Firmware updates on Xiaomi devices are a process that many users perceive as automatic and invisible. However, there are situations when you need to manually find a downloaded update file: to transfer it to another device, reinstall it after a crash or simply free up space on the internal drive. Where does Xiaomi store these files? It turns out that the path depends on the type of device (smartphone, TV, tablet), version of MIUI or Android TV, and the way you download it — via Wi-Fi or mobile network.
Not everyone knows that update files can take anywhere from 500 MB to 3 GB, which is a lot for devices with limited memory. Moreover, after a successful firmware installation, the system does not always delete the downloaded archive automatically. In this article, we will analyze all possible locations where Xiaomi saves updates, and learn how to manage these files without risking damage to the system.
If you encounter an error when upgrading or want to manually install firmware, knowing the exact path to the file will save you time. For example, on smartphones with MIUI 12-14, the storage logic is different from the older versions, and on Xiaomi TV, files can be hidden in a completely different directory.
1.Where updates are stored on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
On smartphones running MIUI (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models), updates are downloaded to a standard folder, but its location depends on the firmware version and download method.
/sdcard/Downloaded_rom/This directory is created automatically when you first update it via Settings → About Phone → System Update. The firmware file is usually named in the format:
miui_[Model]_[VERSION]_[REGION]_[Date].zipExample: miui_MI11Global_V14.0.5.0.TKBMIXM_20231012.zip.
If the folder Downloaded_rom empty, check it out:
- 📁 Time folder: /data/ota_package/ (requires root access or a file manager with superuser rights).
- 🔍 bootloader cache: Sometimes files remain in the /cache/, but after rebooting are removed.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: If the update was downloaded via Mi Cloud, the file could be synced to the Mi folder Cloud/OTA.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from /data/ota_package/ manually, which can cause the next update to fail, and the system cleans the folder itself after the successful installation.
2. Features of storage updates on Xiaomi TV and Mi Box
On Xiaomi Mi TVs and Mi Box media (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi Box S models), the logic of storing updates is different.
/storage/emulated/0/Download/upgrade/The files here have the.pkg or.zip extension and the name of the type:
mi_tv_[Model]_[VERSION]_[Date].pkgExample: mi_tv_lx060_ota_V2.0.123_20260315.pkg.
If the folder is empty, check the alternative paths:
- 📺 Internal memory TV: /data/ota/ (accessible ADB).
- 🔌 Outside USB-drive: if the update was downloaded to a flash drive, the file will be at the root of the drive under the name update.zip.
- 🌐 Browser cache: if you downloaded firmware manually through Mi TV Browser, the file may remain in /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.tv.browser/cache/.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TV PatchWall version below 3.0 Update files can be saved in /cache/recovery/, But when you reboot them, they automatically delete them.
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If the TV does not see the update file on USB-Rename it to the storage device, rename it to update.zip (without spaces and special symbols) and place the flash drive in the root.
3. How to find a downloaded update if the folder is empty
Sometimes the update file seems to disappear after downloading.
- Autoclean: MIUI can delete a file after successful installation. Check the update history in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Update History.
- Download failure: If the process is interrupted, the file may have remained in the temporary folder. ADB-Search Engine: Adb shell find /sdcard/ -name "update"
- Hidden Files: Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager (for example, in Mi File Explorer, click • • → → Show hidden files).
- Path error: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) file downloaded_rom small-letter.
If nothing works, try to download the update again. Importantly, before you do this, free up at least 1 GB of storage on the internal drive, otherwise the system may not save the file.
Enable the display of hidden files|Check the folder. /sdcard/Downloaded_rom/|Use it. ADB keyword-search|View the update history|Free up disk space and repeat the boot-->
4. How to manage update files: deletion, transfer, backup
Downloaded updates can be transferred between devices, deleted to free up space or saved as a backup.
| Action. | Instructions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Removal | Just delete the file from the folder Downloaded_rom upgrade. | Do not delete files from /data/ota_package/ rootless. |
| Transfer to another smartphone | Copy the file to an external drive and place it in the same folder on the second device. | Make sure the models match (e.g. Redmi Note 11) ≠ Redmi Note 11 Pro). |
| Backup | Save the file to your PC or cloud (like Google Drive). | The file name contains the firmware version – this will help not to confuse backups. |
| Manual installation | In Settings → System Update, click • • → Select a firmware file. | The file must be unpacked (unpacked) and conform to the model. |
⚠️ Note: Shifting firmware between devices with different processors (e.g. Snapdragon and Mediatek) or regions (e.g. Global vs China) can cause a device to "brick" (inoperability!
5.Why the update is not installed from the file
A common problem: the update file is downloaded, but the system doesn't see it or it gives you an error.
- 🔄 Version mismatches: The firmware file must be newer than the current version. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- 🔒 Damaged file: Compare MD5-Hash file with official (on the Xiaomi website). MD5 Checker.
- 📱 bootloader lock: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Requires bootloader unlock for manual installation.
- 🌍 Regional conflict: China firmware won't be installed on the Global version of the device (and vice versa).
If you have a "Couldn't verify update" error, try:
- Rename the file to update.zip.
- Put it in the root of internal memory (not in the folder).
- Use ADB sideload: adb sideload path to file.zip
What if the update is “hanging” by 50%?
6. Where updates for wearable devices are downloaded (Mi Band, Mi Watch)
Xiaomi smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band 7, Mi Watch S1, Redmi Watch 3) are updated through the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
/Android/data/com.xiaomi.hm.health/files/ota/Or for new versions of the app:
/Android/data/com.xiaomi.wearable/files/ota/Features:
- 📲 Files are either.fw or.bin and weigh 1–10 MB.
- 🔄 After installation, they are usually removed automatically.
- 🔒 Access to the folder is possible only through root or ADB, Because it's an application directory.
If the bracelet update is “hanging”, try:
- Reconnect the device in the application.
- Clear the Mi Fitness cache in Android settings.
- Install the update via Zepp OS Assistant (for Zepp OS watches).
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Updates for wearable devices Xiaomi can not install manually, only through the official application. Attempts to flash the bracelet "over the air" or through third-party utilities lead to loss of functionality.