Owning a Xiaomi device often means wanting to get the most out of the MIUI operating system. Over time, standard software can become obsolete, stop receiving updates or work unstable. In such situations, the user is faced with the question of manually installing the current version of the software. This allows not only to return the smartphone to performance, but also to correct critical security errors that the manufacturer may not release automatically for your region.
The process of replacing system files requires care and understanding of risks. Mistakes can lead to loss of warranty or, in the worst case, turn the gadget into a brick. However, if you strictly follow the algorithm and prepare the necessary tools, the procedure is successful in 99% of cases. It is important to determine in advance which method of updating will suit your model: local update through the menu, use of Recovery mode or deep firmware through Fastboot.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and direct installation. You will learn how the global versions differ from the Chinese versions, how to unlock the bootloader and what nuances should be considered when switching from one Android branch to another. Remember that unlocking the bootloader completely erases all data from the device, so creating a backup is a must-have first step.
Preparation of the smartphone and choice of firmware version
The first step is to prepare the device thoroughly, and you don't ignore this step, because it's the key to the success of the whole operation, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 60 percent, and you'd better charge the device to 100 percent, and in the process of writing system partitions, a power surge or battery discharge can interrupt the critical recording cycle, causing damage to the boot sectors.
You can then determine the exact model of your device, and you can do this by going to Settings → About Phone. Pay attention to the model's code name (e.g., davinci for Redmi K20 Pro or raphael for Redmi K20). A firmware designed for one model is not going to work for another model, even if it looks identical. Using the wrong file can permanently disable the device.
It is also important to choose the right firmware type, there are stable versions that are designed for everyday use, and beta versions (Beta/Developer), It's a stable branch for most users, and you can also look at the region: Global (for the world), EU (for Europe or CN (China).
- 📱 Make sure the device model matches the code name of the selected firmware.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70% before any manipulations are initiated.
- 💾 Free up on the internal drive at least 5-8 GB of free space.
- 🌐 Check the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to download files via a smartphone.
Once you have determined the model, download the firmware archive from an official source or a trusted third-party resource like Xiaomi Firmware Updater.The file usually has the.zip extension for local updates or.tgz for firmware through your computer.Save it to the root folder of internal memory so that the system can easily find it.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to switch from Chinese firmware to global (or vice versa), you can’t do a simple installation through the menu, you’ll need a complete data cleanup and most likely an unlocked bootloader.
Local Update via Recovery Menu
The safest and easiest way to upgrade MIUI is to use a built-in update mechanism, which does not require an unlocked bootloader or computer, and is ideal for migrating to a newer version within a single region (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13 Global).
To start, activate the additional updater features. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the current version of MIUI several times until it says “Additional Features Enabled.” Then click on three dots in the corner of the screen and select “Select firmware file.” The system will ask to reboot to Recovery mode.
Once the device is restarted, it will prompt you to select the previously downloaded.zip archive. Confirm the selection and the verification and installation process will begin. At this time, the phone may reboot several times. Do not interrupt the process even if the screen goes out or Android logos appear. The entire process takes from 5 to 15 minutes.
☑️ Checking before local update
If after installation the system offers to clear the data (which happens when you switch between versions of Android), agree only if you have done a backup. Otherwise, you risk losing all contacts, photos and applications. After successful installation, it is recommended to reset to factory settings through the menu Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset to avoid conflicts of old files with the new system.
Use of Fastboot Mode and Computer
Fastboot mode provides deeper access to the system and allows you to install firmware directly, bypassing the limitations of the built-in bootloader, a method that is necessary if the phone is “hanging” on the logo, does not boot, or if you want to change the region of the device. To work, you will need a computer with Windows OS, USB-High quality cable and Mi Flash Tool utility.
First, you need to uncivilize the downloaded firmware file (extension.tgz) into a separate folder on the computer. The path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the program may not see the files. Next, turn the smartphone into Fastboot mode: turn off the device and simultaneously press the power and volume down buttons until an image of a rabbit repairing an android appears.
Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Press the Refresh button to detect the device. The list should show a device with a serial number. Select the firmware mode at the bottom of the window: "Clean all" will delete the data completely, "Save user data" will try to save it (not recommended when changing regions), and "Clean all and lock" will block the bootloader back.
| Firmware mode | Data retention | Locking the loader | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | No (deletion) | No (remains open) | Changing the region, treating errors |
| Save user data | Yes. | No. | Update without data loss (risky) |
| Clean all and lock | No (deletion) | Yeah (lockdown) | Return to original condition, sale |
| Clean all (Global to CN) | No. | No. | Transition from Global to Chinese ROM |
Press the Flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the status of the execution. Once the status is completed, the word "Success" will appear, and the phone will automatically restart. The first download can take up to 10 minutes. Do not turn off the cable until the procedure is complete, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the partition tables.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
To install custom recavators (e.g. TWRP) or unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), you need to unlock the bootloader. The official procedure requires an application to Xiaomi and a wait of 7 to 30 days. Without an unlocked bootloader, you can not install modified software.
The process starts by linking your Mi Account to your device. From the Settings menu → About your phone, click 5 times on the MIUI version, then in advanced features, select “Trainer Status” and turn it on. After that, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer, log in to the same account and follow the instructions on the screen.
It is important to understand the consequences of this procedure. Unlocking the bootloader triggers a waiting timer that cannot be bypassed, and it also makes the device more vulnerable to malware, as Verified Boot stops working. Some banking applications and Google Pay may stop working or require additional manipulation of Magisk to hide the rights of the superuser.
- 🔓 Unlocking is mandatory for installation TWRP custom ROM.
- ⏳ The official wait for unlocking is between 7 and 30 days.
- 🧹 The unlock process automatically erases all data from the phone.
- 🛡️ After unlocking some security features (Widevine) L1) They may stop working.
⚠️ Warning: Re-locking the bootloader on custom firmware will lead to a "brick" of the device.
Solving common problems when firmware
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be errors. One of the most common is "Missmatching image and device," which means you're trying to flash a file that's not meant for this model. Carefully double-check the device's code name and firmware version. If you're using the Mi Flash Tool, try selecting the archive manually through the "Select" button.
Another common problem is "Bootloop" (cyclical reboot). If the phone is stuck on the logo, try entering Recovery mode (clamping the power and volume up) and doing a data reset (Wipe Data). If that doesn't help, it may be damaged partition vendor boot or, and you will need to reflash through the Fastboot with a full clean.
Sometimes the installation process hangs on a certain percentage, in which case don't panic right away. 10-15 interrupt the process, disconnect the cable, pull out the battery (if possible) or make a forced reboot (clamping the power on the power supply) 15 Then repeat the procedure, preferably changing. USB-port.
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Use it. USB-hub without external power or connect your phone directly to your PC motherboard (back ports) to avoid problems with unstable voltage during firmware.
If the camera or fingerprint sensor does not work after firmware, most likely you have flashed the firmware from another modification of the device (for example, from a computer). NFC-device-only NFC). In this case, only a return to the original version of the software through Emergency Download mode will help (EDL), This often requires an authorized Xiaomi account.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I flash a global version on Chinese Xiaomi without unlocking?
Will the warranty fly off after the firmware?
What to do if your phone says “Can’t verify update”?
Do I need root to install firmware?
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The most reliable way to upgrade Xiaomi is to use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and complete deletion of data.