The move from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12 marks not just a change in the digital firmware index, but a fundamental change in the philosophy of the interface and system optimization. For owners of Redmi devices, this process is often a way to extend the life of the gadget with new security features and improved privacy management. However, the transition process can be fraught with risks if you do not follow a strict sequence of actions and take into account the technical features of a particular smartphone model.
Many users are faced with a situation where automatic notification of a new version never comes, although official support for the device has already started, this may be due to regional restrictions, a modified bootloader or just a queue of updates, in which case you need to know how to perform a forced update manually using proven methods of installing firmware archives.
Before you start taking action, it is critical to assess the current state of the device and prepare data backups. Updating from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12 often requires a complete cleanup of the device memory (Wipe Data) if you move between different regional versions of the firmware (for example, from Chinese to Global). Ignoring this nuance can lead to a cyclical reboot or errors in the operation of system applications.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
The first step is to accurately determine your smartphone model and the current version of the software. Not all Xiaomi and Redmi devices have received an official update to MIUI 12, and trying to install firmware from an unsupported model is guaranteed to cause the device to fail. Check the exact code name of the device in the settings menu, as the marketing name (such as Redmi Note 9 Pro) can hide different hardware platforms.
Make sure to free up enough space in internal memory. Update files can weigh between 2 and 4 gigabytes, and the system requires even more space to unpack and install. If the memory is crowded, the process can be interrupted at the verification stage, leaving the system in an unstable state.
The battery should be at least 60% charged, and it is better to fully charge the device to 100%. The flashing process is an energy-intensive operation, and a sudden power outage at the time of recording system partitions can damage the bootloader. Connect the smartphone to the power source or make sure the charge is stable before starting the procedure.
☑️ Readiness for renewal
Back up all your important data. Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud services, and locally save your contacts and messages. When you upgrade to the new version of the MIUI shell, some files may change in structure, causing them to be displayed incorrectly or lost.
Method 1: Update via smartphone menu (OTA)
The safest and easiest method that most users prefer is to upgrade over the air. The system itself checks the servers for a new version and suggests downloading it. To do this, go to the Settings → About Phone menu and click on the MIUI version logo.
If the official update is available for your region and device, you will see the download button. In some cases, if the update has already arrived but is not displayed, you can try changing the region in the settings or use the "Select Service Pack" feature, which is discussed below.
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If the update doesn’t come, try changing your region in your settings (like India or Singapore), checking for a new version, and then returning your region back.
It is important to ensure a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network. Loading large amounts of data through the mobile network can be interrupted due to an unstable signal, which will damage the downloaded packet. Once downloaded, the installation will begin automatically after the device is restarted.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the installation process after restarting. The screen may go out and light up several times - this is normal for the system to update system partitions.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (Clean Install)
If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to perform a clean installation for maximum performance, you will need a manual method.You will need a firmware file in.zip format, which should be strictly designed for your model.You should only download firmware from official resources or trusted portals such as xiaomiui.net or miui.com.
Place the downloaded firmware file in the root of the device's internal memory. Don't rename the file or put it in folders. Then go to Settings → About the phone, click on the MIUI version logo, and select the three dots in the top right corner. In the menu that appears, select Select Service Pack.
What to do if the "Select Service Pack" item is hidden?
The system will find the file and suggest that you update, and unlike OTA, this method often requires proof of data cleanup, and once confirmed, the flashing process will begin, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and you won't be able to use the phone at that time.
| Type of firmware | Data retention | Difficulty | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Airway) | Preserve. | Low. | For all users |
| Recovery (Manually) | Requires a reset. | Medium | When OTAs are wrong |
| Fastboot (PC) | Complete cleaning | Tall. | For recovery. |
Method 3: Using a Fastboot and a Computer
For advanced users or in cases where the smartphone does not boot into the system, the method of firmware through Fastboot is used, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. The firmware file must be in.tgz format and unpacked on the computer.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when the device is off and connecting the cable to your PC. Run the installation script (usually flash_all.bat Windows, which will clear all partitions and write a new version MIUI 12. This method completely deletes all data, including internal files and applications.
It is critical to use the original cable and serviceable USB-Interrupting the connection while writing partitions through Fastboot can “brick” the device, requiring the intervention of the service center to restore the bootloader.
Solving common mistakes and problems
When you switch from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12, you may encounter an error called “Failed to Update” or “Backet is corrupted” which often indicates that the bootloader version is locked or does not meet the requirements of the new firmware, and the problem may lie in the modified file system.
If the phone is running slowly or discharges quickly after the upgrade, perform a full Wipe Data reset. The new system should reset the cache and optimize applications, which can cause heating in the first hours after installation. Let the device lie on a charge with the screen off for about an hour.
⚠️ Note: If banking applications or Google Pay have stopped working after the update, the bootloader may have been unlocked or system integrity may have been compromised.
If the device is in a bootloop cycle, you need to enter Recovery mode (clamping the volume button up and power) and select Wipe Data, which will delete all user data, but allow the system to start again.
What’s new about MIUI 12: Should I upgrade?
MIUI 12 brought a significant change in visual style, introducing a new system of animations and live wallpaper that respond to smartphone movements. The interface became flatter and minimalist, improved text readability and gesture navigation. For many Redmi users, this was the first introduction to modern standards of the Android interface.
The developers have focused on privacy, and they've introduced a "Cloaking Information" feature that hides real data from apps that request access to contacts or call histories, and they've also introduced a real-time permission management system that allows you to see which apps are accessing the camera or microphone right now.
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MIUI 12 is significantly heavier than MIUI 11 for a processor. On older Redmi models, the upgrade could lead to lower performance in games and heavy applications.
Improvements also included the control center, which was split into two parts: notifications on the left and switches on the right, like in iOS, new features for working with application windows and an improved Do Not Disturb mode.