Reflashing Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: Official and Alternative Ways

Welcome to the detailed guide to reflashing Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device that turns any TV into a “smart” with support for Android TV. Over time, even the most stable firmware can become obsolete, with bugs, interface lags, application compatibility issues, or lack of support for new codecs. Updating firmware solves these problems, but not always automatic updates are available or sufficient.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of flashing: from official updates via the Internet to manual installation of custom firmware using the help of ADB or USB Burning Tool. You'll learn how to prepare a device, where to download verified firmware files, and what to do if something goes wrong. TV Stick 4K mi TV Stick (1st generation) as their flashing process has key differences.

Warning: Firmware is always a risk, and doing the wrong thing can lead to a device becoming “bricked” (completely inoperable), so we will describe each step in detail, point out pitfalls, and recommend recovery in the event of a failure.

1.Why reflash Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?

Before you start, you should consider whether you need to reflash it at all, and here are the main reasons why users decide to do this:

• 🚀 Improved performance: New firmware versions optimize the work of the Amlogic processor S905Y2 (model 4K) or S905L2 (in the basic version), reducing the lags when running applications.
• 🔄 Bug fix: For example, in early versions of firmware for Mi TV Stick had trouble playing sound through HDMI ARC or hanging when connecting gamepads.
• 📱 New app support: Old firmware may not support the latest Netflix, Disney versions+ or YouTube because of the outdated API.
• 🔒 Closing Vulnerabilities: Updates often include security patches, especially important for devices with access to the home network.
• 🎮 Advanced Features: Custom firmware (e.g. CoreELEC) adds support for hardware-accelerated Kodi, game emulators, or alternative launchers.

But not all problems are solved by flashing. TV Stick doesn't turn on because of a damaged power supply or overheats because of dust in the radiator, software updates won't help here.

⚠️ Warning: Flashing will reset all device settings to factory settings, if you've used Google, Netflix or set up your device. IPTV, You'll have to reconfigure them. Make a login/password in advance or take screenshots of your settings.

2. Official update of firmware via the Internet

The easiest and safest way is to upgrade through the built-in system. OTA (It's suitable for most users and doesn't require any additional tools. Here's how to do it:

1. Connect Mi. TV Stick to the TV and make sure it’s connected to the internet (preferably via an Ethernet adapter or a 5GHz stable Wi-Fi).
2. Go to the menu: Settings → About the device → Updating the system.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Wait for the download and installation. The device will restart automatically.

If the update is not available, check:

• 🌐 Device region: Some firmware is coming first for China, then for the Global version. → Preferences → Language and region.
• 🔌 Internet stability: If speeds are below 5 Mbps, downloads may be interrupted. Use cable instead of Wi-Fi.
• 📅 Last check date: Sometimes Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable.Try to recheck after a few hours.

If the official update doesn’t solve your problems (for example, the device still slows down), you may want to consider manual firmware or custom solutions, which will be discussed later.

💡

Official update through OTA — The safest method is not always available for all regions at the same time.If your model is older than 2 years, check for updates manually on the Xiaomi website.

3. Manual update through USB (firmware)

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can use the local method via the app. USB-This method is suitable for recovering the device after a failure or rollback to the previous version.

You'll need:

• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (you can download from the official Xiaomi website or forums like this). 4PDA).
• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) at least 1 GB.
• ⚡ Power source: Use the original Mi power supply TV Stick to avoid failures due to lack of energy.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, mdtv_stick_4k_global_v13.0.1.0.zip) Check its integrity (the file must not be corrupted).
2. Connect. USB-computer to the computer, format it in FAT32 and copy the firmware file to the root folder (not inside other folders!). update.zip.
3. Put the flash drive in the Mi TV Stick through OTG-Adapter (if your model does not have its own) USB-port).
4. Go to Settings. → About the device → Update the system and select Local Update.
5. Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation. The process will take 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If an error appears on the screen during the update, this may mean that:

• The firmware file is corrupted (check the MD5 checksum).
• You are trying to install firmware from another model (for example, for 4K basic).
• USB-storage device is not formatted FAT32, NTFS exFAT.

Download the right firmware for your model|Check the checksum of the file (MD5)|Format the flash drive into FAT32|Rename the file to update.zip|Use it. OTG-adapter if necessary-->

4. Flashing through USB Burning Tool (for experienced users)

If Mi TV Stick does not turn on or download only in Fastboot mode, you may need to completely flash through your PC using the utility. USB Burning Tool: This method is more risky, but it allows you to restore the device even after serious failures.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux You will need a virtual machine).
• 🔌 Cable USB A — USB A (for connecting Mi) TV Stick to PC).
• 📦 Utility. USB Burning Tool (version 2.2.0 or later).
• 📁 Firmware in.img format (not.zip!).

