How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro to MIUI 12: all working ways in 2026

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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, released in 2018, originally ran on MIUI 9 with a shell based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Over time, the device received official updates to MIUI 11 (Android 9 Pie), but further support from the manufacturer has been 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 there is no official MIUI 12 firmware for the Redmi Note 6 Pro — the last stable version is MIUI 11.4.6. However, there are alternative methods: custom firmware based on MIUI 12 or ported versions from other devices. In this article, we will discuss all possible options, their pros, cons and step-by-step instructions.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Are you ready for possible bugs (like a broken fingerprint sensor or camera)? 2. Do you have a backup? Updating through custom software often requires a complete reset.

Device requirements before updating

Before you try to install MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 6 Pro (codename tulip), make sure your device meets the following criteria:

🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% – the upgrade process can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge in the middle will lead to a “brick".
📱 Unlocked bootloader, without which custom firmware cannot be installed. Check status with fastboot oem device-info command.
🛠️ Established custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP Stock recovery does not support installation of informal ZIP-file.
📡 Stable Internet connection (if you download firmware directly to your phone) or PC USB-cable.

Also check the current version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a MIUI 10 or lower, upgrade to MIUI 11 first in the official way – this will reduce the risk of errors when you install it further.

⚠️ Note: On some custom assemblies MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 6 Pro Google Pay is not working due to SafetyNet certification issues.If contactless payment is critical, check with the firmware developer.

Component	Minimum requirements	Recommended value
Android version	8.1 Oreo	9.0 Pie (MIUI 11)
Free seat	3GB	5 GB (for backup)
TWRP version	3.3.1	3.6.0 or newer
Loader status	Unlocked.	Officially Unlocked via Mi Unlock

📊 Which method of updating do you prefer?

Official (if available)

Custom firmware

Through Fastboot.

I don't know, I'll pick it after reading.

Method 1: Install custom firmware MIUI 12 via TWRP

This is the most common method, but it requires some preparation.

Downloaded firmware file in.zip format (e.g. MIUI 12 by StagOS or MIUI 12 Port for Tulip).
File. disable_forceencrypt.zip (if the firmware does not support encryption).
Magisk.zip file (optional, for root rights).

Step-by-step:

Copy everything. ZIP-files in the root folder of the phone's internal memory.
Turn off the device and press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP.
Make a full backup (click Backup → select all sections → swipe for confirmation).
Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System. Don't touch Internal Storage and MicroSD.
Return to the main menu, click Install → select firmware file → swipe to install.
After completion, repeat the step 5 for disable_forceencrypt.zip (if necessary, and Magisk.zip.
Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

Download firmware for the tulip model|Check the version. TWRP|Backup to the Recavérie.|Disable encryption (if necessary)|Charge the phone to 70%+-->

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after installation MI for more than 20 minutes, restart in TWRP And repeat steps 4-7. It's possible that the firmware is incompatible with your version of the bootloader.

Method 2: Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if you have a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader. The advantage is less risk of "brick" since the firmware is installed directly through fastboot.

Download the MIUI 12 Fastboot firmware for the Redmi Note 6 Pro (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu or MIUI Mix). Unpack the archive into a folder on the C:\ drive (the path without spaces!). Connect the phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clutch Power + Volume down when turned on).

Open the command line in the firmware folder and do:

fastboot flash anti 4 anti4.img


fastboot flash xbl xbl.elf




fastboot flash xbl_config xbl_config.elf




fastboot flash tz tz.mbn




fastboot flash hyp hyp.mbn




fastboot flash modem modem.prm




fastboot flash bluetooth BTFM.bin




fastboot flash dsp dsp.so




fastboot flash devcfg devcfg.mbn




fastboot flash keymaster keymaster.mbn




fastboot flash cmnlib cmnlib.mbn




fastboot flash cmnlib64 cmnlib64.mbn




fastboot flash abl abl.elf




fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash cust cust.img




fastboot reboot

Important: Not all custom firmware supports installation via Fastboot. Before you start, check if the archive has files with the.img extension. Unless.zip, use the method with TWRP.

What if Fastboot doesn’t see the device?

Make sure the drivers ADB installed (download Google's Platform Tools). Try another one USB-Cable (original, preferably) Turn on debugging USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → 7 times press on "Version" MIUI"). Check if the device is determined by the command fastboot devices (serial number should appear).

