How to install Android 12 on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from official OTA to custom firmware

Installing Android 12 on Xiaomi devices is a challenge that many smartphone owners are excited about, especially if official support for the model is already complete.This version of the OS has brought revolutionary changes from the new Material You design to improved privacy and performance. However, the upgrade process can range from a simple push of a button to a complex procedure with unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install Android 12 on Xiaomi – from the official OTA-Updates to manual firmware via fastboot or TWRP. Particular attention will be paid to the preparation of the device, possible risks (for example, data loss during the transition from the device to the device). MIUI Globally MIUI China without backup and ways to avoid them.If your smartphone does not receive the update "over the air", do not rush to get upset: alternative methods often allow you to bypass the manufacturer's restrictions.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support Android 12?

Before you start an update, make sure your Xiaomi model officially or unofficially supports Android 12.The manufacturer releases updates for devices for 2-4 years after release, but some budget models may remain on older versions.

The official list of Xiaomi devices that received Android 12 (MIUI 13/14) includes:

• 📱 Xiaomi 11/11T/11 Lite (all modifications)
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro/Pro Max/10S
• 📱 POCO F3/F3 GT/X3 Pro
• 📱 Mi 10/10T/10 Lite (with restrictions for some regions)

To check the current version of the OS, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If it says MIUI 13 or later, most likely, you already have Android 12 installed. To clarify the version of Android, tap several times on the line MIUI version - a hidden menu with detailed information will open.

⚠️ Note: Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A3) They are updated on a different schedule, Google, not Xiaomi. ADB Sideload.

2.Official update via OTA: the safest way

If your Xiaomi is on the supported device list, the first step is to try updating the OTA, which saves all the data and settings, and the risk of bricking is minimal.

Instructions:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update can weigh 1.5-3 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Wait for the download and installation (the device will restart several times).

If the update doesn’t come, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another network (sometimes mobile operators block large files).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 weeks – Xiaomi often rolls out updates in waves.

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If OTA-update doesn’t come long, try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Russia – sometimes it speeds up the update.

Manual update via Recovery: if OTA doesn't work

If you don't have automatic updates, but you have firmware for your model, you can manually install it through stock Recovery, which is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader and doesn't require unlocking.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official ROM-package for your model from the site MIUI Downloads (select the Recovery version) ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select Update File.
4. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

It takes 10-20 minutes. The device will restart automatically. If there are bugs (such as mobile network issues) after the update, reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.

Download the correct version ROM forecast|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)|Create a backup copy of the data|Disable screen lock (PIN/graphical)-->

4. Installation via Fastboot: for power users

If previous methods didn’t work, you can flash Android 12 through Fastboot, which requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed. All data will be erased!

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Platform Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Fastboot-ROM for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with the ROM in the folder with fastboot.exe.


2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.




3Connect the device to the PC and launch the file. flash_all.bat (Windows) or flash_all.sh (Linux/macOS).




4. wait until the process is completed (about 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 8 Pro, POCO X2) After the firmware through the Fastboot may disappear IMEI. To avoid this, save a folder before the procedure. /nvdata through TWRP.

5. Custom firmware: Android 12 on unsupported devices

If Xiaomi hasn’t officially released Android 12 for your model, there’s still a custom firmware option like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which requires an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed.

Popular firmware based on Android 12:

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours to wait).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install firmware, then GApps and Magisk (if root is needed).

6. Solving problems after the update

Even with a successful Android 12 installation, there may be bugs, and let’s look at the typical problems and solutions:

Problem 1: Fast battery discharge

• 🔋 Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the Display Settings.
• 🔋 Check the activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions).

Problem 2: Fingerprint or Face Unlock are not working

• 👆 Re-register fingerprints/face in security settings.
• 👆 Update biometric drivers through Settings → System system → Updating components.

Problem 3: Apps fly out

• 📱 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 Update apps through Google Play.
• 📱 If the problem persists, reset settings (without deleting data).

💡

After the update, the phone stopped seeing SIM-Check if the card has been broken. APN. Manually add it. APN Your operator in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).

7. rollback to the previous version: if Android 12 is not suitable

If the new version of the OS is unstable, you can return to Android 11 or MIUI 12.5.

1. Download the full firmware package of the desired version from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all_except_storage.bat (retains user data).
3. Transfer your phone to Fastboot Mode and start the script.

Important: If you roll back to an older version, MIUI may trigger an anti-rollback, in which case the device will lock. Before rolling back, check if your model supports downgrade, on the XDA or 4PDA forums.

Frequently asked questions