Why upgrade to Android 12?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro came with factory firmware based on Android 11, but many users want to get the latest features of Android 12: a new design of Material You, improved privacy and performance optimization. However, the official update to Android 12 for the sweet model (codenamed Redmi Note 10 Pro) was not released for all regions, and custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and technical skills.
In this article, we'll discuss both options: how to upgrade with MIUI OTA (if available for your region) and how to install custom firmware based on Android 12 (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). Also discuss the risks, device preparation and solving common errors. If you're a beginner, start with the official method.
Before you start, check the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If your firmware is older than MIUI 13.0.1, first upgrade to the latest stable version through the standard update menu – this minimizes the risks if you continue to manipulate it.
Official Update: Checking the availability of Android 12
The first and safest way is to wait. OTA-Xiaomi updates. The company is releasing updates in waves, so even if Android 12 is already announced for your model, it may not yet be in your region:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔍 Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner and select Update Package (if available).
- 🌐 If the update doesn’t come, try changing the firmware region through Settings. → Additionally. → Region (e.g. India or Europe).
If the update menu displays the Android 12 version of MIUI 13, install it safely. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, all data is saved. Importantly, charge your phone to at least 50% before upgrading and connect to stable Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the update process if the logo is on the screen. MI In rare cases, long downloads (up to 10 minutes) during the optimizing app phase are normal, but if the phone is stuck on the clock, you'll have to reset it through Recovery.
Preparation for the installation of custom firmware
If you don't have an official update and you don't want to wait, you have custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery (TWRP) and manual firmware, and it's a risky process, where errors can turn the phone into a brick.
First, prepare the device and tools:
Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone to 80% or more
Download firmware (e.g. from [forum.xda-developers.com](https://forum.xda-developers.com)
Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC
Connect the original USB-cable (do not use extension cords)
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Also check out your Redmi Note 10 Pro model in Settings → About Phone → Model. The device has two modifications:
- 📌 Sweet – global version (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) M2101K6G).
- 📌 Sweetin - Indian version (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro Max) M2101K6I).
The firmware for these models is not interchangeable! Installing incompatible firmware will lead to a hard brick.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi resets all data on the phone, including internal memory. L1 (no HD Netflix and some banking apps.
Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 10 Pro
Without an unlocked bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi allows you to officially unlock the bootloader, but the process takes 7 days of waiting (if you have a new Mi Account).
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and enable all options. Then in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility is available at en.miui.com/unlock, and install it on a Windows PC (requires.NET Framework 4.5+).
- Connect the phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power until the hare in the eardress cap appears. Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open Unlock: In the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account, wait for the device to be checked, and press Unlock. If the account is new, a 168-hour wait message will appear.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing custom recovery.
1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).
2. disable the antivirus on the PC.
3. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator.
4. Connect to another USB-port (preferably 2.0).-->
Installation of TWRP and Android 12 firmware
You will need to install custom firmware TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – Alternative Recovery with Custom Support ZIP-Download the latest version of the files. TWRP Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) from the official website twrp.me.
Installation process:
- Please. TWRP via Fastboot: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as when unlocking) and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-sweet.img fastboot reboot recovery
- Backup in TWRP: In the TWRP menu, select Backup and save the Boot, System, Data, and Vendor partitions to an external memory card.
- Sneaking Android 12: Downloaded ZIP-Place a firmware file (e.g. Pixel Experience 12) on your phone or SD-In the map. TWRP Select Install, specify the file and confirm the installation.
- Clear the cache: After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (if required by firmware) and restart.
The first run after the firmware can take up to 10 minutes. If the system does not load for more than 15 minutes, go back to TWRP and check the error logs.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible firmware or installation error | Return to TWRP and restore the backup |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Dalvik/ART cache not cleared | V TWRP wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache |
| No network after firmware | No modem or IMEI | Switch original vendor and firmware through Fastboot |
| Google Pay is not working. | Loader unlocked | Use Magisk to disguise root or accept restriction |
Recommended custom firmware based on Android 12
For the Redmi Note 10 Pro, there are several stable firmware available with Android 12.
- 📱 Pixel Experience 12 – Pure Android with Pixel features, good battery optimization.
- 📱 LineageOS 19 – minimalist Android without unnecessary applications, regular updates.
- 📱 ArrowOS 12 – Balance between customization and stability, support for themes.
- 📱 MIUI 13 by Xiaomi.eu - official MIUI without Chinese software, with support for Google services.
Each firmware has its own features. For example, the Pixel Experience offers as close to the original Android, but may not support some features of the Redmi Note 10 Pro camera (for example, 108 MP mode). MIUI 13 from Xiaomi.eu retains all the features of stock firmware, but requires weekly updates.
How do you choose firmware?
Before installing any firmware, check the reviews on forums (like 4PDA or XDA) and check the bug list.Some builds may have problems with VoLTE, NFC, or Always-on Display.
Recovery after a failed firmware
If something goes wrong and the phone doesn't turn on or boots up in a bootloop, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored. Here's the algorithm for how to do it.
- Try booting into TWRP: Click Volume Up + Power when turned on. If TWRP starts, restore the backup or run another firmware.
- Use Fastboot to return to stock firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and run it through the command: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot vendor vendor vendor vendor.img fastboot flashboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot reboot
- If the phone is not detected by the PC: Try to keep Volume up + Loudness down + Food for 10-15 seconds for forced transition to EDL-The mode (emergency firmware) for working with EDL You will need an authorized Xiaomi account and the Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery through EDL-The mode can block the device if you do not have an authorized account for Xiaomi service centers!
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If the phone doesn’t respond to any combination of buttons and isn’t detected by the PC, the hard brick is likely to be damaged, in which case only a service center with a programmer or a replacement motherboard will help.