How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro to MIUI 12: all the ways and nuances

Do you want to upgrade Redmi 6 Pro to MIUI 12?

Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro, released in 2018, originally ran on MIUI 9 with a shell based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Over time, the device received updates to MIUI 11, but official support from the manufacturer was discontinued.However, many users want to install MIUI 12 - not only for the sake of the new design, but also to improve performance, security and functionality.

It's important to understand that the Redmi 6 Pro has never received MIUI 12 officially from Xiaomi, which means that you can only upgrade to this version through custom firmware or ported builds. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, their pros, cons and potential risks. If you are not ready for experiments with firmware, it is better to stay on the latest stable official version.

Before you start, ask yourself: Do you need new MIUI 12 features to risk the stability of your device? Are you ready for bugs, performance declines, or even a “brickle” smartphone? If so, read on.

Requirements and preparation before updating

Before you start updating, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, malfunctions or even a device failure.

First, check the current MIUI and device model. Go to Settings → About Phone. Make sure your Redmi 6 Pro is codenamed sakura (which is important for choosing the right firmware). Also write down the Android version, which is what makes it compatible with custom firmware.

Second, make sure to make a full backup of all data. This can be done through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, or through third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root rights). Don't rely on cloud-based copies - they may not restore all settings.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60% — Update may take up to 30-40 minutes, and the discharge in the process will lead to failure.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) – if you download the firmware directly to the device.
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader - without this, it is impossible to install custom firmware. If it is blocked, an additional procedure will be required (more on this below).
• 💾 Free space on the internal storage device - at least 3-4 GB for firmware files and temporary data.

The device model (sakura) has been tested)|Backup of all data.|Battery charge ≥60%|Loader unlocked (if needed)|The correct version of the firmware has been downloaded-->

Method 1: Update through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

The most reliable method of installing MIUI 12 on the Redmi 6 Pro is to use the unofficial TWRP recavator, which requires an unlocked bootloader and some technical skills, but gives you more control over the process.

First you need to install TWRP.

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for sakura from the official website twrp.me.
2. Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging in Settings → For developers.
3. With the help of the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img, swipe the recaveri.
4. Boot into TWRP, holding Power + Volume up.

Now you can start installing the firmware:

1. Download the appropriate MIUI 12 build for sakura (e.g. from the Xiaomi.eu community or MIUI Mix).
2. Transfer the firmware file (.zip) to internal memory or SD-map.
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Some assemblies MIUI 12 for Redmi 6 Pro may have problems with the camera, fingerprint sensor or module NFC (If you have it in your modification, check the reviews on the forum where the firmware was taken before installing.

Method 2: Update via Fastboot (for power users)

If you have experience with fastboot, you can install MIUI 12 through Xiaomi’s official firmware tool, which is suitable for clean builds, but requires an unlocked bootloader and PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the Fastboot firmware MIUI 12 for sakura (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC (there should be files with the.img extension).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when turned on).
4. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or execute manual commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot

This is more reliable than TWRP, because it is built on bricks. However, it takes more time and attention. If there are errors (e.g., FAILED (remote:'Partition not found')), check that the firmware is compatible with your version of Redmi 6 Pro.

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If your phone is stuck on the MI logo after upgrading via fastboot, try going to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data, but it can solve the problem).

Method 3: Unofficial OTA-updates (for lazy ones)

If you don't want to mess with TWRP Or fastboot, you can try to install it. MIUI 12 through informal OTA-Some custom firmware supports "over-the-air" updates through the built-in Update app.

For this:

1. Install any custom firmware based on MIUI 11 (for example, from Xiaomi.eu).
2. Download the file. OTA-update MIUI 12 (It usually has a.zip extension and weighs 1.5-2 GB).
3. Put the file in the folder. downloaded_rom internal.
4. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and select the downloaded file.

It's the simplest, but it's also the most risky. OTA-updates contain bugs because they don’t pass full testing on all devices, and if the current firmware is heavily modified, the update may end in an error.

⚠️ Attention: Informal OTA-Updates sometimes reset Magisk or other modifications, and if you use root rights, you'll have to manually restore them after you update them.

Unlock the bootloader: without it anywhere

If your Redmi 6 Pro bootloader is locked, you can't install MIUI 12 custom firmware. Unlocking is a must, but it has its nuances.

The official way Xiaomi requires:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Apply for unblocking via en.miui.com/unlock.
3. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

Important: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if the device was purchased informally or previously blocked for violating the rules, in which case you will have to look for alternative methods (for example, through exploits or paid services), but they carry risks.

Solving problems after upgrading to MIUI 12

Even if the installation is successful, MIUI 12 on the Redmi 6 Pro may not work smoothly, and here are some of the most common problems and ways to solve them:

• 📱 Phone is slowing down a lot – try turning off animation in Settings → For developers (set the scale of animation on the 0.5x Or off. Also helps to disable unnecessary background processes.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – check application activity in Settings → Battery: Google Play or Mi Cloud are often to blame, and you can calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).
• 📷 The camera is not working - this is a typical problem for custom firmware.Solutions: Install a patch for the camera (search the forum for the camera). 4PDA or XDA). Try an alternative app, like GCam. Go back to the previous firmware version.
• 🔊 Missing sound in the speaker or headphones – check the settings → Sound. If the problem persists, the file may have been corrupted. mixer_paths.xml So the solution is to reflash the device.

If none of these methods worked, consider rolling back on the previous version of MIUI. Download stable firmware and repeat the installation process via TWRP or fastboot.

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Before installing custom firmware, always check other users' reviews on forums. If most complains of critical bugs (such as a lack of network or constant reboots), it is better to wait for the corrected version to come out.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 6 Pro MIUI 12