Update Xiaomi Redmi 7 to MIUI 12: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, originally ran on MIUI 10 with a shell based on Android 9 Pie. Although the official support for updates for this model is long overdue, many users still want to install MIUI 12, a more modern version of the firmware with improved design, new features (for example, Super Wallpapers and Dark Mode 2.0) and performance optimization. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to update, including official (if they are still available) and informal methods through custom firmware.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) has never received MIUI 12 in official builds for the global or Chinese version. The last stable firmware for it is MIUI 11.0.8.0 based on Android 9. However, enthusiasts have created ported versions of MIUI 12 for this model, as well as custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which visually resemble MIUI 12. We will look at both approaches with their pros, cons and potential risks.

If you are new to smartphone firmware, we recommend you to carefully study each section: errors when updating can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device. For experienced users, we will give advanced methods, including unlocking the bootloader and installing via fastboot.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you manipulate your firmware, you need to make sure that your device is really Xiaomi Redmi 7 (M1901F7G for global or M1901F7H for Chinese).It is also important to know the current version of MIUI and Android, as the available upgrade methods depend on this.

To check the firmware version:

Open the Settings app.
Go to the About Phone section.
Click on the MIUI version line several times until more information appears.
Remember or write: MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 11.0.8.0.PFGMIXM); Android version (e.g. 9 PKQ1.181007.001); Device model (onc for Redmi 7).

If your MIUI version is below 11.0.8.0, first upgrade to the latest official firmware via Settings → Software Update.This minimizes the risks of further manipulation. Also check if you have bootloader unlocked:

🔒 Blocked bootloader: You can only update using official methods (if available) or through the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized Xiaomi account.
🔓 Unlocked bootloader: all methods are available, including custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 7 was purchased in China M1901F7H), To install global firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which will result in a complete data reset and may void the warranty (if it is still valid).

2. Official ways to upgrade to MIUI 12

Unfortunately, Xiaomi has never released MIUI 12 for Redmi 7 in official builds, the latest version being MIUI 11 based on Android 9. However, there are two nuances that are worth checking before moving to unofficial methods:

1. Check for hidden updates

Sometimes Xiaomi releases updates for specific regions with a delay to make sure that your device does not have MIUI 12:

🌍 Switch the region to India or Russia (in some cases, updates will appear later).
🔄 Manually check for updates in Settings → Update of the PO → Three dots (menu) → Update the package.
📥 Download the latest firmware for your model from the official website MIUI Downloads and try installing it manually through Software Update → Select a file.

2. Installation via Mi Flash Tool (power users only)

If you find an unofficial MIUI 12 firmware for Redmi 7 (for example, ported with Redmi Note 7), you can try installing it via the Mi Flash Tool.

🔓 Unlocked loader.
💻 Computers with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
📄 Firmware file in.tgz or.zip format for fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware via fastboot can lead to loss IMEI, a broken camera or other hardware problem.Be sure to back up your data through Settings before the procedure → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

📊 You have tried to update the Redmi 7 official methods?

Yeah, but MIUI 12 didn't find it.

Yes, upgraded to the latest MIUI 11.

No, I just went to custom firmware.

I don't know how to check.

3. Unofficial firmware with MIUI 12 interface

Since there is no official MIUI 12 for Redmi 7, the only way to get a similar interface is to install custom firmware.

Ported versions of MIUI 12

Firmware enthusiasts are migrating firmware from other Xiaomi devices (such as the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9 Lite) to the Redmi 7. Such firmware often contains bugs, but visually repeats MIUI 12.

🔗 Forum XDA Developers (search for themes on Redmi 7) MIUI 12 port).
🔗 Telegram channels, like, @miuiroms or @xiaomifirmware.
🔗 Community 4PDA (Xiaomi Redmi 7 section).

2. Android 10/11-based firmware with MIUI 12 theme

Projects like LineageOS or HavocOS allow you to install a clean Android and then install themes that mimic MIUI 12.

✅ More stable work than ported MIUI.
✅ Regular security updates.
✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

❌ Lack of Xiaomi branded features (e.g. Second Space or Game Turbo).
❌ Possible problems with the camera or sensors (requires the installation of additional fixes).

Type of firmware	Advantages	Deficiencies	Complexity of installation
Ported MIUI 12	Keeps Xiaomi’s branded features, visually identical to the original	Lots of bugs, possible iron problems, rare updates	Medium
LineageOS + MIUI theme	Stability, security updates, flexibility of configuration	No Xiaomi features, requires manual adjustment	Tall.
Pixel Experience	Pure Android with Google Pixel features, good optimization	Minimalist design, no MIUI	Tall.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check other users' reviews on forums. Pay special attention to the camera, mobile network and fingerprint sensor - these components often break down in informal builds.

