How to Switch a Xiaomi TV: Official and Unofficial Ways

Xiaomi’s TV firmware is a procedure that can solve performance problems, add new features, or even “resuscitate” the device after a crash. However, the approach to Chinese models (such as the Mi TV 4A/4S/4X or Redmi Smart TV) differs from the global versions. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware — from automatic updates to manual installation via USB or ADB, and also explain how to avoid errors that will turn your TV into a “brick”.

The key difficulty is that Chinese firmware often has limitations: no Google Play Services, regional locks or binding to Xiaomi servers in China. TV) You may lose your security or cause problems with DRM-Protection (Not Netflix in the 4K, Disney doesn't work.+ So before you start, decide whether you need to update the software officially or completely replace the firmware to expand the functionality.

If you've never flashed a machine before, start with the automatic method. If the TV is buggy, slowing down or not turning on, perhaps resetting to factory settings (Settings → Device → Reset) without completely flashing it, 80% of the time it solves the problem without risk.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Incorrect preparation is the main reason for the “bricking” of Xiaomi TVs. Before downloading the firmware, follow the mandatory steps:

✅ Check the model and region of the TV. Chinese versions have suffixes in their title. CN (Like Mi. TV 4S 55" CN), Global or Global IN (You can find the model in the Settings menu. → It's about a TV or a sticker in the back, and if you get firmware from another model or region, it's going to make the device inoperable!

✅ Save the current settings. After the firmware resets:

• 📺 List of channels and their order
• 🔑 Connected accounts (Xiaomi, Google, Netflix)
• 🎮 Sound settings (Equalizer, Dolby Atmos)
• 🖥️ Image parameters (modes) HDR, Game Mode)

Take a picture of the screen with the settings or write them down in a notebook.

✅ Prepare. USB-It'll take a flash drive of the size of 4 GB formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS The firmware file name should be short and without Cyrillic (e.g., Cyrillic, mi_tv_4s_55_v123.zip).

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2. Official update via the Internet (the safest way)

If the TV is on and connected to the network, use the built-in update feature.

• 📶 Fixing bugs and improving productivity
• 🔄 Transition to the new version MIUI TV (For example, 2.0 by 3.0)
• 🛡️ Addressing security vulnerabilities

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, select Download and Install.
4. Wait until the end (the TV will restart 1-2 times).

⚠️ Note: If the update "hangs" at the download stage, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection stability (better to use Ethernet cable)
• 🕒 Xiaomi server time (sometimes updates are posted on schedule)
• 📡 Regional restrictions (Chinese models may not see global updates)

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If the update is not available, try changing the DNS on your TV to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in your network settings.

Manual update via USB (for power users)

If automatic updates are not available or the TV is not turned on, use local firmware, which is also suitable for rolling back to the previous version of the software.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

• 🔗 For official firmware for Chinese models, look at the Xiaomi Update website (select the Mi section). TV).
• 📁 The file should have a.zip extension and weigh 1-1.5 GB (smaller size is incomplete firmware!).
• 🔍 Verify the version: The file name should include your model (e.g., your model, mimax95_eea_global_... for Mi TV Q1E).

Step 2: Installation of firmware

1. Copy the.zip file to the root USB-storage device (not in the folder!).
2. Turn off the TV and turn off all cables (HDMI, antenna, Ethernet).
3. Insert the USB 2.0 port (usually marked as a Service or OTG).
4. Press the Menu + Volume Down button on the remote and, holding them, turn the TV on the network.
5. Release the buttons when the Xiaomi logo with a progress bar appears on the screen.

It takes 5-10 minutes. The TV will restart 2-3 times. Don't take the USB off or turn off the power! If the screen goes out and doesn't turn on for longer than 15 minutes, something went wrong (see "Errors and Solutions").

4. Alternative methods: ADB and Fastboot

For advanced users who want to install custom firmware (for example, ATVXperience or Emuelec for games), the firmware through ADB or Fastboot is suitable. These methods require unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

Firmware via ADB (without data loss):

1. Turn on the TV Debugging over USB in Settings → About TV → Software version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings → For developers).
2. Connect the TV to your PC via USB (OTG port).
3. Open the command line and check the connection: Adb devices must show the serial number of the device.
4. Download the firmware in.zip format and execute: adb sideload name file.zip

Firmware via Fastboot (full reinstallation):

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (instructions on the official website).
• 💻 Need Fastboot drivers and MiFlash utility.
• ⚠️ All data will be erased!

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware can be used:

• 🚫 Turn off Widevine L1 (No Netflix in Full HD)
• 🔊 Break the sound through HDMI ARC
• 📱 Cause remote control problems (voice commands do not work)

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If the TV is not turned on after a failed firmware:

1. Try repeating the procedure with another flash drive.
2. If the screen is black but the light is on, hold the Power button for 30 seconds to reset.
3. For Mi TV 4/4S models, the Menu + Back + Power combination sometimes helps.

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6. firmware of the Chinese model under the global version

Many users want to convert Xiaomi’s Chinese TV into a global version to get Google Play, Russian and access to international services.

✅ What you get after the firmware:

• 🌍 Full support for Google Play Services and Chromecast
• 🗣️ Russian language in the menu and voice assistant
• 🎬 Working Netflix, YouTube in 4K HDR

❌ What you lose:

• 📶 Some Chinese apps (iQiyi, Youku)
• 🔊 Possible problems with sound in DTS:X Chinese models
• ⚠️ The risk of loss of warranty (if the TV is new)

How to use the Chinese model for global software:

1. Download global firmware for your model (for example, for Mi). TV 4S 55" fit mimax95_eea_global).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it on USB.
3. Run the firmware through Fastboot (see section 4).
4. After installation, reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X50) After the firmware of the global version may be missing support AV1-Codec or 90Hz in games. Check the reviews on forums before the procedure (for example, 4PDA).

7. Where to download firmware and how to verify their authenticity

Always download the official firmware from verified sources:

• 🔗 Official Xiaomi website (Mi section) TV)
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions)
• 🔗 Forums 4PDA XDA-Developers (for custom firmware)

How to check firmware for viruses and integrity:

1. Compare. MD5-hash file with official (use utility) WinMD5Free).
2. Check the file through VirusTotal.
3. Make sure the file size matches the one listed on the site (e.g. 1.23GB, not 500MB).

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from torrent trackers or little-known sites! In 2023, there were cases when under the guise of firmware for Xiaomi TV Malware spread that encrypts files on connected USB-accumulator.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Always check the firmware compatibility with the TV model before you install the wrong version, which can cause permanent damage to the system!