Smartphones Xiaomi regularly receive firmware updates MIUI and versions Android, which improve performance, add new features and close security vulnerabilities. However, not all users know how to correctly check for updates, especially if the automatic check does not work or the device has not received updates for a long time. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to check for updates on Xiaomi, including hidden methods for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the update process on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices has its own characteristics. For example, some models receive updates with a delay, while others only receive updates through manual installation. We will also look at what to do if the update is not found, how to speed up its appearance and what errors may arise in the process.

Why it is important to update the firmware on Xiaomi

Regular updates MIUI i Android is not just a marketing ploy. They solve several critical problems:

  • 🔒 Security: close vulnerabilities that can be used by viruses or hackers to access your data.
  • ⚡ Performance: optimize the operation of the processor, battery and RAM, reducing lags.
  • 🆕 New functions: add features that were not present in the old version (for example, an improved shooting mode or control gestures).
  • 📱 Compatibility: ensure correct operation with new versions of applications and services.

For example, In MIUI 14 a function has appeared Ultra Battery Saverthat extends battery life by 20-30% by limiting background processes. And the update to Android 13 added support for Material You a dynamic theme that adapts to the wallpaper.

📊 How often do you update the firmware on your Xiaomi?
Automatically, as soon as a new version is released
I check manually once a month
I update only if problems arise
I never update

However, not all updates are equally useful. Sometimes new versions MIUI contain bugs that can lead to:

  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain.
  • 📉 Slowdown of the interface.
  • 📵 Problems connecting to the mobile network or Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing a major update (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), it is recommended to back up your data via Settings → About phone → Backup. In rare cases, the update may lead to a factory reset.

Method 1: Checking for updates through the phone settings

The easiest and safest way to check for updates is to use the built-in menu Settings. This method is suitable for all models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including old devices with MIUI 10 and newer.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select section About phone (on some models - About device).
  3. Tap on the item System update (or MIUI update).
  4. Press the button Check for updates.

If an update is available, the system will offer to download it. The file size can vary from 50 MB (small patch) to 2-3 GB (major version update Android).

Battery charge ≥ 50%|Connected to stable Wi-Fi|≥ 5 GB of memory freed|Closed all background applications

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Some devices (for example Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11) may receive a message "No update"even if it has already been released. This is due to the gradual distribution of updates. In this case, you can try:

  • 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
  • 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
  • 🕒 Wait 1-2 days - sometimes the update does not appear immediately.
⚠️ Attention: If your device is in the beta testing app MIUI, the automatic scan may only show beta versions. To return to stable firmware, you will have to perform a manual installation via Recovery.

Method 2: Manual check through Mi Community

If the automatic check does not find the update, you can try installing it manually through the official forum Xiaomi — Mi CommunityThis method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires downloading the firmware and installing it through Recovery or Fastboot.

Steps:

  1. Go to the website https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index (official firmware download portal).
  2. Enter your device model in the search bar (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
  3. Select the latest stable version MIUI for your region (for example, Russia, Global or EEA).
  4. Download the firmware file in the format .zip (for Recovery) or .tgz (for Fastboot).

After downloading:

  • For installation via Recovery:
    1. Rename the file to update.zip.
    2. Place it in the root directory of the internal memory.
    3. Hold button Volume up + Powerto enter Recovery.
    4. Select Install update.zip and confirm installation.
  • For installation via Fastboot you will need a computer and utility Mi Flash Tool.
    • What to do if the firmware does not install?

    If an error appears during installation via Recovery , this means that the file is damaged or is not intended for your model. Solutions: "Can't verify update", this means that the file is damaged or not intended for your model. Solutions:

    1. Download the firmware again from the official website.

    2. Check the region compliance (for example, the firmware for Global is not suitable for the Chinese version CN).

    3. Try installing via Fastboot (but this will lead to complete data reset!).

    Advantages of manual installation:

    • ✅ You can skip the phased distribution queue.
    • ✅ Install firmware that is not yet available in your region.
    • ✅ Return to the stable version after beta testing.

      • Disadvantages:

      • ❌ Risk of the device being “bricked” in case of an error.
      • ❌ Requires technical skills.
      • ❌ May lead to data loss (especially when used Fastboot).

        • Method 3: Checking via ADB (for advanced users)

        If you are familiar with the command line, you can check for updates via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) This method is useful when standard methods do not work, for example, due to a failure in the update system.

        Instructions:

        1. Install ADB on your computer (you can download from the website developer.android.com).
        2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: 
          Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging
        3. Connect your phone to the computer via a USB cable.
        4. Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and enter: 
          adb shell pm list packages | grep updater

          This will show the system update package (usually com.android.updater or com.miui.updater).

        5. Run the update check with the command: 
          adb shell am start -n com.android.updater/.UpdateActivity

        If the command is successful, an update window will open on the phone, where you can manually run the scan. This method sometimes helps to bypass blockages associated with regional restrictions.

        💡

        If the command adb does not work, first try rebooting the phone into the Fastboot (hold Volume down + Power) and enter fastboot devicesto check the connection.

        Also through ADB you can forcefully reset the update cache if the system is stuck on checking:

        adb shell pm clear com.miui.updater
        ⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires caution. Incorrect commands may disrupt the system. Do not perform operations if you are not sure of their purpose.

        How to speed up the appearance of an update on Xiaomi

        If you know that new firmware has already been released for your model, but it is not yet available through standard checking, you can try the following methods:

        Method Description Risks
        Changing region Change region in settings to India or Europe (updates are released there earlier). Unfamiliar applications or advertisements may appear.
        Clear cache Delete data applications System update in Settings → Applications. Update settings may be reset.
        Connecting to VPN Use a VPN with servers in Germany or Singapore (updates are often released there earlier). Some updates may be blocked for the VPN.
        Participation in beta testing Register in the beta tester app via Mi Community. Beta versions may contain errors.

        For example, to change the region:

        1. Go to Settings → Advanced → Language and region.
        2. Select country India or Indonesia.
        3. Restart your phone and check for updates.

      Important: after changing the region, some services (for example, Google Pay or banking applications) may stop working due to geolocation restrictions.

      Frequent errors when checking for updates and their solutions

      Even when checking for updates correctly, users Xiaomi often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common of them and how to fix them.

      • 🚫 "Update not found":
        • Check your Internet connection (it is better to use Wi-Fi).
        • Make sure there is enough free space on your phone (≥ 5 GB).
        • Try changing the region or wait 1-2 days.
      • ⚠️ "Download Error":
        • Reboot your phone and try downloading again.
        • Disable VPN or proxy, if used.
        • Try downloading manual firmware via Mi Community.
      • 🔄 "Update stuck at 0%":
        • Wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process starts with a delay.
        • If it hangs longer, restart the phone and start again.
        • Clear the cache applications System update.
      • 📵 "Insufficient memory":
        • Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.
        • Use the function Cleaning to Settings → Storage.
        • Try installing the update via Recovery (requires less free space).
      💡

      If the update constantly fails, check if you are blocked from accessing servers Xiaomi through a firewall or antivirus. Also make sure that the date and time on your phone are set correctly (auto-sync should be turned on).

      If none of the methods worked, your device may no longer be supported. Xiaomi usually provides updates within 2-3 years of the model's release date. To find out the support period, check the official list on the website. Some functions stop working. In such cases, you can return the old firmware, but this requires caution. Xiaomi or in Mi Community.

      How to roll back an update if it caused problems

      Sometimes new versions MIUI or Android they work worse than the previous ones: the battery runs out faster, lags appear or some functions stop working. In such cases, you can revert to the old firmware, but this requires caution.

      Rollback methods:

      1. Via Recovery:
        • Download the old firmware version from Mi Community.
        • Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of memory.
        • Go to Recovery and select Install update.zip.
    • Via Fastboot (full reset):
      • Download the firmware in format .tgz.
      • Use Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
      • Select the option Clean all (this will delete all data!).

      Important to remember:

      • Rolling back will to full data reset (if you do not use a backup).
      • Some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi K50) have protection Anti-Rollback, which blocks rollback to older versions.
      • After a rollback, you may need to re-activate the device through your account Mi.
      ⚠️ Attention: If your device was purchased in China (version CN), rollback to global firmware (Global) may lead to blocking of some functions, for example, Google Services.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Xiaomi updates

      My Xiaomi does not find the update, although it has already been released. What to do?

      If the update is officially announced, but does not appear in the settings, try:

      1. Wait 1-3 days - updates are distributed in stages.
      2. Change region to India or Indonesia to settings.
      3. Clear application cache System update.
      4. Download the firmware manually from Mi Community and install via Recovery.
      Is it possible to install an update without losing data?

      Yes, if you install through the standard update menu or Recovery (file update.zip). However:

      • Always make a backup copy of important data.
      • If installed via Fastboot the data will be deleted.
      • In rare cases, even a normal update can lead to a reset (for example, when upgrading to a new version Android).
      Why did the phone slow down after the update?

      This may be due to:

      • Unoptimized firmware (wait 1-2 days - the system will adjust itself).
      • Conflict with installed applications (try clearing the cache).
      • Background processes (check in Settings → Battery).

      If the brakes persist, try:

      1. Reset the settings to factory settings (with saving data).
      2. Roll back to the previous version firmware.
      How do I know if my Xiaomi supports updating to a new version of Android?

      Xiaomi usually provides 2-3 major updates Android for its devices. To check:

      1. Look at the official support list on Mi Community.
      2. Use services. like XDA Developers or MIUI Updates Tracker.
      3. Find out the year of manufacture of your model - devices older than 2019 may not receive Android 13/14.

      For example, Redmi Note 9 (2020) received Android 12, but Android 13 There are no plans for it.

      Is it possible to install custom firmware instead of the official one?

      Yes, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to:

      • Loss of warranty.
      • Unstable operation phone.
      • Problems with Google Pay, Netflix and banking applications (due to lack of certification).

      Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi:

      • LineageOS - clean Android without MIUI.
      • Pixel Experience - firmware with functions Google Pixel.
      • Xiaomi.eu - modified MIUI without excess water.

      For installation you will need:

      1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool.
      2. Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP).
      3. Follow the instructions for a specific model.