Xiaomi and Redmi are moving to a new software platform that aims to connect all the devices in the ecosystem into a single network. HyperOS is based on the latest versions of Android and features optimization, new interface design and improved work with artificial intelligence. Users often wonder how exactly the transition to the new system is happening and whether it is worth doing right now.
The upgrade process can vary depending on the region of sale of the device and the specific model of the gadget. In some cases, the system itself will offer the update via Wi-Fi, but often users have to resort to manual installation of the firmware archive. This requires care, as an error at any stage can lead to malfunctions in the software part.
In this article, we will explore all available methods for installing new software, from regular tools to advanced ways through Recovery. You will learn how to prepare the device for the procedure, what data can be lost and how to avoid typical errors. A deep understanding of the process will allow you to safely upgrade your gadget.
Preparation of the device for the installation of a new shell
Before you start any manipulation of the software, you need to do a thorough preparation. Data backup is the first and most important step, because when you change the version of the OS or the firmware region, information can be irretrievably lost. Use cloud services or the built-in Mi Cloud tool to save contacts, photos and notes.
Make sure the battery is at least 60 percent, or better fully charge the device. Interrupting the process of writing data to flash memory due to battery discharge can lead to serious consequences, up to the inability to boot the system, and free up enough space in the internal storage.
Check the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to download updates over the air. Manual installation will require downloading a firmware archive weighing several gigabytes, so using a fast Wi-Fi connection will be the best solution. Mobile Internet can be unstable and charged.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to install firmware if the screen displays a warning about low battery charge or unstable connection.
☑️ Checklist before update
It is also important to unlock the screen and remove all passwords if they interfere with the normal operation of the system before the procedure. Some antivirus or memory cleaning applications should be temporarily disabled so that they do not block the installation of system components.
Compatibility check and firmware search
Not all smartphone models get upgraded at the same time. The list of supported devices is constantly expanding, but owners of older models may face a lack of official support. You need to know exactly the model of your device, which can be found in the Settings → About phone section.
Official firmware is distributed through update servers, but it is often found on specialized resources. When searching for a file, look for a region (CN for China, Global for the world, EEA for Europe), you can not install the Chinese version on a global device without an unlocked bootloader.
- 📱 Global version – contains all the necessary languages, including Russian, and Google services by default.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese version – may not have Russian and requires additional manipulation to install Google services.
- 🇪🇺 European version – adapted to EU legislation, often has less pre-installed software.
When downloading a file from third-party sources, be sure to check its checksum, this ensures that the archive was not damaged during download and does not contain malicious code. MD5 or SHA-1 hash, which is usually listed on the download page.
Where to look for official firmware?
Method 1: Update through Settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to upgrade to HyperOS is to wait for a notification or check for updates manually, which doesn't require a computer or any special knowledge, but it downloads the packages and installs them in the background.
To check, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI (or system logo) version. Click on the Update Check button. If the new version is available for your region and model, you will be prompted to download and install the package.
The process can take 15 to 40 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of changes. The phone will automatically restart several times. Do not touch the device at this point, so as not to interrupt critical recording processes.
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OTA-The update saves all user data and settings, making it the preferred method for most users.
If the system says there are no updates, but you know they're out, you can try changing the region in the settings, and sometimes this helps wake up the server update, although this method doesn't work on all models.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery
If the automatic update does not come, you can use the method of manual installation of the archive. To do this, you will need to download a firmware file with the.zip extension (Recovery ROM), the file must be placed in the root of the internal memory of the device.
After you download the file, go to the system update menu. Click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Select the firmware file. The system will find the archive and suggest you start the process.
This method requires that the firmware version to be installed is newer than the current one, and if you try to roll back to the older version through the standard Recovery menu, you will have to make an error, and then you will need to clean the data completely.
⚠️ Warning: When you manually install, make sure the firmware file is for your model. Installing firmware from another device can turn your smartphone into a brick".
During installation, the screen may go out and light up, and the progress bar may hang on a certain percentage for a while, which is normal behavior when checking and unpacking files.
Using the Mi Flash Tool for PC
For more advanced users, a computer-based firmware method using the Mi Flash Tool is available, which not only allows you to update the system, but also completely clear the device of errors by performing a clean installation. You will need a USB cable and ADB drivers.
First, you need to turn your phone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Connect the phone to the computer. The Mi Flash Tool should show the connected device.
Select the path to the Fastboot ROM folder. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All mode or Save User Data mode. Press Flash to start the process.
| Firmware mode | Data retention | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Airway) | Yes. | Low. | Minimum |
| Recovery (Manually) | Yes. | Medium | Average. |
| Fastboot (PC) | No (usually) | Tall. | Tall. |
The firmware process through Fastboot takes longer, but ensures there is no conflict between old and new system files.This is the best way to resolve bug problems once updated.
Solving Common Errors in Updating
During the installation process, users often encounter errors such as "Can't verify update" or endless reboot.The first error usually means that the firmware file is corrupted or not suitable for the current version of the system.
If the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi or Redmi logo, try resetting to factory settings via Recovery Mode. To enter it, press the power and volume buttons on the device that is turned off. Select Wipe Data.
- 🔄 Endless rebuke – often solved by a complete data cleanup or flashing through Fastboot.
- 📉 Quick discharge - in the first days after the update, the system optimizes files, which is normal.
- 📡 Network problems – reset network settings in the Connections and Sharing menu.
In difficult cases, when the device does not respond to buttons, EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode may be required. Entering this mode often requires disassembling the phone or a special cable, so it is better to contact the service center.
Features of the HyperOS interface
Once you've successfully installed it, you'll notice a significant change in the way it looks and works, the control center has been redesigned to be more user-friendly and informative, the animations are smoother and the fonts are readable.
New widgets and lock screen customization have emerged, and the system has become more intelligent in memory management, automatically closing inactive applications to save power, especially on devices with little RAM.
It's important to get used to the new location of some settings. Searching through settings is faster and finds deeper parameters. Built-in AI is now more active in offering use cases based on your location and time of day.
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Once updated, let the phone lie on charge with the screen off for about an hour, which will speed up application background optimization and file indexing.
The HyperOS shell also brings improved work with Xiaomi’s smart home, allowing you to control devices directly from the lock screen or through widgets without running a separate app.