Xiaomi: Troubleshooting “The System is Being Upgraded” Error and Unlocking Your Device

Encountering the dreaded “The System is Being Upgraded” message on your Xiaomi device, particularly while attempting to unlock the bootloader, can be frustrating. This error, often displayed within the Mi Unlock Status section under Developer Options, can halt your progress and leave you wondering what went wrong. At Magisk Modules, we understand the challenges of customizing your Android experience, and we’re here to provide a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving this issue, enabling you to proceed with unlocking your Xiaomi’s bootloader and exploring the world of custom ROMs, kernels, and Magisk modules available on our Magisk Module Repository.

Understanding the “System is Being Upgraded” Error in Mi Unlock Status

This error message, “The System is Being Upgraded, please try again later,” typically indicates that the Mi Unlock tool or Xiaomi’s servers are experiencing temporary issues or that there’s a conflict with your Xiaomi account. However, it can also be a symptom of underlying problems related to your device’s software, account verification, or the unlocking process itself. It’s crucial to identify the root cause to implement the correct solution. While the message suggests a temporary server issue, persistent occurrence requires further investigation.

Preliminary Checks and Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s crucial to perform some basic checks to rule out common causes:

• Check Your Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is paramount. The Mi Unlock tool relies on communication with Xiaomi’s servers, and a poor connection can lead to errors. Try switching between Wi-Fi networks or using a mobile data connection to see if the issue persists. Verify your internet speed and stability using a speed test website or app.
• Verify Your Xiaomi Account Login: Ensure you are logged into your Xiaomi account on your device with the same credentials you’re using in the Mi Unlock tool. Double-check that the account is active and hasn’t been disabled or suspended. Log out and log back in on both your device and the Mi Unlock tool. Ensure the account has sufficient permissions and isn’t subject to any regional restrictions that might affect unlocking.
• Update the Mi Unlock Tool: Outdated versions of the Mi Unlock tool can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Download the latest version from Xiaomi’s official website. Ensure you are downloading from a reputable source to avoid potentially malicious software. Check the release notes for any known issues related to the “System is Being Upgraded” error.
• Reboot Your Device: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches. Restart your Xiaomi device and try the unlocking process again. A complete power cycle (turning the device off completely for a few minutes) can sometimes be more effective than a simple restart.
• Wait and Try Again Later: As the error message suggests, Xiaomi’s servers might be temporarily unavailable. Wait for a few hours or even a day and try the unlocking process again. Check online forums and communities to see if other users are experiencing similar issues, which could indicate a widespread server problem.
• Check your Phone’s Date and Time: Ensure that the date and time settings on your phone are correct and synchronized with the network. Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with the communication between your device and Xiaomi’s servers.

Advanced Solutions for Resolving the Error

If the preliminary checks don’t resolve the issue, consider these more advanced solutions:

1. Binding Your Account to the Device Correctly

A critical step in the unlocking process is properly binding your Xiaomi account to your device. This involves enabling Developer Options and the Mi Unlock Status feature. If this process isn’t completed correctly, the “System is Being Upgraded” error can occur.

Steps for Proper Account Binding:

1. Enable Developer Options: Navigate to Settings > About Phone and tap on “MIUI Version” multiple times (usually 7-10 times) until you see a message confirming that Developer Options are enabled.
2. Access Developer Options: Go back to Settings and then to Additional Settings > Developer Options.
3. Enable OEM Unlocking: Within Developer Options, enable the “OEM Unlocking” option. This is crucial for allowing bootloader unlocking.
4. Add Account and Device in Mi Unlock Status: Tap on “Mi Unlock Status” and follow the on-screen instructions to add your Xiaomi account to the device. This step requires a SIM card with an active data connection and can only be performed on one Xiaomi account every 30 days. Make sure to grant all the requested permissions.
5. Wait the Required Time: Xiaomi requires users to wait a certain period (usually 72 hours, but sometimes longer) after binding their account before they can unlock the bootloader. This waiting period is designed to prevent unauthorized unlocking. Check the specific waiting time displayed in the Mi Unlock Status section.

Troubleshooting Account Binding Issues:

• Ensure a Stable Data Connection: A stable mobile data connection is essential during the account binding process. Wi-Fi connections can sometimes cause issues.
• Use the SIM Card Slot Designated for Account Binding: Some Xiaomi devices have multiple SIM card slots. Use the slot that is designated for account binding (usually SIM 1) for the process.
• Disable VPNs and Proxy Servers: VPNs and proxy servers can interfere with the account binding process. Disable them temporarily before attempting to bind your account.
• Clear Data for the Mi Unlock App: Clearing the data for the Mi Unlock app can sometimes resolve issues with account binding. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps, find the Mi Unlock app, and clear its data and cache.
• Try a Different Xiaomi Account: If you’re still encountering issues, try using a different Xiaomi account (if you have one) to see if the problem persists.

