How to install updates on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Xiaomi smartphones regularly receive MIUI and Android updates that fix bugs, add new features and improve performance. However, the process of installing updates can vary depending on the phone model, firmware version and even region. Incorrect actions when updating sometimes lead to data loss, device freeze or even a "brick" (completely inoperable), so it is important to follow the verified instructions.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — standard OTA-Update to manual firmware settings via Fastboot or Recovery, and learn how to prepare your device for an update, where to download official firmware, and what to do if the update is “hang-up” or gives an error. Separately, we will dwell on the nuances for blocked downloaders and devices with custom firmware.

1.Preparing the phone for the upgrade: what to do before installation

Before installing an update, several mandatory steps must be taken to minimize the risks of crashes and data loss.

First, check the current version of MIUI and the available updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. Remember or write down the current version, which you will need if you have to roll back. Second, make sure that the phone has enough free space: most updates require at least 2-3 GB of free memory.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% (optimally 80-100%) If the phone runs out during the upgrade, it can cause serious failures.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection. To download updates via OTA It is better to use Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet.
• 📱 Backup: Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to Mi Cloud, Google Drive or your computer.
• 🔑 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to manually firmware). On new Xiaomi devices, the bootloader is locked by default.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi phone was purchased in China (the domestic version), updates to global servers may not be available.

Charge your phone to 80%|

Connect to Wi-Fi|

Make a backup copy of the data |

Check the vacant space (minimum 3 GB)|

Ensure the stability of the Internet connection-->

Method 1: Standard OTA-update

The easiest and safest way to upgrade Xiaomi is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, which is suitable for most users and requires no special skills.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click the "Check Updates" button.
3. If the update is available, click "Download" (you will need an Internet connection).
4. After download, click "Install" and confirm the reboot.

The phone will automatically restart and install the update, and the entire process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the firmware size and device model.

⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone started to brake or discharge quickly, try resetting the cache in Recovery (click Volume up). + Power when the phone is turned off, then select "Wipe Cache").

Once a month |

Only when critical corrections appear |

Never update |

On the recommendation of the system-->

Method 2: Update via Mi PC Suite (for Windows)

If OTA-Update is unavailable or gives an error, you can use the official Mi utility PC Suite. This is a useful way to do this:

• 🌐 Phone does not see the update through settings;
• 📥 The update has been downloaded, but is not installed;
• 🔄 We need to revert to the previous version. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Turn on the phone to debug. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press "Version" MIUI", Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
4. Start Mi PC Suite, wait for the device to connect.
5. Go to the “Update” tab and follow the program instructions.

The advantage of this method is that it automatically selects the latest firmware for your model and region. However, Mi PC Suite does not always support the latest Xiaomi models, so for flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14), it is better to use other methods.

💡

If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see your phone, try changing the USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.

Method 3: Manual installation via Recovery (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can manually install the update via Recovery, which is suitable for firmware official. OTA-Packages (files with.zip extension).

Important: Don't confuse Recovery with Fastboot! Recovery is a recovery mode that can be logged in with a combination of buttons. Fastboot is a bootloader mode that requires a PC connection.

Instructions:

1. Download the official OTA-package for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.
2. Place the.zip file in the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not in the folder!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then go to "Install update.zip to System".
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 or POCO F4) If you see a "Couldn't verify package" error, it means that the file is corrupted or not intended for your model.

5. Method 4: Fastboot Firmware (for advanced users)

If the previous methods didn't work, you're left with the firmware on Fastboot, which requires a computer, USB-cable and command line knowledge:

• 🔄 Recovery of the phone after a failure;
• 📥 Installation of global firmware on the Chinese version;
• 🔧 Unlock the loader (if it is blocked).

Instructions:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website (file.tgz or.zip).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers.
4. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
6. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
7. Start the firmware with the command: fastboot flash all (or flash_all.bat, If there is such a file in the archive).

It'll take 5 to 15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll automatically restart. USB-cable and do not interrupt the process!

💡

Fastboot firmware completely overwrites the system partition, so all data will be deleted.

6. Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even when you follow instructions, sometimes you get mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

If the phone does not turn on after a failed update or is stuck on booting, try:

• 🔄 Reset your settings via Recovery ("Wipe Data");
• 📥 Fastboot refashion;
• 🔧 Contact the service center if you can not solve the problem yourself.

7. Features of the update for different models Xiaomi

The upgrade process may vary depending on the series and year of the phone.

For flagships (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix Fold):

• 📲 Updates are issued more frequently (monthly or weekly for testers);
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked, manual firmware requires unlocking;
• 🌍 Support for global and Chinese firmware (but not all features work in global version).

For budget models (Redmi 10/12, POCO M/X):

• 📥 It is recommended to use the Mi PC Suite for stable firmware.

For older models (Xiaomi Mi A1/A2, Redmi Note 5):

• ⚠️ Official support MIUI may be terminated;
• 🛠️ It is possible to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS);
• 🔧 For firmware, you may need to roll back to an older version MIUI.

💡

Xiaomi phones with a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi 10C) require a special MTK VCOM driver to run through Fastboot. Download it from MediaTek or 4PDA forums.

8 How to Reverse to the Previous Version MIUI

If the phone gets worse after the upgrade (e.g., it runs out quickly or brakes), you can return the previous firmware version, but a rollback is not always possible, depending on Xiaomi’s policy and device model.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the full firmware (not OTA!) of the previous version from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and follow the instructions for Fastboot (see Method 4).
3. If a rollback through Fastboot is not possible, try flashing through Recovery, but note that this can lead to errors.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a rollback to the old version MIUI It's blocked by the manufacturer, and then you can only go to the service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)