Xiaomi developers have provided for automatic downloading of new versions of MIUI through “three points”. This is relevant for poorly versed users in technology who do not want to perform additional actions with the smartphone to get the latest builds. OTA update on Xiaomi allows you to install the latest MIUI firmware quickly. Today’s article will explain how to update your mobile device using the “three dots” service.
What is OTA, and how does it work?
Over The Air (OTA) is an update “over the air” that does not require a connection to a computer. You only need access to the Internet: the new version is downloaded from Xiaomi servers and then automatically installed on your smartphone. Only official versions are downloaded in this way. You will get a thoroughly tested build without serious lags and bugs if you have stable firmware.
You can download the firmware through OTA using Wi-Fi and 4G (3G). The only point: using mobile Internet will consume a lot of traffic because the files usually weigh from 500 megabytes to several gigabytes.
What an over-the-air update consists of
The archive always includes three main folders:
- META-INF – the files intended to be updated;
- Patch – patches with small changes that are made to the phone (for example, fixing a bug spotted in a previous update);
- System – a set of main files that add new features.
Of course, the user does not need to download the above folders separately. They are all stored in a common archive, which arrives on the phone. You only have to agree to download the version and provide access to the Internet.
OTA update lets you download the whole firmware and only files with changes. For example, the developers have released a build with several innovations. There is no need to re-download the whole archive with the firmware to get the new features. You can download only part of the files, thanks to which the fresh options will appear. Unfortunately, this method of updating sometimes causes failures on the smartphone, so users always have the option to download the full firmware. How to do this – read a little below.
Using the OTA mode, you can install the next build to improve the smartphone and switch to a new Miyuay – for example, from version eleven to update to the twelfth. The update will appear on your phone as soon as the developers release the firmware for your model.
How to properly update your Xiaomi and Redmi phone “over the air”
Now let’s look at how to update “over the air”. The procedure is quite simple and fast if you choose the automatic option. Installing the firmware manually takes a little more time, but for beginners, this is still the preferred way compared to updating through Fastboot or Recovery.
Obligatory requirements
A list of conditions must be met if you want to update via OTA. Namely:
- No root rights on the smartphone.
- Locked bootloader – not for all smartphones. For details, check out the discussion of your model on XDA forum.
- Official firmware.
- Stock.
All four items are mandatory. Otherwise, new builds won’t come to the phone. If the phone is custom, you’ll only be able to install a fresh version of the firmware using third-party programs (like Mi Flash) or custom recovers.
Updating via “three dots”
You can start updating if all the above requirements are met on your device. Don’t forget to turn on Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
Automatic update
The easiest option. The system will independently download the necessary firmware version. You only need to agree to download and install.
- Go to “Settings” and open the “About phone” tab.
- Click on “MIUI version”. If the search for new versions doesn’t start automatically, click on the gray “Check announcements” button.
- Is a fresh build available? Then click “Download” and wait for the firmware to download. The duration of the download depends on the speed of the Internet.
- Next, click on the big blue button “Restart”. The smartphone shuts down and then displays a black screen with the update’s progress. You should not force the phone to shut down or restart during the procedure. Otherwise, it will “brick”. Also, ensure the charge level is within 60-70%.
- When the new version is installed, the operating system will reboot itself, and the desktop will appear. After that, you can fully use your phone and try new features.
The automatic MIUI update is available about once a month. If you want to get fresh builds more often, open the “MIUI version” tab and click on the triplet. We’re looking for the “Settings” section. Here we activate the slider next to the line “Early Updates”.
Manual method
Automatic updates come with a delay, or there are no updates. Then you can put the new firmware on your own using the “three dots” mode. The main advantage: an unlocked bootloader is not required, as well as the presence of root rights. Also, the full firmware is installed, not just the file with new features, which avoids further malfunctions.
Let’s find out how to install OTA updates on Xiaomi manually.
- The first thing we do is to check what version of Miyuay is on the smartphone. It can be Global, RU, EU, or India. To do this, go to “About the phone” and look at the line “MIUI version”.
- Go to the Mi Community forum. Choose a model and click “Download Full Rom“.