Step-by-step:

1. Install. USB Burning Tool and drivers for Amlogic (they usually come bundled with utility).
2. Connect Mi. TV Stick to PC with cable USB A — USB A, holding the Reset button (on some models it must be pinched with a toothpick through a hole on the body).
3. Launch it. USB Burning Tool, select the firmware file (.img) and press Start.
4. Wait until the process is complete (about 5-7 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

If the utility does not see the device:

• Check that the cable supports data transfer (not all) USB-cables fit).
• Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 can cause conflict).
• Disable the antivirus – it can block the Amlogic driver.

5. Installation of custom firmware (CoreELEC, LineageOS)

For advanced users who lack the functionality of standard firmware, there are alternative firmware, such as:

• 📺 CoreELEC – lightweight firmware based on Kodi, optimized for media players.
• 🤖 LineageOS - custom Android firmware without excess software from Xiaomi.
• 🎮 Amlogic Custom ROMs – firmware with emulator support (for example, RetroArch).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ⚡ Higher productivity by removing unnecessary services.
• 🔓 Full root access and the ability to fine-tune the system.
• 🎥 Support for additional codecs (e.g, H.265 10-bit or DTS:X).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔒 Lack of official Widevine support L1 (Netflix and other services can work in low resolution).
• 🔄 Risk of unstable operation (some firmware may not support all functions of the Mi Remote remote).

How to install CoreELEC:

1. Download the image of CoreELEC for Amlogic S905Y2/S905L2 from the official CoreELEC website.
2. Write down the image on USB-storage SD-Card with Rufus or Balena Etcher.
3. Connect the drive to the Mi TV Stick through OTG-adapter.
4. In the download menu (hold the Menu button on the remote when you turn on), select the download from an external media.
5. Follow the installer's instructions. Select Install to Internal for permanent installation.

⚠️ Caution: Castom firmware may block access to some streaming services (e.g. Disney)+ or Amazon Prime Video, because you don't have Google Widevine certification, and if you care about these services, stay on the official firmware.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, back up the original software using the Amlogic Backup Tool, which will allow you to return the device to its original state if something goes wrong.

6. Solving problems after flashing

Even if the flashing is successful, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If after flashing the device does not react at all (the indicator does not burn, there is no image), try:

1. Connect it to another power source (use the original unit).
2. Hold the Reset button for 15-20 seconds for forced reboot.
3. Repeat the firmware through USB Burning Tool with Windows Signature Drivers disabled (use Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider).

If nothing helps, a hardware failure (e.g., failure of the eMMC flash memory) may have occurred, requiring repairs at the service center.

7. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

Sometimes new firmware is worse than old, with bugs, loss of support for certain features, or performance, and you can return the previous version of the software.

Important: Recoiling is only possible if:

• You have a backup of old firmware (made through the Amlogic Backup Tool).
• You found the official firmware file of the old version on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, V11.0.5.0 instead V12.2.1.0).
2. Connect Mi. TV Stick to PC and launch USB Burning Tool.
3. In the settings of the utility, tick the Erase bootloader tick (this will clear the bootloader, which is necessary for rollback).
4. Select the old firmware file and start the process.
5. After completion, reset settings: Settings → Warehouse → Data resetting.

⚠️ Warning: A rollback to a version older than the one installed on the device out of the box can lead to problems with the device. DRM Netflix may stop playing content in Full, for example. HD.

8. Alternative ways of updating (ADB, Fastboot)

For users familiar with the ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can update your firmware through the command line, and this method is useful if the standard methods don't work.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded via Android) SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔌 Initiated debugging mode USB on Mi TV Stick (Settings) → About the device → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (for ADB Sideload).

Update through ADB Sideload:

1. Connect Mi. TV Stick to PC through OTG-adapter.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Go to the recovery menu on Mi TV Stick: Settings → About the device → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Apply the update through ADB.
4. In the command line, type: adb sideload path to file/update.zip
5. Wait until the installation is complete.

For power users, the method is also available via Fastboot, but it requires unlocking the bootloader, which is not recommended for beginners due to the high risk of “bricking”.

💡

Use it. ADB The wrong command (e.g., fastboot erase system) can erase critical partitions and render the device inoperable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reflashing Xiaomi Mi TV Stick