.mtz files are firmware or module archives for Xiaomi devices that are used to update the system, recover from crashes or add new features. OTA-update, MTZ-Files allow you to manually install software, which is especially true for Mi TVs. TV, Mi Box and some smartphones based on MIUI. However, the process of installing them requires caution: improper actions can lead to the βbrickingβ of the device or loss of data.
In this article, we will discuss all the current installation methods. MTZ on Xiaomi devices, including TVs (Mi series) TV A2, P1, Q2), consoles (Mi Box S, Mi Box 4) and smartphones with custom firmware. TV and MIUI, We'll also provide checklists for safe installation, and if you've never worked with firmware before, start with the device preparation section.
What is it? MTZ-The file and why you need it
Format MTZ (Mi TV Zip was developed by Xiaomi specifically for Android devices TV, Nolater has been used in other products of the brand:
- π System images (boot, system, vendor, dtbo)
- π Update-script (update-script, updater-script)
- π Configuration files (build.prop, compatibility flags)
- π Digital signatures for authentication
Main use cases MTZ:
- π System Restore after a failure (for example, after a failed update) OTA).
- β¬οΈ Manual update to the new version MIUI TV Android TV, if OTA idle.
- π οΈ Fix bugs that are not fixed in the current firmware (such as Wi-Fi or other issues) HDMI-CEC).
- π Unlock hidden features (regional restrictions, root access in some cases).
It is important to understand that MTZ β It's not a universal format. It's a file designed for Mi. TV Q1 55" is not suitable for the Mi Box 4K, Even if both models work on Android TV 11. Always check compatibility with:
- π Device models (written on the box or in Settings) β About the device).
- π Firmware versions (current and targeted).
- π Regional reference (firmware for China, Europe and Russia may differ).
β οΈ Attention: Installation MTZ If you have the wrong version of Android (for example, trying to flash Android 9 on a device with Android 11) you will completely inoperable gadget, and it can be restored only through Fastboot or service center.
Preparing Xiaomi device for installation MTZ
Several critical steps must be taken before installing the firmware, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or system damage.
One is to back up. On Xiaomi TVs, you can do this by:
- Go to Settings. β Accounts and backups β Backup and reset.
- Select Local Backup and save data to USB-accumulator.
For smartphones, use the settings β The phone. β Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
Second, check the battery (relevant for smartphones and consoles). The charge level should be at least 50%. For TVs, make sure they are connected to a stable power source (do not use extension cords with multiple users).
Three, prepare. USB-accumulator:
- πΎ Format: FAT32 (necessarily! NTFS or exFAT won't work).
- π Structure: MTZ-The file must lie at the root of the flash drive (not in folders!).
- π Port: Use USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not be recognized on older models).
Make a backup copy of the data|Check the battery charge (50%+)|Format USB into FAT32|Download the right one MTZ forecast|Connect the flash drive to the port USB 2.0-->
Fourth, find the right one. MTZ-The official firmware can be downloaded:
- π On the website mi.tv/update (TV-set).
- π₯ Through Mi Community (Firmware section for your model).
- π Forums 4PDA or XDA Developers (for custom firmware).
β οΈ Attention: Never download MTZ Fake firmware may contain malware or be damaged. Official files have a name of the species mi_tv_[model [version] [region].mtz.
Methods of installation MTZ on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV)
For Xiaomi TVs (series) A2, P1, Q1/Q2, ES) There are two main installation methods MTZ: It's a local update and a recovery mode, one that's easier and safer, and the other one is for when the system isn't booting.
Method 1: Local Update (via TV menu)
This is a good way to do this if the TV is on and running at a steady rate.
- Download. MTZ-file and place it in the root USB-storage device (format) FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV (use the port) USB 2.0, usually signed or side-sided).
- Open Settings β About TV β Update system.
- Select Local Update (or Update with) USB older).
- The TV will automatically find it. MTZ-Confirm installation.
- Wait until the process is completed (the TV will restart 1-2 times).
It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and the screen will show the progress bar. USB-storage device until complete!
Method 2: Installation with Recovery Mode (if the TV is not loading)
If the Xiaomi TV is not turned on or stuck on the logo, you will need to install it through the recovery mode.
- Turn off the TV (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Connect. USB-storage MTZ-port-file USB 2.0.
- On the remote control, press the combination: Back button) + The Volume Down button -) + Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Recovery menu appears.
- In the Restore Menu, select Apply update from USB (Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- Choose. MTZ-file and confirm installation.
- Once completed, select Reboot system now.
If the Recovery menu doesnβt appear, check:
- β Correctness of button combination (for some models Menu is used) + Volume + Power).
- β Remote Remote (Try to Replace Batteries).