- If you used to download the firmware from your PC, connect the phone to the PC and copy the archive to the internal storage of the phone. Download the file on your phone – skip this step.
- Go to “About phone” – “MIUI version”. Click on the three dots to open an additional menu. Press “Choose firmware file”.
- Select the folder with the firmware. Press “OK” on the bottom panel.
- The phone reboots and starts to update. We don’t need to do any other steps. Just wait for the end of the installation. As soon as the smartphone starts up in normal mode, you can use it.
Important moment! The above method can not put the firmware version, which is different from the current one. In a separate material, we told you how to change the version of MIUI without harming the device.
Installing full firmware
It is recommended to download the full update file if you have problems with the operating system. For example, notifications from applications do not come. The Wi-Fi network is disconnected, you can not hear the caller, etc.
The thing is that part of the file package, downloaded during the standard update “over the air”, should replace the current files. This is where a conflict of elements often occurs. Installing full firmware solves this problem because you’re flashing a full archive weighing 1-2 GB, not just new files that weigh 500-800 MB. So there will be no conflict between the old and new items. The only disadvantage is that you need high-speed Internet so that the archive can be quickly downloaded to the device.
You can install the full firmware manually using the instructions from the previous paragraph. But it is much faster to download the file from Xiaomi servers immediately. To do this:
- Re-open “About the phone” – “MIUI version”.
- Click on the triple dot and select “Download full firmware”. If there is no such a line, tap on the logo of MIUI 3-4 times. There should be a notification about the included additional features.
- Wait for the file to load. Then press “Restart”. The installation of the full firmware will start.
Updating “by air” on Xiaomi with Android One
Xiaomi smartphones from the Android One line run on “pure” Android. These devices include the Mi A1, Mi A2, Mi A2 Lite, and Mi A3. Since the MIUI firmware is unavailable on these models, you can only update the operating system.
Android One has OTAs: new versions of Android and Google’s monthly security packs arrive “over the air.” To check if new updates are available, you need the following:
- Go to “Settings” and get down to the “System” section.
- Click on “Advanced” – “System Updates.”
- If there are new versions, click on the blue “Download and Install” button.
What is the difference between the OTA version and Recovery?
Many wonders which MIUI firmware is better: OTA or Recovery (Fastboot). There are several significant differences, namely:
- If OTA arrives automatically, the file size is 500-800 MB, as only new features and changes are included. Firmware for Recovery is full-sized that weighs 1-2 GB. Clarification: the OTA archive was downloaded from the Mi Community forum – it will be full too.
- A significant disadvantage of OTA firmware versions is the presence of bugs and crashes which can affect the smartphone’s performance. The Recovery and Fastboot versions are more stable.
- Using the OTA shell, you can’t switch from one version of Miyuay to another. But the firmware for Recovery and Fastboot allows changing, for example, Global to EU.
- The OTA updates are fast and easy. You don’t need to unlock the bootloader or perform other serious actions with the smartphone. But to reflash via Fastboot or Recovery, it’s necessary to have an active bootloader.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which type of firmware is better. Each user chooses the best option for themselves based on personal preferences. For newbies, we advise updating via OTA, and the experienced owners can try Fastboot or Recovery.
FAQ
Why aren’t updates coming to Xiaomi?
There could be many reasons. First, ensure your smartphone does not have root rights, the bootloader is locked, and the firmware is official. Next, check the internet connection. Open the OTA settings and check the “Update automatically” checkbox. Go to thematic forums and read information about your phone model: maybe the update was recalled for technical reasons.
What should I do if my smartphone doesn’t work correctly after updating?
There are two options – roll back to the previous version, which is quite problematic or expects a new update, which will fix bugs. You can also write to support and leave a complaint.
Is it worth upgrading to Android 13 from last year’s smartphone?
If the version is officially available for your model, there will be no serious problems. Developers carefully check the software’s compatibility and the phone’s iron. Small freezes are possible if the mobile device has a weak processor.
We discovered that the OTA update on Xiaomi is a quick and easy way to install the new firmware version. This update requires a minimum of action on the part of the user. The system downloads the firmware itself, and then the phone automatically reboots. Write in comments which update method you prefer: OTA, Fastboot (Mi Flash), or custom recovers.
