How to Install Android 10 on Xiaomi: Official and Unofficial Ways

Installing Android 10 on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that may seem daunting to beginners, but with the right approach, it becomes quite feasible even for users with minimal experience. This version of the OS, released in 2019, brought a lot of improvements: a dark theme at the system level, improved navigation gestures, improved privacy and optimization for foldable devices. However, not all Xiaomi models received an official update to Android 10 – many mid- and budget devices remained on Android 9 Pie or even earlier versions.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to install Android 10 on Xiaomi smartphones – from the official OTA-You can also use Fastboot and custom recovery to update your firmware manually, and you can focus on preparing your device, choosing the right firmware, and solving common bugs like an Error 7 or bootloop. If your Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 Lite or other model is stuck on the old version. MIUI, This guide will help to update without the risk of "bricking" the device.

Before you start, consider that the upgrade process can erase all data from the device. Also, some informal methods require unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty. If you are not sure about yourself, contact the specialists or use only official methods.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support Android 10?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones can upgrade to Android 10.The company has released official updates mainly for flagship and some mid-budget models. Below is a table with devices that are guaranteed to support this version of the OS through MIUI:

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that you can't install it. There are custom firmware based on Android 10 (like LineageOS 17.1 or Pixel Experience), but they require an unlocked bootloader and can run unstable.

• 📱 Device model (find in Settings) → The phone. → The Citaisms in the title (e.g. Redmi Note 7 Pro China) often mean the lack of global updates.
• 🔍 Current version MIUI (Same path. If the version is older. MIUI 10, first upgrade to the latest official firmware available.
• 🌍 Firmware region (CN), Global (Global) and European (EEA) Versions are updated in different ways.

⚠️ Note: Install Android 10 on unaccompanied models (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus or Mi) A1) It's only possible through custom firmware, and it can lead to a loss of functionality (sensors, camera are not working, NFC) or productivity problems.

2. Official Update: How to get Android 10 via OTA or MIUI Updater

If your Xiaomi model supports Android 10 officially, the safest way is to wait for an over-the-air (OTA) update or force it to run through MIUI Updater.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains a warranty.

Instructions for forced renewal:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Download the latest version.
3. If the update is available, it will start downloading (file weight ~1.5-2.5 GB) and connect to Wi-Fi to avoid wasting mobile traffic.
4. After download, click Reboot and Update. The device will restart and install the update automatically (it will take 10-20 minutes).

If the update doesn't come in:

• 🔄 Check if updates to Settings are disabled → Additionally. → Updating the system → Settings (cogs) → Auto-update.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block Xiaomi servers).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 weeks. OTA updates are spread out across the waves, and your device may be at the end of the queue.
• 🔧 Use it. MIUI bootloader (unofficial application) for manual downloading of firmware on the model.

⚠️ Note: If the update error "failed to install the update", try: Clear the cache of the application System Update in Settings → Applications: Remove the downloaded update file manually (folder) /cachedir/miui/ota via root-right file manager. Reset network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

Battery charge > 60% |Connection to stable Wi-Fi |Freed ≥ 3 GB of storage |Disabled VPN and proxy |Disabled backup of important data-->

Manual update via Fastboot: for power users

If OTA-Update is not available, but your model officially supports Android 10, You can install firmware through Fastboot, and this method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of how to work with the software. ADB/Fastboot, but does not violate the warranty (if the official firmware is used).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware from the official website of Xiaomi Firmware Updater: 🌐 Global – for international devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 8 Global). 🇨🇳 China – only if your smartphone is from China (may not support Google Services). 🇪🇺 EEA — for European devices (with pre-installed EU services) the file will be in.tgz or.zip format (e.g, miui_HMNote8Global_V11.0.2.0.QCOMXM_...).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder on your computer. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
3. Install drivers and tools: Download Android SDK Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb). Install drivers for Xiaomi (e.g. Mi Flash Tool).

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the device.


2. Press the power button + volume down for 5-10 seconds.




3. Connect to the PC via USB- cable (preferably original).




4. In the command line (Windows: Win + R → cmd) perform:




fastboot devices




The serial number of your device should appear.

