How to download and install the update on Xiaomi devices: the full guide

Software updates for Xiaomi devices are not just about improving the interface, but a critical process that closes security vulnerabilities, optimizes performance and adds new features. However, many users face challenges from slow file downloads to installation errors. This article will help you understand how to download an update on Xiaomi in any convenient way — whether it’s a smartphone on MIUI, a Mi TV or even a Mi Band smartwatch.

We’ll look at all the current 2026 methods, from standard air-to-air updates (OTAs) to manual installations via fastboot or ADB. We’ll focus on common bugs (e.g., error 7 or couldn’t verify update packages) and how to fix them. If you’ve never upgraded your device yourself, don’t worry: the instructions are tailored even for beginners.

1.Preparing the device for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you download the firmware, make sure your device is ready for the procedure.Neglecting preparation can lead to a breeze (complete failure) or data loss.

• 🔋 Battery charge: Level must be at least 60%.For Xiaomi TVs - plug in for the update time.
• 📶 A stable Internet connection: For OTA-Updates recommended Wi-Fi (not mobile Internet!) speed - from 5 Mbps.
• 📁 Backup: Save contacts, photos and settings in Mi Cloud or on PC. Use the built-in Settings feature → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔄 Free space: The internal drive must have at least 2 GB (for smartphones) or 500 MB (for TVs).
• 🔍 Model Check: Clarify the exact version of the device in Settings → The phone. → Model. It's critical for hand firmware!

Check the battery power (60%+)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Make a backup copy of the data

Free up 2+ GB of memory

Clarify the device model-->

For Xiaomi Mi TVs (A2, Q2, P1), check the Android TV version in Settings → Device → About. If the version is lower than Android 11, an update via Google Play may not be available – manual installation will be required.

⚠️ Note: If your device was unlocked via Mi Unlock (for example, to install custom firmware), official OTA-updates may result in the bootloader being blocked again, in which case only use manual methods.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The simplest and most recommended method is to upgrade over-the-air, and the system finds the actual firmware and installs it without the user's input, and this is how it works:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (for smartphones) or Settings → About Program → Software Update (for TVs).
2. Click "Check Updates." The system will contact Xiaomi's servers and offer available versions.
3. If an update is found, click Download (file size is usually 1-3 GB).
4. After downloading, select “Install Now” or “Install Later” (unless you want to restart the device right away).

For Mi Band or Mi Watch devices, the update is available via the Mi Fitness app (Profile → My Devices → Firmware Update). Important: Wearable devices are only updated when connected to a smartphone and battery is >50%.

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If the server doesn’t find the update for a long time, try changing the DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 in the Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the update OTA The device is stuck on the Mi logo, don't panic. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, the system can optimize applications longer than usual. >30 minutes, force reboot the device (clip the power supply) + Volume up for 10 seconds).

Method 2: Manually downloading firmware via MIUI Updater

If the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions or modified firmware), you can download the firmware manually through the official MIUI Updater app, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi smartphones and tablets.

Instructions:

1. Download the MIUI Updater app from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select your device model from the list (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
3. Select a region (Global, EEA, China or Russia) and firmware type: Recovery - to install via stock recovery. Fastboot - to install through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Download the file (usually weighing 2-3 GB) and follow the instructions of the application for installation.

There is no official MIUI Updater for Xiaomi TVs, but firmware can be found on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums. Pay attention to the Android TV version (for example, ATV 11 or ATV 12).

Method 3: Update via USB (for TVs and smartphones)

If the device does not have access to the Internet or OTA-Update is not available, you can download the firmware on USB-It's a drive and you can manually install it. TV, Smartphones and even some smart devices (such as the Mi Box).

For Xiaomi TVs:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (Support → Mi TV → [Your model]). The file should have the.zip extension.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip rootless USB-the storage device (formatted in FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port).
4. Go to Settings → About the program → Software Update → Update via USB.
5. Select update.zip and confirm installation. The TV will restart automatically.

For Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Download Recovery firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of your internal memory or SD-map.
3. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Select the update file.
4. Select update.zip and wait for the file to be checked.
5. Click "Reboot and Update".

Firmware via Fastboot:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip file).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder from fastboot.exe.
3. Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when turned on).
4. Run the command line in the firmware folder and do: fastboot flash all or (for new devices): fastboot update name file.zip
5. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes) and restart the device: fastboot reboot

For Xiaomi TVs, ADB firmware is only available for Android TV 11+ models. Commands are similar, but you need to enable ADB Debugging in the TV developer settings.

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Fastboot firmware erases all data on the device! pre-backup or extract important files.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If the audio is gone, Wi-Fi is not working or other problems arise after the update, reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset). For Xiaomi TVs, the reset is done via Settings → Device → Data Reset.

7 How to roll back an update if something goes wrong

If the new version of MIUI or Android is unstable, you can go back to the previous firmware.

1. Find a stable firmware version for your model on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Download Fastboot firmware (not Recovery!).
3. Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool (the instruction is similar to method 4).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the option “Clean all and lock” (if you want to lock the bootloader back).

For Xiaomi TVs, rollback is only possible through ADB or service center, as the manufacturer limits the manual downgrade of the Android TV version.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback on smartphones with a locked bootloader can lead to a hard blink (the device will not turn on even in Fastboot mode.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)