The company's smartphones Xiaomi are famous not only for their price-quality ratio, but also for the regular release of software updates that bring new features and security patches. However, the process of obtaining the latest version MIUI or HyperOS may differ depending on the region, device model and current firmware version. Users often encounter a situation where the system does not offer automatic updates, although it is already available in other markets.
In this guide, we will look in detail at all the legal ways to update the software on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. You'll learn how to check the status of OTA updates, how to perform a manual installation via the built-in Recovery menu, and what to do if the process gets stuck. It is important to understand that updating the system is not just changing the version number, but a complex procedure for overwriting system partitions that requires compliance with certain rules.
Before you begin any manipulations with the firmware, you need to make sure that the battery charge is stable and there is free space. Ignoring these basic requirements can lead to your smartphone turning into a “brick” or going into an endless reboot, which will require more complex repairs through service centers.
Preparing the device for the update procedure
Any intervention in system files carries certain risks, so the preparation stage is critically important. The first thing you need to do is create a complete backup of all your important data. Although standard update tools usually save user files, a failure in the recording process can lead to the loss of contacts, photos and correspondence in instant messengers.
Use the built-in backup function Xiaomi or synchronize data with a cloud service Google Drive i Mi Cloud. Make sure that there is enough free space on the internal drive: unpacking the archive with the firmware and installing it often requires 5 to 10 GB of free memory, even if the file itself weighs less.
⚠️ Attention: Never start the update process if the battery level is below 50%. A sudden power outage while writing system partitions can disrupt the bootloader structure, making the device unable to start.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the downloaded file if you are downloading it manually. Official firmware packages have checksums, and a damaged archive may cause a verification error during the installation phase. Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network, as mobile data may be unstable when downloading files larger than 2 GB.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Automatic update through settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the operating system is to use the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). This method involves downloading and installing the update directly through the smartphone interface without using a computer. The system itself checks the servers for a new version suitable for your region and specific device.
To start the check, go to the menu Settings, then select the item About phone and click on the large version logo MIUI or HyperOS. In the window that opens, the system will contact the server and either offer to download the update, or inform you that you have the latest available version installed.
Sometimes it happens that the update has already been released, but the notification does not arrive. In this case, you can try to manually initiate a re-check by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and selecting Check for updates. If the servers are overloaded at the time of the release of a major version, you should wait a few hours or days.
If the update does not appear, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Advanced settings → Region) to a country where the release has already taken place, for example, India or Indonesia, but remember that this may change the set of pre-installed applications.
After downloading the file, the system will prompt you to reboot for installation. The screen will go dark and you will see the manufacturer's logo with a progress bar. At this moment strictly prohibited press any buttons or try to turn off the smartphone. The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the memory speed of the device.
Manual installation of firmware via the Recovery menu
If the automatic method did not work or you want to install a firmware version from a different region (for example, global instead of Chinese), you will need a manual installation method. To do this, you need to download the full firmware archive (Recovery ROM) in advance from the official website or trusted resources, such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
The file must have an extension .zip and a name corresponding to the model of your device. After downloading, move the archive to the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory without placing it in any folders. Next, you need to go to recovery mode.
Go to Settings → About phone and click on the system version. In the menu that opens, click on the three dots and select the option Select firmware file. The system will open a file manager where you need to specify the path to the downloaded archive. After confirming the selection, the verification and installation process will begin.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Through the update menu | Yes (usually) |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz | Via Mi Flash on PC | No (full reset) |
| Card Update | .zip | Via Recovery menu | Depends on the choice |
What is the difference between Recovery and Fastboot firmware?
Recovery firmware is installed directly from the phone and usually saves user data. Fastboot firmware is designed to be installed via a computer using the Mi Flash Tool and requires an unlocked bootloader, which often involves completely deleting all data from the device.
It is important to make sure that the downloaded firmware matches the type of your bootloader. If you have a locked bootloader, you will not be able to install Fastboot firmware from another region without first unlocking it, which requires waiting 7 to 15 days after submitting an application in the Xiaomi service.
Installation via Recovery mode (Hardware Keys)
In cases where the system does not boot or the standard update menu is not available, you can use the hardware mode Recovery. This method requires the smartphone to be turned off and knowledge of the key combination. It is often used to reset settings or install updates when the software interface is not available.