Run the firmware.

• 🖥️ On Windows: Double-click on flash_all.bat.
• 🐧 Nana macOS/Linux: In the terminal, go to the firmware folder and do: chmod +x flash_all.sh./flash_all.sh

If the script makes a mistake "flash_all.bat is not recognized", make sure that the folder path does not contain Cyrillic characters. Move the firmware files to the disk root (for example, C:\miui\).

4. Install custom firmware: Android 10 via TWRP

If your Xiaomi model has not received an official update to Android 10, but you are ready to sacrifice the guarantee for the new version of the OS, you can install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 – “clean” Android 10 without MIUI.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – Android 10 with Google Pixel chips.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS or CrDroid – customizable firmware with advanced settings.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (cancels warranty!). Instructions: Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi account. Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode. → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. Download the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions (it may take 7-30 days to unlock).

Install TWRP Recovery

XDA Developers

Download firmware

LineageOS

lineage-17.1-20260310-nightly-lavender-signed.zip

Redmi Note 7

Install firmware through TWRP

1. Boot into TWRP (clip the power + volume up).


2.Tap Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.




3. Return to the main menu, click Install and select the downloaded ZIP- firmware file.




4. After installation, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware often has bugs: 📸 Some camera modules are not working (for example, night mode or 48 MP). 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to unoptimized core. 📶 Problems with mobile network (especially on models with mobile networks) MTK-Before installing, check the feedback on forums (e.g, 4PDA) for your model.

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Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup section), which will allow you to roll back to the original firmware if something goes wrong.

5. Solving Common Errors When Installing Android 10

The update process doesn't always go smoothly, but the following are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If you have performance issues after upgrading to Android 10:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the device, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 📉 Turn off animations in Settings → For developers (set all scales of animation on the 0.5x or off.).

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If the sound is gone or the sensor is not working after the upgrade, it is likely that the firmware is not compatible with your hardware. Try a different build or go back to the original MIUI.

6. rollback from Android 10 to an older version

Sometimes, after an update, users encounter critical bugs: overheating, fast discharging or broken sensors. In such cases, you may need a downgrade — a return to the previous version of Android.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the old firmware from Xiaomi’s official website (e.g. MIUI 10 based on Android 9). Make sure the version is designed specifically for your model and region.
2. Unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked). Without it, a downgrade is impossible.
3. Install firmware through Fastboot: 1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware. 2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in the section) 3). 3. Launch it. flash_all.bat, But if the script refuses to work, use the command manually: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img 4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

Important nuances:

• 🔙 Downgrad erases all data, including photos and apps.
• 🔒 On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) downgrade is blocked by anti-recoil protection. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 📡 After a downgrade, the mobile network could be lost. IMEI Engineer Mode (code ##4636## or #36446337##).

7.Optimize Android 10 on Xiaomi after installation

After a successful upgrade to Android 10, it is recommended to perform several actions for maximum performance and stability:

• 🔧 Turn off unnecessary services MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Disable or delete (Delete Updates) system applications that you do not use (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Cleaner). Freeze background processes through Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization (Select No Limitations for Critical Applications).
• 🎨 Set up a dark theme and gestures: Activate a dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark theme (timetable or permanent) Include new navigation gestures in Settings → System system → Gestures (select Android 10 Gestures).
• 🛡️ Check the permissions of applications: In Settings → Confidentiality → App permissions disable location, microphone and camera access for unnecessary applications. Activate real-time permissions for critical services (e.g. banking applications).

For additional optimization:

• 🔋 Install Greenify or AccuBattery to control battery consumption.
• 🚀 Use Magisk for root rights and optimization modules (e.g. Universal) GMS Doze to save charge).
• 📡 If the internet is slow, turn it off. IPv6 In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings → Protocol APN.

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To speed up MIUI on Android 10, turn off window and transition animations. Activate Developer Mode and set all three animation options to Off or 0.5x.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Android 10 on Xiaomi