How to upgrade Xiaomi to MIUI 12: Instructions for all models

The move to a new version of the operating system always marks a significant leap in the functionality of the device. MIUI 12 has become one of the most iconic builds from the Chinese giant, bringing not only a new visual style, but also a radically redesigned privacy system. Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are still looking for ways to install this shell to access live wallpaper, improved Do Not Disturb mode and optimized animation.

However, the transition process can be challenging, especially if the official air update never arrived on your device.There are several proven installation methods, each requiring varying degrees of preparation and computer availability. The user interface of this version is based on Android 10 or 11, which ensures the stable operation of most modern applications.

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand the risks and requirements. Interrupting the process of writing system files almost always leads to the inability to boot the system (bootloop). So carefully study all the steps, prepare the necessary files and make sure that your device is fully compatible with the target version of the firmware.

Preparation of the device and important nuances before firmware

You should start with careful preparation, as this is where most of the data loss errors occur, you will need a stable Internet connection and enough free space in your internal memory, and it is recommended to free up at least 10-15 GB so that the system can unpack the archives and perform the necessary integrity checks.

Be sure to back up all your important data. MIUI's built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages and settings, but for photos and documents, it's better to use cloud services or transfer them to your computer. Resetting to factory settings after an update is often recommended for proper operation, so having a backup is critical.

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, Because the process can take a long time.
• 💾 Free up memory space by removing unnecessary apps and cache.
• 📶 Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network to avoid breaks when booting.
• 🔒 Remember or write down the password from the Mi Account that you may need to unlock.

⚠️ Note: If your device unlocks the bootloader, installing global firmware over Chinese (or vice versa) without changing the region can lead to a cyclical reboot.

Method One: Update through Built-in Menu (OTA)

The easiest and safest way to get a new shell is to wait or manually check for updates through the standard menu.The system will contact Xiaomi servers and check for a new version for your specific model and region.If the server has already deployed a package for your device, you will see a notification about the availability of the download.

To start the check, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the major icon of the MIUI version. If an update is found, click Download and Update. This method ensures that you get the exact build that was tested by engineers for your hardware.

Sometimes, you already have an update on a nearby device of the same model, and you don't. That's okay, because rollout is done in stages. Sometimes, changing the region in settings helps, but it doesn't always work and can affect some local services.

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Officially OTA-Update is the only method that keeps the warranty and all data without the need for complex manipulations with the PC.

Method Two: Manual installation via Recovery (Updater)

If the "over the air" update does not come, you can use the method of manual installation ZIP-This method does not require an unlocked bootloader and computer, which makes it popular among advanced users. ROM) format ZIP for your model.

Once you download the file, go to the update menu, click three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select File." Find the downloaded archive in the phone's memory. The system will check the signature and integrity of the data. If all is correct, the installation process will begin, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes.

• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources or verified portals like MIUI bootloader.
• 📂 The file should be at the root of internal memory, not in folders.
• 🚫 Do not rename the archive, the system may not recognize it.

⚠️ Note: If you try to roll back to an older version (Downgrade) through this method, the system will give an error. To lower the version, you need to completely clean the data or use Fastboot.

Method Three: Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

The most powerful tool in the enthusiast’s arsenal is the Mi Flash Tool for Windows, which allows you to flash devices in Fastboot mode, which allows you not only to update, but also completely clean up memory parts or even restore the “brick”.

The process begins with putting your smartphone into fast boot mode: turn off the device, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable. In the Mi Flash Tool program, select the downloaded Fastboot ROM image (unpacked into a folder without Cyrillic in the title) and press the Flash all button for complete cleaning or Flash all except data to save data.

fastboot devices

This command on the command line will help make sure that the computer sees the device. If you see the serial number, then the drivers are installed correctly. Fastboot allows you to bypass many software constraints, but requires high concentration, because choosing the wrong image can lead to the failure of communication modules.

Comparison of Update Methods and Their Features

The choice of firmware depends on your goals and the current state of the smartphone. For the average user who just wants to get new features, OTA or manual method through Recovery is best suited. Engineers and those who like to experiment with the system will need access to the Fastboot.

The table below compares the main characteristics of each method so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

It is worth noting that the transition between regions (e.g. from China to Global) is possible only through the Fastboot method with complete data cleanup.

Solutions to problems and errors in installation

Even if you follow all the instructions, there may be unexpected situations, and one of the common problems is the message "Can't verify update" when you manually install it, which means you're trying to install firmware from another model or the region doesn't match the current one, so you need to look for an archive strictly for your device codename (e.g., guacamole, raphael).

Another common situation is getting stuck on the MI logo after the update. If waiting more than 10-15 minutes doesn't help, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If that doesn't work, you'll need to log in to Recovery mode and reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).

• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable for connecting to a PC, cheap analogues often cause communication interruptions.
• 💻 Install current drivers ADB and Fastboot from the official website.
• 🌐 Disable the antivirus and firewall during the firmware run through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: If after the update it stopped working NFC Or a fingerprint, you may have installed firmware from another smartphone modification (e.g. Global instead of India.

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After a major MIUI update, the system performs background optimization of applications, and in the first hours, the phone can warm and discharge quickly - a normal process that will end by itself.

What is new with MIUI 12 and is it worth updating?

The MIUI 12 shell was a turning point in the company's history, with a design called the Super Icon and a completely redesigned control center. Visual effects have become smoother, support for live wallpapers from Earth and Mars that respond to the time of day. It's not just cosmetics, it's a change in the philosophy of interacting with the screen.

In terms of performance, memory optimization has enabled older devices to run faster, although some models have seen increased battery consumption in the early versions. Privacy protection has taken a new level with the Illuminator feature, which shows which applications access the camera or microphone in real time.

Should we upgrade? If you value modern design, advanced gesture settings and an improved gallery, of course. However, owners of very old models (released before 2018) should weigh the risks, as the new graphics shell may be too heavy for their processors. On devices with 3 GB of RAM, MIUI 12 may be less stable than on MIUI 11.

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MIUI 12 is a balance between beauty and functionality, but requires more powerful iron than previous versions.