The firmware update on Xiaomi TV is a procedure that can both solve performance problems and add new features. However, the wrong actions lead to the “bricking” of the device when the TV stops turning on or crashes. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update software for Mi TV 4/4S/4A/4C/5/5X/Q1/Q2 models, including manual installation via USB, automatic air update (OTA) and advanced methods through ADB.
Xiaomi TVs are a closed ecosystem with limited features for custom firmware. Unlike smartphones, you can't install LineageOS or MIUI from third-party developers. But even official updates require caution: for example, the firmware from Mi TV 4S 55 will not work for Mi TV 4A 32" - this will lead to hardware incompatibility. So the first step is to pinpoint your TV model and the version of the current software.
We analyzed user reviews on forums 4PDA and XDA Developers, as well as official Xiaomi documentation to compile instructions that take into account typical errors, for example, many face the problem of “hanging on the logo” after an update – this is often due to the wrong version of the firmware or an interrupted process of writing files to the user. USB-accumulator.
1.Preparation for the update: what to do before changing the firmware
Before you start the update, be sure to follow 4 key steps:
- 🔍 Find out the exact model of the TV, and you can find it on the sticker on the back of the body (for example, Mi). TV 4S 55 T2) or on the menu: Settings → On TV. → Model.
- 📋 Check the current firmware version. Path: Settings → On TV. → Write it down, it'll come in handy if you need a rollback.
- 💾 Create a backup of your settings. in Xiaomi TV There is no built-in backup tool, so take pictures of screens with image, sound and network settings.
- 🔌 Prepare the power source if you upgrade through USB, Use the original TV power supply – the discharged remote battery (if wireless) should not interrupt the process.
One of the most common questions is, "Can I update the firmware without the remote?" Yes, but with reservations: If you have a Mi TV Stick or a remote is lost, plug in a Bluetooth keyboard or use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone. However, for disaster recovery (if the TV is not turned on), you will need a physical remote with a Reset button.
Attention to compatibility! firmware for Xiaomi TV is divided into two branches:
- 📺 Patchrom - adapted for TV versions of Android TV. Suitable for most models.
- 🤖 Stock ROM — «pure Android without shell MIUI TV. It is only available on some models (e.g., Mi). TV Q1).
⚠️ Note: If your TV is released before 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 3), official firmware for it is no longer coming out.Update through OTA may lead to error E10001 — In this case, you will need to manually install the old version of the software.
Method 2: Automatic update over Wi-Fi (OTA)
The easiest and safest method is to upgrade by air, and it's good for 90% of users if:
- 🌐 The TV is connected to stable Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
- 🔋 Charge level (if the TV is on the battery, as in Mi) TV Stick above 50%.
- 📡 Xiaomi servers are not overloaded (check status at status.mi.com).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About TV → Update system.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version is available, click Download and Install.
- Wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
What to do if the update is not available?
- 🔄 Restart the TV and router.
- 📶 Check if the router firewall blocks access to Xiaomi servers (open ports 80 and 443).
- 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – sometimes updates roll out gradually.
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If the TV is hanging during the update check phase, try changing the screen. DNS-server at 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in network settings.
Advantages of OTA:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Does not require technical skills | ❌ Depends on the speed of the Internet |
| ✅ Save all settings and applications | ❌ Sometimes comes with a delay. |
| ✅ Minimum risk of error | ❌ You cannot select a specific version of the software |
Method 2: Manual update through USB-accumulator
If OTA does not work or you need to install a specific version of the firmware (for example, for rollbacks), use USB-This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models. TV, including Mi TV 4A mi TV 5 Pro.
Requirements for the flash drive:
- 💽 Format: FAT32 (not NTFS exFAT!).
- 📁 Size: 2 GB (but better 8-16 GB for reliability).
- 🔌 Port port: USB 2.0 (in) USB 3.0 may have compatibility issues).
Format the flash drive in FAT32|
Download the firmware from the official website |
Unpack. ZIP-flash-root|
Name the file correctly (e.g. update.zip)|
Safely remove the drive from the PC-->
Step-by-step:
- Download firmware from the official Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose a file for the exact model of your TV (for example, mibox3_ota_20230515.zip For the Mi Box S).
- Unpack the archive and rename the file to update.zip (important! That's what the name should be).
- Copy update.zip to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder!).
