Why Xiaomi TV might be needed
Xiaomi TVs on Android TV or Google TV regularly receive updates over the Internet, but sometimes users need manual firmware. This may be due to the system freeze after an automatic update, the need to roll back to the previous version of the software or install custom firmware for advanced features. For example, owners of Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Xiaomi TV A Pro models face problems after upgrading to MIUI TV 3.0+, when the sound disappears in some applications or the interface slows down.
Another common situation is breek (complete download failure) after a failed air update. USB-storage ADB It's becoming the only way to bring the TV back to life, and enthusiasts are also installing alternative firmware like LineageOS to make it work. TV, to get rid of the advertising in MIUI TV But this kind of manipulation requires caution: wrong actions can disable warranties or permanently disable the device.
Before you start firmware, it is important to understand what model you have in your hands. Xiaomi TVs are divided into series by processor:
- 🔹 Amlogic (most budget models, for example Mi) TV 4A)
- 🔹 MediaTek (Mi series) TV Q1/Q2, Xiaomi TV 6)
- 🔹 Realtek (rarely, like Mi) TV 4X 55' 2019)
From the chipset depends on the method of firmware and compatibility with custom software. You can find out the model on the sticker behind the TV or in the Settings menu → About the TV.
Official ways to update firmware
The safest method is to upgrade through built-in tools. Xiaomi offers two options: automatic (OTA) and manual via USB. The automatic method is suitable for most users, but has limitations: it requires a stable Internet (preferably a wired connection) and does not allow you to choose a version of the software. If the TV is stuck on the logo or not turned on, OTA-update is not available.
For manual updates via USB you will need:
- 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (download only from the official Xiaomi website)
- 💾 Flash drive up to 8 GB, formatted in FAT32
- 🔌 Port port USB 2.0 (some models do not support the USB 3.0)
Important:
Mi TV 4S 55"
mi_tv_4s_55_vXXX.zip
Download the firmware from the official website|Check integrity ZIP-archive|Format the flash drive into FAT32|Copy the firmware file to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder)|Safe to remove the drive
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Instructions for updating via USB:
- Put the flash drive in the TV turned off.
- On the remote, press Menu + Volume Down (for Amlogic) or Home + Volume Up (for MediaTek) and turn the TV on. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
- From the menu, select Apply update from USB → specify the firmware file.
- Wait until the process is complete (the TV will restart automatically).
MediaTek
What to do if the TV can’t see the flash drive?
Firmware through ADB: for experienced users
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for custom firmware installation or rollback to the previous version if the official methods do not work.This method requires a PC with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as an unlocked bootloader (it is blocked by default on some Xiaomi TV models).
Before starting work:
- 🖥️ Install Platform Tools from Google.
- 🔧 Turn on the TV to debug. USB Settings menu → On TV. → Build Number (click 7 times, then return to Settings) → For developers).
- 🔗 Connect TV to PC via USB-cable (use the port) USB-OTG, if there is).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models TV A Pro and newer debugging USB It can be disabled at the bootloader level. Attempt unlock bootloader will result in the reset of all data!
Commands for firmware through ADB:
adb devices # Checking the connection
adb reboot recovery #Reboot in recovery
adb sideload update.zip # Install firmware (if recovery supports)For full Fastboot flashing (only for unlocked bootloader!):
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot rebootWarning:
Fastboot
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Before you run through ADB, back up your current firmware with the adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab command. This will help you recover data when you crash.
Castom firmware: pros and risks
Alternative firmware like LineageOS for TV, AOSP or modified versions of MIUI TV promise to eliminate advertising, advanced audio and picture settings, and support for the Google Play Store on models where it is initially absent (for example, on the Chinese versions of Mi TV).
| Advantages | Risks. |
|---|---|
| ✅ Removal of embedded advertising in MIUI TV | ❌ Loss of guarantee |
| ✅ Root access for fine-tuning | ❌ Possible problems with DRM (Netflix, Disney+ will not work in HD) |
| ✅ Security Updates from the Community | ❌ Unstable performance on some models (e.g. MediaTek) MT9611) |
| ✅ Google Play Support on Chinese Versions | ❌ Risk of a blink in case of installation error |
Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. For example, firmware for Mi TV 4S (Amlogic T962) will not work for Mi TV Q1 (MediaTek MT9611) - this will cause the device to fail.
Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi TV:
- 📦 LineageOS for TV — Android without unnecessary apps (supports Mi) TV 4A/4S)
- 📦 MIUI TV EU — Modified firmware with European localization
- 📦 AOSP Extended – for enthusiasts with advanced settings
⚠️ Castom firmware often deprives TV of Widevine certification L1, Netflix and other services will only work in resolution. 480p.
Common mistakes and their solution
Even when following instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| E: signature verification failed | Damaged firmware file or model mismatch | Download the firmware again, check the file name |
| The TV will not turn on after the firmware | Incorrect version of software or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware via USB with the correct file |
| No command in recovery | Unsupported recovery menu | Press Power + Volume Up for Forced Reboot |
| Hanging on the Xiaomi logo | Conflict of kernel modules | Perform reset to factory settings through recovery |
If the TV doesn’t respond to the remote after firmware, try:
- Turn off the power for 1 minute, then turn it on again.
- Connecting a mouse or keyboard over USB sometimes helps bypass a suspended interface.
- Reset settings via the service menu (press Menu + Volume Up when enabled).
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If you have lost the image after the firmware, but there is sound, check the resolution settings in the Display → Screen Resolution. Sometimes it is reset to non-supported mode.
Reverse to the previous version of the firmware
After the update "over the air" some users encounter bugs: the sound disappears in HDMI, slows down the launch of applications or the remote is not working. In such cases, a rollback to the previous version of the software helps. However, Xiaomi blocks the downgrade through the standard menu, so you will have to use workarounds.
Ways of rollback:
- 🔄 Through the recovery menu (only if it is not blocked). Download the old firmware from xiaomifirmware.com and install via Apply update from USB.
- 🔄 Through ADB sideload (if recovery supports) Command: adb sideload old_version.zip.
- 🔄 Through Fastboot (the most risky method, requires unlocking the bootloader).
Important:
MediaTek
Mi TV Q1
Netflix at 4K
If the rollback doesn’t help, try resetting to factory settings:
- Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
- Choose Delete all data (this won’t delete the firmware, but will clear the cache and settings).
- After restarting, reset the TV.
How to return DRM after a rollback?
Chinese version of Xiaomi TV for other regions
Xiaomi TVs purchased in China (such as the CN-prefixed models) often have limitations: there is no Google Play, the Russian language on the menu, and some apps like YouTube run via VPN.
What to know before the Chinese model:
- 🌍 Firmware for CN-The versions and the Global versions are incompatible! They have different modem and bootloader modules.
- 🔐 Chinese TVs often lock bootloader. Unlocking requires a device-linked Mi Account.
- 📺 After firmware, support for some Chinese services (for example, iQiyi or Youku) may disappear).
⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 5 Pro (CN) Global firmware causes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to lose functionality due to licensing differences.
Instructions for firmware Chinese version on the global:
- Download the firmware for your model marked Global (for example, mi_tv_5_pro_global_vXXX.zip).
- Uncivilize. ZIP-file and find the inside of the file recovery.img.
- Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
- In recovery, select Apply update → Apply from ADB and swipe the full ZIP:
After successful firmware TV reboot with global firmware, support for Google Play and Russian language.