Install Xiaomi update via Recovery: full instruction with nuances

Updating firmware through Recovery mode is one of the most reliable ways to flash a Xiaomi smartphone if the standard OTA- update is unavailable or malfunctioning. This method is suitable for installing both official stable versions of the MIUI and custom firmware (with the bootloader unlocked).

Unlike the OTA update, installing through Recovery gives you more control: you can choose a specific firmware version, roll back to a previous build, or restore the functionality of your smartphone after a crash. But there are nuances here: for example, some Xiaomi models (especially on MediaTek processors) require a special recovery.img file, not just a ZIP- archive with firmware. In this article, we will discuss the process from downloading files to completing the installation, taking into account typical errors and how to fix them.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation

Before you move to Recovery, there are several critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or inability to complete the firmware.

First, check your device model and the firmware version, which can be done in Settings → About your phone. Write down or take a picture of the data: the model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), the code name (e.g., peux), and the MIUI and Android version, which you will need to download the correct firmware.

• 🔋 The battery should be at least 60 percent charged, and when it's low, the smartphone can shut down during firmware, causing hardware damage.
• 📁 Data backup. Firmware through Recovery often results in resets. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copy on your PC.
• 🔗 Cable USB If you plan to use ADB Sideload, prepare the original cable, because cheap analogs can interrupt data transmission.
• 🛠️ Unlocked bootloader (for custom firmware). The official version of MIUI does not require unlocking.

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. Only.zip files designed for manual installation (usually marked as Recovery ROM on Xiaomi’s website) are suitable for installation via Recovery. Do not use Fastboot files under any circumstances – they are incompatible with this method and can damage the system.

Where to download the official firmware for Xiaomi

The official MIUI firmware for installation through Recovery can be downloaded from several trusted sources, the main rule is: never use files from third sites unless you are sure of their authenticity.

• 🌐 Xiaomi's official website (miuidownload) publishes stable and beta versions for all supported models. Choose the Recovery section ROM.

When downloading, pay attention to:

• 📌 The code name of the device (e.g., raphael for Redmi K20 Pro) must match your model.
• 🔢 Version MIUI. For stable operation, choose the latest stable build (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5).
• 🌍 Region: Firmware for Global, China, and EEA (Europe) may differ in a set of preinstalled applications and languages.

After downloading, check the integrity of the file. The file size with firmware is usually 2-3 GB. If the file weighs much less, it is likely to be corrupted. You can also compare the checksum (MD5 or SHA-1) with the one listed on the Xiaomi website.

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If you download firmware on a PC and then transfer it to your smartphone, use an archiver (e.g., 7-Zip) to check the ZIP- file for errors. The damaged archive will not be unpacked in Recovery, and the installation will be interrupted.

How to download Xiaomi in Recovery Mode

The transition to Recovery on Xiaomi smartphones is done through a combination of hardware buttons. However, the method may vary depending on the model and firmware version. Below is a universal instruction that works for most devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi).

Method 1: through the device switched off

1. Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Method 2: via ADB (if the smartphone is on and there is debugging over USB)

adb reboot recovery

In the Recovery menu on Xiaomi, you will see the following options (may vary depending on the version):

• 📱 Reboot is a reboot of the device.
• 🔄 Apply update – install the update (we need the item).
• 🧹 Wipe data is a reset (used in case of serious failures).
• 🔌 Connect with MiAssistant – Connecting to a PC for Recovery.

If the menu is in Chinese, select the second item at the top (usually Apply update). Use the volume buttons (Up/Down) to navigate and the Power button to confirm.

Installation of firmware through Recovery: a step-by-step process

Once you're in the Recovery menu, you can start installing, and there are two options: install from a memory card or through ADB Sideload. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Installation with internal memory or SD- card

This is the easiest way to do this, and it doesn't require a PC connection, and it's suitable for official MIUI firmware.

1. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update (or similar item in Chinese).
2. Then select the Select update package.
3. With volume buttons, find your ZIP- file (e.g., miui_BLOCKOTA_peux_global_14.0.5.0.zip) and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. The installation process will start. The progress bar and the log of operations will appear on the screen, and don't interrupt the process, even if it takes 10 to 20 minutes.
5. Once completed, select Reboot system now to reboot.

Method 2: Installation with ADB Sideload

This method is useful if:

• 📱 You don't have a slot for the SD- card, and the internal memory is damaged.
• 🔌 You need to flash a smartphone that doesn't recognize files in memory.
• 🛠️ You need to install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📁 ZIP- A firmware file hosted on a PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone in Recovery mode to your PC.
2. From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MiAssistant (or ADB Sideload if you have one).
3. On PC, open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined (should appear a string with a serial number).
4. Enter the command to install: adb sideload name file.zip Replace the name file.zip with the actual name of your firmware.
5. Wait until the process is complete. The smartphone screen will show progress.

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If during ADB Sideload there is an adb: failed to read command: No error error error, check the cable or USB port. Often the problem is solved by connecting to the back port of the system unit (on a PC).

Typical installation errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If after installation, the smartphone is fixated on the Mi logo, this can mean:

• 🔄 Incompatibility of firmware with a hardware platform (e.g., trying to flash Redmi Note 10 Pro with firmware from POCO X3 Pro).
• 🧹 Incomplete pre-installing vape (especially when switching to a new version of Android).

In this case, it will help to re-install the firmware with a full reset (Wipe data) or go to Fastboot for recovery through the Mi Flash Tool.

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If the IMEI is missing or the network is not working, it is likely that the firmware for another regional version (for example, China instead of Global) was installed, you can restore the IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like the SN Write Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

What to do after successful installation

Once rebooted, the smartphone can run slower than usual for 5-10 minutes, which is normal because it optimizes applications.

• 🔒 Check security. Go to Settings → Passwords and security and update your fingerprints/face if they are reset.
• 📶 Set up a network. Connect to Wi-Fi and check the mobile Internet. If there's no network, manually update the settings APN.
• 🔄 Update your apps. Go to Google Play and update all the programs, because once you've done the firmware, some of them might not work properly.
• 📱 Check the MIUI version. Make sure the build you want is installed: Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI.

If you notice bugs (for example, no gestures, no vibration or camera makes an error), try:

1. Perform a reset settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).
2. Re-install the firmware (the file may have been corrupted on the first attempt).
3. Contact the XDA forum or support Xiaomi – some bugs may be known and have patches.

If the firmware is installed successfully, but the smartphone began to discharge faster, give the battery a 2-3 charge/discharge cycle for calibration. Also check the background activity of the applications in the Settings → Battery menu.

Reverse the previous version of MIUI via Recovery

Sometimes after updating users are faced with critical bugs or inconveniences of the new version of MIUI. In this case, you can return the previous firmware, but there are important nuances:

⚠️ Warning: If you roll back on an older version of Android (like Android 13 to Android 12), you need to perform Wipe data (full reset). Otherwise, the smartphone may not boot or malfunction.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the ZIP- file of the desired version of MIUI (it must be older than the current one).
2. Transfer it to the internal memory or the SD- card.
3. Download to Recovery and select Wipe data → Wipe All Data.
4. After reset, go back to the main menu and select Apply update, then specify the downloaded file.
5. Wait for the installation to be completed and restart the smartphone.

If some features (such as navigation gestures or reading mode) are lost after a rollback, this may be due to changes to the new version of MIUI, in which case they can only be returned by manually adjusting or returning to the current firmware.

Also, remember that when you are backing down:

• 📱 Application data will be deleted (unless a backup has been made).
• 🔒 Some security settings will reset (e.g., a pattern lock or PIN- code).
• 📡 Cellular communication problems may occur if the firmware does not support the current operator settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating through Recovery