Owners of flagship Chinese devices like the Xiaomi 12 often face the limitations of the pre-installed shell of MIUI China. The lack of Google services out of the box, the presence of Chinese software that cannot be removed by standard methods, and the problems with notifications are just the tip of the iceberg, which is why the question of how to remove MIUI and replace it with a global firmware version (Global ROM) remains one of the most pressing questions for users of this smartphone.
The process of software replacement requires careful follow-up, as any errors can cause the device to fail. However, if you do all the steps correctly, you will get a fully adapted phone with Russian language, NFC and all Google services. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step from unlocking the bootloader to the final configuration of the system.
It should be noted immediately that by removing MIUI in this context, we mean replacing regional firmware with a global one, since you can not completely get rid of the HyperOS or MIUI shell without installing third-party assemblies (like LineageOS) and not always necessary. The global version maintains stability of work, but deprives you of all the restrictions of the Chinese market.
Before you start to take action, you need to prepare tools. USB-The cable, preferably original, comes with a Windows-based computer. Also make sure your Xiaomi 12 battery is at least 60%, to avoid suddenly shutting down at a critical moment.
Preparation of the device and unlocking the loader
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, which is that you can't install third-party recavators or flash the device without doing this. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure, so you can't just replace the software. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week because you have to wait in line.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to settings, select About Phone, and click on MIUI multiple times to activate Developer Mode. Then, in the advanced settings, look for bootloader Status and click Add Account and Device.
☑️ Checklist of preparations for unlocking
Once you've tied it, you'll download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer, launch it, log in to your account, and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, slamming both the power and volume buttons, plug it into your PC, and press Unlock. If status permits, the bootloader will be unlocked and all the data on the phone will be deleted.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full Wipe Data reset. All your photos, contacts and applications will be destroyed, so back up important information in the cloud or on your computer beforehand.
Choosing the right firmware version for Xiaomi 12
When the bootloader is unlocked, you have to choose which firmware to install. There are different options for Xiaomi 12 (codename: monet), the Global Stable is the safest choice for everyday use, it passes long tests and guarantees that banking applications and Widevine L1 for viewing content in HD.
There are also European (EEA) and Russian (RU) firmware versions, which are almost identical to the Global, but may have slight differences in preinstalled applications and update rates. The Chinese version (CN ROM) has the most functionality, but requires manual installation of Google services and complex notification settings, so we recommend that you abandon it if you are looking for simplicity.
Download firmware should only be from trusted sources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative resources like xiaomiui.net. the firmware file usually has the extension.zip and weighs about 4-5 GB. Make sure you download the version specifically for codename: monet, as firmware from Xiaomi 12 Pro or Xiaomi 12X will not work and can lead to "bricking".
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s standard Recovery menu is limited in functionality and doesn’t allow you to install unsigned firmware or make full system backups. To work properly, we’ll need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) – a custom recovery menu that gives you full access to the device’s file system.
The process of installing TWRP on Xiaomi 12 requires the use of Fastboot mode and the fastboot utility. First, you need to download the recovery image (.img file) compatible with your version of Android. Then, connecting the phone in Fastboot mode to your computer, open the command line and enter the command to firmware the image.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-monet.imgAfter a successful recording, it is important not to reboot the phone to the system in the usual way, since stock firmware can overwrite TWRP back to standard. You need to immediately pinch the combination of buttons to log in to Recovery. This is usually a clamped volume button "Up" and a power button.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
Global ROM Firmware Process via TWRP
After successful launch TWRP You can start installing the new system directly, and you can copy the downloaded firmware archive in advance to the phone's internal memory or to the phone's internal memory. SD-If you're using internal memory, make sure that TWRP has access to files (see spoiler above about formatting).
From the recovery menu, go to the Wipe section and clean the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions. This is a critical step to prevent conflicts between the files of old Chinese firmware and the new global one. Don't be afraid to delete the data, the backup is already done.
Then select Install, search for the firmware archive, and confirm the swipe installation. It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the log of the actions will be displayed on the screen, and you can't interrupt the process, even if the phone seems to be getting stuck.
| Section | Action. | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART Cache | Wipe | Cleaning the application compilation cache |
| System | Wipe | Delete files of the old OS |
| Data | Wipe | Complete reset of user data |
| Cache | Wipe | Clearing temporary system files |
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Tip: After the firmware Global ROM, the first turn on can last up to 10 minutes. Don't panic if you see the MIUI logo or Android - the system performs application optimization.
Solving problems with Widevine and banking applications
One of the common problems after the Xiaomi 12 flash flash is the loss of Widevine L1 certification.This leads to streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime) broadcasting videos only in low resolution (SD 480p), although the phone screen supports 4K. Some banking applications may also stop working due to system integrity checks.
To restore the Widevine L1, it is often helpful to flash the stock recavator and return to the original Chinese firmware, and then again to Global, but by using the “clean” firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. However, if the bootloader is unlocked, the security status will always be marked as changed.
To run banking applications (Google Pay, Mir Pay, bank customers) you need to hide the fact of unlocking. To do this, install the Magisk rights manager. After installing, turn on the “Zygisk” function in Magisk settings and add your banking applications to the DenyList, which will allow them to work “thinking” that the system is not modified.
⚠️ Attention: Magisk use and root-right concealment is a cat-and-mouse game with banks.Bank app updates may block access again.By watching forums and current circumvention techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty fly off after unlocking the bootloader?
Can I go back to MIUI China?
Does NFC and Google Pay work after the Global ROM firmware?
What is the risk of "filling" the phone?
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Replacing MIUI China with Global ROM with Xiaomi 12 is a safe and effective procedure that unlocks the full potential of the device, removes Chinese software and adds Russian, but requires care at the stage of unlocking the bootloader.