Why Xiaomi is Upgrading to Android 10?
Upgrading to Android 10 (API 29) for Xiaomi smartphones is not just a change in the number in settings, but a significant improvement in performance, security and functionality. Even with the release of newer OS versions (Android 11-14), the tenth version remains relevant for many mid- and low-end devices. Why? First, Android 10 brought revolutionary changes in the management of application resolutions, optimized gestures and added a dark theme at the system level. Second, for older Xiaomi models, it is often the last available OS from the manufacturer.
However, not all Redmi, POCO or Mi devices will receive this update. The company follows a strict support policy: flagships are updated longer (up to 3-4 years), and budget models are updated for a maximum of 1-2 years. In this article, we will analyze the official lists of devices that have already received or will receive Android 10, and also tell you how to check the availability of the update for your model. If your smartphone is not on the list, do not despair: at the end of the article there are alternative ways to install firmware through custom software.
Official list of Xiaomi with support for Android 10
Xiaomi has divided its devices into several lines: Mi (premium), Redmi (medium), POCO (gaming/budget) and Black Shark (gaming flagships). The update rules are different for each line. Below is a full list of models that officially support Android 10 through MIUI (or received it in the past).
- π± Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 9 SE / Mi 9 Pro 5G β 2019 flagships, received Android 10 in late 2019 β early 2020.
- π± Xiaomi Mi 8 / Mi 8 Pro / Mi 8 Lite β Update Released in 2020, for Some Regions with Delays.
- π± Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 / Mi Mix 3 5G β One of the latest models of the Mix series with support for Android 10.
- π± Redmi K20 / K20 Pro (including the Indian version of the Mi) 9T) β Popular mid-budget models of 2019.
- π± Redmi Note 8 / Note 8 Pro / Note 8T β budget hits, the update came out in stages.
- π± POCO F1 β The iconic smartphone of 2018, received Android 10 in 2020.
- π± Black Shark 2 / Black Shark 2 Pro β gaming devices with support for the tenth version.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 7 or Mi) A3) Originally had Android 9, nolater received an update to Android 10 as part of the program MIUI However, for devices older than 2018 (such as the Mi 6 or Redmi Note 5), upgrading to the tenth version is officially unavailable - even through custom firmware, installing it can lead to driver problems.
How to check if an update is available for your model
Before you search for firmware manually, make sure your device officially supports Android 10.
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
- If you have a version marked MIUI 11/12 based on Android 10, you can install it.
If the update doesnβt come automatically, try:
- π Restart the phone and repeat the check.
- π Change region in settings (some updates are coming first for China, then for the global version).
- π₯ Download firmware manually from en.miui.com (select the Stable version for your model).
Check the battery (minimum 50%)
Connect to Wi-Fi
Make a backup copy of the data
Close all background applications-->
β οΈ Note: If your smartphone is unlocked (has custom recovery or root), official updates may not be installed, in which case you will have to use Fastboot or Recovery firmware methods - but this is risky without experience.
Release date Android 10 for Xiaomi: the chronology of updates
Xiaomi rarely announces the exact release dates of updates, but from past experience, we can distinguish a rough chronology: Flagships (the Mi and Black Shark series) receive updates first, then the middle segment (Redmi K), and lastly budget models (Redmi Note).
| Model | Release date of the device | Android 10 release date | MIUI version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | February 2019 | October 2019 | MIUI 11 |
| Redmi K20 Pro | May 2019 | December 2019 | MIUI 11 |
| POCO F1 | August 2018 | June 2020 | MIUI 12 |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | September 2019 | April 2020 | MIUI 11 |
| Black Shark 2 | March 2019 | November 2019 | JoyUI 11 |
Note that for some regions (such as India or Europe), updates come later than for China. If your model is in the table, but the update does not come, try changing the firmware region through Fastboot or wait for the global release.
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If the update is stuck in the boot phase, try clearing the System Update app cache in the settings or using a VPN to connect to Xiaomiβs Chinese servers.
What to do if your Xiaomi has not received Android 10 officially
If your Xiaomi model isnβt on the official list, but is technically capable of running Android 10 (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi A2), you have a few alternatives:
- Custom firmware (like LineageOS 17.1, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) is based on pure Android 10 and often runs faster than MIUI.
- Ported versions of MIUI from enthusiasts (e.g. MIUI EU or firmware from Xiaomi.eu).
- Update via Fastboot (if there is an unofficial build for your model).
β οΈ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires bootloader unlock, which resets all data on the device and may deprive you of warranty, NFC or IR-blaster) can work properly.
Risks of custom firmware
If you do decide to use custom firmware, follow the instructions from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, but be sure to:
- π Check firmware compatibility with your exact model (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro and Redmi Note). 8T β device!).
- π Make a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
- π§ Make sure you have the right drivers installed. ADB and Fastboot.
Android 10 on Xiaomi: whatβs new in MIUI
Android 10 on Xiaomi smartphones is not only an updated OS kernel, but also a number of exclusive features from MIUI. Here are the key changes that you will get after the upgrade:
- π System dark theme (included in Settings) β Display. β Dark mode).
- π New gesture navigation (similar to iPhone: swipe from below to go back).
- π Improved Application Permits (now you can only access your location while using the app).
- π‘ Optimized Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Management (Smart Network Switch for Automatic Network Switching).
- π΅ New player MIUI Music with high resolution support (up to) 32-bit/384kHz).
In addition, MIUI 11/12 based on Android 10 appeared:
- π Monitoring the use of applications (Settings) β Annexes β Usage statistics).
- π Optimizing energy consumption to increase battery life.
- πΌοΈ New wallpapers and animations (including dynamic Super Wallpapers wallpapers).
However, there are downsides: some users complain of increased RAM consumption and resulting lags after the upgrade.If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, it is recommended to make a factory reset after installing Android 10.
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Android 10 on Xiaomi brings not only new features, but also improved security: for example, encryption of metadata in the /data partition and protection against attacks via Bluetooth.
Step-by-step: how to upgrade to Android 10 manually
If the automatic update doesnβt work, you can install Android 10 manually via Recovery or Fastboot. Below is a universal guide for most Xiaomi models:
Method 1: Update with Recovery (without loss of data)
- Download the official firmware (.zip format) from en.miui.com (select the Stable version for your model).
- Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory.
- Go to Settings β About Phone β System Update, click on three dots β Select a firmware file.
- Select update.zip and confirm installation. The phone will reboot and upgrade.
Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (Full Cleaning)
This method is suitable if the Recovery method doesnβt work or you want a clean installation.
- Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz format) for your model.
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
β οΈ Note: Fastboot firmware completely erases all data, including photos, contacts and apps. Be sure to back up your Mi Cloud or app before you start. TWRP.
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If the phone is slowing down after the update, try turning off animations in Settings β Special features β Remove animations or make a cache reset in Recovery (Wipe β Wipe Cache).