How to Check and Install Update on Xiaomi Devices: The Complete 2026 Guide

Software updates on Xiaomi devices are not just adding new features, but a critical process for security, stability and performance. The company regularly releases patches to address vulnerabilities, optimize battery life and fix bugs that can affect everyday use. However, many users face problems: the system does not show available updates, the update “hangs” during the boot phase or the device completely stops responding after installation.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to check for updates on Xiaomi smartphones, tablets, TVs and smart gadgets, including hidden methods for power users. You will learn how to force the search for updates, what to do if the system does not see them, and how to avoid errors during installation. MIUI, and also nuances for devices with unlocked loader.

1. Standard method: checking updates through settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in update search feature.It is suitable for 99% of Xiaomi devices, including smartphones (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), TVs (Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart Fire TV) and even smartwatches (Mi Watch S3). The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the algorithm of actions remains unchanged.

To check for updates:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone (on TVs - System) → Update of the PO).
• 🔄 Click on Update. MIUI (Update the system in HyperOS).
• 🔎 Slip on the button Check for updates.

If the update is available, the system will show the version, size and change list, and you can enable automatic download (recommended only when connected to Wi-Fi). Note that some devices (e.g., POCO M6 Pro) may require permission to install from unknown sources if the update is downloaded manually.

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If the "Check Updates" button is inactive, restart the device and try again. Sometimes the system blocks the search for updates due to the background optimization process.

2. Forced search: how to update Xiaomi if the system “can’t see” updates

There are times when the device insists that “no updates” are available, even though Xiaomi forums are already discussing a new patch.

• 🌍 Regional restrictions (e.g. global firmware is 1-2 weeks behind Chinese firmware).
• 📡 Cache system that blocks the correct request to the servers.
• 🔧 Modified software (if you installed custom firmware).

To force the search to start:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → Update settings.
3. Activate the option to receive updates automatically (if disabled).
4. Go back and tap the MIUI logo 10 times in a row, it will reset the update cache.
5. Repeat the check.

Clear the "Update" app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Update)

Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the provider blocks Xiaomi servers)

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 2 GB of free space)

Shut down. VPN (It can forward requests to incorrect servers)-->

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the algorithm is similar, but the path to update settings may be called Additional Settings → System Update. If that doesn’t work, try changing the region in your device settings (such as India or Europe) – sometimes it speeds up updates.

Manual Installation: How to Upgrade Xiaomi with Recovery or Fastboot

If the automatic search fails and the update is critical (e.g., to fix the CVE-2026-1234 vulnerability), you can install the firmware manually, a method that requires caution: an incorrectly selected version of the software can turn a device into a brick, and we recommend it only for power users or if other methods are exhausted.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔗 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid communication breakdowns).
• 📁 Firmware in.zip (for Recovery) or.tgz (for Fastboot) format).

Steps to install through Recovery:

1. Download the correct firmware version for your model (for example, ingres_global_images_V14.0.4.0.TMOMIXM_20231201.0000.00_12.0_global For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root directory of internal memory.
3. Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation).
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

Installation via Fastboot will require the Mi Flash Tool and unlocked bootloader, which is more complex and risky, so we recommend that you consult official documentation or the Xiaomi community for detailed instructions.

Automatic search in settings|Manual installation via Recovery|Fastboot (for experienced ones)|Never update.|Another option-->

4. Features of updates for different types of Xiaomi devices

The algorithm for checking updates may vary depending on the type of gadget. Below we have collected the key nuances for popular categories of Xiaomi equipment.

For smart speakers (such as Xiaomi Smart Speaker) and robot vacuum cleaners (Mi Robot Vacuum), updates are installed automatically through the Mi Home app. manually check them is not necessary, but you can enable notifications about new versions in the device settings.

5. Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and we have collected the TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

1. "Failure to download update" Error Reasons: unstable Internet connection, locking Xiaomi servers by the provider or VPN. Solution: connect to another Wi-Fi network or disable the VPN. If the error repeats, download the firmware manually and install via Recovery.
2. The device hangs on the logo after updating Causes: interrupted installation, incompatible version of firmware or conflict with custom recovery. Solution: perform hard reset (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds). If it does not help, reflash the device through Fastboot.
3. There's not enough memory to update Reasons: firmware weighs 1.5-3 GB, and the device has less than 10% of the free space. Solution: clear the app cache or transfer files to a memory card. USB-accumulator.

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If the device stopped turning on after the update, do not panic: in 90% of cases, a forced reboot helps (press the power button for 20-30 seconds).

For devices with an unlocked bootloader (e.g., after installing TWRP), OTA updates may not work.

• Download the firmware only from verified sources.
• Before installation, make a backup through TWRP → Backup.
• Use firmware in.zip format for Recovery, not.tgz for Fastboot.

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If after the update, data (photos, contacts) are lost, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder - the system could create a backup automatically.

6.How to roll back an update on Xiaomi if it caused problems

Sometimes the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS is worse than the previous one: the battery goes down faster, lags appear or some functions do not work, in such cases you can return the old firmware, but this is associated with risks:

• ⚠️ Data loss (if no backup is made).
• ⚠️ Possible device lock (if rollback to version older than 3 months).
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (unless the device is officially unlocked).

Step-by-step instructions for rollback:

1. Download the old firmware version from the archive (choose one that worked stably).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Download to Recovery Mode (see Section 3).
4. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Data (this will delete all user data!).
5. Install the firmware via Install update.zip.

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the rollback may be blocked due to Xiaomi’s policy, in which case the only option is to contact the service center to request that the device be reflashed to a stable version.

7.How to speed up getting updates on Xiaomi

If you are eager to get fresh firmware, there are several legal ways to speed up the process:

• 🌐 Change region: Switch to India or Europe in your device settings (Settings) → Additionally. → These regions often receive updates earlier.
• 📲 Participation in beta testing: sign up for the official Xiaomi forum and apply for testing MIUI or hyperos.
• 🔄 Manual check: sometimes Xiaomi servers “hang”, and a repeated request after 1-2 hours gives the result.
• 📡 Use of the VPN: Connect to servers in Singapore or Hong Kong – this can help if the update is blocked in your region.

For POCO devices, there is a separate beta program, the POCO Beta Program, which provides users with updates 1-2 weeks before the official release, but risks encountering bugs.

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Do not use informal methods to speed up updates (such as changing build.prop) This can result in a device lock or loss of warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions