Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often wonder when their device will get the latest version of the operating system. The move to Android 12 was a landmark for the company, as it was this version that began the active integration of the MIUI 13 and 14 shells, based on the new security architecture and interface.
Sometimes push notifications about new firmware don't take weeks, but you want to wait now. There are proven methods to speed up this process or perform manual installation. It's important to understand that system updates are interference with the software code of the device, requiring care and compliance with certain rules to avoid losing data or turning the smartphone into a brick.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the nuances of the Android 12 transition, how to check your model’s compatibility, what risks exist, and how to properly prepare your gadget. We will look at both standard methods through the settings menu and more advanced ways for power users who want to gain control of the process.
Compatibility check and device preparation
Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that your smartphone model is technically capable of working with the new version of the operating system. Android 12 imposes increased requirements on the amount of RAM and drive speed. If the device was released more than 4-5 years ago, the manufacturer may not include it in the list of supported models.
The official list of devices that received the update can be found on the forum Xiaomi Community or in the section “About the phone”.If your model is not on the list, installation is possible only through custom firmware, which carries additional risks. For official methods, your smartphone should be unlocked from regional restrictions, although for the first time, it is not possible to use it. OTA-Updates are not always critical.
The critical step is to back up, and even if you're using cloud services, locally backing up your data to your computer or external drive is the most reliable solution, and in the process of upgrading, you may experience a failure that requires a complete reset, and then the backup will be your only insurance.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60% battery power before installation. interruption of the process due to battery discharge may cause damage to the system partition.
Official method through OTA-update
The safest and easiest method is to wait or force an update request through the standard menu.The system will check the Xiaomi servers for a new firmware version for your region and the user. IMEI-To do this, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
If the "Check Updates" button doesn't show the new version, it doesn't mean it doesn't. Often the update comes in waves. You can try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional Settings → Region) to a global one (e.g. India or Singapore), checking for an update, and then returning your region, but this method doesn't work on all versions of the shell.
- 📱 Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as the weight of the installation package may exceed that of the installation package. 3-4 GB.
- 🔋 Connect the device to the charger during boot and installation.
- 💾 Free up at least 10 GB of free internal memory for file decompression.
Once the packet is loaded, the system will suggest rebooting, which can take 10 to 30 minutes, and the screen can go out and light up several times, which is normal behavior, indicating that partitions are redistributed, and don't interfere with the smartphone at this point.
💡
Use of official use OTA-The method guarantees the preservation of the guarantee and the minimum risk of software errors, since the file is verified by the digital signature of the manufacturer.
Manual installation via Recovery (Local Update)
If the automatic update does not come, you can use the function "Select the service pack." To do this, you will need to download the current firmware archive from the official website miui.com or a proven resource like xiaomiui.net. It is important to download the version specifically for your model (codename, for example, guacamole or vayu) and the region (Global, EU, RU).
Once you download a file with the.zip extension, put it in the root of the internal memory. Next, in the update menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select a package." The system will find the archive and suggest you upgrade. This method allows you to upgrade even from an older version of MIUI if the architecture allows a direct transition.
Path to file: /internal_storage/download/update.zipSometimes the system may block the installation of an older version or a version of another region. In such cases, you need to rename the file or use special commands through ADB, but for the average user it is better to stick to the same regions. If the file is not visible, check its checksum (MD5) to ensure the integrity of the download.
☑️ Pre-manual check
Update via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
For advanced users who have experienced errors in a regular update, or who want to install the system cleanly (Clean Install), there is a method of firmware through Fastboot. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer running Windows. This is a more complex, but also more reliable method that eliminates software conflicts.
You will need to download the Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot firmware (the archive must be unpacked). The smartphone is converted to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when you connect to the PC. The program selects the path to the firmware folder and Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (with bootloader lock).
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Clean All mode | Complete deletion of data | Recommended when switching between Android versions |
| Save User Data Mode | Data retention | Only if the versions of the system are identical |
| Lock Bootloader | Locking the loader | Necessary to work banking applications |
| Drivers. | Qualcomm / Xiaomi USB | Must be installed in advance |
The firmware process takes about 200-400 seconds. Once complete, the device will automatically reboot. The first on after Clean Install will last longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications and cache. Don't panic if the Xiaomi logo is hanging on the screen for a few minutes.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
During the update process, users often encounter an error called “Failed to update” or “Backage corrupted” most often because you try to install a version for another region (e.g. Global to China ROM) without changing the region key, and the problem may be a corrupted download file.
Another common problem is cyclic bootloop after installation. If this happens, try re-entering Recovery mode and resetting your settings (Wipe Data), and if that doesn't work, just flashing through Fastboot will help.
What to do if the Internet is lost after the update?
⚠️ Note: Installation of firmware from another device model (cross-flashing) is strictly prohibited. This will lead to irreversible damage to the hardware that cannot be fixed software.
Features of the interface and new features of Android 12
After successfully migrating to Android 12, you'll notice a significant change in design. The Material You concept, which allows the interface to adapt to the colors of your wallpaper, the Quick Settings Panel, and the switches, which are now more user-friendly, has new animations.
In terms of privacy, the new system offers indicators of microphone and camera usage, if the app touches the sensor, the corresponding dot will light up in the corner of the screen, and the work with permissions has also been improved: you can now only give access to approximate geolocation, not to exact one.
- 🎨 Dynamic colors of the interface depending on the topic.
- 🔒 Privacy Indicators in the Status Bar.
- ⌨️ Improved clipboard with copy history.
- 📱 New format widgets with interactive elements.
The system’s performance has also been optimized. Android 12 is better at managing background processes, which can have a positive impact on battery life, especially on older models. However, the first days after the upgrade, the battery may run out faster due to file indexing – this is temporary.
💡
After upgrading to Android 12, it is recommended to manually restart the smartphone once, even if the system does not ask for it, which will help to properly initialize new system services.