Update Xiaomi through three points: how to install firmware in the mode of recovery

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones through the menu “three dots” (the so-called recovery mode) is one of the most reliable ways to install a new version MIUI, standard-set OTA-Update is not available or malfunctioning, and this method is suitable for manual firmware via fastboot, system recovery after crashes, or custom build installation. However, not all users know how to log in to this menu correctly, select the right file and avoid errors that can turn a phone into a brick».

In this article, we will discuss the process from A to Z: from preparing the device to the final restart. Particular attention will be paid to critical points that the manufacturer does not mention in official instructions, for example, why some Redmi or POCO models require you to unlock the bootloader before upgrading through the recavers, or how to get around the E:footer is wrong, which interrupts the installation. If you have never encountered firmware manually, do not worry: we will explain each step in simple language, with illustrations and warnings about possible risks.

What is Xiaomi’s “three dots” and when to use this method

The three-point menu (or recavator mode) is a service interface on Xiaomi smartphones that allows you to install updates outside the standard system. It runs separately from Android and gives you access to low-level features such as resetting, cleaning the cache or installing firmware from an external medium. Unlike fastboot, recavatories do not require a connection to a PC, but have limitations.

When to use this method:

• 🔄 Your smartphone can't see you. OTA-Update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🐌 The phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update (so-called "bootloop»).
• 📱 You want to go back to the previous version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🔧 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🚫 The standard update is interrupted with the error Couldn't verify update package.

It is important to understand that there are two types of recovery mode: stock (from the manufacturer) and custom (for example, TWRP). Stock recovery on Xiaomi is very limited, it does not allow you to install unsigned firmware and often blocks downgrade. Custom Recovery gives more freedom, but requires an unlocked loader.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone is released after 2021 (like the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), stock reavers can block installing firmware older than the current version.

Preparing a smartphone: what to do before updating

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of error when updating through three points. Before you move to the installation, follow the following steps:

1. Check the model and version MIUI. Go to Settings. → About the phone and write it down: 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G or POCO X4 Pro). 🔢 Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5). 🔄 Current firmware (stable/beta).

Download the correct firmware.

.zip

Xiaomi

fastboot

.tgz

Battery charge.

60%

Backup.

Turn off the screen lock.

If you plan to install custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu), you will additionally need to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (process takes up to 72 hours).
• 🛠️ Install custom Recovery (TWRP) fastboot.
• 📌 Check firmware compatibility with your model in the forum XDA Developers.

Download the firmware for your model|Check the battery charge (minimum 60%)|Make a backup copy of the data|Disable screen lock|Unlock the bootloader (for custom firmware)|Transfer the firmware file to the root of the memory-->

How to Sign In to the Three Dots Menu on Xiaomi

Login to the recavator on Xiaomi is different from most Android devices. Here is a step-by-step guide for different situations:

Method 1: Through physical buttons (if the phone is switched on)

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + downwards POCO F3, Redmi K40).

10-15 seconds

Mi

Method 2: ADB (if the phone works but does not go into the recavator)

If physical buttons fail (for example, because of a damaged volume button), use the ADB command:

adb reboot recovery

For this:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above in the terminal.

Method 3: Through the Update app (for some models)

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) you can log in to the recover directly from the update menu:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reboot to Restore Mode.

If none of these methods worked, check if the bootloader is locked, and the screen may show this device is locked, in which case you need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Step-by-step: installing the update through three points

When you're successfully logged into the Recovery, follow this instruction, and note that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Language selection. Xiaomi's stock Recovery has the default Chinese interface. To switch to English, click on the globe icon (🌍) top-right.
2. Cache cleanup (recommended). Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache. This will delete temporary files but won't affect user data. Don't choose Wipe All Data unless you want to reset your phone to factory settings!
3. Select a firmware file. Click Install update (or Apply update from) ADB, If you install via PC, then select Choose from internal storage and specify the path to the downloaded.zip file. ⚠️ Note: If the firmware file is on the external SD-The zip can be taken to the root of the internal memory.
4. Confirmation of installation. Once you select the file, you will receive a warning. Confirm the action by swiping the slider or clicking Yes.
5. Wait for completion. The installation process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The progress bar will be displayed on the screen. Don't turn off the phone or press the buttons! If the progress freezes by 47% or 99%, wait 10 to 15 minutes before the forced reboot.
6. Reboot. Once you've installed it successfully, select Reboot → Reboot to System. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up the first time, which is fine.

If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes after the reboot, try re-entering the Recovery and selecting the Wipe Cache, then rebooting.

1. file extension must be.zip (not.tgz or.rar).

2. The path to the file should be at the root of the memory (for example, the file path, /internal_storage/update.zip), Not in folders like Download or MIUI.

3. File integrity – download it again if the size does not match the one listed on the Xiaomi website.-->

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try installing the firmware via fastboot (you will need a PC and a USB cable), and you can find instructions for this method in our article “How to flash Xiaomi through fastboot”.

💡

If the recovery refuses to install the firmware with a signature error, it means that the bootloader is locked. Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is a mandatory step for custom firmware.

Features for different models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

The three-point upgrade process may vary depending on the device series, and here are the key nuances for popular lines:

Xiaomi 11/12/13 series

Flagship models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a protected Recovery, which blocks the installation of unsigned firmware.

• 🔓 Unlocking the loader is mandatory.
• 📌 Use only official firmware from Xiaomi site or verified custom builds (Xiaomi.eu).
• ⚠️ Downgrade (rollback to old version) could lead to lockdown IMEI.

Redmi Note 10/11/12 series series

These models are more loyal to firmware, but have their own characteristics:

• 🔄 For Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer stock recavers does not support installation of firmware older than the current version.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware is required TWRP (But it can reset the data).
• 📡 When updating through the Recovery may lose communication (solved by flashing the modem part).

POCO F/X/M series

POCO devices often have global and Indian firmware versions that are incompatible with each other.

• 🌍 Check the firmware region (for example, V14.0.2.0.TKPMIXM — global, V14.0.1.0.TKPINXM — Indian).
• 🔧 For POCO F3/F4 When installing custom recavator you need to disable the dm-verity check.
• ⚡ After the update, the screen refresh rate may be reset (configure again in Settings). → Display).

For accurate information on your model, check out the theme on the Xiaomi.eu forum or XDA Developers.

What to do after the update: check and setup

Successful firmware installation is not the final step. After the first download, follow the following steps:

1. Check the MIUI version. Go to Settings → About your phone and make sure the version is updated. If not, repeat the process.
2. Set up a network. Sometimes, after an update, your mobile or Wi-Fi will disappear. Restart your phone or manually select the operator in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Recover data. If you backed up your Mi Cloud or Google Drive, restore your contacts, photos and apps.
4. Run an AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench to make sure the phone is stable. If you notice lags, clear the cache in the recavator (Wipe → Wipe Cache).
5. Update your apps. Go to Google Play and update all the programs, because once they're firmware, they might not work properly.

If you have a bug after the update (for example, the camera or fingerprint sensor is not working), try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 📥 Flash your phone via fastboot (if the error is critical).
• 📞 Contact the service center if the problem is hardware (for example, after the update stopped working). SIM-map).

1. discharge the phone before automatically switching off.

2 Charge to 100% without interruption.

3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating through three points