How to Upgrade Xiaomi Devices: Secure Methods and Common Errors

Updating firmware on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that can both improve hardware performance and lead to serious failures if done incorrectly. Redmi smartphones, Mi TVs, Mi Band smartwatches and even Mi Router routers require regular software updates to fix vulnerabilities, add new features and optimize performance. However, not all users know that the wrong way to update or ignore training can turn a device into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current update methods for different types of Xiaomi equipment, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always mention in the official instructions. You will learn how to avoid data loss, what to do when you freeze while you are firmware, and why it is sometimes better to postpone the update.

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

Even the simplest over-the-air update (OTA) requires preparation, and neglecting these steps is the main reason for the “bricking” of devices.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% for smartphones/tablets, network connection for TVs and routers.
• 📡 A stable Internet connection is for OTA-Updates should be at least 5 Mbit / s. TV Use Ethernet cable better.
• 📱 Backup – Save contacts, photos and settings to Mi Cloud or locally. On TVs export the channel list.
• 🛠️ Check model – firmware for Redmi Note 12 is not suitable for POCO X5, Even if they're on the same chipset. → The phone.
• 🔍 Free space – the device must have at least 3 GB of free space (for smartphones) or 1 GB (for TVs).

For bootloader devices, check the MIUI or HyperOS version, and some firmware requires a rollback to an older version before upgrading, which is called a downgrade and can cause data loss.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Global ROM (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) You can not install firmware for the Chinese region (China) ROM) — This will lead to a lockdown. IMEI loss of network.

Check the device model in the settings

Backup of important data

Charge the battery to 50%+

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (or Ethernet for TV)

Free up at least 3 GB of memory-->

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

The way you upgrade depends on the type of device, its condition and your goals. Let’s consider all the options available with their pros and cons:

For most users OTA-Update is the best option, but if your device doesn't get an update (e.g. Redmi). 9A older versions MIUI), If you want to go to HyperOS, you'll have to use manual methods. OTA.

OTA (automatically)

Manual updates through Recovery

Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

Update via USB (for TV)

I'm not updating at all.-->

3. Step-by-step instruction: update via OTA

This is the safest method, but there are pitfalls here too. Follow the instructions to avoid the typical mistakes:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (on Mi TV: Settings → About TV → Software Update).
2. Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the system will show the update size and the list of changes.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile internet updates may be interrupted) and on TVs, it is better to use an Ethernet cable.
4. Press Download and wait until the download is complete.
5. After downloading, click "Install." The device will restart and start installing (the Mi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen).
6. Wait until it's finished (it can take up to 15 minutes). Don't press buttons or turn off power.

If after the update, the device is stuck on the logo or cyclically restarts, try:

• 🔄 Wait 20-30 Minutes – sometimes the first load takes a long time.
• 🔌 Forced reboot (clutch power) + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ Reset settings via Recovery (data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After upgrading to HyperOS, unlocking the bootloader may disappear. Before updating, check the lock status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false, after updating, unlocking will reset.

💡

If the OTA update doesn’t come, try changing the device region to Settings → Additional → Region. For example, Redmi Note 12 updates for India (India ROM) may come faster than for the global version.

4 Manual updates via Recovery: when and how to use

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if OTA-Important: Wrong firmware will lead to a blink:

Step 1. Download the correct firmware

• 🌐 Official firmware is taken from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 📌 Choose a version only for your model (e.g. ingres for Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔗 For Recovery, download a file with the.zip extension (not.tgz or.img!).

Step 2. Move the firmware to the device

Copy the downloaded.zip file to the root directory of internal memory (not folders!). For TVs, use the FAT32 file system flash drive.

Step 3: Launch Recovery Mode

• For smartphones: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
• For Mi TV: Turn off the TV, then press Power + Volume down on the remote.

Step 4. Install firmware

1. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available).
2. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. Wait until the progress bar is 100% complete.
5. Select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: If the error "Can't verify update" appears in Recovery, it means that the firmware is not designed for your model or is damaged!

5. Update via Fastboot: for power users

This method is used to recover devices after crashes, forced firmware or custom ROM installation. Requires a PC, a USB-TypeC cable and the Mi Flash Tool program. All data will be deleted!

Preparation:

• 💻 Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi Drivers.
• 🔌 Download Fastboot firmware (file with.tgz extension).
• 📱 Unblock the bootloader (if it is blocked) through the official website.

Firmware process:

1. Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the device and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to a PC. The program must define the device (for example, ingres).
5. Press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader; Save user data - data storage (not always working).

Flash

Once the firmware is installed, the device will automatically restart. The first boot can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

Use Clean all mode in the Mi Flash Tool if you want to avoid errors after firmware. Save user data mode often causes system failures.

6. Update of Xiaomi TVs: features and errors

Mi TVs are updated differently than smartphones.

• 📺 No Recovery Mode – Only Update Through OTA or USB.
• 🔌 If the firmware fails, the TV may stop turning on (service is required) USB-repair-line).
• 📁 Firmware for Mi TV weight 1-1.5 GB – make sure there is enough space on the flash drive.

Instructions for updating via USB:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32).
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (it is better to use the port) USB 2.0).
4. Go to Settings → About TV → Software Update → Update via USB.
5. Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation.

If the TV can't see the flash drive:

• 🔄 Transformat the flash drive into FAT32 (not NTFS exFAT).
• 📌 Check that the file is named exactly. update.zip (symbolless).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port or flash drive (some models do not work with the USB 3.0).

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when updating, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

One of the most dangerous bugs is the Anti-rollback, which happens when you try to install firmware older than the one you already have on your device, like if your Redmi Note 10 Pro runs MIUI 14 and you try to install MIUI 13, the device locks, and the only way out is to flash the latest version through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) rollback MIUI It's not possible without tools, it's going to lead to a total loss of functionality!

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)