The issue of updating the operating system is always acute for smartphone owners, especially when it comes to switching to a new major version of Android. Xiaomi ecosystem users have long been accustomed to the fact that the company actively supports their devices, but the timing and order of release of updates often raise many questions. Android 11 has become a landmark release, which introduced important changes in the management of notifications and privacy, so the desire of owners of Redmi and Poco to get this version is understandable.
The process of implementing the new OS into the MIUI shell takes considerable time, as engineers need to adapt system libraries to hundreds of different hardware configurations. That is why owners of flagship models get access to innovations earlier than users of the budget segment. In this article, we will discuss in detail which Redmi models will be honored to work on Android 11, and also discuss the technical nuances of this process.
Now, it's important to understand that getting an update is not just a change in the number of the settings, but also an optimization of the processor and communication modules. Often, with the new version of Android, there's an updated version of the MIUI, which together gives a second life to even the newest devices. Let's look at the detailed graph and compatibility lists.
⚠️ Warning: Before any firmware update, be sure to back up all important data to a cloud service or computer, as in rare cases a complete reset is possible.
Features of the transition to Android 11 in the ecosystem Xiaomi
The move to Android 11 for Xiaomi and Redmi devices has seen a number of critical changes to security and peripheral architectures, including a redesigned permissions system that now allows users to access a camera or microphone for only one session of the app, which has significantly increased privacy by closing loopholes that have been exploited by unscrupulous software developers.
Systemic changes have also been made to the work of 5G-Owners of Redmi Note smartphones and the flagship Mi series have the opportunity to more flexibly manage the connections of Bluetooth devices, switching between headphones and speakers directly from the quick access menu. However, the implementation of these functions depends on the power of the installed chipset.
The MIUI shell, which is based on the new OS, has also undergone visual and functional changes, improved the work of widgets on the desktop, the ability to fine-tune the always-on display. For many Redmi models, this update was the last major update of the major version of Android, making it especially important for extending the life cycle of the gadget.
- 📱 Improved privacy management system and one-time permissions for applications.
- 🔋 Optimized battery algorithm in the background to extend autonomy.
- 📡 Native support for fifth generation networks (5G) and improved Bluetooth 5.0 stack+.
- 🎨 Redesigned interface of the multimedia and smart home management menu.
⚠️ Note: Installation of global firmware (Global) ROM) Chinese version of the device (CN ROM) Or vice versa, it can lead to the lock of the bootloader or loss of warranty.
Xiaomi Mi and MIX flagship series: priority of updates
Traditionally, the first update to Android 11 was received by the flagship devices of the Xiaomi Mi series. Models released in 2019 and 2020, such as the Mi 9, Mi 9T Pro and the entire Mi 10 line, were included in the priority rollout list.This is due to the fact that their hardware platform Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 865 has enough margin of performance to ensure smooth operation of the new system.
The Mi 10 series, which originally shipped with Android 10 but was among the first to receive a stable version of Android 11, has seen significant improvements in interface response and camera performance since the update was installed. For the Mi 9 series, which was the last flagship without 5G support, this update was the final major OS update.
Foldable devices like the Mi Mix Fold also got their Android 11 firmware version adapted for large bendable screens. It is important to note that for some exclusive models sold only in China, the global firmware version may have been delayed or not released at all, which requires careful study of the specification of a particular model.
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To check for the update manually, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version logo several times in a row.
Popular Redmi Note models and compatibility list
The most popular category of users are owners of the Redmi Note series. These devices are most often interested in the question of which phones will get Android 11. The Redmi Note 8, 9 and 10 lineup was the middle ground, where the balance of price and performance allowed Xiaomi engineers to successfully port the new OS.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro and 9S, which are based on the Snapdragon 720G processor, received the update quickly after the release of a stable build for flagships. At the same time, owners of the Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro were also not deprived, although the update came to them a few months later, due to the need for additional driver optimization for the Helio G90T and Snapdragon 665 processors.
The Redmi Note 10 series, which is closer to Android 11, has been shipped with the new system or upgraded in many regions in the first months after launch, and features a deeper integration of the new OS, as it was designed to meet Google’s requirements for new versions of the platform.
| Smartphone model | Processor | Android 11 Status | MIUI version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | Snapdragon 720G | Got it. | MIUI 12.5 |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | Helio G90T | Got it. | MIUI 12 |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | Pre-installed | MIUI 12/13 |
| Redmi Note 8 | Snapdragon 665 | Got it. | MIUI 12 |
Owners of older models like the Redmi Note 7 or Note 6 Pro were also lucky to get access to Android 11, albeit in a more stripped-down form than the new models, thanks to community efforts and official support from the company, which wants to reach the maximum audience.
Why isn’t everyone getting an update at the same time?
Redmi Budget and Poco Series
The budget segment, represented by the Redmi 9, Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C series, was also covered by the update, but the situation is patchy here: Models with the MediaTek Helio G35 and G80 processors received their own firmware versions, however, often these were optimized builds, where some visual effects of the new OS could be simplified to maintain performance.
Special attention deserves the brand Poco, which is a sub-brand of Xiaomi. models Poco X3 NFC and Poco X3 Pro, which became hits, received Android 11 as part of the shell MIUI 12.5. For these devices, the update was critical, as it corrected many errors present in the first versions of the software.
The situation with ultra-budget models such as Redmi 8A or Redmi 7A is more complicated, some of them remained on Android 10 or even Android 9, as the amount of RAM (2-3 GB) and the power of the processor did not allow you to comfortably work with the heavy elements of the Android 11 interface.
- 🚀 Poco X3 NFC Get a stable version of Android 11 with improved gaming performance.
- 📉 Redmi 9A and 9C received an update, but with restrictions on interface animations.
- ⏳ Redmi 8 and 8A Android 10 is still on most regions due to technical limitations.
- 🔄 Poco M3, Redmi 9 has been successfully upgraded to a new version of the system.
⚠️ Note: If your device does not receive an update by air (OTA), It doesn't always mean it's not supported, it may be your turn hasn't come yet, or there are tests in your area.
Technical requirements and installation process
The process of installing Android 11 on Xiaomi and Redmi devices can occur in two main ways: through OTA (Over-The-Air) update or manually through Recovery. To successfully install it through the air, you need at least 4-5 GB of internal memory on the device, and the battery charge was more than 50%.
If you decide to update manually, downloading firmware from the official site, you will need to transfer the smartphone to Recovery mode. To do this, you need to completely turn off the device, and then pinch the combination of the buttons Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears. In the menu you should select the Install Update item and indicate the path to the downloaded firmware file.
adb reboot recoveryThis command is useful for advanced users, allowing you to restart to recovery mode through the computer if the buttons on the case do not work. It is important to understand that interrupting the recording process can lead to the inability to boot the system, so use only good cables and power sources.
☑️ Preparations for renewal
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Like any major update, the transition to Android 11 Users often experience rapid battery discharge in the first days after installation, which is normal because the system takes time to re-index files and optimize background processes. 3-5 day-to-day.
Another common problem is the incorrect operation of individual applications that have not yet been updated by developers to be compatible with the new version of the OS. In such cases, cleaning the application cache or reinstalling it helps. If there are constant restarts (bootloop), you may need a full reset (Wipe Data), which will delete all user information.
There may also be problems with communication modules when the smartphone stops seeing 4G networks or loses the signal. Often this is solved by resetting the network settings through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. If the problem persists, you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
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90% of problems after the update are solved by waiting 3-4 days to optimize the system or simply resetting the network settings.