Over the 10 years of its existence, Xiaomi has managed to break into the electronics and household appliances market, introducing the world to devices of various types: from bathroom scales to electric scooters. The company ranks third in the global ranking in terms of smartphone production volume. Its gadgets use the Android operating system, developed by specialists from Google.
The brand's products do not have problems with planned obsolescence - the manufacturer keeps up with the times and publishes official releases in a timely manner, which can be installed using several methods. To ensure security, it is recommended not to delay incoming updates. In addition to improving data protection, new versions bring with them improvements in graphical shells, changes in sound, and new functionality.
Differences between latest Android versions
Typically, smartphones are released on the firmware that is current at the time of presentation. Because of this, Xiaomi devices of 2021 are based on Android 7 and 8, 2021 - 8 and 9, and 2021 - on 9 and 10. Over time, they are updated, thanks to which users are guaranteed more stable operation of the gadget, as well as a bonus in the form additional functions. We suggest considering the features of the latest Android firmware. Thanks to this, it will become clear why each device needs to be updated.
Android 8 Features:
- Changed design;
- Ability to “put to sleep” notifications;
- Invisible download of update files;
- Added picture-in-picture function for multi-window mode;
- Dynamic change of icons;
- Autofill fields.
Android 9 Features:
- New interface;
- Added a button to take a screenshot;
- More pleasant animation;
- Screen cutout support;
- Gesture control system;
- Increased autonomy;
- Setting user restrictions on the amount of time you interact with the gadget;
- Automatically enable do not disturb mode.
Android 10 Features:
- Support for bendable devices;
- New themes and fonts;
- Increased level of confidentiality;
- Built-in screen recording function;
- Additional photo post-processing capabilities;
- HDR10+ support;
- Added interaction with music controllers.
What versions of Android do Xiaomi smartphones support?
Unfortunately, not every device can be updated to the latest version of Android OS. Many smartphones no longer support the latest firmware. Therefore, before installing a new version of Android, you need to make sure that the device will work with it.
The following Xiaomi devices received support for Android 8:
- Redmi 5, 5 Plus, Note 5A, 5A, Note 5A Prime;
- Mi 5, 5S, 5S Plus, 5C, 6, 8, 8 SE, 8 EE, 8 Pro;
- Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, 2S;
- Mi Max, Mi Max 2.
The following devices support Android 9:
- Pocophone F1;
- Mi A1, A2, A2 Lite;
- Mi Mix 2S, 3;
- Mi 8, 8 SE, 8 EE, 8 Pro, 9, 9 SE;
- Redmi 7, Note 7, Note 7 Pro.
At the end of 2021, the following will be updated to Android 10:
- Mi 8, 8 SE, 8 EE, 8 Pro, 9, 9 SE;
- Mi Mix 2S, 3;
- Redmi K20, K20 Pro, Note 7, Note 7 Pro.
Once you have made sure that your existing smartphone supports the required OS version, you can safely update the gadget in any convenient way.
Difference between Android 7 and 8
The developers of the Oreo platform have made great efforts to improve the speed and operating time of gadgets.
The manufacturer claims that the OS increases the performance of the smartphone by a quarter, and the battery will last several times longer.
- added PiP mode, allowing you to divide the display into two independent screens for simultaneous work in two applications;
- the work of the electronic assistant has been optimized; it has learned to recognize requests by voice and text;
- Customization of the device “for yourself” is simplified, thanks to proper sorting of sections;
- Errors from previous revisions have been resolved and the device security service has been updated.
To make a decision for the owner of Xiaomi Redmi 5 which Android is better, old or new, you need to compare both versions.
The advantages of Oreo compared to Nougat are expressed in the table:
| Nougat 7.0 | Oreo 8.0 |
Tips before installing the update
Every user is interested in ensuring that the firmware update evokes extremely positive emotions. To do this, several requirements must be met.
- The phone must be charged at least 25-30%;
- It is recommended to reset to factory settings (this item is required if the smartphone has root access, if you need to roll back the firmware, if the previous installation of updates caused errors).
Those who decide to reset their smartphone to factory settings before updating the OS should take care of creating a backup copy. In the “Settings” application, you need to open the “Security” section and first click on “Backup”, and then on “Make a backup”.
The backup file should be transferred to the computer, and after flashing, returned to the smartphone to restore information.
