It is always a good practice and is most preferable to update Redmi phones to the latest available version of MIUI ROM, the skinned Android Operating System developed by Xiaomi.
Redmi is a sub-brand of Xiaomi. As the parent company, Xiaomi is still the one responsible to release updates of MIUI ROM.
In case if you didn’t know yet, MIUI is a full stack of firmware, kernel, and apps coming by default with all new Redmi and Redmi Note phones.
Contents
ROM vs Firmware
While other OEM companies like Samsung call its own version of Android system as firmware (they call it Samsung Experience), Xiaomi users are more familiar with ROM (instead of firmware).
Therefore, you may find “MIUI ROM” more during your reading quest in this blog.
Basically, both terms (firmware and ROM) refer to the same meaning for most Android users. Enthusiasts and developers, however, understand both terms as different meanings.
MIUI Update Packages
Xiaomi releases MIUI ROM updates in 2 (two) variants. Each variant is available in 2 (two) different packages and at least 5 (five) flavours.
MIUI Variants
We usually call MIUI variants as MIUI builds. They are:
- Stable ROM: MIUI Stable updates are released with no regular schedule. It can be days, weeks, or months. MIUI Stable ROM is the most recommended build for general users. Its offers the most stable system for day-to-day usage.
- Beta ROM: MIUI Beta updates are also known as Developer or Weekly builds. Not recommended for daily drivers but it offers the newer features and apps developed by its Developer Team. Adventurous users usually love this.
All new Redmi phones come with MIUI Stable ROM by default.
MIUI Packages
- Recovery ROM: MIUI Recovery updates are coming as compressed ZIP files. Updating your Redmi phones using this package will not reset your phone. All your files and data are preserved.
- Fastboot ROM: MIUI Fastboot updates are available as compressed TGZ files. The files come in bigger size since it is a full operating system. MIUI Fastboot update mechanism will reset your phone.
Which one should I choose?
In most cases, you can go with MIUI Recovery update which is easier, safer, and faster.
Proceed with MIUI Fastboot update only if you want to do a clean install.
Read the full guide of MIUI Fastboot Update here.
MIUI Flavours
MIUI usually comes in four different country locales: China, Global, India, Europe, and Russia.
MIUI China ROM (code CN) does not have other languages than Chinese and English. On top of that, it also ships without Google Apps. Instead, there are many Chinese apps which for non-Chinese users considered as bloatware.
MIUI Global ROM (code MI) is the one available in most Redmi phones released outside China. Users in Asia, the Middle East, and Central America usually receive this flavour. It comes with almost all country languages. Yes, it comes with GApps.
MIUI India ROM (code IN) is also considered as Global ROM with Indian local. It ships with some of local apps.
MIUI Russia ROM (code RU) is also similar but is for Russians.
MIUI Europe ROM (code EU) is for devices ship to European countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and so on.
How to Update Redmi Phones
This article covers only the method for MIUI local update. This requires no PC during the process.
Follow these steps:
- Download MIUI Recovery ROM (ZIP) according to your Redmi variants. Find the file here at MIUI official download page. Save the file directly to your phone.
- Open Settings app on your phone.
- Tap on About Phone.
- Go to System Update.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI logo to reveal advanced update settings.
- Tap the three dots at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
- Tap the Choose Update Package option.
- Locate the MIUI ROM ZIP file.
- Tap on it to select it.
- Tap the OK button.
- Wait for the update process to finish.
Your phone will automatically reboot during the process.
Screenshot Images
here are some images to describe steps above:
Recovery Method
The one above didn’t really work for you? Try this.
- Install TWRP recovery (the method and file vary based on your phone series).
- Download the ROM ZIP file to your phone.
- Turn off the phone completely by pressing the Power button then choose Power Off.
- Now press Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously. You’ll enter Recovery Mode.
- Choose Install.
- Locate the ROM ZIP file.
- Tap on it to select it.
- Swipe to confirm flash.
- Wait till finish.
- Reboot to system.
OTA Update
MIUI Over The Air (OTA) is an update mechanism using an incremental update package. The MIUI ROM ZIP file is smallest than the full MIUI ROM Fastboot or Recovery package.
This is also the safest and quickest method.
We really recommend you to go with this process to update Redmi phones.
Here are the steps.
- Open Settings.
- Go to About Phone
- Choose System Update.
- Tap Check for Updates button.
- Proceed as instructed on-screen.
- Reboot (automatically).
- Enjoy!
Which Method Should I Go?
We strongly suggest you go with the last method, OTA update.
The reasons are obvious. It is easy, fastest, and effortless. You’ll need a stable Internet connection though.
Go with the Fastboot method only if you want to do a clean install.
See? It’s not rocket science to update Redmi phones to the latest MIUI version.
