Xiaomi’s mobile devices are famous for their functionality, but even the most advanced operating system MIUI or HyperOS sometimes requires reinstallation, which can be necessary to fix software bugs, improve security, or even change the region from Chinese to global.
Fortunately, engineers have made it possible to do this directly from the smartphone itself, and the process of upgrading through the built-in bootloader or recovery mode allows the device to be brought back to life without the use of sophisticated tools, but to avoid turning the gadget into a brick, you need to strictly follow the sequence of actions and understand the risks.
In this article, we will discuss how to prepare a file correctly, where to download it, and how to start the flashing process, you will learn about the differences between update modes and understand which method is suitable for your Redmi or POCO model.
Preparation for installation: compatibility check and backup
Before you start taking action, it is critical to make sure that the chosen version of the operating system fully matches your model. Installing an inappropriate package can cause communication modules to fail or the device to fail completely. Always check the code name of the model in the Settings → About phone section.
The next step is to back up. Even if you plan to upgrade without losing data, there's always a risk of failure. Save your contacts, photos and important documents to Google Drive's cloud service or to your memory card. It will take time, but it will save your nerves in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Make sure the battery is at least 60 percent, the process of writing system files is energy intensive, and a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure can damage the bootloader partition, and check for free space in internal storage - the firmware file can take from 3 to 5 GB.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to unlock the screen and disable any passwords or graphics keys if possible so that the system does not request them at the most inopportune time of the reboot.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
Where to download secure firmware for Xiaomi
There are many sources of files for updating, but trust only proven resources. The company's official servers guarantee the absence of viruses and modifications that can disrupt Google services or banking applications. For most users, the built-in updater will be the best choice.
If the automatic update does not offer a new version, you can use the official support site miui.com or specialized portals like xiaomiui.net. Here the files are structured according to models and versions of Android. It is important to pay attention to the type of firmware: Recovery (for updating through the recovery menu) or Fastboot (requires a PC, we do not fit).
When downloading manually, pay attention to the file extension. To install via your phone, we need an archive with the.zip extension. Files with the.tgz extension are designed for firmware through your computer and the Mi Flash utility, you can't just rename them.
How to distinguish global firmware from Chinese?
For advanced users, there is a region-specific option, and changing the firmware region (e.g. from India to Global) may require a complete data cleanup, so think twice before downloading such a package.
Method One: Standard Update through the Settings Menu
The easiest and safest way is to use a regular update mechanism, which will check the hash and integrity of the file before installing, and is ideal for those who want to simply upgrade to the current stabilization version without unnecessary manipulation.
To start, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the current version of MIUI. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file. The system will request access to the files - allow it.
Find the previously downloaded.zip archive in the device's memory. If the file fits, a confirmation window with version and size will appear. Press OK, then the device will restart and start the installation process. Don't touch the smartphone at this time.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Archive.zip | Use only Recovery |
| Source | Official website or Updater | Avoiding third-party assemblies |
| AKB charge | At least 60% | Better to keep on charging. |
| Data data | Retained or removed | Depends on the type of update |
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Automatic updates via the built-in bootloader are the safest method, as the system itself controls version compatibility and file integrity before installation.
Method Two: Recovery Mode and Manual Installation
If the standard method doesn't work or you want to reset all the data, you use Recovery mode, which is a special diagnostic interface that loads independently of the main operating system, and you can access it through a keyboard combination when you turn on.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power, but continue to keep the volume until the Recovery menu appears.
From the menu, select the language (if available) or immediately go to Wipe Data for cleaning if necessary. Then select Connect with MIAssistant (for PC connection) or, in some versions of Recovery, the Install or Apply update option is available, allowing you to select a zip file directly from a memory card or internal storage.
It is worth noting that in modern versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 Direct file selection from memory in Recovery is often blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons. ADB, But it already requires a computer.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen often doesn't work. All navigation is done exclusively with mechanical volume and on buttons. Don't panic if the screen doesn't respond to touch.
The secret method: installation through three fingers
There is a hidden feature in the standard update app that allows you to select a firmware file manually, bypassing the limitations of an automatic updater. This method works on most Xiaomi and Redmi devices without the need for root rights.
First, download the desired firmware file and place it in the root of internal memory. Then open the System Update app. Click repeatedly (about 10 times) on the current OS until you see a message about enabling additional features.
Once you activate the hidden menu, click three dots in the corner of the screen. The list will show Select a firmware file (or Choose package). Select your zip archive. The system will warn you to reboot - confirm the action.
The device will go into upgrade mode. The screen will display the Mi logo and progress bar. This process can take from 5 to 15 minutes. Once completed, the smartphone will automatically reboot to the new system.
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If the system says "Impossible to Update" after selecting a file, chances are you're trying to install an older version (downgrade) or firmware from another region, in which case you need a complete data cleanup or unlocked bootloader.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
There are various errors that can occur during the firmware process, and one of the most common is Error 7 or a message that the package cannot be verified, which means that the digital signature of the file does not match the expected signature, or the file is damaged when downloaded.
The solution is to re-upload the file from another source or check the checksum (MD5), and there is also a frequent error "Not enough space", in which case you need to clear the application cache or delete unnecessary videos and photos before starting the installation.
If the device has been stuck on the logo after the bootloop, try resetting to factory settings via Recovery. Press the power and volume buttons, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will delete all files, but can bring the phone back to life.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless reboot and does not respond to the buttons, the boot partition may be damaged.