How to reinstall MIUI 12 on Xiaomi: official and informal ways

Firmware MIUI 12 remains one of the most popular versions of Xiaomi’s branded shell, despite the release of newer releases, and many users are returning to it due to stability, optimized interface or lack of “extra” features in later versions. However, reinstalling firmware is a process that requires preparation and understanding of possible risks. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reflash Xiaomi on the Internet. MIUI 12, from official methods to alternative solutions for power users.

It's important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the device model, the current firmware version, and even the region. 9 Pro (joyeuse) and Mi 10 (umi, the instructions will be nuanced, we'll look at the universal steps, but we'll also point to the critical moments where you need to be personalized, if your goal is not just to update, but to roll back from the ground up. MIUI 13/14 on MIUI 12, Prepare for additional manipulations with unlocking the loader.

Before you start, answer two key questions: Why do you need it? MIUI 12 (possibly resetting settings or disabling unnecessary features will solve the problem) and whether you are prepared for the potential consequences - from losing data to "bricking" the device.If in doubt, start by backing up and learning firmware reviews for your model.

Preparation for reinstallation MIUI 12: What to do in advance

Regardless of the flashing method chosen, preparing the device is 50% of the success, and neglecting this step often leads to errors like Error: E1001 (Version incompatibility) or hanging on the Mi logo. Let's start with the mandatory steps:

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Model. Write down the full name (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro — begonia) that is critical to choosing the right firmware.
• 🔢 Find out the current version MIUI: In the same section About the phone, see the line Version MIUI. If it says something like 14.0.5.0, you’ll need a rollback, not just an update.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% When flashing through Fastboot or Recovery, discharging during the process can lead to irreversible consequences.
• 📁 Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Alternatively, manual folder copying. DCIM, Downloads and Miui on PC.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader, if you have never done this, and the current firmware is the official Global or EEA, installer MIUI 12 via Fastboot will require unlocking.The procedure takes up to 72 hours (due to the Xiaomi verification) and involves the binding of the Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (China version) ROM), flashing on Global MIUI 12 may block the network due to differences in modem modules. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Also prepare the tools:

• 💻 Windows PC 10/11 (for the Fastboot method) or Mac/Linux (for ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📂 Firmware MIUI 12 for your model (download only from official sources: mi.com or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot), ADB & Fastboot tools, OrangeFox Recovery, or TWRP (custom-set).

Unlocking the bootloader: a must-do step for most methods

If you are planning to install MIUI 12 via Fastboot or custom Recovery (TWRP), Unlocking the bootloader is almost always necessary, except for the Ota Updater update (if an official rollback package is available:

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure your account has two-factor authentication enabled.
2. Submit an application for unlocking: download the Mi Unlock Tool, launch it on behalf of the administrator and follow the instructions. Link the device to your account via Fastboot (fastboot oem command). get_unlock_data).

Important: once unlocked, all data on the device will be erased! Also note that some models (e.g., the data on the device, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) may require additional manipulation of EDL-brikish».

⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty in most regions.If the device is warranty, consider alternative methods (e.g., updating through Recovery without unlocking, if an official package is available).

To check the status of the loader, use the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the lines Device unlocked: true (unblocked) or false (locked). MIUI 12 via Fastboot, the process will end with an anti-rollback or locked bootloader error.

Make a backup copy of the data|Make sure the battery is charged > 60%|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Linking your Mi Account to your device|Prepare original USB-cable-->

Official installation methods MIUI 12

If your goal is to legally roll back or upgrade to MIUI 12 without risking losing the warranty, start with the official methods. Xiaomi provides two main paths: through Ota Updater (over the air) and Recovery (manual.

Method 1: Update via Ota Updater (for supported models)

This is the easiest way, but it only works if:

• 📲 Your model is officially supported. MIUI 12 (check out Xiaomi's website).
• 🔄 Current firmware - Global or EEA (China ROM method may not work).
• 🔍 Settings include Wi-Fi updates (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Update on Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Select the Service Package.
3. Indicate the path to the downloaded firmware file MIUI 12 (zip format, the name must be the same as the model, for example miui_JOYEUSEGlobal_V12.0.1.0.QJZMIXM_...).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 10-20 minutes).

If the update menu does not have the option to select the service pack, then your model does not support manual installation through Ota Updater.

Method 2: Recovery Installation (for all models)

This method is suitable if:

• 📦 You have an official.zip file firmware MIUI 12 for your model.
• 🔓 The bootloader is not unlocked (but it is not necessary if the firmware is signed by Xiaomi).
• 🔄 You are ready to reset (the data will only be saved if you choose to do so). update.zip without clean_all).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware. MIUI 12 For your model from the official website (for example, firmware archive), the file should be called something like this: miui_BLOCKNAMEGlobal_V12.0.X.X_....
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have an option), then Install. update.zip to System or similar item.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it's done. MIUI 12.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 15 minutes after installation via Recovery, it means that the firmware is incompatible with your model or damaged).

