How to properly update the smartphone Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can both improve the device’s performance and lead to serious problems if executed incorrectly. Unlike other brands, MIUI offers several ways to upgrade, from automatic over the Internet to manually installing through Fastboot or Recovery. The choice of method depends on the current version of the software, the smartphone model and even the region of purchase.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current updates, including hidden nuances that aren’t covered in the official instructions, such as why unlocking the bootloader might fly off after an upgrade via Recovery on some models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), or how to avoid the “Can’t verify update” error when manually installed, and which MIUI versions should be skipped and which should be installed first to improve performance.

Important: the update procedure on devices with a bootloader and unlocked is different. If you previously unlocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, some steps will be different - we will mark them separately.

1. Preparing the smartphone for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start an update, you need to perform a few critical actions, neglecting them can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device or data loss, especially for owners of models POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T and other flagships with UFS 3.1 – they have a higher risk of damage to the file system if the process is interrupted.

The first thing to do is check the current version of MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full firmware name (e.g. V14.0.6.0.TMBCNXM). The last two letters indicate the region:

• 🌍 CN — Chinese firmware (often without Google services)
• 🇷🇺 RU — Russian localization
• 🇪🇺 EU — European version (recommended for most of the population)
• 🌐 Global – International (may contain advertising)

Charge the battery to 50% or more | Backup to Mi Cloud or local | Check the free space (minimum 3GB) | Disable VPN and proxy | Remember the current version of MIUI and region-->

The second is to free up space. The update weighs 1.5 to 3 GB, plus the system creates temporary files. If there is less than 4 GB of free space, clear the application cache (Settings → Apps → Clear cache) or transfer files to a memory card. On models with dynamic memory (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), this is especially important - the system can automatically delete data if space is scarce.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), Before upgrading via Recovery, make sure it is compatible with your version. MIUI. The mismatch can lead to a boot cycle (bootloop).

2. Method 1: Automatically update via settings (most secure)

This is the standard method recommended by Xiaomi for most users, suitable for devices with official firmware and a locked bootloader, and the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the system itself checks the compatibility of the update.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the Three Dots icon in the upper right corner and select Update Package (if you want to install the manually downloaded file).
3. If the update is available, click Download. wait until it is completed (it can take 10 to 40 minutes depending on the Internet speed).
4. After downloading, click "Reboot and Update".

Some models (like the Redmi K60 Pro) may have a black screen with the MI logo for 5-10 minutes after a reboot, which is normal. Do not pull the cable or press buttons at this point: the applications are optimized after the update.

Once a month, when a new version comes out.|Only if there are critical bugs|When the phone starts to brake|Never update.|I don't know what my version is.-->

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery (for power users)

This method is used if the automatic update does not work (for example, due to the error "Couldn't verify update") or if you want to install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official service pack from en.miui.com (select the version for your model and region!) The file should have a.zip extension and weigh 1.5-3 GB.
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and place it in the root directory of internal memory (not in folders!).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have a choice), then "Install update.zip".
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 11T Pro and newer, when installed via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you have not used it before. If you forgot your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

If the phone has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 30 minutes after the update:

• 🔄 Try to force reboot the device (clip the power for 15 seconds).
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, log in to Recovery and select “Wipe data” (this will reset all data!).
• 🔧 For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F4 GT) You can try to flash through Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for advanced)

This is the most difficult, but also the most reliable way, especially if other methods do not work, it is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (MacOS and Linux may have driver problems).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, as cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forum) XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot (a bunny with the words Fastboot should appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer. Install the drivers (if Windows doesn't find them, download Mi Phone Manager).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select “Clean all” or “Save user data” (which can cause errors).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "critical partition flashing is not allowed", then you have a bootloader blocked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website). On models from 2023 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite), you may need to link your account to the device 7 days before unlocking.

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Before you run through Fastboot, disable the antivirus and Windows firewall – they can block the Mi Flash Tool, causing the error “cannot receive hello packet”.

5 What errors may occur and how to correct them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, there are sometimes problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions.

If Google services are missing after the update (for example, on Chinese firmware), install them manually:

1. Download the Google Installer package from APKMirror.
2. Install. APK-file and follow the instructions.
3. Reboot the phone.

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After the update, the phone stopped seeing SIM-map, check network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings → Network mode. Sometimes priority is reset. 4G/5G.

6. How to roll back to the previous version MIUI

If you have a bug after the upgrade (for example, the battery is fast down or the camera is not working), you can return the old version of the firmware. However, this is risky: on new models (Xiaomi 13/14 series), the rollback can block the bootloader.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website (it should be older than the current one!).
2. Unpack the firmware and find the file flash_all_except_storage.bat (Windows).
3. Log in to Fastboot and connect your phone to your PC.
4. Launch it. flash_all_except_storage.bat (It'll save your data).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ A rollback on Android 12 could lead to a loss IMEI And the network problems, and then you have to restore them. IMEI through QCN-file (see instructions for the 4PDA).

7. How to check the success of the update

After the reboot, you need to make sure that the update went correctly.

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.
• 🔋 Run the battery test: charge your phone to 100% and see how fast it discharges (there may be an increased consumption in the first hours).
• 📸 Test the camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network.
• 🎮 Set a benchmark (e.g., AnTuTu) and compare results with previous ones.

If you notice the following problems, the update was incorrect:

• 🔄 The phone spontaneously reboots.
• 📵 Mobile network signal is lost.
• 🔋 Battery is discharged in 2-3 hours (with normal use).
• 🖥️ Apps are constantly flying out.

In such cases, it is recommended that:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. If it doesn’t work, try to use the Fastboot (method 3).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update