Android 12 on Xiaomi smartphones: the official list of models, instructions and nuances of the update

The upgrade to Android 12 for Xiaomi smartphones was one of the most anticipated events of 2021-2022. The new version of the operating system brought not only visual changes within the shell of MIUI 13, but also a lot of internal improvements, from power optimization to enhanced privacy features. However, not all devices of the brand were able to upgrade β€” some models remained on Android 11, and some even lost support.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi smartphones officially support Android 12, how to check the availability of the update for your model, and what to do if your device is not included in the list. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of firmware through MIUI bootloader, problems after the update and alternative installation methods (for example, through fastboot or custom firmware like LineageOS).

If you’re planning to upgrade, it’s important to consider that on some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), Android 12 may not work as smoothly due to hardware limitations of the Mediatek Helio G90T chip.

Official list of Xiaomi smartphones with support for Android 12

Xiaomi has released Android 12 for most flagship and mid-range models released after 2019. However, there are exceptions: some devices received an update only in certain regions (for example, India or China), and for some smartphones the update never came out. Below is a full list of models that are guaranteed to support Android 12 at the level of official firmware MIUI 13 or MIUI 12.5 Enhanced.

The list is divided into categories by segment and year of release. Note: if your model is on the list but the update doesn’t come β€œover the air”, try checking it manually through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.

  • πŸ“± Flagship models (2020–2021): Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Lite 5G, Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro
  • πŸ“± Midsize segment (2020–2021): Redmi K40, K40 Pro, K40 Pro+, POCO F3 (He's a Redmi. K40 china), POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 10 Pro Max
  • πŸ“± Budget models (2021): Redmi Note 10, Note 10S, POCO M3 Pro 5G, Redmi 10 (in some regions)
  • πŸ“± Senior models (2019–2020): Mi 9, Mi 9 Pro 5G, Mi 9T Pro (Europe only), Redmi K30 Pro

Separately, it is worth highlighting the models that did not receive Android 12, despite the promises of the manufacturer:

  • ❌ Redmi Note 9 Pro (remained on Android 11 with the MIUI 12.5)
  • ❌ POCO X3 NFC (Update cancelled due to hardware limitations)
  • ❌ Mi A3 (Android One devices are no longer supported)
πŸ“Š Your smartphone has already been upgraded to Android 12?
Yeah, long ago.
Yeah, but with bugs.
No, I'm still waiting.
No, I don't plan on.
The model is not supported

How to check and install Android 12 on Xiaomi

If your model is on the supported list, but the update doesn't come automatically, you can install it manually.

  1. Check the current version: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. If the version is below MIUI 13.0, the update is available.
  2. Manual verification: Open Settings β†’ System Update and click β€œCheck Updates”.
  3. Download firmware: If the update is not available, download it manually from the MIUI bootloader website (select the version for your region!).
  4. Installation: After downloading the.zip file, go to Settings β†’ System Update β†’ Three Dots β†’ Select a firmware file.

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Connect to Wi-Fi (file weighs 2-3 GB)

Make a backup copy of the data

Disable the ad blocker (may interfere with download)

Close all background applications-->

If the update is not installed, the following reasons are possible:

  • πŸ”’ Locked bootloader: On some models (e.g, POCO F1) You need to unlock the bootloader.
  • 🌍 The wrong region: firmware for India is not suitable for the global version of the smartphone.
  • πŸ“± Insufficient memory: You need at least 5 GB of free space to install.
What to do if the update is suspended?
If the upgrade process is stopped during the installation phase (over 30 minutes), do not turn off the phone! Try: 1. Wait another 10-15 minutes. 2. Press and hold the power button 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot. 3. If the phone does not turn on, try to go to Recovery Mode (power button + volume up) and repeat the installation. 4. In extreme cases, flash the device through fastboot (instruction below).

Below is a table with the release dates of stable versions of Android 12 for key Xiaomi models. Data is relevant for global (Global) and European (EEA) firmware. For Chinese (China) updates usually come 1-2 months earlier.

Smartphone modelRelease date (Global/EEA)MIUI versionNotes
Xiaomi Mi 11December 2021MIUI 13.0.1The first model with Android 12 β€œout of the box”
Redmi K40 / POCO F3January 2022MIUI 13.0.2Update suspended for Indian version due to bugs
Redmi Note 10 ProMarch 2022MIUI 13.0.4In some regions, there was a delay.
POCO X3 ProApril 2022MIUI 13.0.3Requires a minimum of 6 GB of free memory
Mi 10T ProNovember 2021MIUI 12.5 EnhancedThe update came later due to camera issues.

If your model is not in the table, it does not mean that the update will not come out. Xiaomi sometimes releases firmware with a delay (for example, for the Redmi Note 9S Android 12 was released only in June 2022). To track the latest information, use the XiaomiUI service or the official Telegram channel MIUI.

Problems After Upgrading to Android 12 and Solutions

Despite the optimization, Android 12 on Xiaomi can work with bugs, especially on older models.

