The process of updating the operating system on Xiaomi smartphones is often a necessity when an automatic air update (OTA) gives an error or the user wants to move to the global version from Chinese.Subject to install the archive allows you to solve a lot of software problems, such as “bootloop” (cyclical reboot), interface freezes or just wanting to get a fresher version of MIUI or HyperOS before others. This action requires care, but with the right approach it is safe for your device.
Before you start the active phase, you need to clearly understand what method is suitable for your situation. There are several ways to install: through the built-in update menu, through Recovery mode or through the Fastboot bootloader mode from your computer. The choice of method depends on the state of your device and the type of file downloaded. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances so that you can bring your Redmi Note back to life or update it to the current version.
It is worth noting that any manipulation of system software carries minimal risks. However, if you follow the algorithm strictly and check the compatibility of the model, the probability of success is 99%. It is critical to download the file that is intended for your particular device (model), as installing an inappropriate firmware can lead to the failure of communication modules.
Preparation of the device and selection of the correct version of the software
The first and most important step is to identify your device and find the appropriate software. An error in this step can cause the phone to stop turning on or lose the ability to make calls.You need to know exactly the code of your Redmi Note model, which is usually listed on the box or in the phone settings (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has global, eea, ru or cn codes).
You should only download files from trusted sources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers. A firmware file for manual updates usually has the.zip extension for the method via the recovery menu or.tgz for the method via a computer. This archive can weigh from 3 to 5 gigabytes, so make sure you have a stable Internet connection.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to install firmware designed for a MediaTek processor on a Snapdragon processor device, and vice versa. It is also strictly forbidden to reflash the device with the unlocked bootloader to the version with the blocked, if you are not sure about the compatibility of the regions, this can cause an Anti-Rollback error.
Once you download a file to your computer, you need to move it to the root of your smartphone’s internal memory or to an external microSD card if the method involves using a drive. If you plan to use your computer to run through Fastboot, make sure that there is at least 10 GB of free space on the disk to unpack the archive. The firmware file for the Recovery method must lie at the root of the memory, not in the folders, otherwise the system won’t see it.
Installation method through the built-in Recovery menu
The safest and easiest way to do this, without having to have a computer or a special driver, is to install it through the standard update menu, which is suitable if the phone is turned on, the touch screen is working and you can get into the settings, and the algorithm is as simple as possible for the average user, but requires consistency.
To start, copy the downloaded.zip archive to the phone's internal memory. Then go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI (or HyperOS) version. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file." The system will automatically check the integrity of the archive.
- 📱 Make sure the battery is over 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 📂 The firmware file must be in the internal memory, the use of the USB-storage OTG This method is often not supported.
- 🔄 After checking, the system will suggest restarting and starting installation, confirm the action with the “OK” button».
It takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the memory speed and the amount of updates. The screen can go out and turn on several times, which is normal for partitioning. Don't interrupt the process with a push of buttons, even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck. Once completed, the smartphone will automatically start with the new version of the software.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
Install firmware via Fastboot from a computer
If the phone doesn't boot into the system or you want to do a clean installation with the complete removal of old data, the Fastboot method is used. USB-The Mi Flash Tool is considered more professional and gives full control over memory partitions.
First, you need to put your smartphone in bootloader mode, and you need to press the device that's turned off with a volume button and a power button, and you'll see a picture of a rabbit repairing an android that says Fastboot. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Windows Device Manager section of Android Devices.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press select and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware (important: the path should not contain Cyrillic or spaces). At the bottom of the window, select the mode of operation:
- 🧹 Clean all – clean all data (recommended when switching between Android versions).
- 💾 Save user data – saving user data (may cause errors when changing region).
- ⚡ Clean all and lock – complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (only for global firmware on global devices).
⚠️ Warning: Using the Clean all and lock option on a device with Chinese firmware or unlocked bootloader will result in Hard Brick, which can only be restored through a paid Mi Auth account or soldering.
Once you select the mode, press the flash button. The process will go in the command line inside the program. At the end of a successful installation, the success sign will appear in green. The phone will reboot itself, and the first boot can take up to 10 minutes.