The question of how long it takes for Xiaomi to run a smartphone is a concern for both first-timers and experienced users planning to flash through Fastboot. The answer is not unequivocal, since the process depends on many variables: the amount of data, the type of software being installed and the state of the device itself. On average, a standard “over-the-air” update takes 10 to 20 minutes, while a complete flashing through a computer can take 30-60 minutes or more.
Understanding the time required to plan a procedure is critical, especially if you need to use your phone in the near future. Misestimating the length of the process can lead to panic when the screen goes out or hangs on the logo longer than expected. Patience and knowledge of the steps are your main allies in this matter.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the latency is, what factors can slow down the process and what is considered the norm for different Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models.
Factors affecting the duration of the process
The first thing to realize is that there is no single number for all devices. The time it takes to complete the installation depends on the processor architecture and the speed of internal memory writing. Flagship models with fast UFS 3.1 drives will do the task much faster than budget models with eMMC memory.
The second important aspect is the version difference: if you upgrade from MIUI 12 to MIUI 12.5, it will be faster than if you upgrade to HyperOS or change regional versions (e.g., from Global to China), the amount of changes in system files dictates the time of unpacking and integration.
⚠️ Note: If the installation process is stuck at a certain percentage (e.g. 68%) and does not move for more than 20 minutes, this may indicate a firmware file corruption or a conflict of memory partitions.
Also, you need to consider the connection method. When you run through Fastboot, quality plays a big role. USB-cable and computer port. USB 3.0 on the motherboard (back of the system unit) is preferable to hubs or front panels, as this provides stable current and high data transfer rate.
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Use the original cable that comes with the kit, or a quality analog with data support. Cheap "charging only" cables can cause a connection error in the middle of the process.
Stages of renewal and their time costs
The firmware process is not a monolithic action, but a sequence of steps, each of which takes time, and understanding this sequence helps you not to interrupt the procedure prematurely.
First comes the verification phase, the system checks the integrity of the loaded package, and on today's high-powered smartphones, it takes seconds, but on older models it can take up to a minute, and then it's unpacked, which also depends on the processor.
☑️ Process checkpoints
The longest stage is writing data directly to the disk, which is often the MI logo or the progress bar animation on the screen. Once the recording is complete, the phone will automatically restart. However, this is not the end: the first download after the firmware (the so-called First Boot) always lasts longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications and rebuilds the cache.
Below is a table with an approximate time distribution for different steps using the Fastboot method:
| Phase | Description | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Signature verification and unpacking | 1-3 |
| Bootloader recording | Update the bootloader (if any) | 0.5-1 |
| System recording | The main weight of the firmware | 5-15 |
| Recovery & Reboot | Finalization and reset | 2-5 |
Firmware time through Recovery (Local Update)
The Recovery menu update method, often referred to as a “local update,” is one of the most popular among Xiaomi users, allowing you to install a full ROM without the need for a computer.
This process usually lasts from 10 to 25 minutes, and once you select the firmware file in the Select File and confirm the action, the phone will reboot to Recovery Mode, and here you will see the MIUI logo and a running string.
It is critical not to touch the device during this period, and even if it seems to be stuck on the logo, there are active processes of replacing system files inside, and interrupting power at this stage can lead to bricking of the device.
Why is local updates sometimes faster?
It is worth noting that the transition between Android versions (for example, from Android 12 to 13) through Recovery can take longer due to the need to convert user data.
Fastboot Fastboot (MiFlash)
Fastboot firmware using the MiFlash Tool on PC is the most powerful, but also more complex method, allowing you to completely clean the device and install a clean system.
On average, the process takes 200 before 600 seconds (about) 3-10 minutes) direct recording, plus time to prepare. clean_all (Cleaning completely, the process will take longer than save_user_data (preservation).
- 🚀 Clean All: Completely erases all data, partitions and cache, takes longer, but ensures no bugs and bugs from the old system.
- 💾 Save User Data: Trying to save user files, faster, but higher risk of software conflicts.
- 🔒 Clean All and Lock: Longest action: After writing the firmware, the bootloader is blocked, which requires additional time for cryptographic operations.
⚠️ Note: When selecting the Lock option, make sure the firmware matches the region of the device.Firmware on the Chinese device with a locked bootloader will result in bootloop inability to boot).
Speed. USB-The port is crucial here. USB 2.0 writing a lot of data can be much slower. USB 3.0 and above and avoid use USB-extensioner.
First download: why is it so long?
Many users get scared when, after a successful firmware, the phone hangs on the logo for 10, 15, or even 20 minutes, a phenomenon called First Boot, or "first download," at which point Android optimizes all installed applications and system libraries for a new environment.
The length of the first download depends on the number of applications installed and the amount of user data. If you do a full reset (Wipe Data), the download will be faster, because the system does not need to check the old files.
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The normal first download time after Xiaomi firmware is 5 to 20 minutes. If the phone is warm and the logo is on for more than 30 minutes, this is cause for concern.
During this process, the device can reboot itself several times, which is a normal behavior, part of the configuration procedure for MIUI or HyperOS components. Don't try to turn off the phone if the notification indicator flashes or the screen goes out and lights up.
Possible problems and delays
Sometimes the firmware process takes an abnormally long time, and it can be caused by several factors: first, a corrupted firmware file, if the download is interrupted or the file is broken, the checksums will not come together, and the process may freeze during the verification phase.
Second, there's a lack of space, because even when you're running through a computer, the internal file system of the phone has to be temporary, and if you're crammed, it's going to be extremely slow.
- 📉 Low battery power: Some versions of Recovery will not let you start firmware if the charge is lower 50-60%.
- 🌡️ Overheating: When heated, the throttling processor (reduces frequencies), which increases data writing time.
- 🔌 Unstable port: Poor contact in the charging socket can cause micro-breaks of the connection, causing the process to start anew.
If you see a MiFlash error, such as “flash all except storage” or timeout, try changing your account. USB-It's often the physical connection that's the problem, not the software part.