How to install an update on Xiaomi manually: 3 proven ways (2026)

Software updates on Xiaomi smartphones usually come automatically, but sometimes users face delays, download errors, or the desire to upgrade to a more recent version of MIUI before the official release.In such cases, manual firmware installation becomes the only way out. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick” – so it is important to follow the proven instructions and understand the risks.

This article will detail three main methods of manual updates: Recovery, Fastboot and local update, we will tell you how to prepare the device, where to download official firmware, and what to do if something goes wrong. We will pay special attention to the nuances for models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and devices on HyperOS – the new operating system from Xiaomi.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your data, and even if the update is successful, some settings may reset and applications may disappear, and check your battery power: it should be at least 60% to avoid a sudden shutdown during the process.

1.Preparation for manual update: what to do before firmware

The first step is to identify the current version of MIUI or HyperOS on your device, which will help you choose the right firmware and avoid conflicts. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version). Write down the full title, such as MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (TKWMIXM).

Then check the model of the device.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Model (e.g, 2304FPN6DG For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).
• 🔍 Contrast the code with the official list on the site MIUI Some models have regional modifications (e.g. Pro for China and Global for Europe).
• 🔒 Find out the status of the bootloader: if it is locked (by default on most devices), the Fastboot method will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Download the firmware only from official sources:

• 🌍 Official website MIUI — for stable and beta versions.
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – a firmware archive with update history.
• ⚠️ Avoid third-party forums (4PDA, XDA) without checking the hash sum of files - the risk of running into modified software with viruses.

⚠️ Note: If your device is running HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70), Don't try to install firmware. MIUI — This will cause the system to fail. Check compatibility on the download page.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified) – Cheap cables can interrupt data transmission.
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (Fastboot or enough free space on your phone (for Recovery).
• 📁 The folder with the Mi Flash Tool and ADB (You can download it here).

2. Method 1: Local Update via System Update (without Recovery)

This is the easiest and most secure method for most users, it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader and works even on HyperOS devices, and the main condition is that the downloaded firmware file should be designed specifically for your model and region.

Instructions:

1. Download a firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V14.0.5.0.TKWMIXM_XXXXXXXXXX_13.0.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (this will make it easier to search).
3. Move it to the root folder of internal memory (not in the Download or MIUI folder).
4. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
5. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
6. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

It takes 5-15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times — don't turn it off the power or press the buttons. Once installed successfully, you'll see a welcome screen (you may need to reset).

⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 10 minutes, perform a hard reset (squeeze the Power supply). + Volume up for 10 seconds. This won't delete data, but it will help you get out of the boot cycle.

Download firmware for your model |Rename the file to update.zip|Transfer to the root of memory |Battery charge >60%|Disable antivirus on your phone-->

Method 2: Recovery Installation (for power users)

This method is suitable if the local update didn’t work or you want to install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu).However, it requires an unlocked bootloader on most models (except some older ones like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1).

Steps:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and transfer it to the phone memory (preferably to the folder). downloaded_rom).
2. Turn off the device.
3. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (if available) and go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

On some devices (e.g., POCO F5), the path may be different:

Choose update package → Select storage → internal storage → downloaded_rom → [your file.zip]

If the phone doesn’t turn on after the restart, try repeating the process or use Fastboot (described below).

4. Method 3: Firmware through Fastboot (for advanced)

It's the most reliable, but also the most risky method, and it's suitable for:

• 🔄 Recovery of the “brick” device.
• 📥 Installation of official firmware on devices with a locked bootloader (after unlocking).
• 🛠️ Correcting errors when other methods do not work.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if it was blocked).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down.
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, select Clean all mode (deletes all data) or Clean all and lock (blocks the bootloader after firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “cannot receive hello packet” error, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Xiaomi Mi Composite MDB Interface”).

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it on behalf of the administrator or using USB 2.0 ports (they are more stable than USB 3.0 for firmware).

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Bootloop: The phone is constantly rebooted on the Xiaomi logo.Solution: log in to Recovery and run Wipe data).
• 🚫 Update failed error: Occurs when the firmware version and device version mismatches. Solution: download the correct version (check the model code!).
• 🔋 Phone doesn't turn on after firmware: Try charging it for 30 minutes, then pinch Power + Volume up for 20 seconds.
• 📱 Touchscreen does not work after the update: This is a known problem on some models (e.g., Touchscreen, POCO X3 Solution: go back to the old version or wait for the patch.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi’s service center, and save the error log (if any) to speed up the diagnosis.

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Before you go to the service, try flashing your device through Fastboot with the "Clean all" option, which solves 80% of the "bricking" problems after a failed update.

6. Features for HyperOS and new Xiaomi models

With the release of HyperOS (replacing MIUI on 2026 devices), the update process has changed a little.

• 🆕 New firmware format: Files for HyperOS have the.ozip extension (instead of.zip!
• 🔒 More stringent signature verification: Installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may require additional manipulation of the bootloader.
• 📡 Updates by air (OTA): HyperOS comes in more often, but weighs less (Thanks to delta-updates).

For Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and newer models:

• ⚡ Use only official firmware from the HyperOS website.
• 🔧 For manual installation via Recovery, it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader even for official firmware.
• 📲 Use Mi Flash Tool 2026 (old version does not support new devices).

If you are upgrading from MIUI to HyperOS, consider:

• 🔄 All data will be erased (including photos and apps).
• ⚠️ Some functions (such as Second Space) may work differently.
• 📱 After the update, the phone can warm up stronger for the first 2-3 days - this is normal (the system is optimized).

7. How to roll back on a previous firmware version

If the new version of MIUI or HyperOS is unstable, you can go back to the previous firmware.

• 🔙 On devices with HyperOS rollback MIUI Impossible without a full flashing through Fastboot.
• 📉 Recoiling may result in data loss (including IMEI on some models).
• ⚠️ On new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) rollback blocked by manufacturer.

Instructions for rollback (if supported):

1. Download the old firmware from the archive.
2. Fastboot with the Clean All option.
3. After restarting, reset the settings (Wipe data in Recovery).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) rollback to version MIUI older 14.0.4 This can cause the loss of network modules (modem will stop working).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions