Update Xiaomi firmware through a menu of three points

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones sooner or later face the need to reinstall system software. Often this is required when a standard update through Settings → The phone gives an error, freezes during the verification phase or simply refuses to download a new file. In such cases, Recovery Mode, which is popularly nicknamed the “three-point menu” due to the characteristic appearance of the interface, comes to the rescue.

This method is the “gold standard” for advanced users, as it allows you to bypass the limitations of the system and force the current version of MIUI or HyperOS. It is important to understand that the procedure requires care, but if you follow the algorithm of actions, it is absolutely safe for the device. Below we will discuss in detail how to prepare for the process and perform it without errors.

Before you start manipulating system partitions, you need to make sure that the file you download is intact. Download firmware exclusively from official sources or trusted forums to avoid malicious code. Using firmware designed for another model or region can lead to permanent damage to the device (brick).

Preparation for the firmware procedure

The initial phase is critical to the successful completion of the operation.You will need to download the current firmware file in.zip format. Make sure that the version of the software is newer than the one installed on your gadget, since rolling back to the older version through standard Recovery is often impossible without additional manipulation.

Pay attention to the battery level. The procedure requires that the indicator shows at least 60% of the energy, the process of redistributing partitions and writing data is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off the smartphone in the middle of the procedure can disrupt the structure of the bootloader.

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70% before any action is taken.
• 💾 Copy the firmware file (rename it to update.zip) root.
• 🔒 Backup all important data as a complete reset is inevitable.
• 📱 Make sure that the original cable and port are used USB.

It is also worth checking whether the bootloader is unlocked.To install global firmware on the Chinese version of the device or vice versa, unlocking is often required, although this requirement may not apply to an update within one region.If you are not sure about the status of the bootloader, it is better to consult with specialists or check the status in the Settings menu → About Phone → The MIUI version, quickly clicking on the build number.

How to Enter Recovery Mode (Three Points)

There are two main ways to get into the service menu. The first and easiest way is through system settings if the smartphone is stable. You need to go to Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset and select Update Method. Here you should select a firmware file, after which the device will suggest rebooting to update mode.

The second is hardware, which is necessary if the system is not booting or is running with critical errors. To do this, turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Poco logo appears, then release the power button, while keeping the volume high.

⚠️ Warning: If instead of a three-dot menu, a Fastboot logo with a hare fixing an android appears, you've held the buttons for too long or pressed the volume button. 10-15 seconds until the phone turns off and try again by releasing the power button immediately after the vibration or logo appears.

Recovery’s interface on Xiaomi devices looks minimalist: a black background displays a list of commands that are navigated by volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In some new models with HyperOS, control can be touch-sensitive, but the classic version remains the most common.

Navigation and choice of interface language

Once you successfully enter recovery mode, you will see a menu where Reboot or Wipe Data is usually the first item. However, for a comfortable experience, you should immediately change the language. Select Language (or the first item on the list if the language is still English) and click the power button to confirm.

In the list of available languages, find English or Russian (if support is available in this version of Recovery). Using your native language reduces the risk of mistaken command selection, especially in stressful situations when the device is not turned on.

• 🇬🇧 Choose English for maximum compatibility of instructions.
• 🇷🇺 Russian is not available in all versions of Recovery, but is often present.
• 👆 The power button always performs the function of confirmation of choice (Enter).
• 🔽 Volume buttons are analogous to up and down arrows.

It is worth noting that in some custom builds or on certain models, the list of languages may be limited. If there is no Russian, do not panic - the main commands (Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant) are easily recognizable even by writing in Latin.

Installation of firmware through MI Assistant

The most reliable way to upgrade is to use MI Assistant mode, which allows you to transfer a firmware file from computer to phone in real time, eliminating errors associated with file damage on the internal memory of the smartphone.

You'll need to have the Mi Flash Tool installed on your computer or the Mi PC Suite (for older models), but most often it's just enough to connect via ADB. An easier option for the average user is to use Update from ZIP if the file is already in memory. But if you use MI Assistant, connect the phone with a cable to your PC.

adb sideload update.zip

If you use the standard method without a computer (the file is already in memory), select Update from. ZIP (Update from ZIP-The system will suggest selecting a file from the internal memory. update.zip. Once selected, confirm the action. The system will begin checking the digital signature of the file.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message “Can’t verify update” after you select the file, it means that the firmware version is lower than the current one, the file is corrupted, or the firmware region does not match the region of the device. In this case, the installation is impossible without unlocking the loader and complete cleaning.

Complete data reset (Wipe Data)

Often, before installing a new firmware, especially when switching between different versions of Android or changing the region, a complete data reset is required. This ensures that the installation is clean and there are no conflicts of system files. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data.

The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The process can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Once completed, the smartphone will automatically return to the main Recovery menu.

• 🗑️ Wipe All Data deletes all photos, contacts and apps.
• 🔄 After reset, a reboot or installation of the software is required.
• 📂 The internal memory will be completely cleaned, including the Download folder.
• 🔐 Screen unlocking (PIN-The code, pattern lock will be reset.

This step is necessary if you are experiencing a cyclic reboot or serious system errors. If you are simply updating within one version of MIUI without problems, you can try to do without a full wip by selecting the option "Save user data" if it is available in your version of Recovery.

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A full reset (Wipe Data) is required when switching between different versions of Android (for example, from 12 to 13) or when changing the firmware region (from China to Global).

Error table and solution

There may be various difficulties in the firmware process. Below is a table with the most common problems and ways to solve them. Save this information to quickly respond to an unexpected situation.

Remember, most errors are human-related: the wrong file is downloaded, the backup is not made, or the connection is interrupted, and mindfulness in the preparation phase solves 90% of potential problems.

Completion of the process and first start

Once the firmware (or data reset) is successfully installed, you need to exit Recovery mode. Select Reboot and confirm Reboot to System. The first run after the update can take much longer than usual - from 3 to 10 minutes.

Don't be alarmed if the screen is on for a long time with the Mi logo. At this time, the system optimizes applications and adjusts new system files. Interrupting this process with the power button is highly undesirable. Let the device safely complete initialization.

• ⏳ The first launch lasts longer than usual (up to 10 minutes).
• 📶 After downloading, check the version of the software in Settings → The phone.
• 🔋 The battery charge after firmware can quickly go down - this is normal for the first cycles.
• 📲 Recover data from a backup via Mi Cloud or Google Account.

If the device is turned on, the menu is running, but does not catch the network or the sound is not working, the Modem or NV partition may have been damaged. In such cases, it is recommended to repeat the procedure with a full reset or contact the service center, since self-recovery of these partitions requires deep knowledge.

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After first turning on a new Android or MIUI version, the system may not work well in the first 30 minutes.Let the phone lie down on the desktop with the screen on for background optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)