How to install the update on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Installing updates on Xiaomi devices is a process that can dramatically change the way a gadget works, from fixing bugs to adding new features. However, improper actions during upgrades often lead to a “brick” (breaking firmware), data loss or system freeze. This article covers all current upgrade methods for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), Mi TVs and smart devices ecosystem – taking into account the features of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (2026).

We're not just going to take down the standard. OTA-Upgrade through settings, but also alternative options: manual installation through Recovery, cable firmware (Fastboot), as well as nuances for locked bootlers. Special attention is paid to critical errors such as "Cannot verify update" or the Mi logo hanging when updating through third-party firmware. If your device does not see the update or gives an error, here you will find a solution.

1.Preparing the device for the update: 7 mandatory steps

Before you start an upgrade, regardless of the method you choose, follow basic steps to minimize the risks. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices.

First, check the current version of MIUI/HyperOS in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the right firmware. Secondly, make sure that the device has enough free space – you need at least 3-5 GB on the system partition for updates “over the air” (OTA).

• 🔋 Charge the battery to a minimum of 60% (for smartphones) or connect the device to the network (for Mi). TV). Interrupting due to battery discharge is guaranteed to damage the firmware.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Mobile Internet (4G/5G) It may interrupt the loading due to an unstable signal.
• 📱 Make a backup of the data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud. updates rarely erase user files, but there's a risk.
• 🔑 Find out the status of the bootloader: blocked requires official firmware, unlocked allows you to install custom.

Battery charge >60%|Stable Wi-Fi|Backup of data|Verification of the version MIUI|Free disk space|Shutdown VPN/proxy|Closing of background applications-->

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), check firmware compatibility further: new OS versions may not support older models.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (the firmware version ends in China) CN), Do not set up a global (Global) or European (EEA) Update without first unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a lockdown. IMEI.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to install through the settings menu, which is suitable for 90% of users if the device is not modified (no root rights, custom Recovery or modified firmware).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (for Mi TV: Settings → Support → Software Update).
2. Click "Check Updates." If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
3. Wait for the download (the weight of the file is from 1.5 to 3 GB depending on the model).
4. After downloading, click "Install" and confirm the reboot.

It takes 5-15 minutes. The device will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen stays black for a long time (up to 10 minutes at most).

Only critical bugs | Every month | Every six months | Never update | Only if there are new features-->

If the update is not available, it is possible:

• 🌍 Your model is not included in the current wave of distribution (Xiaomi releases a new version of the model). OTA gradually).
• 🔒 Device modified (Magisk installed, system files modified).
• 📵 Xiaomi servers are overloaded (try later or use it) VPN India or Singapore).

💡

If the update takes too long to load, try downloading it manually through the official firmware directory, then install it through Settings → System Update → Three Dots → Select an update file.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic method does not work (for example, due to the error "Cannot verify update"), you can install the update manually through the stock recave.

Important: Don't confuse stock recavators with custom recavators (TWRP). For a blocked bootloader, use only official files from Xiaomi's website. Installing via TWRP on a locked device will lead to a blink!

Step-by-step:

1. Download the correct firmware for your model from the official website. The file name must contain the device code (for example, the device code, toco_global for POCO F3).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folder).
3. Turn off the device, then press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select the language (if available), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) After updating through Recovery, anti-rollback may work if the firmware version is older than the current one.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used to recover a device after a crash, install an official firmware on a locked bootloader, or switch to another version of MIUI (e.g., from CN to Global).

Warning: Mistakes in Fastboot can turn a device into a brick, which is recommended only if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on or hung on the Mi logo.
• 🔄 You need to roll back to the old version of the firmware (with the risk of triggering the rollback).
• 🌐 Requires a change of firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download the firmware in.tgz format and unpack it into a folder.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers and download the utility.
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
4. Connect your device to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the folder with the unpacked firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All or Save User Data, then click Flash.

It takes 3-7 minutes. Once it's done, the device automatically restarts. If you have an "anti version down" error, you're trying to install an older firmware than the rollback allows.

💡

Fastboot is the only way to restore a device with damaged firmware, but it requires an unlocked bootloader for custom firmware.

5. Update of Xiaomi smart devices (Mi Band, Mi Home, Mi TV)

Xiaomi’s smartwatches, light bulbs, TVs and other appliances are also getting updates, but the process is different from smartphones.

5.1 Mi TV and Redmi TV

Update for TV is installed through the Settings menu → Support → Software Update. Features:

• 📺 For 2020-2026 models, updates come automatically, but you can check manually.
• 🔌 If TV does not see the update, connect the flash drive with the firmware file (download on the official website) to the port USB 2.0 (not 3.0!).
• ⚡ After the update, you may need to reset your settings (especially for Google models). TV).

5.2 Mi Band and Xiaomi Smart Band fitness bracelets

Update firmware for bracelets is available through the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app:

1. Open the app, select your device.
2. Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
3. Connect the bracelet to charging and wait until it is completed (don't turn it off!).

⚠️ Do not interrupt the process – this can lead to loss of synchronization with sensors.

5.3 Smart light bulbs and sockets (Mi Home)

Updates for Xiaomi Smart Home devices are installed automatically through the Mi Home app.

• 💡 Turn off the light bulb for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
• 🔄 Reconnect the device to the application (Add the device) → Lighting).

6. Solving errors in the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the device does not turn on after the update, try:

1. Charge it for 30 minutes (sometimes the battery runs out in the process).
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot (see Method 3).

7. How to roll back an update on Xiaomi

If the new MIUI or HyperOS version is unstable (bugs, battery drain, overheating), you can return the previous firmware.

• 🔙 Anti-Rollback: Most models after 2019 have a backtrack on the old version blocked.
• 🔓 Recoil requires an unlocked bootloader and custom recavery (TWRP).
• ⚠️ Data loss: rollback will reset all settings and applications.

If the recoil fails (check on this website), the instructions:

1. Download the desired firmware version in.zip format for your model.
2. Install TWRP (if not already installed).
3. Load into the recavéri (Loudness up + Power), make a backup of the current firmware (Backup).
4. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install the downloaded.zip file via Install.

⚠️ Attention: Recoil on HyperOS with MIUI (or vice versa, may result in loss IMEI On smartphones with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 12). IMEI It can only be done through the service center.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)