Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to update the operating system regardless of whether they have a personal computer at hand. Situations vary: the device may work unstable, the current version of MIUI contains errors, or the user simply wants to get fresh features and security patches. Fortunately, the Chinese manufacturer’s ecosystem provides several built-in mechanisms for reinstalling system software.
The process of installing a new firmware version directly from your phone is called Recovery Flash, which allows you to download the full installation package and start the upgrade process using only the resources of the smartphone itself. USB-And you can use the cable and the software, and it's autonomous, and it reduces the risk of port damage, and it doesn't require finding a working computer.
However, before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to clearly understand which version you are going to install. Global firmware (Global) and Chinese firmware (CN) have different structure (markup). Trying to install a version for the domestic Chinese market on a global device without an unlocked bootloader can lead to problems. Critically, installing firmware with another regional binding (for example, CN on Global) without an unlocked bootloop (cyclic reboot).
Preparation of the smartphone and compatibility check
The first step is to prepare the device thoroughly, and you need to make sure that the battery is at least 60 percent charged, and ideally 80-90% charged, the flashing process can take 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure will fatally affect the operation of the operating system, and you should also free up internal memory: the full service pack weighs from 2 to 4 GB, so having free space is a prerequisite.
Make sure to back up all your important data. Even if you plan to upgrade without losing data (Clean install is not always mandatory, but desirable), there is always a risk of software failure. Copy contacts, photos and documents to Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage, or transfer them to an external drive. After resetting the settings that are often recommended when changing software versions, it will be easier to recover information.
Next, you need to pinpoint your device model and the current shell version. Go to Settings → About Phone. You're interested in the line "MIUI Version." Click on it several times to see the hidden build number. This information is needed to find the correct firmware file. It's also important to know if you have a bootloader unlocked. You can check the bootloader status if you press the power and volume button, but for a standard installation through Recovery, this is not always required unless you change the region.
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to switch from Chinese firmware to global (CN → Global) or vice versa, the standard method through Recovery will not work without the unlocked bootloader. The system will give an error "Can't verify update." In such cases, either a complete data cleanup (does not always work) or the use of a PC is required.
Check the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to download the file directly. It is better to use a Wi-Fi network, as mobile traffic can be unstable or limited. Make sure that your Mi Account is linked to the device and you remember the password from it, as after reinstalling the system, you may need authorization to remove the activation lock.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
Finding and downloading the correct firmware file
The quality and success of the procedure depends on the source of the file. Official firmware for Xiaomi is distributed in two main formats: Recovery (ZIP) and Fastboot (TGZ). We need the Recovery format, because it is designed to be installed directly through the recovery menu of the smartphone. Fastboot files are designed for PC and will not be suitable for our task.
There are several proven sources to download, and the most reliable is the built-in updater, but it often offers only one download. OTA-updates that only update modified parts of the system. ROM). It can be found on the official forum. MIUI or on specialized resources such as miui.com or verified mirrors like xiaomirom.com.
When searching, pay attention to the following parameters:
- 📱 Device model (Codename): Each smartphone has a code name (for example, gucci for Redmi Note 4, cepheus for Mi 9.
- 🌍 Region: Global (Global), European (EEA), Russian (RU), Chinese (CN) or Indian (IN). The firmware should correspond to the region of your device.
- 📦 File Type: Make sure the file extension is.zip and the name contains the word recovery.
- 🔢 Android Version: When upgrading from one version of Android to another (for example, from Android 11 to 13), it is better to download intermediate versions or use a full reset.
After downloading a file, don’t rename it unless the model manual says otherwise. Usually the file has a long name containing the MIUI version and release date. Place the downloaded archive in the root of internal memory or on a memory card (if there is a slot) so that it is easy to find.
Where can I find the phone's code name?
Method of installation through the built-in menu "System Update"
This is the easiest and most secure way for every user to use, and it doesn't require any superuser rights (Root) or unlock the bootloader. You need to activate the additional updater features first. Open the Settings app → About your phone and click on the MIUI version. You'll see a message to check for updates.
Now, you need to click on the menu icon three times (three dots in the upper right corner of the screen). In the drop-down list, select "Select firmware file." The system will ask you to confirm the action, then the file manager will open. ZIP-file with firmware and select it.
If the file is compatible, the checksum checksum process will begin, the device will make sure the file is intact and fits the model, and after successful verification, the Update button will appear. Press it, and the phone will suggest that you reboot. During the reboot process, an installation will begin, which can take up to 15 minutes, the screen can go out and light up, the Android logo or MIUI may appear.
⚠️ Warning: During installation (when the logo and loading bar are visible on the screen), it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the process. Do not press buttons or try to turn off the phone, even if it seems to be frozen.
In some cases, if you try to roll back to an older version of the firmware (Downgrade), the system may block the installation, in which case you will need to press three dots again and select Switch version, and then select MIUI Downgrade, which confirms your intention to install older software.
Use of MIUI bootloader and Mi Pilot
For those who want to have access to betas or newer builds than the official OTA offers, there is a MIUI bootloader app or Mi Pilot service, which allows you to download full firmware packages directly to the device. However, access to beta versions often requires registration with the developer community.
Annex MIUI bootloader automatically determines the model of your smartphone and offers a list of available firmware. You can filter them by type (Stable, Beta, Weekly) and region. Once you select the desired version, click the download button. The file will be saved to the folder. downloaded_rom inner-memory.
Once the download is complete, the application will prompt the installation process to start. The mechanics remain the same: check the file, reboot to Recovery mode and install. The advantage of such applications is that they automatically check the integrity of the file and often have a built-in compatibility database, which reduces the risk of user error.
It is worth noting that using third-party downloaders requires caution: make sure you download the application from a trusted source, such as the official developer’s website or from the Google Play store, if available there. Do not use modified versions of updaters from questionable forums, as they may contain malicious code.
💡
Tip: If the standard Updater gives an error "Backage is corrupted" or "Can't check", try clearing the cache of the "System Update" application. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All applications → System Update → Clear (Cache and Data).
Comparison of installation methods and possible errors
Different ways of installing firmware have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best path for your situation. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods.
| Parameter | OTA (Airway) | Recovery (ZIP file) | Fastboot (from PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence of PC | Not required | Not required | I'll be sure. |
| Data retention | Preserve. | Depends on the type (Clean/Update) | Most often removed |
| Change of region | Impossible. | Only with an unlocked BL | Possibly (with unlocked BL) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High (for beginners) |
| Speed. | Slowly (depends on the network) | Quickly. | Very quickly. |
Users often encounter common errors during installation, one of the most common being the "Can't verify update", which means that the digital signature of the file is not the same as expected, such as when you try to install Global firmware on a CN device or when you damage the file when you download it.
Another common problem is getting stuck on the MI logo. If the phone is hanging on the logo for more than 10-15 minutes, there may have been a conflict of system files, in which case, enter Recovery mode (pressing the power and volume button) and select Wipe Data, which will return the phone to factory settings and often solves the problem.
There may also be a Not enough space error, which indicates a lack of space in the internal storage, be sure to delete large files, videos or applications that you don't use before installing, and the system needs space to decompress the archive before installing.
💡
The Recovery Method (ZIP) is the middle ground between the simplicity of OTA and the functionality of Fastboot, allowing you to update the system without a computer, but with the ability to choose a specific version of the software.