How to Switch Xiaomi TV Stick: Official and Alternative Methods

Xiaomi TV Stick is a compact device for converting a regular TV to a smart one, but even it requires periodic software updates. The firmware can solve brake problems, add new features or restore performance after a failure. However, the wrong actions lead to the “bricking” of the device when it stops turning on at all.

This guide provides up-to-date firmware for all Xiaomi Mi TV Stick models (including 4K, 2023/2026 and Global versions), as well as a breakdown of typical bugs. We won’t advise “just downloading firmware from torrents” – only proven sources and secure methods.

Why Update Your Firmware on Xiaomi TV Stick

The manufacturer regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve compatibility with applications and add new features. For example, in the latest versions of the software for Xiaomi TV Stick 4K, support for AV1-codec for streaming in high resolution, as well as optimization of work with Google Assistant.

When exactly you need firmware:

• 🔄 The device brakes, apps crash or don't open.
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection problems (frequent cliffs, low speeds).
• 🔊 No sound through HDMI or Bluetooth headphones.
• 🛠️ After a failed update, "over the air» (OTA) stick hangs on the logo.
• 🔒 You must remove pre-installed Chinese applications (for the purpose of CN-version).

But not all updates are useful! Sometimes newer versions of software take away useful features (such as the ability to install APKs from unknown sources) or introduce regional restrictions. So always check reviews about a particular version on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums before you run a firmware.

Official Update Methods: OTA and Recovery

The safest method is automatic Internet update (OTA), which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills, but if the device does not turn on or freezes, you will have to use Recovery mode.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

Steps:

1. Connect Xiaomi TV Stick to your TV and Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings → About the device → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Attention: If, during OTA-Update: Upload error, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection stability (it is better to use an Ethernet cable via an adapter).
• 🕒 Time on the device (incorrect date blocks update).
• 📶 Sufficient Wi-Fi signal strength (not lower than 70%).

Method 2: Update with Recovery

If the stick doesn't load or OTA doesn't work, use local firmware through Restore mode.

Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website (file with the extension.zip)

Format the flash drive in FAT32

Rename the firmware file to update.zip

Insert the USB port on TV Stick

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Next:

1. Connect the power to the TV Stick.
2. Press the button. OK on the remote and insert the device into HDMI-Port (hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the Recovery menu appears).
3. Select Apply update from USB and select update.zip.
4. Wait until the end (do not remove the flash drive!).

Unofficial firmware: risks and opportunities

Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or AOSP-Ports allow you to remove unnecessary applications, overclock performance or install a new version of Android.

Where to look for alternative firmware:

• 🔧 XDA-Developers (Section for Xiaomi Mi) TV Stick).
• 📱 4PDA (topical discussion of firmware TV-prefix).
• 🌐 GitHub (open source repositories).

⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial software requires unlocking the bootloader. For Xiaomi TV Stick is more complicated than smartphones, you need to get permission through the Mi Unlock Tool and use it. ADB.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.-->

Firmware through ADB: for experienced users

If OTA and Recovery don’t work, it leaves the firmware running through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC with drivers installed and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB and Fastboot from Google.
2. Connect Xiaomi TV Stick to PC through OTG-cable (needs adapter) USB-A → Micro-USB powered + data-transmitter).
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices The device should appear in the list.
4. Download the firmware in.img format and flash it: adb sideload update.zip

⚠️ Note: If during the process of scaling ADB Adb: failed to read command error:

• 🔌 Quality. OTG-Cable (better to use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Version ADB (must be at least 1.0.41).
• 🔄 Try restarting the device to fastboot mode with the command: adb reboot bootloader

Typical errors and their solutions

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

How to return the original firmware after a failed update

If after installing custom software, the device is unstable or does not turn on at all, return the stock firmware.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
3. Connect TV Stick in fastboot mode (hold Back + OK when you turn on).
4. Run the script. flash_all.bat — It will automatically sew all the sections.

⚠️ Warning: If after firmware the device is loaded into bootloop (cyclic reboot), reset to factory settings via Recovery:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

💡

Use only official firmware from Xiaomi’s website or proven custom builds from well-known developers (for example, konstakang or yuweng on XDA).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TV Stick firmware