- β Connection USB-Driver (try another port or flash drive).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
| Model TV set | Supported method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV A2 32"/43" | Local Update, Recovery | Supports MTZ Android 9 and 10. in the Recovery menu in English. |
| Mi TV P1 55"/65" | Local Update, Recovery, Fastboot | For firmware on Android 11+ required MTZ Xiaomi. |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 | Local Update, Fastboot | Recovery Mode is missing. If it crashes, it's only firmware through the PC. |
| Mi TV ES 55"/65" | Local Update, Recovery | Supports dual-boot (you can choose the firmware when downloading). |
Mi TV A2|Mi TV P1|Mi TV Q1/Q2|Mi TV ES|Other models|I don't know.-->
Installation MTZ Xiaomi (Mi Box)
For the Mi Box S, Mi Box 4 and Mi Box 4K installation MTZ It's similar to televisions, but there's some nuances, and the main difference is that there's no physical buttons to log in to Recovery, so if you crash, you'll need to connect to your PC through a computer. ADB or Fastboot.
Method 1: Through the settings menu (if the console works)
Instructions:
- Download. MTZ for its model (for example, mi_box_s_v[version).
- Put the file in the root USB-storage (FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the console.
- Go to Settings β About the console β System Update β Local Update.
- Choose. MTZ-file and confirm installation.
The console will restart 2-3 times during the upgrade process, and the first launch after installation can take up to 10 minutes β thatβs normal.
Method 2: Through ADB (if the console is loaded, but the update menu is not available)
If the local update is blocked (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can install the update. MTZ through ADB:
- Put the debugging on. USB on the console: Settings β About the prefix β Assembly number (click 7 times) β Back to Settings β For developers β Debugging by USB
- Connect the console to the PC through USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on PC).
- Open the command line on your PC and check the connection: Adb devices Should display the device (e.g., adb devices, 192.168.x.x:5555).
- Download. MTZ-file on PC and send it to the console: adb push update.mtz /sdcard/
- Start the installation: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/update.mtz -t application/zip
After the command is executed, the console will automatically start the update process.
β οΈ Attention: On the consoles of the Mi Box 4K Android-based TV 12 debugging by USB It can be disabled by default. It requires the bootloader to unlock to activate it, which cancels the warranty.
Installation MTZ Xiaomi smartphones (for experienced users)
On Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, Poco, Mi series) files MTZ They are rarely used - usually.zip formats are used for firmware (via TWRP) or.tgz (via Fastboot). However, some custom firmware (e.g, MIUI EU) may extend in MTZ for ease of installation through stock recovery.
If you're caught. MTZ For your smartphone, follow this instruction:
- Rename the file to update.mtz and place it in the root of internal memory or on the file. SD-map.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the combination to enter Recovery: "Loudness up" button" + Power button (for some models: Volume up) + Loudness down + Nutrition).
- In the Recovery Menu, select Install update.zip To System (even if the file has an extension) MTZ).
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion.
After rebooting, the smartphone can optimize applications for up to 30 minutes. If the process is delayed, do not interrupt it - this can lead to a download cycle.
π‘
Before installing custom firmware on your smartphone, check if it supports your model by name code (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has a code sweet).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Installation MTZ Users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Update package verification failed | Damaged or unsigned MTZ-file. | Download the file again from the official source. Check the checksum (MD5). |
| E:footer is wrong | The file is not intended for your model. | Check compatibility. MTZ with your device (see file name). |
| The TV can't see. USB-accumulator | Incorrect format of the flash drive or port. | Format the flash drive into FAT32 and use the port USB 2.0. |
| Installation aborted (in Recovery) | There is not enough space in the system section. | Perform reset to factory settings before installation. |
| Cyclical reboot after installation | Incompatible version of Android or corrupted data | Fastboot your device with full erase (fastboot erase userdata). |
If none of the solutions worked, try:
- π Install MTZ via Fastboot (requires PC and cable) USB).
- π Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the device is guaranteed).
π‘
After installation MTZ The device does not turn on, do not try to repeat the procedure - this can aggravate the problem.
Additional advice and recommendations
Minimize the risks of working with MTZ-Files, follow these tips:
- π Check check the checksums (MD5/SHA1) Official firmware always has hash amounts on the Xiaomi website.
- π‘ Use a stable Internet connection when downloading MTZ (Breakdowns can cause file damage).
- β‘ Do not interrupt the installation process, even if it takes more than 20 minutes. the display should be on the screen (progress bar or flashing LED).
- π§ For custom firmware, pre-unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
If you plan to update your firmware manually regularly, consider buying. USB-A drive with an activity indicator, which will help track the process of reading / writing data. For experienced users, it will be useful to study the commands. ADB Fastboot, which allows you to more flexibly manage the firmware process.
Important: On Xiaomi TV series Q1/Q2 and the Mi Box. 4K Android TV 12+ laying-up MTZ-Files may result in Netflix and other services being blocked due to Widevine breach L1. Before the firmware check whether the custom assembly supports DRM first-level.