To enter Recovery mode, hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Miappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the volume down until the main recovery menu appears. Navigation here is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button.
In the menu, select the item Wipe Dataif you are planning a clean installation, or Connect with MIAssistant to connect to a PC. However, for a normal update through this mode, most often you need to rename the firmware file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory, and then select the item Install update.zip (if such an item is active in your version of Recovery).
⚠️ Attention: Using Recovery mode with the Wipe Data option will completely delete all photos and contacts and applications. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup before performing these steps.
Some modern versions HyperOS limit the capabilities of the standard Recovery menu for security reasons, allowing only a factory reset. In such cases, the only way out is to use Fastboot mode and a computer.
Recovery mode via buttons is an emergency tool. For scheduled updates, always use the built-in menu in the system settings, as it is less traumatic for the user’s data.
Updating via a computer and Fastboot mode
For advanced users who want to install a specific firmware version or restore the device after a failure, there is a method of flashing the firmware through the interface Fastboot. This method requires a computer with Windows OS, installed driver Xiaomi USB Driver and utility Mi Flash Tool.
First you need to unlock the device bootloader through the official utility Mi Unlock. Without this step, the computer will not have permission to write to the system partitions. After unlocking, download the Fastboot ROM archive, unpack it into a folder with paths that do not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces.
fastboot devicesEnter the smartphone into Fastboot mode by holding down the volume down and power buttons. Connect the device to the PC with a cable. At the command prompt, enter the command above to make sure your computer can see your phone. If the serial number is displayed, you can run the Mi Flash utility, specify the path to the unpacked firmware and press the button Flash.
There are three firmware modes available in the utility: clean all (complete cleaning), save user data (attempt to save data) and clean all and lock (cleaning and re-locking the bootloader). The choice of mode depends on your goals: for a clean transition between regions, it is recommended clean all.
Solving common errors and problems
During the update process, users often encounter errors such as “Could not verify the update” or stuck on the logo. Often the problem lies in a damaged bootloader cache or a file conflict with a previous version of the system.
If the update does not download, try clearing the Software Update application data. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find “Software update” (or Updater) in the list and click Clear → Clear all data. After that, restart your smartphone and try to check for updates again.
- 🔄 Error 1004: Usually means a problem with the Internet connection or server. Try changing DNS to
8.8.8.8or using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. - 📦 Insufficient space error: Even if there is free space, the system may not see it for temporary files. Delete large video files or transfer them to the memory card.
- 🔋 Stuck on logo: If the phone is stuck in the loading stage for more than 20 minutes, try to force restart by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. If you do not find an exact match, look for similar sections in the settings.
In cases where the phone goes into a “bootloop” (cyclic reboot) after an unsuccessful update, flashing via Fastboot with complete data clearing may be required. If independent actions do not help, it is better to contact an authorized service center so as not to lose the warranty.
Before installing global firmware on the Chinese version of the smartphone, make sure that the frequency bands (Bands) of your device support the operators of your country, otherwise you may lose 4G/LTE connection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Xiaomi from Chinese firmware to global without unlocking the bootloader?
No, it is impossible to officially change the firmware region (for example, from CN to Global) without unlocking the bootloader. The system will verify the digital signature and the installation will be aborted. Unlocking the bootloader is required for cross-regional update.
Will my data be erased when updating via OTA?
When updating over the air (OTA) or through the built-in Recovery menu with selecting the firmware file, user data (photos, contacts, applications) is saved. Data is deleted only when you select the “Clean all” mode in Fastboot or when resetting via Recovery.
Why am I not receiving an update to Android 14 or HyperOS?
The release of updates occurs in stages. Users in test regions or with certain models will receive them first. Also, the lack of an update may be due to the fact that your current firmware version is too old and requires an intermediate update.
What to do if, after the update, the phone begins to discharge quickly?
After a major update, the system needs time (from 1 to 3 days) to optimize files and rebuild the cache. During this period, increased battery consumption is normal. If the problem persists after a week, try a factory reset.
Is it safe to install weekly ROMs (Developer ROM)?
Weekly ROMs contain the latest features, but they are less stable and may have bugs. They are recommended to be installed only by experienced users who are prepared for possible failures and understand how to roll back to a stable version.