The release of a new version of the operating system is always a landmark event for owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem. MIUI 14, based on Android 12 and 13, brought not only visual changes, but also significant optimization of the processor. Users often wonder whether to upgrade to a new build right now or better wait for a stable release for a particular model.
Many mid- and low-end device owners fear their gadgets will be left behind, but the company has expanded its list of supported devices to include even models from the past, and in this article, we will take a closer look at which smartphones will receive the cherished update and whether to expect performance gains.
The process of migrating data and installing new firmware can be intimidating for beginners. We have prepared a comprehensive guide to help avoid typical errors. You do not need to be an engineer to safely upgrade your gadget to the latest version.
Official list of supported devices
Xiaomi has traditionally divided rollouts into several stages, with flagship lines always gaining access first, as they have the largest hardware power reserve, with the first wave of Xiaomi 13 series devices and last year’s tops like Xiaomi 12 and Mi 11.
The Redmi and POCO sub-brands are even more interesting, and the developers have tried to adapt the heavyweight interface to more affordable processors, and here is a list of key series that are guaranteed to get an update in the global version:
- 📱 Flagships: Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13 Lite, 12S Ultra, 12 Pro, 12, 11, 11 Lite 5G NE.
- 🚀 POCO: F5, F5 Pro, F4, F3, X5, X5 Pro, X4 GT.
- 💎 Redmi Note: Note 12 Pro+, Note 12 Pro, Note 12, Note 11 Pro+, Note 11 Pro.
- 🔥 Redmi K-series: K60, K50, K40S, K40, K30S Ultra.
It’s important to understand that having a model on the list doesn’t mean an instant notification. The global firmware version often comes out with a 2-4 month delay after the Chinese release. If you have a Chinese version of the smartphone, the update will come much earlier.
⚠️ Note: Some regional modifications (e.g. India or Europe) may receive an update on a separate schedule.
New functions and system optimization
MIUI 14’s main feature was the “Super Big Memory” concept, which has learned to compress background processes more aggressively, allowing up to 600 MB of RAM to be released, and for devices with 4 or 6 GB of RAM, this is a critical change that affects the speed of switching between applications.
Visual changes have been made to widgets and icons, and we've got Interactive Widgets, which allow you to interact with content directly from the desktop without opening an application, like marking a job you've done on a task list or running a timer.
The privacy image automatically hides sensitive information in photos in the gallery if you choose to share a screenshot, and it recognizes card numbers, passports and access codes.
How to check for an OTA update
The easiest and safest way to update your firmware is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which does not require a connection to your computer and minimizes the risk of damage to the bootloader. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery is at least 60%.
To check for updates, follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- Click on the About phone block at the top of the list.
- Touch the logo of the MIUI version (large figure in the center).
- The system will contact the server and check the relevance of the software.
If the server responds that the new version is available, a Download and Install button appears. The process can take 15 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the package and the speed of the Internet. The phone will be rebooted several times, the screen can go out and turn on - this is normal behavior.
☑️ Ready for OTA renewal
In rare cases, the system can write "No Updates" even if they are already out for your model, which may be due to regional restrictions or a server queue, and waiting or using manual installation methods helps.
Manual installation via Recovery (File Method)
If you don't get an automatic update, you can use the manual installation method. You'll need to download a firmware file (.zip format) from an official website or a proven resource, such as the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. It's important to download Recovery ROM, not Fastboot, unless you plan to unlock the bootloader.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
1. Download the current zip archive for your model.
2.Put the file in the root of internal memory (not in the folder).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
4. Press three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file".
5. Specify the downloaded archive and confirm the action.Once confirmed, the file integrity check will begin. If the file is corrupted or not model-friendly, the system will issue an error and refuse to start installing. Make sure that the Android version in the new firmware matches the current or higher (an update to Android 12 → 13 is possible, and 13 → 12 is not).
⚠️ Note: When you manually install it via Recovery, your user data is usually saved. However, if you change your firmware region (e.g. from China to Global), the phone may require a complete data cleanup or may not start up at all without a reset.
Comparison of versions: Global, Chinese and EEA
Users are often confused about firmware version acronyms, and understanding the difference between them will help you choose the best option for your region, the main differences are in the set of pre-installed applications and support for communication frequencies.
Below is a table comparing the key characteristics of popular builds:
| Characteristics | Global (Global) | China (China) | EEA (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages | All major languages of the world | Chinese, English | Languages of EU countries |
| Google services | Built-in by default | Not present (installation required) | Built-in by default |
| Advertising in the system | Minimum. | Actively present | Absent. |
| 4G/5G frequencies | Optimized for the world | Only Chinese operators | European Standard |
Installation of Chinese firmware on the global device (or vice versa) without unlocked bootloader is impossible. the system will give an error "Can't verify update". Cross-regional firmware requires the use of a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility in Fastboot mode.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
The update process is not always smooth. One of the most common problems is a code error of -1 or a message saying "Can't check the updates", most often this indicates a file integrity violation or a lack of space.
If the update has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 15 minutes, you need to perform a forced reboot. To do this, press the power button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until vibration, in most cases, the phone will start as normal.
If the system has gone into an endless bootloop, you will need to log in to Recovery. Press both Volume+ and Power. From the menu, select Wipe Data and confirm the action. This will return the phone to factory settings.