The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, launched in early 2019, was a hit for its value for money. However, with the release of the new MIUI 12 shell, many owners have been thinking about the need to upgrade the system to get a fresh design, improved privacy protection and new gesture management features. The process of transitioning to a new version of the software may seem difficult for the untrained user, but with strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, it takes no more than 15-20 minutes.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of installation, from the preparatory steps to the final configuration of the interface. You will learn about the differences between automatic update and manual firmware through Recovery, and also understand how to avoid the typical errors that can turn the device into a “brick.” Official support for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) ends with Android 10 with the shell of MIUI 12, so this is the last major security update for this model.
Before you start taking action, you need to assess the current state of your gadget. Outdated drivers or crowded cache can cause a failure when downloading new files. We will look at the technical details of the Snapdragon 660 processor with the new graphics of the interface and tell you whether to expect performance gains or, conversely, a slight decrease in speed in the early days.
Device preparation and data backup
Backup is not just a recommendation, but a requirement, because in the event of a failure when you flash it, there is a risk of losing personal photos, contacts and correspondence in messengers. The built-in MIUI allows you to create a full copy of the system on an external drive or in the cloud storage Mi Cloud.
Make sure your battery is at least 60 percent battery power, and the installation process can take time, and suddenly turning off power at a critical time of system file writing will cause the bootloader to be unintegrated, and free up at least 5-7GB of free space on the internal drive, even if you plan to upgrade "over the air."
☑️ Checklist before update
⚠️ Note: If the device has obtained superuser rights (Root) or unlocked the bootloader (Bootloader) non-standard methods, the standard update may not install or lead to a cyclical reboot.
Check for the current version of the Security app and system components of Google Play Services. Sometimes conflicting versions of Google services with the new shell causes increased energy consumption in the first hours after the update. Remove rarely used heavy applications to reduce the load on the file system during the data migration process.
Automatic update via OTA (over the air)
The easiest and safest way to get a new firmware is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. The system will independently check the manufacturer's servers for the current package for your regional version of the device. To start the process, go to the Settings → About Phone menu and click on the large icon of the MIUI version in the center of the screen.
If the update is available, a pop-up will pop up asking you to download the package. Once downloaded, the file will be checked for integrity and the system will request a reboot for installation. At which point the phone will be unavailable, and the Xiaomi logo and installation progress bar will be displayed on the screen. Don't interrupt this process, even if it seems to be hanging.
Often, notifications don’t come immediately because of the company’s servers’ phased deployment of updates, and you can try to force the check by clicking on the MIUI version icon three times quickly in the About Phone menu, which will open a hidden server selection menu where you can change the update region to Global or India, which sometimes helps you get the package sooner.
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If you don’t have an automatic update, try clearing the Software Update cache through the Apps menu → All Apps → Software Update → Clean up → Clear up cache.
After successful installation and first boot, the system will offer you to configure new features such as Privacy Protection and new navigation gestures. It is recommended to immediately familiarize yourself with these settings, since the interface logic in MIUI 12 is significantly different from previous versions. Old widgets may require reinstallation or updating to display correctly.
Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If the automatic method doesn’t work or you want to upgrade to a specific version that the server doesn’t offer to your region yet, use the manual installation method. You will need to download the firmware archive (.zip format) exclusively from the official miui.com site or trusted resources. It is important to choose the Recovery version, not Fastboot, if you do not plan to use the computer.
Copy the downloaded file to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory. Don’t put it in deep nested folders so that the system updater can easily find it. Then go to the update menu (as described in the previous section), click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Select a firmware file.”
The system will find the archive and suggest that you start installing, and once confirmed, the phone will reboot to Recovery mode, where partitioning and data writing will begin, a method that often helps to correct errors that have accumulated in the system over a long period of use, since the system files are completely overwritten without deleting user data.
Comparison of Update Methods and Technical Features
Understanding the differences between installation methods will help you choose the best option for your situation. Automated method is convenient for most users, but manual installation gives more control over the version of the software. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of both approaches.
| Parameter | OTA (Automatically) | Recovery (Manually) |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Minimum | Medium |
| Risk of data loss | Low. | Medium (in case of errors) |
| PC requirement | Not required | Not required |
| Choice of version | Only the last available | Any compatible |
Note that Redmi Note 7 is based on the architecture of the Qualcomm processor, which is perfectly optimized for MIUI 12. However, the graphical interface of the new shell is more required for GPU resources. Users may notice a slight decrease in autonomy in the first 2-3 days, until the system re-indexes files and adapts the algorithms of energy saving to your use case.
Why can't the update come?
When you manually install it is important to monitor the file extension. Recovery mode is designed to archive with the.zip extension, while Fastboot uses the.tgz file to run through your computer. Trying to install an inappropriate file will result in an integrity check error and a failure to update.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
During the transition to MIUI 12, Redmi Note 7 users may experience a number of specific problems. One of the frequent complaints is increased body heat and rapid battery discharge. This is normal for the adaptation period, but if the problem persists for more than a week, it is recommended to perform a full reset (Wipe Data) after you create a backup.
⚠️ Warning: Wipe Data removes ALL data from the internal drive, including photos, music and documents. Be sure to make a copy to your computer or cloud drive before performing this operation.
Another common problem is a broken proximity sensor or pop-up notifications that overlap the screen. To address these issues, MIUI 12 has a special Privacy Protection section, where you can fine-tune access rights for each application, and disabling redundant permissions for background processes often helps stabilize the system.
If you've had your phone bootloop after the upgrade, try re-entering Recovery by clamping down the power and volume buttons at the same time. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will bring the device back to factory status with a clean version of the new firmware.
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The stability of MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 7 depends on the availability of free space and the absence of conflicts with modified system files.
MIUI 12 and the impact on the Redmi Note 7
The MIUI 12 has brought revolutionary design and functionality to the Redmi Note 7, with the Super Wallpapers, a system that creates a live, three-dimensional (planet) effect on the lock screen and settings. Despite the old hardware, the smartphone can handle animation, although micro-twitching is possible in heavy scenes.
The notification control center has been significantly redesigned, and now it's divided into two tabs: on the left, there are app notifications, and on the right, there are quick access switches (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight), which makes the control more ergonomic on 6.3-inch screens, and there's also a smooth scrolling feature that makes page scrolling more visually pleasurable.
- 🌟 Privacy Center: Visualizing applications’ access to microphone, camera and geolocation in real time.
- 🎨 New design: Completely redesigned icons, fonts and transition animations for a modern look.
- 📱 Gesture Management: Improved button-free navigation, including new swipes to switch apps.
- 🛡️ Security: Advanced Personal Information Disguise and Temporary App Permits.
Improved multimedia work deserves special attention, because the shell manages memory buffers better, allowing you to switch between heavy applications faster, but owners of versions with 3 GB of RAM should be careful with multitasking, as new visuals consume more RAM resources.