- Put the flash drive in. USB-TV port (better to the port at the back if it is available).
- Go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update via USB.
- Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation.
- Wait until the end (the TV will restart 1-2 times).
Critical error: if after the update the TV got stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 15 minutes, DO NOT turn it off! wait at least 30 minutes - sometimes the process is slow due to the integrity of the files.
⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through USB The TV won't turn on, and the light flashes red, which is a sign of firmware incompatibility. ADB service-centre.
Method 3: Update via ADB (for advanced users)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if:
- 🔧 You need to install custom restoration (for example, TWRP),
- 🛠 The TV does not respond to the remote, but it turns on,
- 📥 You need to “swipe” individual sections (for example, boot or recovery).
The work will require:
- 🖥 Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS and established ADB (Download Platform Tools).
- 🔌 Cable USB-A — USB-A (for connecting TV to PC).
- 📄 Firmware in.img or.zip format for sideload.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging on TV: Settings → About TV → Software Version → Press 7 times on Software Version (you will see a message “You became a developer”) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging on USB (enable)
- Connect your TV to your PC with a USB-A-USB-A cable (use USB 3.0 port on your PC for stability).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) and check the connection: adb devices must appear the serial number of the device.
- Reboot the TV to sideload: adb reboot sideload
- Install firmware: adb sideload path to file.zip
If you are running adb: failed to read command, try:
- 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥 Reinstall drivers ADB PC-only.
- 📥 Download the firmware again (possibly the file is corrupted).
What if ADB can’t see the TV?
5.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them
Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the 5 most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| E10001 | Incompatible version of the firmware | Download the right firmware for your model |
| E20003 | The damaged file update.zip | Pump the firmware and check the MD5 checksum |
| E30005 | Not enough memory space | Remove unnecessary apps or reset settings |
| Hanging on the logo | Interrupted update | Repeat the procedure or restore it through ADB |
| Black screen after update | Failure in the boot section | Check boot.img through fastboot. |
If the TV does not turn on after an unsuccessful update at all, try disaster recovery:
- Turn the TV off the socket.
- Press the Menu button on the remote (or Reset on the case, if any).
- Connect the power by holding the button for 10-15 seconds.
- If you have a recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
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If the TV is not responding to any action and the indicator is not on, it can be a hardware malfunction (for example, a burned power supply), in which case repairs are required at the service center.
6. How to roll back firmware to the previous version
Sometimes after the update, there are bugs: the interface slows down, applications do not work or sound disappears, in which case a rollback to the old version of the software will help.
- ⏳ On some models (e.g., Mi). TV 5X) rollback blocked by manufacturer.
- 🔒 After the rollback, you may need to reset the settings.
- 📉 New features added in the latest versions will not be available.
Instructions for rollback:
- Download the desired version of the firmware from the firmware archive.
- Check that the version is older than the current one (for example, if you have V12.0.4, download V12.0.3).
- Install it via USB (as described in Method 2).
- If you have an E10001 error, you've blocked the rollback. Try flashing it through the ADB sideload.
Forums often ask, "Can I roll back the firmware without losing data?" Unfortunately, no. When you install the old version, you must reset to the factory settings. So save in advance:
- 📺 List of installed applications (photograph the Settings screen) → Annexes).
- 🔑 Account login data (Netflix, YouTube, Mi Account).
- 🎮 Game mode settings (if you use TV for consoles).
7. Where to download official and custom firmware
The official firmware for Xiaomi TV can be downloaded from three sources:
| Source | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi website | mi.com/global/service/update | Only stable versions, slow updates |
| Firmware Archive by Xiaomi Firmware | xiaomifirmware.com | All versions, including beta and old releases |
| 4PDA Forum | 4pda.to/forum | Custom firmware and patches from the community |
For custom firmware (if it exists for your model), pay attention to:
- 🛡 Magisk – to obtain root rights (but this voids the warranty!).
- 🎭 ATV Launcher – an alternative shell for Android TV.
- 🔧 TWRP — Custom Recovery (only available for some models, such as the Mi Box S).
⚠️ Attention: Install custom firmware on Xiaomi TV It can cause loss of functionality, for example: ❌ The remote will stop working (requires flashing remote.conf). ❌ Dolby Vision support will disappear or HDR10+. ❌ Google Play Services may break down, which will not update the applications.