Install Android 12 on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: official and custom ways

Introduction: Should I upgrade to Android 12 on the Redmi Note 7?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) officially only received support until Android 10 (MIUI 12.5).However, many users want to try the latest version of the OS — Android 12 — for the sake of new features: improved privacy, dynamic design of Material You, optimized notification management and increased performance.

On the one hand, custom firmware based on Android 12 (for example, LineageOS 19, Pixel Experience 12 or ArrowOS) really give the device a “second life”: chips from flagship models appear, the interface smoothness improves, and the battery lasts longer due to the optimized kernel. On the other hand, Redmi Note 7 does not have official support for Android 12 from Xiaomi, so any installation will require unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device and cancels the warranty. In addition, custom builds can contain bugs: from broken NFC to problems with the camera in night mode.

This article will help you decide on the choice of firmware, prepare the phone for installation and avoid typical errors. We will look at two main methods: through TWRP (for power users) and Fastboot (more reliable, but requiring a PC), and we will also discuss how to return everything back if something goes wrong.

Pre-installation requirements and preparation

Before you start your firmware, make sure your Redmi Note 7 meets the following criteria:

• 📱 The model of the phone is the Redmi Note 7 (lavender), not the Note 7 Pro (violeta) or other modifications. → The phone. → Model.
• 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%. The installation process can take up to 30 minutes, and a discharge in the middle will lead to a "brick".
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (for Fastboot method) on macOS, there may be problems with drivers ADB.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C original or high-quality (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).

Also prepare:

• 📁 Backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages) Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying on your PC.
• 🔐 Mi Account tied to phone (required to unlock the bootloader).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Unlock Tool, Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot), TWRP Recovery for lavender.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. If you forget the Mi Account password, restore it beforehand - after resetting, you will not be able to log in without it.

Firmware selection: official ports vs custom assemblies

On the Redmi Note 7, you can install Android 12 in two ways: through unofficial MIUI 13 ports (based on Android 12) or custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience. Each option has pros and cons.

For beginners, we recommend starting with the Pixel Experience 12, which is the most balanced in terms of stability and functionality. Power users can try LineageOS 19 with additional Magisk modules for enhanced features.

⚠️ Note: Firmware like HavocOS or Resurrection Remix often contains experimental features that can overheat the Snapdragon 660 processor in the Redmi Note 7. XDA Developers in the last 2-3 months.

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If you choose firmware with GApps (Google Services), take the option of pico or nano – they take up less space and do not overload the system with unnecessary applications.

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 7

Without unlocking the bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi allows you to do this officially, but with restrictions:

1. Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Turn on USB debugging: go to Settings → About Phone, tap 7 times on MIUI Version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.

The process can take up to 72 hours — Xiaomi deliberately delays unlocking for new accounts. If you see a message saying “Couldn’t unlock, try again after XX hours,” just wait for the specified time.

Linked to Mi Account|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB|Battery charge > 70%|Data backup made.-->

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset the Wipe. Don't worry, that's okay. Now you can start installing TWRP.

Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi Note 7

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to stitch ZIP-Firmware files, backups, and system repair. For Redmi Note 7, use the official version or proven builds with the help of the system. XDA.

Instructions for installation via Fastboot:

1. Download the image twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lavender.img (or newer) and rename it in twrp.img.
2. Place the file in the folder with Platform Tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
5. After successful firmware, restart to recovery: fastboot boot twrp.img

In the first run, TWRP will suggest allowing modifications to the system partition — swipe right for confirmation. If you don't, the firmware won't stand up!

Android 12 Installation Through TWRP

Now that you have TWRP, you can start firmware, and we'll look at the process with the Pixel Experience 12, but the steps are similar for other builds.

Files required:

• 📄 Firmware (PixelExperience_lavender-12.0-XXXXXXXX-UNOFFICIAL.zip).
• 🔄 GApps (if not included in the firmware, for example, NikGapps-core-arm64-12-20230515.zip).
• 🔒 Magisk (optional, for root rights, Magisk-v26.1.zip).

Procedure:

1. Copy everything. ZIP-files for internal phone memory or SD-map.
2. Reboot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power when turned on).
3. Complete reset: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data → Swipe to Wipe
4. Install firmware: Install → Choose. ZIP-firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash
5. If you need GApps, flash them right after you have firmware (no reboot!).
6. If you wish, you can use Magisk for root rights.
7. Reboot the system: Reboot → System.

The first run can take 10-15 minutes — don't interrupt. If the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, something has gone wrong (see "Problem Solving").

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Never stitch GApps over a firmware that already has them (like the Pixel Experience), which will lead to conflicting Google services and a cyclical reboot.

Solving Typical Errors in Installation

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware (black screen, no vibration), it can be a hard brick, and then only firmware through EDL Mode using a Qualcomm 9008 box will help, which is a complex procedure that requires special equipment - you better contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: If after installing Android 12, the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly, check the kernel settings in Settings → Battery → Performance mode. Some custom firmware defaults to an aggressive profile that overclocks the processor.

Return to the stock firmware MIUI

If Android 12 didn’t meet expectations or critical bugs occurred, you can return the original MIUI.

1. Download the latest stable firmware for the Redmi Note 7 from Xiaomi’s website (select Global or EEA region).
2. Unpack. ZIP-firmware.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
4. Transfer your phone to Fastboot Mode (Loudness Down + Power).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select a firmware folder, plug in your phone and press Refresh → Flash.
6. Wait for the process to finish (5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.

Once you return to MIUI, the bootloader will remain unlocked. If you want to return everything "like from the factory", re-lock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (Lock option).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions