Update Xiaomi to Android 12: official and unofficial ways

Upgrading to Android 12 on Xiaomi devices will give you access to new interface features, improved performance and up-to-date security patches. However, the process may vary depending on the smartphone model, region and current version of MIUI. Some devices receive an Air-to-Air Update (OTA), others require manual installation via fastboot or Recovery.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to upgrade to Android. 12 (including MIUI 13/14 We will tell you about the compatibility of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, And we also warn you against common errors, if your device doesn't get it. OTA-Update, you will learn how to install firmware manually – with data saving or clean installation.

Which Xiaomi models support Android 12?

Xiaomi has released Android 12 for most flagship and mid-range devices starting in 2019-2020, but not all models have received an update — some have stayed on Android 11 due to hardware restrictions or manufacturer policies.

Below is a list of devices that officially support Android 12 via MIUI 13/14 (currently 2026).If your model is not in the table, check the status on the official MIUI website:

⚠️ Note: Devices older than 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 8, Mi 9) SE) Android 12 is not officially available, but only custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) is available, but installing it requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of warranties.

Preparing the device for update

Before installing Android 12, you need to follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss or disruptions in the process. Even if you are upgrading through OTA, it is recommended that:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup or manually copy files to PC.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% – when manually running through fastboot, the device should not turn off.
• 🌐 Connect to stable Wi-Fi – downloading firmware weighing 2-3 GB via mobile Internet can be interrupted.
• 🔍 Check the free space – it requires at least 5 GB of internal storage to upgrade.

If you are planning a manual installation, additionally:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 🔑 Unlock the bootloader (if required) via the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📥 Download the correct firmware version for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (suffixed firmware version) CN), Updating to the global version of Android 12 requires a complete flashing through fastboot, and all data will be erased!

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to update via Settings, which is suitable if your device officially supports Android 12 and receives the update. OTA-Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates – If a new version is available, it will appear in the list.
3. Download the package (weight ~2-3 GB) and confirm the installation. The device will restart automatically.

If the update doesn’t appear, try:

• 🔄 Reset the update cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🌍 Relocation of region: in some cases OTA comes faster when choosing the region "India" or "Europe" in the settings SIM-map.
• 📡 Use it. VPN: Connect to servers in Germany or Singapore – sometimes it speeds up the update.

💡

If OTA-Update hung in the Prepare to Install stage, restart the device manually and try again. If the problem is repeated, try updating through Recovery (see Method 2).

⚠️ Note: Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may disappear after upgrading to Android 12 5G. This is a well-known bug that is fixed by a recoil patch through Settings. → Updating the system → Package of corrections.

Method 2: Manual updates through Recovery

If OTA doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can use Recovery Mode.This method saves user data, but requires you to pre-load the correct service pack.

Instructions:

1. Download the full OTA-package (file with.zip extension) for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the internal drive (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip (Management – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
5. Wait for the installation to be completed (10-15 minutes) and the reboot.

If after the update the device is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, reset via Recovery:

1. Enter Recovery (see Step 3 above).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the reset - the device will restart in clean condition.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

This method is suitable for devices that do not receive OTA, or if you want to install a clean version of Android 12 without unnecessary software.

Step-by-step:

1. Download fastboot firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip file) with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on a PC (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Connect the device to the PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
4. Open the command line in the firmware folder and do:

fastboot flash all

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3) After the fastboot, it may disappear. IMEI. To restore it, use the command:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot erase modemst1




fastboot erase modemst2

(NON-HLOS.bin must be in the firmware archive.)

💡

Firmware via fastboot is the most reliable way to upgrade if OTA is not available, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a complete data reset.

Solving Common Errors in Updating

Even when following instructions, users encounter problems, and the following are common errors and ways to correct them:

If after upgrading to Android 12, the sound is lost or the sensors are not working, do:

1. Reboot the device.
2. Reset settings to Settings → System → Additional → Reset settings.
3. Install the latest patch through Settings → System Update.

Castom firmware based on Android 12

If your device doesn’t support Android 12 officially, you can install custom firmware, such as:

• 📱 LineageOS 19 – pure Android 12 without shell MIUI.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• 🔧 ArrowOS – an optimized version with open source.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install custom Recovery (such as TWRP) via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

1. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).
2. Install firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs and installing them is not warranty. Check compatibility on the forum before you run the firmware. XDA Developers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)