Ever wondered where Xiaomi downloads updates before installing them?This question is relevant not only for curious users, but also for those who want to free up device memory, delete unnecessary files or even manually install firmware without waiting for OTA. Xiaomi smartphones, TVs and routers (including sub-brands Redmi, POCO and Mi TV) use different ways to store downloaded packages - and we will analyze each case in detail.
In this article, you will find not only the exact paths to update folders, but also practical tips: how to find hidden OTA files on Android 12+, why updates can disappear after a reboot, and how to forcefully clear the cache if the system stubbornly does not see free space. And also a table comparing paths for different types of devices and answers to frequent questions that are not covered even in the official documentation.
1.Where do updates on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones download
On mobile devices running MIUI (or HyperOS in newer models), update files are stored in a system folder that is restricted, but there are several ways to find them:
The main path: /data/ota_package/ — Here are downloaded.zip packets with firmware, but this folder is hidden and requires root rights or special applications (for example, for example, for example, for the use of the software, FX File Explorer with Superuser Mode enabled).
Alternative locations (depending on MIUI version):
- 📁 /sdcard/Download/rom/ — Here you can still have copies of packages after manual download via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔄 /cache/ — Temporary update files (cleaned after reboot).
- 📦 /data/app/com.android.updater-*/cache/ — Cache of the application System Update (requires root to access).
Important: starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi is actively using delta updates (incomplete packages) that are downloaded to the Internet. /data/ota_package/delta/ And they're automatically deleted after installation, and if you're looking for a manual firmware file, you'll have to download it again through the official website.
💡
If you need to save the update file for re-installation, copy it from /data/ota_package/ into /sdcard/Download/ After the reboot, the system can automatically delete the packet.
2. Features of storage updates on Mi TV and Redmi TV
Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV or PatchWall, and their update system is radically different from mobile devices, the main difference is that OTA files are stored in a user-accessible folder, but with a number of nuances.
The main path to update files: /storage/emulated/0/Download/upgrade/ or /mnt/usb/sda1/upgrade/ (if connected USB-Here you will find files with the extension.pkg or.zip, whose names contain the firmware version (for example, mstar_upgrade_pkg_mt5658_miatv_v2.0.123_20260315.pkg).
Key points:
- 🔍 Update files are not automatically deleted after installation – they need to be manually cleaned.
- 📺 On PatchWall TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 4S/5X) The path may look like /data/ota/, But it's closed without access. ADB.
- ⚠️ If the TV does not see the update file on USB, Check that the folder is called upgrade (registration is important!) and the file is not archived.
For forced installation of updates from USB:
- Download the firmware from the official website (select the TV model).
- Unpack the archive (if it is in.zip format) and place the.pkg file in the upgrade folder on the flash drive.
- Connect USB to your TV, go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update via USB.
Download the firmware for your model |
Format the flash drive in FAT32|
Create an upgrade folder (in small letters)|
Place the.pkg file in the folder |
Safe to extract USB computer-->
3.Where Xiaomi routers store firmware files
Mi Router devices (e.g. Xiaomi Router 4A/4C/AX3600) are updated differently than smartphones or TVs. There are no traditional.zip files here - the firmware is downloaded directly into the router's temporary memory and installed without saving to disk.
For manual updates via the web interface:
- 🖥️ The firmware file (.bin) must be downloaded from the official website (Download section).
- 📁 storage folder on the router: /tmp/ (available only through SSH).
- ⚡ After installation, the file is automatically deleted – it cannot be saved to the router for reuse.
If you want to save the current firmware for rollback:
ssh admin@192.168.31.1
cd /tmp
cat /proc/mtd
nanddump -f mtd_backup.bin /dev/mtdXWhere mtdX is a firmware partition (defined by cat /proc/mtd) This method requires Linux experience and can lead to a device blinking if it fails!
What to do if the router freezes after the update?
4.Why updates can "disappear" and how to fix it
Many users are faced with a situation where the update file has downloaded but disappeared after rebooting or cleaning the cache.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| OTA file disappears after reboot | The system cleans /cache/ when rebooting | Copy the file to /sdcard/Download/ before rebooting |
| The update has been downloaded, but is not installed | A damaged file or lack of memory | Delete the file manually and download it again. |
| folder /data/ota_package/ idle | Update installed or removed by the system | Check the version in Settings → About the phone |
| The TV can't see the file on USB | Wrong folder name or file format | Rename the folder to upgrade, file to upgrade.pkg |
A special case: on HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), update files can be stored in encrypted form. They can not be copied or used on another device, the system checks the digital signature and model of the gadget.
Immediately after the release of the new version |
Every 2-3 months |
Only if there are problems|
Never update.-->
5. How to find and delete unnecessary update files
If the device memory is full and you suspect that the OTA files are the cause, follow this instruction:
For smartphones:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or Root Browser).
- Move to the /data/ota_package/ — There may be files the size of 1.5 GB 3 GB.
- Delete all files with the.zip or.dm extension (delta packets).
- Clear the cache of the System Update application in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
For TVs:
- 📂 Open the File Manager on the TV (or connect it). USB computer-to-computer).
- 🗑️ Delete the contents of the folder /Download/upgrade/.
- 🔄 Restart the TV through Settings → Reboot.
For routers:
You can't manually delete firmware files, they're stored in temporary memory, but you can reset the cache via SSH:
ssh admin@192.168.31.1
rm -rf /tmp/*💡
Do not delete files from /data/ota_package/ While downloading the update! this can cause the system to crash and need to recover via Fastboot.
6.How to download the update manually and install it without OTA
If the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions or the blocking of Xiaomi servers), you can download the firmware yourself.
For smartphones:
- Find your model on MIUI Downloads.
- Download the full firmware (Fastboot) or recovery package (Recovery).
- To install via recovery: Place the.zip file in /sdcard/Download/. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select the Update File.
- To install via Fastboot: Unpack the archive and use the Mi Flash Tool on your PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power).
For TVs:
- 🌍 Download the firmware for your model from the support page.
- 📁 Place the.pkg file in the upgrade folder on USB-storage (FAT32!).
- 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Update via USB.
For routers:
Manual firmware is possible only through the web interface:
- Download the.bin file for your model.
- Go to 192.168.31.1 → Advanced Settings → System → Manual Upgrade.
- Download the file and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the power!).
What to do if the firmware is not installed?
7 Risks and Warnings When Working with Update Files
Mistakes with OTA files can lead to serious failures, including:
- 🔴 Brick of the device (complete inoperability).
- 🔄 Logo obsession MI loading.
- 📵 Losing. IMEI or serial number (on smartphones).
Critical moments:
⚠️ Warning: Never edit update files (e.g., don't try to unpack.zip and change content). META-INF Make the package unfit for installation.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV with an MStar processor (models up to 2020), incorrect firmware can lead to sound loss or idle Wi-Fi. Before updating, check the file compatibility with your board revision (indicated on the sticker at the back).
If something went wrong:
- 📱 For smartphones: use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (erase all data!).
- 📺 For TVs: Try to sew through USB with the Menu button on the remote (restore mode).
- 📶 For routers: Restore through UART Or contact a service center (self-repair is often impossible).