Method 3: Alternative firmware based on MIUI 12

If there are no official and custom builds of MIUI 12 for the Redmi Note 6 Pro, you can consider firmware from other devices with similar hardware.

📱 MIUI 12 Port by Redmi Note 7 Pro is the most stable option, as both devices are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform. 675/660.
🔄 MIUI Mix – Hybrid firmware with elements MIUI 12, 13 and 14, optimized for older smartphones.
🛠️ LineageOS with themes MIUI 12 - not clean. MIUI, but visually similar and works faster on weak gland.

Where to look for firmware:

4PDA is a Russian-language community with detailed instructions and feedback (theme of Redmi Note 6 Pro).
XDA Developers is an international forum, but requires registration for download (device section).
Telegram-channels of developers (for example, StagOS or MIUI Mix).

Before installing, be sure to check user reviews! Pay attention to:

The work of the main and front camera (on ported firmware often "fly" HDR and portrait mode).
VoLTE (voice over 4G) support – without it, calls on some operators will not work.
The presence of sensor bugs (gyroscope, compass, NFC).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check it for compatibility with your Redmi Note modification. 6 The device has two versions: global (tulip_global) You can also find your own in Chinese. TWRP or through getprop ro.product.device ADB.

Solving problems after upgrading to MIUI 12

Even if the installation is successful, there may be errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Phone not turned on (black screen)	Incompatible firmware or interrupted installation	Repeat installation via TWRP or return to backup
Not working on touchscreen.	Error in the vendor.img file	Install the firmware with a sensor patch or go back to MIUI 11
Continuous resets	Conflict with Magisk or Xposed	Remove modules via TWRP or roll back to clean firmware
No network (IMEI missing)	The modem or EFS partition is damaged	Restore the EFS backup or flash the stock modem.img

If after the update, the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly, try:

Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
Disable animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → 7 times press "Version" MIUI" → Developer parameters → Animation. = 0.5x).
Install a power-optimized core (e.g. FrancoKernel for tulip).

⚠️ Note: If banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) have stopped working after the update, the reason may be the lack of SafetyNet certification. Check status through the SafetyNet Test application and install MagiskHide Props Config to mask root rights.

If MIUI 12 is unstable or you don't like the changes, you can go back to the official firmware.

Download the MIUI 11 stock firmware for the Redmi Note 6 Pro from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
Unpack the archive and place the.zip file in the phone’s memory.
Download to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
Install the stock firmware through Install.
Reboot. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes.

If after a rollback, the phone requires authorization to Mi Account, but you do not remember it:

Connect to Wi-Fi and try to restore your password through the official website.
If your account is not yours (the used device), contact the previous owner to unlock.
As a last resort, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing Mi Flash Pro).

💡

Recoiling back to stock firmware deletes all data! If you need to save photos or contacts, back up via TWRP or Mi Cloud before the procedure begins.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 6 Pro

Can the Redmi Note 6 Pro be upgraded to MIUI 12?

No, there is no official MIUI 12 support for this model. The latest official version is MIUI 11.4.6 based on Android 9 Pie. All methods of upgrading to MIUI 12 are informal and require unlocking the bootloader.

Will Google Pay work after installing MIUI 12?

Most custom firmware is not tested by SafetyNet, which blocks contactless payments.Solution: Install Magisk and SafetyNet Fix. Use alternative payment methods (such as Samsung Pay through the clock or Mir Pay).

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot. Connect your device to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need official unlock through Mi Unlock Tool.

Can I upgrade to MIUI 12 without losing data?

Theoretically, yes, but it's not recommended. When installing custom firmware through TWRP, you need to run Wipe Data, otherwise you can make critical errors (e.g., endless reboots); you'd better back up through: TWRP (Backup section); Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos); applications like Swift Backup (for applications and their data).

Which MIUI 12 firmware is the most stable for the Redmi Note 6 Pro?

According to user reviews on 4PDA and XDA, the most stable options are: MIUI 12 by StagOS — optimized for tulip, the camera and fingerprint sensor work. MIUI Mix v5 — hybrid firmware with MIUI elements 12/13, good performance. Pixel Experience (Android 10) — not MIUI, but with support for all functions and security updates. Before installing, be sure to read the comments to the firmware — there are actual bugs.