2. Downgrading to a Stable MIUI Version

In some cases, the “System is Being Upgraded” error can be caused by bugs or issues in the current MIUI version installed on your device. Downgrading to a previous, more stable version can sometimes resolve the problem.

Steps for Downgrading MIUI (Use with Caution):

Disclaimer: Downgrading MIUI can be risky and may result in data loss or bricking your device if not performed correctly. Proceed with caution and only if you’re comfortable with the process.

1. Download a Stable MIUI ROM: Download a stable MIUI ROM for your specific device model from a reputable source like Xiaomi’s official website or MIUI download sites. Ensure the ROM is compatible with your device and is a previous, stable version.
2. Transfer the ROM to Your Device: Transfer the downloaded ROM file to the internal storage of your Xiaomi device.
3. Enter Recovery Mode: Boot your device into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously until the Mi logo appears.
4. Wipe Data (Optional but Recommended): In Recovery Mode, select the “Wipe Data” option to perform a factory reset. This is recommended to prevent conflicts between the old and new MIUI versions. Back up your important data before wiping.
5. Install the ROM: Select the “Install Update from ZIP” option and choose the downloaded MIUI ROM file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ROM.
6. Reboot Your Device: Once the installation is complete, reboot your device. The first boot after downgrading may take longer than usual.

Important Considerations for Downgrading:

• Research Compatibility: Thoroughly research the compatibility of the ROM with your device model and region. Installing the wrong ROM can brick your device.
• Back Up Your Data: Back up all your important data before downgrading, as the process may wipe your device’s storage.
• Use a Reliable Source: Download the MIUI ROM from a reliable source to avoid malware or corrupted files.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Follow the downgrading instructions precisely to avoid errors or bricking your device.
• Consider using MiFlash Tool: For a cleaner and more reliable downgrade, consider using the MiFlash tool with a Fastboot ROM.

3. Using a Different Computer and USB Cable

Sometimes, the issue can be related to the computer you’re using or the USB cable connecting your device. Try using a different computer and a different USB cable to rule out any hardware-related problems.

Why This Might Help:

• Driver Issues: The computer’s USB drivers might be outdated or corrupted, causing communication problems with the device.
• USB Port Issues: The USB port itself might be faulty or not providing enough power for the unlocking process.
• Cable Quality: A low-quality or damaged USB cable can disrupt the data transfer between the device and the computer.

4. Disabling MIUI Optimization (For Advanced Users)

MIUI Optimization is a feature that optimizes the performance and battery life of your Xiaomi device. However, it can sometimes interfere with the unlocking process. Disabling MIUI Optimization (for advanced users only) might resolve the “System is Being Upgraded” error.

Steps to Disable MIUI Optimization:

1. Enable Developer Options: (See instructions in Section 2.1)
2. Access Developer Options: (See instructions in Section 2.1)
3. Find MIUI Optimization: Scroll down in Developer Options until you find the “MIUI Optimization” option.
4. Disable MIUI Optimization: Toggle the switch to disable MIUI Optimization.

Cautions When Disabling MIUI Optimization:

• Potential Performance Issues: Disabling MIUI Optimization can potentially affect the performance and battery life of your device.
• Use Only as a Last Resort: Only disable MIUI Optimization as a last resort if other solutions have failed.
• Re-enable After Unlocking: After successfully unlocking the bootloader, it’s generally recommended to re-enable MIUI Optimization.

5. Contacting Xiaomi Support

If none of the above solutions work, it’s best to contact Xiaomi support for assistance. They might be able to provide specific guidance based on your device model and MIUI version.

How to Contact Xiaomi Support:

• Visit Xiaomi’s Official Website: Go to Xiaomi’s official website and navigate to the support section.
• Use the Online Chat: Use the online chat feature to connect with a support agent.
• Call Xiaomi Support: Call Xiaomi support using the phone number provided on their website.
• Visit a Xiaomi Service Center: If possible, visit a Xiaomi service center for in-person assistance.

Information to Provide to Xiaomi Support:

• Device Model: Provide the exact model number of your Xiaomi device.
• MIUI Version: Provide the current MIUI version installed on your device.
• Error Message: Clearly explain the “System is Being Upgraded” error message you’re encountering.
• Troubleshooting Steps Taken: Describe the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

After Successfully Unlocking: Exploring Magisk Modules

Once you’ve successfully unlocked your Xiaomi device’s bootloader, you can explore the world of custom ROMs, kernels, and Magisk modules. At Magisk Modules, we offer a vast collection of Magisk modules to enhance your Android experience. From system tweaks to UI customizations, our Magisk Module Repository has something for everyone. Unlock your device’s full potential and customize it to your liking with our wide range of Magisk modules. Always remember to backup your device before installing any modules to prevent unexpected issues.