How to upgrade Xiaomi smartphone to Android 12: all the ways and nuances

Why is Android 12 Upgrade in 2026?

Even in 2026, Android 12 remains a popular version of the OS for Xiaomi devices, especially if your smartphone has not officially received an update to Android 13/14. This version brought revolutionary changes in design (Material You), improved privacy (microphone / camera access indicators) and optimized performance. For owners of models like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 Lite or POCO X3 Pro, switching to Android 12 may be the only way to get relevant features without buying a new device.

However, the update process has nuances, from locking the bootloader on new models to the risk of data loss if the installation is incorrect. In this article, we will examine all official and alternative methods, including updating through MIUI Updater, Fastboot and custom firmware, and also warn against typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

Which Xiaomi models support Android 12?

Xiaomi's list of Android 12 devices that have been officially or through custom firmware includes more than 50 models, and here are the key series and their status:

To verify the compatibility of your model:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Compare the current version with the official MIUI 13 list (based on Android 12).
3. If your model is not listed, check for custom firmware on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

Preparing the smartphone for update

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of "bricks" after the update. Follow this checklist to minimize the risks:

Battery charge ≥ 60%|Backup of data (Mi) Cloud/Google Drive)|Disabling the screen lock (PIN/graphical)|Checking the vacant space (≥ 4 GB)|Activation of the developer mode and OEM Unlock (for Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Updating through Fastboot or custom firmware often requires resetting to factory settings (wipe data).

• 📱 Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, note-book).
• ☁️ Google Drive: Settings → Google → Backup (photos, applications, system settings).
• 💻 Local Copy: Transfer files from internal memory to PC via MTP (file transfer mode).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using TWRP for backup, make sure the recovery version is compatible with your model.The mismatch may result in the inability to recover data after reset.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) additionally:

• 🔓 Check the lock status via the command: fastboot oem device-info (Look for Device unlocked: true).
• 📡 Make sure that the PC is installed ADB and Fastboot of the latest version.

Method 1: Update with MIUI Updater (OTA)

The safest method is Over-The-Air, which is suitable for devices that officially support Android 12 in your area.

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "weighs" 1.5-3 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If the Android 12 version is available, a notification will appear.
4. Click Download and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).
5. After downloading, select Install Now or Install at night.

If the update does not appear:

• 🌍 Check the firmware region. Some updates are coming out for China first. ROM, then Global/EU. You can change the region via Fastboot (risky!).
• 🔄 Forced update. MIUI Updater via Settings → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Clear the data.
• 📡 Use it. VPN servers in India or Indonesia – sometimes updates appear there earlier.

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA smartphone hangs on the logo MI, Wait 15-20 minutes. If the problem persists, reset via Recovery Mode (press the Power). + Volume Up when switched on).

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OTA-Update saves all data and settings, but can take up to 1 hour depending on the model.

Method 2: Manual update via Fastboot (for experienced)

If OTA is not available or you want to install a clean version of Android 12 without MIUI junk, use the Fastboot method.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and PC with ADB/Fastboot installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website: 🔗 Global ROM (international versions). 🔗 China ROM (Only for Chinese devices).

The firmware must have the extension.tgz or.zip and contain the name android12.

Unpack the archives.

fastboot

C:\platform-tools\

Connect the phone.

Fastboot

adb reboot bootloader

Or manually: Turn off the device → pinch Power + Volume Down.

Run the installation script

• For Windows: Follow through flash_all.bat (double-click).
• For Linux/macOS: enter./flash_all.sh.
• Wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

If the script is producing an anti-rollback error:

For models with a locked bootloader, first unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for new Xiaomi accounts.

Method 3: Install custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS)

If your Xiaomi model hasn’t received an official update to Android 12, but is supported by the developer community, you can install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 19 (Pure Android 12 without a free version) MIUI).
• 🎨 PixelExperience (Android 12 with Google Pixel features).
• ⚡ ArrowOS (optimized performance).

Requirements:

• Unlocked boot loader (OEM Unlock).
• Installed custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
• Firmware compatible with your model (check on XDA).

Installation instructions:

1. Download firmware (.zip format) and GApps (if you need Google services).
2. Reboot to Recovery Mode (Press Power + Volume Up)
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
4. Install the firmware through Install → Select ZIP.
5. Repeat the step for GApps (if required).
6. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+), and also have bugs with NFC Before installing, check the user reviews of your model in the forums.

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After installing custom firmware, calibrate the battery: fully discharge the smartphone before turning off, then charge to 100% without interruption.

Solving Common Errors in Updating

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the sound is lost or the sensor is not working after the update:

• 🔊 For sound: check the settings Settings → Sound. → Sound quality (may be lost profile).
• 👆 For sensor: Calibrate with ##6484## (not all models).

What to do if the update is not available?

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support Android 12 officially, and custom firmware doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Reverse to stable version MIUI: sometimes last MIUI 12.5 on Android 11 is more stable than unofficial Android 12.
• 📲 Launcher usage: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to simulate Android 12 interface.
• 🛠️ Optimization of the current system: Settings → Special facilities → Accelerator (enable memory and background process optimization).
• 💰 Device Upgrade: If Android 12 is critical to your tasks, consider buying a new model (like the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12). POCO X5 Android 14 support).

For Android 10/11 devices, you can activate individual Android 12 features:

• 🎨 Material You: Install Android 12 Theme from Settings → Topics.
• 🔒 Privacy Indicators: Use the Access Dots app from Google Play.
• 📱 Navigation gestures: enable in Settings → System system → Gestures.

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If your device is older than 2019 (like the Redmi Note 7), an official upgrade to Android 12 is unlikely, in which case custom firmware is the only option, but it can take away your warranty and stability.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi upgrade to Android 12