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There are times when one may need to flash an Android Phone, may be due to issues or for some others, simply to try a different flavor of Android version or features provided by other Custom ROM developers. In this post, we shall see how to  flash Mi Android Phones via System Update Mode.


Before getting into the steps, here are some brief info which you may already be aware of.

What is Stock ROM and Custom ROM?
Stock ROM - refers to the Android version which is officially provided by the manufacturer company along with the device.
Custom ROM - refer to the Android version that is customized and distributed by other developers.

What does flashing Android phone mean?

• In simple words, Flashing a ROM means installing a ROM on your phone.
• Just like reinstalling Windows OS, flashing or installing Android OS on an Android phone can be done by keeping the user's files safe or totally clearing the user's files and settings - a complete fresh install.

When do we need to flash Android Phone?

• May be due to issues on the current version of Android OS / ROM installed on the phone
• May be to try some newer version of ROM which is not released to the phone
• May be to downgrade to an older version of ROM provided by the manufacturer.
• May be to try some other custom ROM by other developers for additional features, enhancements etc.

There are three ways to flash Mi Phones as per Mi-

1. System Update
• Meaning by using the System Updater app provided by Mi
• The downloaded ROM is placed in the INTERNAL MEMORY/downloaded_rom folder before flashing
• Can be done from the phone itself (except for transfer of downloaded ROM if downloaded to PC)
• User's files are safe
2. Recovery Update
• Meaning by using the recovery mode provided by Mi.
• The downloaded ROM is placed in the root of the INTERNAL MEMORY before flashing 
• Can be done from the phone itself (except for transfer of downloaded ROM if downloaded to PC)
• User's files are safe
3. Fastboot Update
• Requires a flashing too and a PC
• The downloaded ROM is placed in the PC and used by the flashing tool
• Complete reinstall - clean reinstall. User's files are wiped out.

In this post we are discussing "How to flash Mi Android Phones via System Update Mode?". For flashing in other modes , check links at the end of this post.

Note: These posts are informational though the steps are safely tried by the author, the reader is advised to follow or not to follow at his or her own discretion. The author is not responsible for any issues that may arise.

Warning: Flashing via System Update mode does not affect user's files and settings. However, just for precaution, you are advised to backup any important files before proceeding.

Steps how to flash Mi Android Phones via System Update Mode?

1) Download the latest or preferred MIUI ROM to PC or mobile - Link to download MIUI ROM

2) Connect the phone to Windows PC / laptop via a micro USB cable and open the phone's internal memory via Windows Explorer. Navigate to INTERNAL MEMORY / downloaded_rom folder.

3) Copy the ROM file downloaded in Step 1 into the folder ‘downloaded_rom’ in the internal storage of the phone.

 
4) Launch ‘Updater' app on the phone. It should be under TOOLS folder by default if not moved.

5) For phone running MIUI 6/7/8: Click the ‘…’ icon at the top-right corner, and then select ‘Choose update package’.

MIUI Updater App

6)Then choose the ROM file you’ve put in ‘downloaded_rom’ in Step 3. And then tap on OK.

7) The phone will shut down and then it will display "Updating MIUI...don't reboot the device".
Don't do anything with the phone. Just wait for the process to complete.

After the update is over, the phone will reboot into the new Android ROM just installed.

You would find that all user's files and setting are intact.

Related Posts:
How to flash Mi Android Phones via Recovery Update Mode?
How to flash Mi Android Phones via Fastboot Update Mode?