Over the air update
The simplest and most popular method used by most Xiaomi device owners. In the case of an over-the-air update, there is no need to download additional applications and files. All operations are performed through preinstalled programs. You need to go to the “Settings” application, open the “About phone” item and click on the “Updates” line.
Update after downloading the firmware file
If you cannot reflash by air, you can use another method. It differs from the previous one in that the owner of the smartphone must first download the update file to the smartphone from the official Xiaomi website.
- Place the downloaded archive in the “downloaded_rom” folder, which is located on the device’s internal memory (internal storage or SD);
- Go to the updates section and select the downloaded firmware file.
Further actions are completely similar to updating over the air.
How to update Android on Xiaomi?
With each new version of the Android OS, developers add new features, simplify the interface, improve the security system and optimize battery power consumption. This article will tell you how to update Android on any Xiaomi model.
Tips before installing the update
Before starting the procedure, to prevent your smartphone from turning into a “brick”, it is recommended:
- charge the battery to 80-90%;
Official way
It is suitable for owners of smartphones with a locked bootloader and official MIUI firmware:
- Redmi series: all models released after Redmi 5 (inclusive);
- Redmi Note series: all models released after Redmi Note 5 and its modifications (inclusive);
- Mi series: all models released after Mi 5 and its modifications (inclusive).
Update “through 3 points”
Procedure:
- Download firmware: Go to the official website with MIUI firmware.
- Find the device you need. For convenience, you can press Ctrl+F and enter the model name.
- In the “Stable ROM” block, click “Download full ROM”.
Once the update is complete, the smartphone will automatically reboot.
Unofficial way
It is suitable for owners of smartphones for which support has been discontinued or the transition to a new version of Android is not provided by the developers:
- Redmi series: all models released before Redmi 4 and its modifications (inclusive);
- Redmi Note series: all models released before Redmi Note 4 and its modifications (inclusive);
- Mi series all models released before Mi 4 and its modifications (inclusive).
Source: https://XiaomiDo.ru/instruktsii/kak-obnovit-android-na-syaomi
Flashing via Recovery
If the update fails using the previous methods, the user will have to use third-party programs. One of these could be the Official TWRP App, but you must first download the firmware file to your smartphone. It is recommended to perform further actions in accordance with the algorithm:
- Open root rights for Xiaomi or Redmi;
- Go to the Official TWRP App and install the firmware through it;
- Turn off your smartphone, then hold down the volume rocker and power button;
- In the menu that opens, reset the data by creating a backup in advance;
- Click “Reboot Recovery”;
- Click “Install” and select the update file;
- After installing the firmware, reboot the OS using the “Reboot System” command.
Unofficial methods
An unofficial method that allows you to install custom firmware is based on the use of the Recovery utility, which is installed in the smartphone’s memory. The user then downloads the version of the software they like. The program recognizes files like update.zip, so the user renames the archive with the files. In the utility launch field, you must select the Recovery mode and specify the Install update.zip to System One action algorithm. After the file transfer is completed correctly, a request is made to restart the smartphone.
The second method is based on Fastboot mode, which is activated on Xiaomi products by simultaneously pressing the power button and volume down button. Key manipulation is performed after the phone is turned off; Before installing the firmware, you need to download and install the MiFlash utility. The firmware files are unpacked into a separate folder, the link to the distribution is indicated in the MiFlash program window. After pressing the Flash key, reprogramming of the smartphone begins, which does not require user intervention.
The methods allow you to install new firmware on Mi5S phones and other smartphones from Xiaomi. Unofficial techniques require removing the bootloader lock, which protects the operating system kernel. Devices released before the fall of 2015 had an unlocked bootloader, but with subsequent updates it was automatically locked. Removal of protection is carried out by submitting an official request. After reprogramming, it is recommended to restore the lock, which increases the safety of using the Xiaomi smartphone.
Flashing via Fastboot
The last of the possible methods, which should be considered last due to the complexity of the actions performed. To install the update you will need (marked new) on your computer. Next you need to follow the instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone;
- Press and hold the volume rocker and power button until a special menu appears;
- Connect Xiaomi to the PC (if the device is not displayed, click “refresh”);
- Download the firmware file to your computer and unzip it;
- In the MiFlash program, specify the path to the firmware by pressing the “Select” button;
- Click “Refresh” in the menu with a list of connected devices and click “Clean All” to delete information from the smartphone after making a backup;
- Click “Flash” to start the update and wait for the process to complete (SUCCESS will appear).