Step-by-step instructions for installing ported MIUI 12

If you decide to install the unofficial MIUI 12 firmware, follow this instruction. All actions you perform at your own risk!

Requirements:

🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
💾 Backup of all data (firmware will delete everything from the device).
💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.
📄 Firmware in.zip for recovery (recovery) or.tgz for fastboot.

Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader

Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
Turn on the developer mode on the phone (go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version).
In Settings → Additional → For developers, activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. The process can take up to 72 hours (requires a Xiaomi account binding).

Step 2: Install firmware through TWRP

Download TWRP for Redmi 7 (version 3.5.2 or later).
Install TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
Install the MIUI 12 firmware download via Install.
After installation, run the Wipe Cache and restart.

Backup data | Download firmware and TWRP| Unlock bootloader | Charge phone to 80%+| Disable antivirus on PC-->

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo MIUI, Try re-install the firmware via fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool. Choose the clean all option (not clean all and lock, otherwise the bootloader will be blocked!).

5. Solving common problems after the update

Even if the firmware is successful, you may encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

1.The phone doesn't see. SIM-map

📶 Check if the firmware supports your region (some ported versions only work with Chinese ones). SIM).
🔧 Reflash modem (files) NON-HLOS.bin and modem.bin can be found on the forums).
🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

2.The camera is not working.

📷 Set a fix for the camera (look for Redmi 7) MIUI 12 camera fix on the phone XDA).
🔄 Check if permissions for the Camera app are included in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
📱 Try alternative cameras like Google Camera (requires config for Redmi 7).

3. Fast battery discharge

🔋 Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
🔄 Reset the battery settings through TWRP (delete the file /data/system/batterystats.bin).
📉 Install a kernel with better optimization (e.g. FrancoKernel if it is available for your firmware).

What to do if the phone is stuck on the MIUI logo?

If the device doesn’t load beyond the logo, try the following steps: 1. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot. 2. If it doesn’t work, go to fastboot (Power + Volume down) and follow the command: fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot 3. In extreme cases, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option (data will be deleted!).

6.Alternatives: How to get MIUI 12 features without firmware

If you don’t want to take risks and stitch your phone, you can use alternative ways to get the key features of MIUI 12:

Installation of the launcher and so on

🎨 Set up the launcher MIUI Launcher from APKMirror (version for Android 9)+).
🖼️ Download themes. MIUI 12 MIUI Themes (requires a Xiaomi account).
🔄 Use applications like Hex Installer to install system themes without root rights.

2. Port of individual functions

Some of the features of MIUI 12 can be installed separately:

🌙 Dark Mode 2.0: Enable in Settings → Screen. → Dark subject (in) MIUI 11 already has a basic version).
📱 Super Wallpapers: Download live wallpapers from Google Play (not working on all devices).
🔒 Privacy: Install App Lock and Second Space via Settings → Confidentiality (available in MIUI 11).

3. Use of custom modules Magisk

If you have root rights, you can install modules for Magisk that add MIUI 12 features:

🔧 MIUI 12 Animation Port - Animation from the MIUI 12.
🎵 MIUI 12 Sounds - Systemic Sounds.
📱 MIUI 12 Control Center – New Control Center.

💡

If you only want visual changes (animations, icons, themes), install the launcher and themes, and deep changes (kernel, system applications) require complete firmware reflashing.

7. Frequent questions and answers

❓ Can I roll back with MIUI 12 back to back MIUI 11?

Yes, but the process depends on the installation method: If you have used TWRP, Just run through the old version. MIUI 11 via Install. If you've been through fastboot, repeat the procedure with the official firmware. MIUI 11. ⚠️ After the rollback, you may need to reset data (Wipe Data in the TWRP).

❓ Why Google Pay doesn’t work after the firmware?

This is due to: Lack of Google certification in unofficial firmware; Unlocked bootloader (Google Pay requires a locked bootloader); Solutions: Install the Magisk Universal SafetyNet Fix module. Use alternatives: Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay or banking applications with their own payment system.

❓ How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off your phone and turn it on in fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down). Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

❓ Can we determine MIUI 12 on Redmi 7 without a computer?

Theoretically, yes, but with caveats: If you already have TWRP installed, you can flash a.zip firmware file directly from your phone. To unlock the bootloader, the computer is mandatory (Mi Unlock Tool is required). Some firmware supports installation via the Local Update app in Settings → Software Update, but this is rare for unofficial builds.

❓ Where to download the official firmware for Redmi 7?

Official firmware available on the websites: MIUI Downloads (global and Chinese versions). Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions). ⚠️ Download firmware only from verified sources – viruses in fake files can damage the device!