MIUI 13: how long does it take to update the system and restart on Xiaomi

Why MIUI 13 Update May Take Longer Than You Expect

Updating to MIUI 13 on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a process that often raises questions among users, including how long it takes to reboot the system and when to start worrying if the phone is stuck in the installation phase. Unlike a regular app update, the firmware update affects the operating system core, so it takes more time and resources.

The average refresh time varies from 10 to 45 minutes, but in some cases the process can take an hour or more, depending on several factors: the device model, the current version of MIUI, the way to update (over the air or through Recovery), as well as the state of memory and processor. For example, flagships like the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 installation will be faster than on the budget Redmi 9A or POCO M3, where the hardware is weaker and there is less RAM.

Another nuance is the reboot steps, where many users confuse the download time of a firmware file (which depends on the speed of the Internet) with the installation time itself. In fact, after downloading, the longest step begins: unpacking the archive, checking the integrity of the files, writing to the system partition and optimizing applications, which is where the phone can hang on a black screen or Mi logo for 10-20 minutes - and that's okay.

How long does it take to update MIUI 13: Step-by-step analysis

To understand how long it will take for your smartphone, let’s look at the upgrade process by step, and it’s important to keep in mind that the time frame is approximate and may vary depending on the model and conditions.

• 📥 Downloading of a firmware file: 2 to 15 minutes (depending on Internet speed and file size – usually 1.5-3 GB).
• ⚙️ Preparation for installation: 1-3 minutes (memory check, data backup).
• 🔄 Unpacking and installation: 5–25 minutes (longest stage, phone can be rebooted several times).
• 📱 Optimize applications: 3-10 minutes (occurs after the first download, the screen can blink).
• ✅ Completion: 1-2 minutes (final reboot).

To sum up, the minimum refresh time is about 15 minutes (on new flagships with fast internet) and the maximum is up to 1 hour (on older devices or with a slow connection). For example, on Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, the process usually takes 20-30 minutes, and on Redmi Note 8 Pro – 40-50 minutes.

Table: Update time MIUI 13 for popular Xiaomi models

Note that if your device is not listed in the table, focus on its processor and memory type. Smartphones with UFS 2.2/3.1 update faster than eMMC 5.1. Also, time is affected by memory occupancy – if internal storage is less than 10%, the process can slow down.

What to do if the update MIUI 13 “hangs” on the reboot

When the phone does not go out of refresh mode for more than an hour, it is not uncommon.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the battery or press the power button for longer than 10 seconds if the screen flashes or the Mi logo burns)!

• ⏳ Wait another 30 minutes if less than 1 hour has passed since the installation began. On some devices (especially those with slow memory), the process actually takes so long.
• 🔋 Check the battery power. If it was below 30% before the upgrade, the phone could have shut down. Connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the installation resumes automatically.
• 📡 Make sure the internet is stable (if you are updating by air). If the Wi-Fi is off during download, try reconnecting.
• 🔄 Forced reset (only if it has passed) >1.5 hours!) Squeeze power. + Volume up for 15 to 20 seconds. If it boots up after that, repeat the update.

If none of these things worked, and the phone doesn't respond to buttons or gets stuck in the logo, you'll have to use manual firmware on Fastboot, and you'll need a computer, Mi Flash Tool, and the official firmware for your model, and without experience, you'd better go to the service center, because the wrong actions can permanently bring the device down.

How to speed up the MIUI 13 update: 5 working ways

If you don’t want to wait an hour for your smartphone to update, use these tips. They don’t guarantee a lightning-fast installation, but they can reduce the time by 20 to 30 percent.

Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache|

Turn off background apps in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode |

Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi (if any) for quick download |

Charge the battery to 50% or higher |

Use manual updates via Recovery (if available)-->

1. Update via Recovery Download the full firmware package (.zip) from Xiaomi’s official website, transfer it to the root of the phone’s memory, then go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file. This method often works faster than OTA.
2. If your device supports File-Based Encryption (FBE), disabling it before upgrading can speed up the process. To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Privacy → Encryption and disable the option (if it is active).
3. If you upgrade via the Mi PC Suite, USB 3.0 connection will be more stable and faster than over the air. Download the program from the official website and follow the instructions.

Another lifehack is factory reset before upgrading. This is a radical method, but it removes unnecessary files and speeds up installation. Remember, you'll have to reset your phone once you reset, so back up through Settings → Additional → Backup.

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If your phone is slowing down after the update, clear the Google Play Services app data in the settings, which often resolves lag issues after the update.

Frequent Mistakes When Updating MIUI 13 and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience the same problems when switching to MIUI 13, and let’s look at the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them.

• 🚫 "Cannot verify update" error: corrupted firmware file or regional version mismatch Solution: download the firmware again from Xiaomi's official website and check that it is designed for your model and region (e.g. Global Global, EEA Russia).
• ⚠️ Frequently associated with memory or application conflict, 50% or 99% freeze, remove unnecessary programs and clear the cache before upgrading. If the freeze is repeated, try updating with Recovery.
• 🔌 The phone turns off during installation: Battery discharge or unstable power. Always upgrade when charging more than 50% and the charger is connected.

⚠️ Note: If after the update the data is missing (photos, contacts), check the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup Sometimes backups are created automatically but not restored.

Another common problem is that you lose root rights after an update, and if you've used Magisk or any other root access tools, you'll have to reinstall them.

1. Download the current version of Magisk (.apk).
2. Fastboot.img with a patch from Magisk.
3. Install Magisk Manager and check the root rights status.

MIUI 13 vs MIUI 12.5: Should I Upgrade and What Has Changed?

Before we waste time updating, is it worth it? Let's look at the key improvements to MIUI 13 over MIUI 12.5 that may affect your decision.

If your smartphone is already running MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition, the difference will be less noticeable, but for older versions (such as MIUI 12 or lower), the upgrade will bring a noticeable performance boost, especially on devices with 4-6 GB of RAM.

Among the disadvantages of MIUI 13 users note:

• ❌ More aggressive removal of background processes (may interfere with messengers).
• ❌ Some old themes and widgets are no longer supported.
• ❌ On budget models, slowdowns are possible due to new animations.

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Upgrading to MIUI 13 is warranted if you’re experiencing performance or autonomy issues on the current version.If the phone is stable, you can wait for the next major update (MIUI 14).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About MIUI 13 Update