How to Switch a Xiaomi Column: Official and Unofficial Ways

Introduction: Why to sew a Xiaomi column and when it is necessary

Xiaomi speakers are some of the most popular smart audio devices on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, even the most reliable gadgets require software updates over time.

It is important to understand the difference between software updates (a regular process through an application) and firmware reflashes (forcing firmware installation, including rollbacks to a previous version or custom firmware installation). The first option is safe and recommended for most users, the second one requires experience and is used in extreme cases, for example, if the column hangs on the Xiaomi logo after a failed update.

In this article, we’ll break down both approaches, from automatic updates via Mi Home to manual firmware via ADB or specialized utilities, and learn how to avoid the typical bugs that will turn your column into a brick.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start updating, make sure your column is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for the failed firmware.

🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level of the speaker is at least 50%.If the device runs out during the process, this can lead to a brick (complete failure).
📶 Stable connection: For updates over the air (OTA) Use a reliable Wi-Fi network at a speed of at least 10 Mbps. If you are running through a cable, check the integrity of the system. USB-port.
📂 Backup: Save the current column settings (e.g. equalizer, connected devices) – after firmware they can reset.
🔍 Model Check: Clarify the exact model of your column (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Xiaomi Mi). AI Speaker Art. firmware is not universal!

If you are planning a manual firmware, additionally prepare:

💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS (some utilities require Python) 3.8+).
🔌 Cable USB Type-C or Micro-USB (depending on the column model).
📥 Official firmware from Xiaomi or a trusted source (e.g. Mi Community).

⚠️ Note: Firmware through informal sources (e.g. forums) 4PDA) This can cause a loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device, and only use such methods if the official software is not available for your model.

📊 What Xiaomi column do you use?

Mi Smart Speaker

Mi AI Speaker Art

Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Another model

I don't know.

Method 1: Update over the air (OTA) via Mi Home

The easiest and most secure method is to upgrade through the Mi Home app, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

Open the Mi Home app and connect to your Xiaomi account.
Select your column in the list of devices.
Go to Settings → About the device → Software update.
If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).

If the update button is inactive, try the following:

🔄 Reboot the column (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
📡 Reconnect your device to Wi-Fi or change network (sometimes switching from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz helps).
📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version in the App Store or Google Play.

If the update is stuck in the Prepare to Install phase, don't panic. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes it takes longer because of Xiaomi's slow server. If nothing changes after that time, restart the column and try again.

💡

OTA-Update is the only method that does not reset the column settings and does not require a connection to a PC.

Method 2: Manual firmware via MiFlash (for power users)

If OTA-update is not available or the column is not turned on, you will have to use MiFlash - the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware devices via Fastboot or EDL. This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm processors (for example, Xiaomi Mi). AI Speaker).

You'll need:

🖥️ Windows computer (MiFlash does not support) macOS/Linux).
🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
🛠️ MiFlash (version 2020 or later).

Step-by-step:

Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
Install Qualcomm drivers (if not, download them through Qualcomm Developer Network).
Turn off the speaker and turn it into Fastboot mode: For most models: Hold Volume + and Power 10-15 seconds. If there are no buttons (for example, Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker), use the cable connection combination + Play/Pause retention.

Device Manager

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

MiFlash

Select

Clean All – Complete Flashing (deletes all data)
Clean All and Lock – same + boot loader lock (recommended for stability).
Save User Data – Save User Data (not always working correctly)
Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-20 minutes).

Install Qualcomm drivers | Download official firmware | Transfer the column to Fastboot | Connect the original cable | Charge the column to 100%-->

⚠️ Note: If MiFlash gives a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, then your column has a locked bootloader, in which case you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (available only for accounts with at least 72 hours of device-based connection).

Method 3: Firmware through ADB (for Android speakers)

Some Xiaomi speakers (such as the Mi Smart Speaker with display) run on Android Things or Android. TV. An alternative method of firmware is available through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This is a useful way to do this. OTA-Update not available, but column still switched on.

What you need:

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
🔌 Cable for connecting the column to the PC.
📁 Firmware in.zip format (must support installation via sideload).

Instructions:

Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Device. Click 7 times on Build Number until the notification “You’ve become a Developer” appears. Go back to Settings → Developer and activate Debugging via USB.

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

adb

C:\platform-tools

sideload

adb reboot sideload

adb sideload firmware.zip

If the process is stuck at 47% or 100%, don't turn off the speaker. Wait 10-15 minutes, sometimes the system takes a long time to process the update. If after that time nothing has changed, restart the device manually (adb reboot).

