Updates by air" (OTA) — standard way of obtaining new versions MIUI on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO. But the automatic system sometimes fails: the update doesn't come in weeks, gets stuck in the boot phase, or disappears from the menu altogether. OTA-The package becomes the only solution for getting up-to-date security patches, new features, or even a upgrade to a more recent version of Android.
This guide covers everything from finding the right firmware to restoring the system to critical errors. OTA-Files, Recovery and Fastboot nuances, and typical problems like the Cannot verify update error or endless download, with special attention to security: How to verify the integrity of a downloaded file and why you should never install firmware from third-party developers without verification.
The manual update process on Xiaomi devices has changed since 2023 due to tightening security policies MIUI. Now, some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) require additional unlocking of the bootloader, even for official models. OTA-The article presents the current workarounds.
1. When do you need manual OTA installation?
Automatic update via Settings → About Phone → System updates don’t always work. Here are situations where manual installation becomes a necessity:
- 🔄 Update "hang" at the boot stage (progress bar does not move for a day or more).
- 🚫 The device is excluded from the beta program, but you want to return to the stable version.
- 📡 No access to Xiaomi servers (e.g., in some regions due to geo-blocking).
- 🔧 We need to revert to the previous version. MIUI after-break.
- 🛡️ Xiaomi servers are overloaded (often in the first days after the release of a new firmware).
In addition, manual installation allows you to select a specific firmware version. For example, if the new MIUI 15 contains a critical bug (as was the case with the battery discharge problem on the POCO F5 in February 2026), you can skip it and wait for the patch to install an intermediate build.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) manual installation OTA This can cause a data reset if the firmware contains changes to the vendor section. Always back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
2. Where to download the official OTA-packet?
Using unofficial sources to download firmware can lead to the installation of modified software with backdoors or viruses.
| Source | Reference | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi website | new.c.mi.com | 100% original files, support for all regions | Slow download speeds, sometimes missing older versions |
| Xiaomi Community (forum) | c.mi.com | Beta versions and patches for testers available | Registration is required, not all files are available for all regions. |
| SourceForge (Xiaomi Firmware Updater) | sourceforge.net | Archive of all versions, quick download | There is no guarantee of relevance for new models |
| Telegram channels (e.g. @MIUIUpdatesTracker) | Links are circulating in chat rooms | Prompt notifications of new assemblies | Risk of running into modified files |
When downloading, pay attention to the file name. It should correspond to the format:
miui_[Model]_[Region]_[VERSION]_[Type].zip
Example: miui_HMNote11Global_V14.0.3.0.TGOMIXM_12feb2026.zipWhere:
- HMNote11 is the code name for the model (Redmi Note 11).
- Global - region (also EEA, India, China).
- V14.0.3.0 is the MIUI version.
- TGOMIXM is a build code (for a stable version).
💡
Before downloading compare MD5-hash file with official value (usually indicated on the download page). MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility (Windows) or the command md5sum filename.zip in Linux/macOS.
3. Preparation of the device for manual update
An unprepared device can turn the upgrade process into a nightmare, from data loss to a brick.
Charge the battery at least 60 times%|Make a backup copy of the data|Check the vacant space (minimum 2 GB)|Disable the ad blocker (may interfere with the loading)|Remember the current version MIUI (Settings → The phone)-->
Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader if your device:
- 📱 Purchased after 2021 (on new models, the bootloader is blocked by default).
- 🔒 Previously not unlocked (checked by the team fastboot oem device-info – if Device unlocked: false, you will need to unlock).
- 🚨 This package is for xxx' devices; this is a'yy' when you try to install it.
To unlock:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Install the Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
- Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
- Connect to your PC and follow the instructions of the program (unblock waiting time is up to 720 hours for new accounts).
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information).
4. Step-by-step instruction: Install OTA through Recovery
The safest method is to use the built-in Recovery Mode, which is 90% of the time and does not require a PC connection.
Step 1. Rename the firmware file:
Downloaded ZIP-The archive should be called update.zip (No spaces or special symbols. Use the Latin alphabet!
Step 2. Move the file to the root of the memory:
- 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and copy it. update.zip The root directory of internal memory (not in the folder!).
- 🔌 Alternative: Use the file manager on your phone (such as Mi File Manager) to download directly to your device.
Step 3. Launch Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Select the language (if required) and go to Install update.zip to System.
Step 4. Start installation:
- Confirm the selection of the update.zip file.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).
- Do not reset after rebooting. SIM-map SD-Map within 10 minutes – is the optimization of applications.
What if Recovery doesn’t see the update.zip file?
5. Alternative methods: ADB Sideload and Fastboot
If Recovery refuses to install firmware (E:footer is wrong or E:signature verification failed) use ADB Sideload or Fastboot.
Method 1: ADB Sideload
Suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and works even if the screen does not respond to touch.
1. Install ADB on PC (download: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools).
2. Connect the phone in Recovery mode (as in step 3 of the previous section).
3. Select "Connect with MiAssistant" (or "ADB Sideload").
4. On the PC, execute the command:
adb sideload update.zip
5. Wait until the completion (progress is displayed in the console).Method 2: Fastboot (for experienced users)
Used if OTA-The package contains changes to boot or recovery sections!
1. Unpack ZIP- firmware archive into a folder with Fastboot-tools.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
3. Connect to the PC and perform:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
Reboot the command:
fastboot reboot⚠️ Attention: Install firmware via Fastboot on devices with Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra may cause data loss in the section /data, unless you use the parameter --disable-verity. Always backup!
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, failures are possible, and here are the most common errors and proven ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot verify update | A damaged file or model mismatch | Download the file again, check it out. MD5-hash and rename it update.zip |
| E:unknown command in Recovery | An outdated version of Recovery | Update Recovery via Fastboot or use ADB Sideload |
| Infinite boot (bootloop) | MIUI version conflict or damaged partitions | Perform a reset via Recovery → Wipe Data |
| This package is for'xxx' devices; this is a'yyy' | Firmware for another model or region | Download the correct version (check the device code name in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version) |
| Mistake 7 in TWRP | Incompatibility with custom recovery | Install official Recovery or use Fastboot |
If the phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo after the update:
- Press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
- If it doesn’t work, try the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (erase all data!).
- For models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), use the SP Flash Tool with the official scatter file.
💡
If after manual updates the mobile network is lost, check the settings APN (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points: Network resets or manual operator input often help.
7. How do you revert to the previous version of MIUI?
Recoiling on old firmware is a risky operation that can lead to data loss or even locking the device (on models with Anti-Rollback Protection, for example, Xiaomi). 12T). However, if the new version MIUI contains a critical bug, there may be no alternatives.
Safe rollback algorithm:
- Download the full firmware package (not OTA!) for your model from the official website.
- Uncivilize. ZIP and find the file. flash_all_except_data.bat (for Windows or flash_all_except_data.sh (for Linux/macOS).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- Run the script and it will stitch all the partitions except /data (apps and files will be saved).
For Anti-Rollback devices (the list of models here):
- 🔒 Recoil is possible only within the limits of the permissible version (for example, with the MIUI 14 on MIUI 13, but not lower).
- 🛠️ You will need an official Mi Account with a connection to the device.
- ⚠️ If you try to bypass the protection, the device can be blocked (hard brick).
After the rollback:
- 🔄 Perform a reset of settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
- 🔒 Re-link your Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account.
- 📱 Check the operation of sensors (gyroscope, NFC) — calibration is sometimes required.