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If you see an error "E: Footer is wrong" when you install it through Recovery, then the firmware file is corrupted. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5) using the HashMyFiles program.

Reinstallation MIUI 12 via Fastboot: For power users

Fastboot method is the most reliable way to install MIUI 12, but also the riskiest one, which involves completely overwriting the system partition, so that all the data is erased:

• 🔒 Your bootloader is unlocked (see previous section).
• 📉 Current firmware is newer MIUI 12 (for example, MIUI 13/14), And recoiling through Recovery is impossible.
• 🛠️ The device “brickled” after a failed firmware.

You'll need:

• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
• Firmware MIUI 12 in.tgz or.zip format (for Fastboot).
• Xiaomi drivers for Windows (set automatically when you connect your phone to Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume down + Food before the appearance of a hare in a hat-eared.
2. Install drivers: If Windows requests a driver for Android Bootloader Interface, specify the path to the folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Unpack the firmware: Remove files from the.tgz archive to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI12\).
4. Launch Mi Flash Tool: Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock. + Press Refresh, your device should appear on the list. Click Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

Reboot.

Critically, if you choose clean all and lock mode, the bootloader will lock and you will have to wait for permission from Xiaomi again (up to 72 hours) to re-implement the firmware.

Installation MIUI 12 through TWRP: custom-built

If official methods don’t fit (for example, you want to install custom build) MIUI 12 or your model is not supported, you can use it TWRP — Custom Recavers: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for advanced users.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Ability to install modified firmware (for example, MIUI 12 by Xiaomi.eu without ads).
• 📦 Save data when set up correctly (Dirty Flash option).
• 🔄 Easy retracement to the previous version.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of “briefing” with incorrect actions.
• 🔒 Loss of warranty (due to unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔄 Need for manual updates (automatic) OTA will not).

Instructions:

1. Install. TWRP: Download the current version TWRP For your model from the official website, move the.img file to the folder with ADB. Connect your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_10-0-umi.img (Replace the umi with the code name of your model).
2. Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power.
3. Make a backup: In TWRP Select Backup. Tap Boot, System, Data, and Vendor. Swipe to backup (save it to your PC!).
4. Install firmware: Download.zip file MIUI 12 (like Xiaomi.eu) Transfer it to your phone or flash drive. TWRP Select Install, specify the file and swipe for confirmation.

Clearing the cache

Wipe → Advanced Wipe

Dalvik / ART Cache

Cache

Reboot.

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: If, after installation, through TWRP The phone gets stuck on the boot, so the firmware is incompatible with your kernel or modem. TWRP, Restore the backup and try another build.

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Use of the TWRP It is not only that it is MIUI 12, but also custom cores, Magisk (for root rights) and other modifications.

Solving problems after reinstallation MIUI 12

Even with a successful firmware, there can be problems.

If the IMEI is missing or the network is not working:

1. Check it out. IMEI If you see Null or Invalid, you have damaged the nvram partition.
2. Download the nvram backup for your model (look for 4PDA or XDA).
3. Restore it through TWRP: dd if=/sdcard/nvram.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/nvram
4. Reset the device.

To restore Google Services (if they are not available after China firmware) ROM):

• Download the Open GApps package (version) ARM64, Android 10 for now MIUI 12).
• Set it through TWRP post-fix MIUI 12.
• Choose the pico or nano option for the minimum set of services.

Sliding MIUI 13/14 on MIUI 12: features and risks

If you are updated with MIUI 12 on MIUI 13/14 If you want to go back, consider that rolling back to an older version is fraught with problems:

• 🔒 Anti-Rollback Protection: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) have a hardware-level rollback, and bypassing the protection will result in a "brick».
• 📵 Loss of loss IMEI or Networks: New firmware can update modem modules that are incompatible with older versions.
• 🔋 Battery problems: After a rollback, the system may not calibrate the charge correctly.

How to check if you can pull back:

1. Find your model in the list of supported devices on Xiaomi.eu.
2. Check if there's a firmware for her. MIUI 12 in the archive.
3. Find out if your model supports Anti-Rollback (info is available on the website) 4PDA firmware-themed).

If you can roll back, follow the instructions for Fastboot or TWRP, But with a complete clean-all, after a successful firmware:

• 🔄 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
• 📶 Check the network and IMEI.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to 100% and calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge without interruption).

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note) 9T) rollback MIUI 12 may result in loss of camera or sensor function.Before the procedure, study user reviews with your device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reinstallation MIUI 12