💡

If the column is not defined by ADB, Try to use another one. USB-cable or port on a PC, often the problem is that the port is not powered enough.

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi column firmware methods

Method	Difficulty	Skills required	Time.	Risk of "bricking"	Suitable for
OTA (via Mi Home)	⭐	No.	5-15 minutes	Minimum	All models except the defective ones
MiFlash (Fastboot)	⭐⭐⭐	Knowledge of the command line	15-30 minutes	Medium.	Qualcomm (Mi AI Speaker)
ADB (sideload)	⭐⭐	Basic knowledge of ADB	10-20 minutes	Low.	Android speakers (Mi Smart Speaker)
Informal firmware	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Experience with custom software	30+ mine	High-pitched	Only for experienced users

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

🚫 MiFlash: The reason: incorrect drivers or a damaged cable. Solution: Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager. Try another one USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of your PC. Disable the antivirus, it can block access to ports.
🔄 Column hung on the Xiaomi logo: Reason: interrupted update or incompatible firmware Solution: Try resetting via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot If it doesn't help, swipe the device again through MiFlash with the Clean All option.
📵 Column doesn't turn on after firmware: Reason: Critical error when writing a boot or system partition. Solution: Check if the charging indicator is on when connecting to the network. If so, try flashing through the boot partition. EDL (If the indicator is not on, the problem may be in the hardware (damaged power controller).

What if the column is not defined in MiFlash?

If the column does not appear in MiFlash but is defined in Device Manager as "Unknown Device", follow the following steps: 1. Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager). 2. Find the device with the exclamation mark, click the right button → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer. 3. Select “Select a driver from the list” and manually specify the Qualcomm driver (usually located in the folder). C:\Program Files (x86)\Qualcomm\QDLoader). 4. After installing the driver, reconnect the column.

⚠️ Warning: If the speaker is sounding after firmware but does not respond to commands, this may indicate damage to the persist partition. EDL using the Xiaomi author account (available only in service centers).

Recovery after a failed firmware

If the speaker is no longer on or only loads in the Fastboot, don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored. Here's the algorithm for how to do this:

Check the charging response: Connect the speaker to the network for 30 minutes. If the charging indicator is on, it's a software problem. If it's not, it's possible that the battery or power controller is damaged.
Try the emergency firmware through EDL: Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash your device even if the Fastboot is not available. To do this: Close the Test Point contacts on the column board (disassembly required). USB-cable – the device must be identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.Sweep through MiFlash with Clean All and Lock option.

Contact the service center.

If self-recovery didn’t work, contact Xiaomi’s official support, provide a column model and a description of the problem, and in some cases, firmware through the service Mi Account may be free (if the device is warranted).

If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to trust the recovery professionals, and the wrong actions (for example, firmware of the wrong version of the software) can permanently bring the device down.

💡

In 90% of cases, the brick is fixed after the firmware is EDL or flashed at the service center, and the main thing is not to try to turn on the column repeatedly, this can exacerbate the problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi speakers firmware

Can I use a Xiaomi speaker without a computer?

Yes, but only through OTA-Update to the Mi Home app. for manual firmware (via MiFlash or ADB) The exception is that some models support microSD upgrades, but this method is not officially documented by Xiaomi.

How to find the current version of the firmware on the column?

Go to the Mi Home app, select your column and open Settings → About device. The software version is listed in the firmware version or MIUI Version bar. For models without a display (such as Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker), the version can only be displayed in the application.

What if the sound is lost after the sound is removed?

This is a typical problem when you install the firmware incorrectly. Try: Reset the speaker to factory settings (Settings → Reset); Rewind the device with the Clean All option in MiFlash; check if the sound is turned off at the physical level (for example, the speaker plug after disassembly); if the problem remains, the audio codec may be damaged, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

Can I roll back the firmware to the previous version?

Technically, yes, but Xiaomi doesn't provide official rollback firmware. You can find older versions on forums (like 4PDA), but note: rollbacks can lead to unstable work. Some features (like support for new codecs) will stop working. It will be harder to return to a new version later. We recommend that you roll back only if the new firmware contains critical bugs.

How to flash a Xiaomi column if it does not turn on and does not respond to buttons?

So there are two options: EDL firmware (requires disassembly and closure of Test Point on the board); service center — if you don't have soldering experience, you better not take risks. Detailed instructions on how to work with EDL can be found on thematic forums, but remember: this is a risky method that can permanently bring the device down.