How to Switch a Xiaomi TV: Official and Alternative Ways

Introduction: Why Update the Firmware on Xiaomi TV

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV or MIUI TV regularly receive firmware updates that fix bugs, add new features and improve performance. However, not all users know that firmware can be installed not only automatically over the Internet, but also manually through a USB- drive or even using ADB (for power users). In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware, including official and informal methods, and also to avoid errors that can be turned into your TV.

The main reasons for manual firmware updates are: 1) Your Mi TV does not receive a OTA- update due to regional limitations or server failures. 2) The new firmware solves critical problems - for example, the sound disappears through HDMI ARC or slows the interface. 3) You want to install custom firmware with advanced features (for example, support for Dolby Vision on unsoptimized models). 4 After a failed automatic update, the TV freezes on the logo or cyclically restarts.

Before you start, make sure your TV model supports manual firmware. For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X and newer models (2019 and later) have an unlocked bootloader, which makes it easier to process. While older devices like Mi TV 3 or Mi TV 4A (2018) may require additional manipulation.

Official ways to update firmware

The safest method is to use official firmware from Xiaomi, which can be installed in two ways: via the Internet (OTA) or manually with a USB- drive. Let's look at both options in detail.

1. Automatic Internet Update (OTA)

This is a standard method that does not require additional devices, and is suitable for most users if:

• 🌐 The TV is connected to stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• 🔋 Charge level (for models with a battery in the remote) or power will not be turned off during the process.
• 📦 There is enough free space on the TV (at least 500 MB in /cache).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, confirm the download and installation.
4. Wait for the reboot (it can take up to 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the Xiaomi TV hangs on the logo after the OTA update, try resetting to factory settings via Settings → Reset and Reset → Reset all settings. This will remove all installed apps, but save the firmware.

2. Manual firmware via USB

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to the error "Can not download the service pack"), you can install the firmware manually.

• 🖥️ Computer with Internet access.
• 💾 Empty USB- drive (formatted in FAT32, up to 8 GB in volume).
• 📄 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware (the file will be in.zip format) and do not unpack it.
2. Connect the USB- drive to your computer and copy the downloaded archive to it. Importantly, the file should be at the root of the disk, not in the folder.
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (preferably using the port) USB 2.0, if there is one).
4. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update via USB.
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Format the flash drive in FAT32 (not exFAT/NTFS) |

Download firmware strictly for your model (check the number on the sticker behind TV)|

Do not rename the archive with firmware |

Use it. USB-volume-storage ≤8 GB (for compatibility)-->

If the TV does not see the firmware file on the flash drive:

• Make sure the archive is not damaged (try unpacking it on your PC).
• Reconnect the USB- drive or try another port.
• Make sure that the file name does not contain Cyrillic or special characters (for example, mi_tv_q2_pro_v12.0.3.0.zip is correct, but the firmware for miv.zip is not).

Informal (castomy) firmware: risks and opportunities

Xiaomi’s official firmware often limits the functionality of TVs, such as blocking third-party launchers or disabling Dolby Vision support on some models, and users resort to custom firmware that the community develops (for example, on 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🎛️ Advanced image and sound settings (e.g., manual color profile calibration).
• 📱 Ability to install an alternative launcher (e.g., ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher).
• 🔓 Unlock hidden features (e.g. Developer Options or Local Dimming on budget models).
• 🚀 Improved performance through kernel optimization.

But there are also serious risks:

• 💥 Loss of warranty (if TV is warranty, it is better to refrain).
• 🔄 "Brick" device (the TV may stop turning on if the firmware is not selected correctly).
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (unofficial firmware may contain malicious code).
• 📵 No OTA- updates (you will have to manually monitor the release of new versions).

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow these rules:

1. Download firmware only from trusted sources (for example, high-rated 4PDA themes).
2. Before installing, back up the current firmware via ADB or TWRP (if supported).
3. Use a USB-OTG cable to connect your mouse – this will make it easier to navigate in Recovery.
4. Do not interrupt the installation process (even if the TV does not react for a long time - wait at least 20 minutes).

Firmware through ADB: for experienced users

The Android Debug Bridge method (ADB) is suitable for firmware installation when standard methods do not work (for example, if the TV is stuck on the logo or the USB- drive is not visible).

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot installed (you can download it as part of the Android SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔌 Cable USB-A to USB-A (to connect a TV to a PC).
• 📄 Firmware in.img or.zip format (for installation via sideload).

Step-by-step instructions for installation via ADB Sideload:

1. Turn on the TV debugging mode via USB: Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version (click 7 times until the message “You became a developer”) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB (enable)
2. Connect the TV to your computer with a USB-A to USB-A cable.
3. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and execute: adb devices If the TV is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.
4. Recovery TV: Adb Reboot Recovery
5. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB.
6. On your computer, run the command to install firmware: adb sideload name file.zip

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV Q2) require that the ADB signature check in Recovery be disabled before installing the firmware, execute the command: adb shell setprop ro.adb.secure 0 Without this, the TV may give an error "Signature verification failed".

If the process is suspended at the sideload stage:

• Check the integrity of the archive with the firmware (re-download it).
• Try another USB- port on your computer (preferably USB 2.0).
• Disable the antivirus – it can block data transmission through ADB.

💡

If the TV is not detected via ADB, try using the Xiaomi Mi Box cable – it is often better compatible with TV ports.

How to return the original firmware after a failed update

If, after installing custom firmware or an informal update, the TV is unstable (for example, the sound disappears, the interface slows down or the applications do not start), you can return the stock firmware from Xiaomi.

1. via Recovery (if the TV is turned on)

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (.zip file).
2. Copy it to the USB- drive (formatted in FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and boot into Recovery: Turn off the TV. Press the Volume Down button on the case and hold it, press Power. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.

Recovery

Apply update from USB

Reboot system now

2. via Fastboot (if the TV is not turned on)

If the TV doesn't load even in Recovery, you'll have to use Fastboot, which is more complex, and requires a USB- cable and a computer.

Instructions:

1. Download the full firmware image (.tgz or.img) for your model. It's usually called fastboot_image.zip.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Fastboot.
3. Connect the TV to your computer in Fastboot mode: Turn off the TV. Press Volume Down + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Android screen appears.

fastboot devices

If the TV's on, go ahead. If it's not, check the drivers.

fastboot flashall

or (if flashall does not work):

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV P1) require the bootloader to be unlocked before the firmware is used on Fastboot, and you need to submit a request to Mi Unlock and wait for confirmation (may take up to 72 hours).

Solutions for Firmware Mistakes

Even when you follow instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the TV is after the firmware:

• 🔊 Does not play audio: check the settings of HDMI ARC or reset the audio settings to Settings → Sound → Reset the audio settings.
• 📺 Does not show the image: try another HDMI- cable or reset the screen settings (Settings → Screen and Sound → Reset display settings).
• 🌐 Does not connect to Wi-Fi: Update network drivers via Settings → Network → Additional → Update drivers.

💡

If after firmware TV stopped seeing the remote, try to reconnect it: press Home + Back on the remote for 5 seconds, until the indicator flashes twice.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions