tablets: at least 50% (optimum - 80%).
• 📺 Mi TVs TV: Connect to the network - update through USB requires stable nutrition.
• ⌚ Mi smartwatch Band/Watch: charge to 100%, As they are updated via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) update via OTA Before updating, check the status of the bootloader in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (If you see the word Unlocked, use only manual methods!

Also make sure there is enough free space on the device. Xiaomi smartphone updates weigh 1.5 to 3GB, and for TVs up to 1GB. Check the free space in Settings → Storage: If less than 5GB of storage, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to an external medium.

2. Update methods: which one to choose for your device

Xiaomi offers several ways to update the firmware, and not all of them are suitable for all devices. The choice of method depends on the model, the current version of the software and even the region of purchase.

Automatic update through OTA (airborne)

The easiest and most recommended way for most users, suitable for smartphones, TVs and some smart devices, to check for updates:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone. → System Update (on TVs: Settings) → On TV. → Update of the PO).
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, click Download (Wi-Fi connection required).
4. After downloading, select Install and wait for the reboot.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require technical knowledge.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates come with a delay (sometimes months later than manual methods).
• ❌ Not always available for older models.
• ❌ Can reset the region of the device (relevant for “gray” smartphones).

Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install the firmware faster, you can use Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones, but requires you to download the firmware manually.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select the Recovery ROM version).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root directory of internal memory (not to the folder!).
3. Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (usually English) then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) after updating through Recovery, it may be necessary to reset to factory settings. /data newer MIUI. If the device is loaded into an infinite loop after the upgrade, run Wipe Data in Recovery.

Update via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to install firmware from a computer, and it is suitable if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on or is stuck on the logo.
• 🔄 You need to refashion the device to another version. MIUI (For example, from global to Chinese).
• 🛠️ Restore the device after a failed update.

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM (download from the official website).

Detailed instructions:

Important: Fastboot firmware with the option “Clean all and lock” will block the bootloader, which will make it impossible to install custom firmware in the future.

Update of smart devices (Mi Band, Mi Watch, routers)

For Xiaomi gadgets that are not related to smartphones, the update process is different:

• ⌚ Mi Band/Mi Watch: Updates come via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. Connect the watch to your phone, open your device profile and check for updates.
• 📶 Mi Router: Go to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1), then go to the firmware update. Download the latest version from the official website and download it through the interface.

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For Mi TVs, TV The only official way to update is through USB. Automatic updates over the air are unstable and often lead to errors.

3. Typical Update Errors and How to Avoid Them

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

Error "Cannot verify update" (unable to verify update)

This error occurs when you try to install firmware through Recovery if:

• 📄 The firmware file is damaged or not fully downloaded.
• 🔄 The firmware version is not designed for your model.
• 🔒 The device has an unlocked bootloader, but the firmware is designed for locked devices.

Decisions:

• 🔍 Check the integrity of the file (compare the hash amount with the official one).
• 📥 Download the firmware again, preferably through another browser or from another source.
• 🔧 If the bootloader is unlocked, use Fastboot firmware or custom recovery (TWRP).

Logo hanging. MI post-refresh

If the device does not load beyond the logo MI Or Redmi, that could mean:

• 🔄 Conflict between the old and new version of the firmware.
• 🗑️ Damage to section /data (It is often updated with Recovery on new versions. MIUI).
• 🔋 Insufficient battery power (the device turned off during the upgrade).

What to do:

1. Connect the device to the charger and wait 10-15 minute.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this will delete all user data!).
4. Reboot the device. If the problem persists, run the device through the Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5 Pro) Recovery does not help. This requires a full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all option.

Error "This package is for other device" (this package is for another device)

This error occurs if you are trying to install firmware that is not designed for your model. Even if the device names are similar (for example, the Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro), the firmware for them is different!

How to avoid:

• 🔍 Check the exact device model in Settings → The phone. → Model.
• 📄 Download the firmware only from the official Xiaomi website, choosing the correct version (for example, ingres for Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G).

If you've already downloaded the wrong firmware, remove it from the device and download the right one. Installing the wrong firmware can cause the device to fail completely!

Check the model and region of the device|Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the battery to 80%+|Download the firmware from the official website|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi (for the purpose of OTA)

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4. Updating Mi TVs TV: features and pitfalls

Xiaomi TVs are updated differently than smartphones, the main feature is the lack of a stable mechanism. OTA. Many users are faced with the fact that the updates either do not come at all or are installed with errors. TV rightly.

Update through USB (recommended)

This is the most reliable method for Xiaomi TVs.

• 📄 Official firmware for your model (downloaded from the Mi Support website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware.
2. Copy the firmware folder (usually called upgrade) to USB-accumulator.
3. Put the flash drive in the port. USB 2.0 on TV (ports) USB 3.0 may not work!).
4. Go to Settings. → On TV. → Update of the PO → Update through USB.
5. Select the firmware file and confirm the installation.

The process will take 10-20 Don't turn off the TV or take it out. USB-storage device until complete!

Typical problems with updating Mi TV

Xiaomi TV users often face the following mistakes:

If the TV does not turn on after an unsuccessful update, try a hardware reset:

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press the power button on the body and, holding it, connect the power.
3. Hold the button. 10-15 A few seconds before the Mi logo appears.
4. Release the button - the TV will reset to factory settings.

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If some apps are missing after the update (for example, Netflix or Disney)+), This is due to a change in Widevine certification. Solution: perform a reset before factory settings or wait for the next update.

5. Update smartphones with unlocked bootloader

If you’ve ever unlocked a bootloader on your Xiaomi, the upgrade process has a number of features. OTA Recovery and Recovery may not be installed, as they are designed for devices with a locked boot loader.

5.1 How to update a device with an unlocked bootloader

You will need to:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
6. Select Clean All Mode (do not choose Clean All and Lock, otherwise the bootloader will be locked!).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

5.2. Can I update myself through OTA loader-free?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Some firmware OTA are installed, but after the reboot may appear a warning about the unofficial software.
• ❌ On the new versions MIUI (14+) OTA-Updates are often blocked if the bootloader is unlocked.
• 🔧 If the update is OTA It was successful, but the device began to work unstable, run it through Fastboot.

If, after updating, OTA The device loads into Fastboot with an anti-rollback error, which means you've tried to install an older firmware version than the one before. In this case, only a full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all option will help.

6 How to roll back an update if something goes wrong

If the device gets worse after the upgrade (brakes, discharges quickly, doesn't turn on), you can try to roll back to the previous version of the firmware.

When recoil is possible and when it is not

Retraction to the previous version MIUI only if possible:

• ✅ You haven't updated through OTA (In this case, the old firmware is erased).
• ✅ You have a backup of old firmware (for example, you saved Recovery) ROM).
• ✅ The new firmware does not contain an anti-Rollback mechanism.

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the rollback will lead to the locking of the device!

6.2 How to Reverse to the Previous Version

If a recoil is possible, follow the instructions:

1. Download the old firmware version (preferably the one that was installed before the update).
2. If the firmware is in the Recovery format ROM, rename her in update.zip and install through Recovery.
3. If the firmware is in Fastboot format ROM, Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

After rollback, you may need to reset your settings (Wipe Data), as new versions MIUI Sometimes change the structure of system files.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (e.g, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40) run-back MIUI Below the one installed out of the box will result in a permanent lock of the bootloader. Before rolling back, check the minimum valid firmware version for your model! 7. Where to download firmware for Xiaomi: Official and alternative sources The official source of firmware for Xiaomi is en.miui.com. However, it does not always contain the latest versions, especially for older models. 🌍 Global MIUI Downloads – firmware for international versions of devices. 🇨🇳 MIUI China - firmware for the Chinese market (requires a Xiaomi account). 📺 Mi Support - firmware for TVs and other devices. 7.2. Alternative sources (for power users) If there is no official firmware for your model, you can try it: 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – Unofficial Firmware Archive. 🤖 XDA Developers - custom firmware and modifications. 📥 4PDA — Warning: Unofficial firmware sources may contain viruses or be modified, install them only if you understand the risks! 7.3. How to check firmware for integrity Before installing firmware, check its hash sum (MD5 or SHA-1). This will help to avoid errors due to corrupted files. How to check: On Windows: use the program WinMD5Free. Nana Linux/Mac: execute md5sum filename.zip Compare the hash you get with the one on the site you downloaded the firmware from. If they don't match, download the file again. 8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ❓ Why is there no update coming OTA My Xiaomi? There are a few reasons: 🔄 Your model is no longer supported (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1). 🌍 The device is tied to another region (for example, Chinese firmware on a global device). 🔧 Manually disabled updates in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Update settings). 📶 Xiaomi server problems (sometimes updates are delayed for weeks) Solution: Try updating manually via Recovery or Fastboot. ❓ Can you update Xiaomi without losing data? Yes, but only when you update through the OTA If you update via Fastboot with the Clean All option, all data will be deleted. MIUI Incompatible with the old partition structure /data. Recommendation: Always back up before upgrading, even if you plan to use it OTA. ❓ What to do if you update after the update