  • πŸ”‹ Quick battery drain: After the upgrade, the system indexes files, which increases energy consumption. Give the smartphone 2-3 days to adapt. If the problem persists, reset the cache to Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ“Έ Camera problems: On some models (e.g. Mi) 10T) Solution: Update the camera app via Google Play or roll back to the previous version.
  • 🎡 Sound distortions: If the speaker is wheezing or the music is playing late, check the Sound settings β†’ Sound quality and disable Mi Sound Enhancer.
  • πŸ“Ά Network problems: After the update, it may disappear 5G Or Wi-Fi. Try resetting your network settings to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting settings.

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone is getting hot after the upgrade, check the list of background processes in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Background processes. Often the cause of overheating are Android 11-optimized applications that are not adapted to the new version.

If none of these methods worked, consider rolling back the previous version of MIUI.

  1. Download the stable firmware MIUI 12.5 for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
  2. Go to Recovery Mode (Power button + Volume up).
  3. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: Retreat to the previous version MIUI This can cause data loss if you don't back up. Also on some models (e.g. Redmi). K40) After rollback, the ability to re-upgrade to Android 12 is blocked for 7 days.

Alternative ways to install Android 12: custom firmware

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t support Android 12 officially, but hardware specifications allow it (e.g., the Snapdragon 730/865 or Mediatek Helio G95), you can install custom firmware.

  • πŸ› οΈ LineageOS 19: Pure Android 12 without shell MIUI. Supports most Xiaomi models 2019-2020.
  • πŸ”„ Pixel Experience: The firmware with Google Pixel interface includes all the features of Android 12 (e.g. Material You).
  • πŸ“± MIUI 13 ported: Unofficial assemblies MIUI 13 for unsupported devices (e.g., for Redmi Note 8 Pro).

To install custom firmware will require:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox for your model.
  3. Download firmware from the XDA Developers forum and install it via TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to break. Before the procedure, check the firmware compatibility with your model on the forum 4PDA or XDA. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) is not suitable for the Redmi Note. 9S (despite similar characteristics.

πŸ’‘

Custom firmware is often stripped of Xiaomi's signature features like Second Space or Game Turbo.However, they offer cleaner Android, fewer ads and faster security updates.

Android 12 vs Android 11 on Xiaomi: Should You Upgrade?

If your smartphone supports Android 12 but you’re hesitant to upgrade, compare the key changes:

FunctionAndroid 11 (MIUI 12.5)Android 12 (MIUI 13)
DesignClassic MIUI with bright colorsFlush animations, support for Material You (dynamic colors)
ProductivityOptimization for specific modelsImproved memory management, less heat
ConfidentialityBasic permissions for applicationsMicrophone/camera usage indicator, privacy panel
AutonomyStandard energy saving regimeBattery Saver Adaptive Mode, Background Optimization
MIUI functionsSecond Space, App VaultAdded MIUI+ (PC synchronization), improved Game Turbo

It is worth updating if:

  • βœ… Privacy is important to you (new permission control tools).
  • βœ… You use a dark theme – it runs smoother on Android 12.
  • βœ… You have a flagship model (e.g. Mi 11) where the update has been tested.

Do not update if:

  • ❌ You have a budget model (e.g. Redmi). 9A) β€” possible lag.
  • ❌ You depend on branded functions MIUI 12.5 that are not in the new version.
  • ❌ Stability is critical for you (patches often come out in the first months after release).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Xiaomi isn't seeing an update to Android 12.
If your model supports Android 12 but the update doesn’t come: Check the firmware region (for example, the Indian version may not receive global updates). Download the firmware manually from the official website and install through System Update β†’ Select a file. If nothing helps, wait for the next update package (they come out every 1-2 months).
Can I roll back from Android 12 to Android 11?
Yes, but with the caveats: To roll back, you need to download the full MIUI 12.5 firmware for your model. The process will result in a complete data reset (take backup!). On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 NFC), rollbacks may block future updates. Instructions: 4PDA - Recoil MIUI.
Why did the smartphone slow down after upgrading to Android 12?
Causes and Solutions: Background optimization: Android 12 more aggressively manages memory. Turn off restrictions for frequently used applications in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Special Access β†’ Battery Optimization. Animations: Reduce animations in Settings β†’ Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 5 times) β†’ Developer options β†’ Animation scale (select 0.5x). Cache: Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Clear the cache.
Will my Xiaomi support Android 13?
Xiaomi typically supports flagship models for 3 years, and budget models for 2 years: πŸ“… 2021: Android 13 will probably be released (e.g. Mi 11, Redmi) K40). πŸ“… 2020: Possible but not guaranteed (e.g. Mi 10 received, Redmi Note 9 Pro not). πŸ“… 2019 and older: Little chance (except for Mi 9 type flagships).Update list of supported models: XiaomiUI.
Can I install Android 12 on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?
No, custom firmware (like LineageOS) requires bootloader unlocking. However, there are semi-official ways: Install the MIUI beta via MIUI bootloader (if available for your model); Use regional firmware (like Chinese or Indian) if it is newer than your current one. Without unlocking the bootloader, you can only upgrade through official channels (OTA or Recovery).