How to update Android on a Xiaomi smartphone to the latest version yourself

Updating the operating system on smartphones Xiaomi is a key process for ensuring security, performance and access to new features. However, many users encounter problems: the system does not automatically offer the update, the device freezes on the old version of MIUI, or errors appear after the update. In this article, we will look at all the current update methods Android on Xiaomi, including official methods and alternative solutions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the update process depends on the device model, firmware region and account status Mi Account. For example, smartphones for the Chinese market (CN) receive updates earlier than global versions (Global), and devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) require a special approach. We will consider all the nuances so that you can choose the best option without the risk of “bricking” your phone.

Why does not the update arrive automatically?

If your Xiaomi does not offer a new version Android or MIUI through the update menu, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 The device model is outdated. Xiaomi officially supports updates for smartphones no older than 3-4 years (for example, Redmi Note 9 stopped receiving updates in 2026).
• 🌍 Regional firmware. Devices with firmware for China (CN) receive updates earlier, but may contain restrictions (no Google services). Global (Global) and European (EEA) versions are updated later.
• 🔒 Locked bootloader. On new devices Xiaomi blocks the ability to manually flash without unlocking bootloader.
• 📶 Operator restrictions. Some smartphones sold through mobile operators receive updates with a delay or do not receive them at all.

To check the relevance of your model, go to the official website Xiaomi to the support section or use the service en.miui.com/a/miui-version/ (available via VPN for some regions). Lists of devices are published there indicating the latest supported version MIUI i Android.

⚠️ Attention: If your device was released before 2020, the likelihood of receiving official updates is minimal. In this case, consider alternative firmwares (for example LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but note that this requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

Preparing your phone for an update

Before you begin the update process, there are several critical steps to take to avoid data loss or failures:

1. Create a backup. Use the built-in application Backup (Backup) or third-party solutions like Settings → About phone → Backup or third party solutions like Swift Backup (requires root access). It is especially important to save:
• 📁 Contacts (export to .vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (transfer to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords and application data (via Google Account or Mi Cloud)

If you plan to update via Fastboot or Recovery, additionally:

• 🔧 Install drivers Xiaomi USB Drivers on your PC (download from new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index).
• 🖥️ Download the official utility Mi Flash Tool (for firmware via Fastboot).
• 🔓 Unlock bootloaderif required (instructions below).

Method 1: Update via phone settings (OTA)

This is the simplest and safest method, suitable for most users. It does not require unlocking the bootloader or connecting to. PC.

1. Open Settings → About phone → System update (Settings → About phone → System update).
2. Press the button Check updates (Check for updates). If the update is available, the system will offer to download it.
3. After downloading, click Install (Install) and confirm reboot. The device will reboot and install the update automatically.

If the update is not found, try the following:

• 🔄 Reset the update cache: go in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → System update and clear the cache.
• 📡 Change the firmware region: in Settings → Advanced → Region select India or Russia (sometimes updates arrive earlier).
• 🔗 Use VPN: connect to servers in Singapore or Hong Kong - this may "unblock" hidden updates.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating through OTA phone stuck on the logo MI longer than 10 minutes, force reboot it by holding the power button for 15 seconds. If the problem persists, reset via Recovery (instructions in the "Problem Solving" section).

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA update is not available, but you found the official firmware for your model on the website Xiaomi, you can install it via Recovery ModeThis method does not require unlocking. bootloader, but only suitable for firmware marked Recovery ROM.

1. Download the firmware from the official website:
   • 🌐 Global version: new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index
   • 🇨🇳 Chinese version: new.c.mi.com/cn/miuidownload/index (VPN required)

The file must have an extension .zip and a type name miui_[MODEL]_global_[VERSION].zip.

Install update.zip to System One
→ Select the downloaded file
→ Confirm installation

If there is no update installation item in Recovery then your firmware does not support this method. In this case, you will need Fastbootfirmware (see the next section).

Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (for experienced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 You need to switch to another version MIUI (for example, with Global on EEA).
• 📱 The device does not turn on or is frozen after an unsuccessful update.
• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked and you want to install custom firmware.

For firmware via Fastboot required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows (10/11 recommended).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, no damage).
• 🛠️ Utility Mi Flash Tool (download from new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index).
• 📄 Firmware in format .tgz or .zip (unzip it before use).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Unzip the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Turn off the phone and go to Fastboot Modeby holding Power + Volume Down.
3. Connect the phone to the PC. In the manager devices, the device should appear Android Bootloader Interface.
4. Run Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select the firmware mode:
   • Clean all —full clearing (data will be deleted).
   • Clean all and lock — cleaning + locking the bootloader (for official firmware).
   • Save user data — saving data (does not always work stably).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Fastboot with the option Clean all deletes all data, including photos and applications. If you choose Save user datathe system may malfunction - this mode is not recommended for transitions between major versions. Android (for example, from 12 to 13).

Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) on Xiaomi

Without unlocking bootloader you will not be able to:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔄 Flash the device via Fastboot unofficial firmware.
• 🛠️ Get root access (Magisk).

Official unlocking procedure:

1. Link your account Mi Account to your phone:

   Settings → Xiaomi account → Add account

   Make sure that the account is confirmed by email and phone.

2. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking:

   Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times)
   Settings → Advanced → For developers → OEM unlocking (enable)

3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock and run on PC.
4. Log in to the tool using the same account Mias on the phone.
5. Turn off the phone, go to Fastboot Mode and connect to the PC.
6. B Mi Unlock Tool press Unlock and wait for completion (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the unlocking rules: it now requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after linking the account to the device. This timer is reset when you change the account or reset the phone.

1. Use a different cable or USB port.

2. Disable the antivirus on your PC.

3. Run the tool in compatibility mode for Windows 8.

4. Wait 24 hours and try again (sometimes Xiaomi servers are temporarily blocked). queries).-->

Solving problems after updating

Even official updates sometimes lead to failures. Considered problems and their solutions:

If data (photos, contacts) are lost after the update, restore them from a backup. this:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Backup → Restore.
2. Select the latest backup (if it is saved in Mi Cloud or on the device).
3. Confirm the restoration of the necessary data (contacts, SMS, notes).

⚠️ Attention: If banking applications stop working after the update (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff), this is due to a change in security certificates. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Access to notifications and enable permissions for banking apps. If the problem persists, install Magisk and the module SafetyNet Fix.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Xiaomi