Introduction: Why Xiaomi Update Term Is Important for Users
When choosing a smartphone or a smart Xiaomi device, many people wonder how long the company will release updates?It depends not only on access to new features, but also on data security, app compatibility and overall stability. Unlike Apple with its 5-7 years of support or Samsung with 4 years for flagships, Xiaomiβs policy is often questionable.
In this article, we will analyze Xiaomiβs official statements, compare them with real-world practice, analyze the differences between series (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and device types (smartphones, TVs, smartwatches), learn how to check the relevance of your model and what to do if updates stop coming, and also β hidden nuances that Xiaomi does not talk about.
Xiaomiβs official policy: what the manufacturer promises
Since 2021, Xiaomi has announced the transition to extended support for its devices.
- π± Flagship smartphones (series Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mix) β 3 Major Android updates + 4 safety-year.
- π± Mid-size segment (Redmi Note, POCO X/F) β 2 Android + 3 safety-year.
- πΊ Televisions and smart devices β 2-3 Update year (depending on model).
In practice, however, these deadlines are often shortened: for example, the Xiaomi Mi 10 (2020) received only 2 Android updates instead of the promised 3, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro received only 1.5 years of security instead of 3.
Real support timeline: comparison with Samsung and Apple
To understand how far Xiaomi is behind the competition, compare the terms of support for popular brands (data for 2026):
| Brand | Term of Android updates | Security period | Example of model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (iPhone) | 5-7 years | 5-7 years | iPhone 11 (2019) β iOS 17 (2023) |
| Samsung (flagships) | 4 years | 5 years | Galaxy S20 (2020) β Android 14 (2026) |
| Xiaomi (flagships) | 2-3 years | 3-4 years | Xiaomi 12 Pro (2022) β Android 14 (2023) |
| Xiaomi (budget) | 1-2 years | 2 years | Redmi 10A (2022) β Android 12 (2023) |
As you can see, even Xiaomi flagships receive updates 1-2 years less than Samsung, and 3-4 years less than Apple, while budget models (Redmi A-series) often lose support after a year after release.
β οΈ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone is older than 2020, it probably wonβt get new versions of Android. POCO F1 (2018), for which enthusiasts produce custom firmware.
How to check if your Xiaomi model is supported
To find out how many years your device will be updated, follow these steps:
- Open the settings β About the phone β version of MIUI.
- Remember the current version of Android and MIUI.
- Check the list of supported devices on the official MIUI website.
If your model is not on the latest update list, then support is complete. The alternative is custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but they require unlocking the bootloader and may not be warranty-free.
Go to Settings. β The phone.
Compare the MIUI version with the latest version on the website
Check the date of the last update
Make sure the model is not on the list EOL (End Of Life)-->
Why Xiaomi is cutting down on updates: 3 key reasons
The decline in Xiaomi device support is due to several factors:
- π° Savings on development: Supporting older models requires resources that the company prefers to invest in new devices.
- π Fast Iron Obsolescence: Budget Smartphones (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Not physically able to run new versions of Android due to a weak processor.
- π Regional differences: In China, devices get updates longer than in global versions.For example, Xiaomi Mi 11 in China has updated to MIUI 14, and the global version stuck on MIUI 13.
Xiaomi is also actively promoting an ecosystem of smart devices where the smartphone is only part of the system, which means that the company can deliberately accelerate the ageing of older models so that users buy new ones.
What happens if you continue to use Xiaomi without any updates?
Update dates for different types of Xiaomi devices
The update policy varies not only between smartphones, but also between other Xiaomi devices:
| Type of device | Date of updates | Examples of models | What's updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones (flagships) | 3 years of Android / 4 years of security | Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 2 | Android, MIUI, drivers |
| Smartphones (budget) | 1-2 years of Android / 2 years of security | Redmi 12C, POCO M5 | Only critical corrections |
| Mi TVs | 2-3 years | Mi TV Q2 75", Redmi Smart TV X | PatchWall, apps, sound |
| Smart watch Mi Band/Watch | 1-2 years | Mi Band 7, Watch S1 Pro | Firmware, synchronization |
| Mi Router routers | 3-5 years | AX6000, AX3000 | Firmware, Wi-Fi security |
Interestingly, routers and smart speakers (Xiaomi Smart Speaker) are updated longer than smartphones, which is because they are less dependent on the Android version and more likely to receive security patches for network protocols.
π‘
If your Xiaomi TV has stopped updating, try resetting it to factory settings via Settings β Device β Reset. Sometimes this helps to get the latest PatchWall version.
What to do if Xiaomi stopped updating: 4 working ways
If your device is no longer getting official updates, there are a few options:
- Custom firmware: Projects like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu offer unofficial builds with the latest Android versions. However, to install them, you need to unlock the bootloader, which cancels the warranty. How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi? To unlock you need to get permission from Xiaomi through the Mi Unlock site, connect the phone in Fastboot mode and use the Mi Flash Unlock tool. The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to security policy.
- Fastboot Update: Sometimes the latest firmware can be manually installed via the Mi Flash Tool. Download the official ROM from MIUI Download and follow the instructions.
- Reverse to stable version: If the new firmware is unstable, you can roll back to the previous one through Settings β About Phone β System Update β Three Points β Select an update package.
- Use alternative launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to improve the interface without updating MIUI.
β οΈ Warning: Installation of unofficial firmware may lead to data loss, inoperability of the module NFC Before the procedure, back up through Settings. β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi updates
My Xiaomi hasn't been updated in a year. Is that normal?
Can you force Xiaomi to upgrade if no updates come?
Why did my Redmi Note 10 Pro get only one Android update?
How do I know when my Xiaomi model will stop updating?
Should you buy Xiaomi if itβs not updated?
π‘
If you need a long update, choose Xiaomiβs flagship models (13/14 series, Mix) or consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S or Google Pixel.