Updating with Miflash
The Xiaomi company has developed special software for flashing devices, which not only allows you to install an update to Android 8 on Xiaomi Redmi 5, but also guarantees system recovery if something goes wrong.
To update you need:
- a computer or laptop with at least Windows 7 installed;
- download Miflash from the official website;
- tgz firmware archive.
How to install MiFlash on PC
In order for the laptop to synchronize with the phone without failure, the appropriate drivers must be installed on it. In order for them to work correctly, you need to disable the signature verification function - then flashing the smartphone’s firmware will proceed quickly and without unnecessary problems.
Preparing MiFlash
To update the Redmi 5 note software, you need to install everything you need in advance:
- Install MIUI ROM Flashing Tool to a folder on the C: drive, remembering its name.
- Download the archive with the firmware and unpack it into the Mi directory.
- Run the exe file to begin installing the drivers.
- Click “next” and wait for the integration into the system to complete.
- When a pop-up window appears notifying you that the installation is complete, exit the program.
Synchronizing your computer with your phone
Before connecting your smartphone to your PC, you need to make sure that the battery charge is at least half capacity.
- Turn off the gadget with the power button and enter “fastboot” mode by holding down the power and volume down keys.
- Without disabling the mode, connect to the computer using a USB cable.
- Run the command line as administrator and go to the previously created directory of the folder with the firmware and Miflash.
- You need to check the synchronization of devices by entering the “fastboot divices” command, the response to which will be to notify the system about successful pairing. In case of an error, you need to check the integrity of the USB cord or reinstall the drivers.
- Enter the command “fastboot oem reboot – edl”, which will put the mobile into emergency boot mode. The change in modality will be indicated by a signal that a new device is connected to the PC.
- Pairing has been achieved.
Firmware
To start the phone update process, you need to follow these steps:
- Activate the Xiaomi utility and specify the path to the firmware file.
- Choose to save phone data or format memory. The “Flash all” command will allow the installation to proceed correctly, so it is recommended to use this option and install the new data on a clean device.
- Press the “Flash” key, which will start updating the smartphone.
- Wait until the end of making changes to the gadget software. The duration will depend on the file size, the capabilities of the USB cable, plus the speed of the mobile phone - from several minutes to an hour.
- After installation is complete, the smartphone will perform a “Reboot” of the system.
- Disconnect the gadget from the PC.
The first startup of the device after flashing can take a long time: from 2-3 minutes to 25-30.
This is due to the fact that installation occurs in blocks and takes into account many nuances of the system.
Possible problems
If no changes are visible during the firmware update for a long time, then you need to remove the battery for 30 minutes and try to start the gadget again.
If this method does not help, then you should try leaving it on until the battery runs out.
Then connect the device to the charger and try to turn it on again. If all else fails, you should reinstall the firmware or select a new one.
If a notification occurs when integrating a new OS on a smartphone about insufficient memory to perform an action, you need to repeat the regulations on Windows with a higher bit capacity.
If this move does not help in solving the problem, the device’s firmware can be updated using third-party software.
If an error appears indicating that the bootloader is blocked, you will have to contact Xiaomi customer support with a request to lift restrictions for updating the gadget.
If after flashing the firmware the phone does not reboot automatically, you need to open the command line in the administrator profile and enter “fastboot oem reboot – edl”. Or hold down the power key of your smartphone until the corporate logo appears.
Adviсe
You should always back up your data to a flash card or computer, which may be useful when restoring your phone.
During the first years of owning a gadget, it is recommended that you update it only through OTA mode - in order to prevent errors and system failures.
In addition, it’s worth watching a video about updating Xiaomi Redmi 5 to Android 8.1
Each method can help install new software on a Xiaomi phone with minimal losses. Don't forget that you need to save your phone data to roll back changes in case something goes wrong.
Flashing devices that do not support the new Android
Not all Xiaomi smartphones have officially received support for Android 8 and 9, not to mention version 10. However, it is still possible to install firmware on an outdated device, although there are many risks associated with this. For example, no one guarantees that after updating the gadget will work without errors. But if this point does not put you off, then you can use custom (unofficial) firmware.
Links to download such updates are posted on specialized forums like 4pda. Installation occurs in the same way as with the official firmware.
