Xiaomi Poco F3 remains one of the most popular smartphones among fans of productive devices at an affordable price. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI owners often wonder: when will their model get the latest update? MIUI 13 is not just cosmetic changes, but a serious upgrade with optimizations for the Snapdragon 870 processor, improved autonomy and new security features.
In this article, we will look at when to expect the official MIUI 13 update for Poco F3, how to install it manually (if it is already available but does not come by air), and what to do if there are bugs after the update, and we will analyze the experience of users from different regions - since release dates often depend on the firmware version (Global, EEA, India or China).
If you don’t know which version of MIUI is installed on your Poco F3, check this in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you determine when to expect an update.
MIUI 13 launch date for Poco F3
According to Xiaomi’s roadmap, MIUI 13 began rolling out to devices in the first quarter of 2022, but not all models received it at the same time. Poco F3 (codename alioth) belongs to the flagship segment of the POCO brand, so it was included in the first wave of updates.
In different regions, the update came out in stages:
- 🇨🇳 The Chinese version (China ROM) received MIUI 13 one of the first, as early as January-February 2022.
- 🌍 Global and EEA Global/EEA ROM — Releases began in March-April 2022, but with delays for some operators.
- 🇮🇳 Indian version (India ROM) – The update came in April-May 2022 due to additional tests.
If your Poco F3 hasn’t already received a MIUI 13, it could be due to:
- 🔄 Phased Release – Xiaomi often rolls out updates in batches to avoid massive bugs.
- 📶 Regional restrictions – some firmware (e.g., for carrier versions) are updated later.
- 🔧 Blocked bootloader – if you have previously changed firmware, the automatic update may not work.
How to Check for a MIUI 13 Update Manually
Don't wait for the MIUI 13 availability notice - check it out yourself.
- Open the settings on your Poco F3.
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Slip on System Update (or MIUI version in some firmware).
- Click Check for updates.
If the update is available, the system will prompt you to download it. Pay attention to the file size - for MIUI 13 it is usually 2.5-3.2 GB (full package) or 500-800 MB (incremental update).
Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Connect to Wi-Fi|Release 4+ GB memory|Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->
If the system says “No Updates” but you’re sure it should be available for your model by now, try:
- 🔄 Reset the update cache: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points → Show system → System Update → Storage → Clear the cache.
- 🌐 Change region: sometimes it helps to temporarily change the region to India or China (via VPN or change SIM- map).
- 📥 Manually install via Recovery or Fastboot (more on this below).
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If the system fails to connect to the server after checking the update, try restarting your phone or using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi (sometimes it helps).
How to install MIUI 13 on Poco F3
If you don’t get an automatic update, you have three alternative ways to install MIUI 13:
| Method | Difficulty | Do you need unlocking? | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Recovery (local package) | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Low (but better to make a backup) |
| Using the Fastboot (MI Flash Tool) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️⚠️ High (full reset) |
| TWRP (Castom Recovery) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Very high (brick risk) |
The safest method is to install it through Recovery.
- Download the official MIUI 13 Poco F3 package from en.miui.com (select the alioth version for your region).
- Transfer the.zip file to the phone’s root folder (not to folders!).
- Go to System Update → Three Points → Select an Update Pack.
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
What if Recovery doesn’t see the update file?
To install via Fastboot, you will need an unlocked bootloader and Mi Flash Tool. This method is suitable if the phone does not turn on or you need to "roll back" to clean firmware. For more information, see our guide "How to flash Poco F3 through Fastboot".
⚠️ Warning: Installing via TWRP or unofficial firmware can cause warranty loss and unstable phone performance. If you're not an experienced user, you'd better wait for the OTA- update.
What’s new about MIUI 13 for Poco F3?
MIUI 13 brought not only visual changes, but also deep under-the-hood optimizations. For the Poco F3 with the Snapdragon 870 processor, this is especially true, as the new version improves:
- ⚡ Performance: Liquid Storage technology reduces memory fragmentation, and Atomized Memory optimizes RAM usage.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Smart Balance algorithms extend the operating time by 10-15% through more efficient management of background processes.
- 🛡️ Security: New App Permits, Phishing Protection, and Improved Game Turbo for Gamers.
- 🎨 Design: Updated animations, new Super Wallpapers wallpapers and a dark theme with adaptive backlighting.
Also in MIUI 13 appeared:
- 📱 Widgets with dynamic content support (weather, calendar, notes).
- 🔊 Improved sound: new Mi Sound Enhancer equalizer and Dolby Atmos support for headphones.
- 🤖 Voice assistant: Xiao AI is faster and supports more commands (including in Russian).
But it's not all that smooth, and some users complain about bugs after the update.
- 📵 Mobile network problems (especially on firmware for EEA).
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge in the first days after an update (usually normalizes after 2-3 charging cycles).
- 🎮 Lags in games (solved by disabling Game Turbo or resetting graphics settings).
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If your phone starts to warm up or run out quickly after the upgrade, reset the cache to Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Cache), which helps 80% of the time.
Typical problems after updating and their solution
Even official updates sometimes bring unexpected bugs, and here are the most common issues after installing MIUI 13 on the Poco F3 and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone will not turn on after the update | Interrupted installation or module conflict | Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery and repeat installation |
| No mobile internet (H+ or E instead of 4G/5G) | Reset network settings after update | Go to Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Access Point (APN) and reset the settings |
| Apps fly out or don't open | Cache incompatibility with new MIUI version | Clear the cache for a problem app or make a reset (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) |
| Fast battery discharge | Background activity of system processes after updating | Disable Autosynchronization and Device Search in Mi Account Settings |
If none of these methods worked, try to retrace the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
- Download the stable firmware MIUI 12.5 for Poco F3 from the official website.
- Unclose the file and run the Mi Flash Tool.
- Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
- Select the Clean all and lock option (this will lock the bootloader and return the phone to factory status).
⚠️ Warning: Reverse to the previous version MIUI erases all data, including photos and apps. Pre-backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
MIUI 13 vs MIUI 12.5: Should I Upgrade?
Not all users are willing to put up with bugs for new features, so let's compare MIUI 13 and MIUI 12.5 on Poco F3 in key terms:
| Criteria | MIUI 12.5 | MIUI 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Stable, but sometimes lags when multitasking | More fluid thanks to Atomized Memory |
| Autonomy | Average screen time: 6-7 hours | Improved by 10-15% (7-8 hours of screen) |
| Design | Classic MIUI with minimal modifications | New animations, widgets, adaptive dark theme |
| Security | Basic protection against viruses | Advanced Application Permits, Phishing Protection |
| Stability | Fewer bugs, but no new features | Small glitches are possible in the first weeks after release |
Should you update? There's no one answer, it depends on your priorities.
- ✅ Update if you are interested in:
- ❌ Stay on MIUI 12.5 if:
If in doubt, you can wait 1-2 months after the release of MIUI 13 for your region – during which time Xiaomi usually fixes most critical patch errors.
Alternative Firmware: Should You Try It?
If the official update MIUI 13 is delayed or you're not comfortable with bugs, alternative firmware may be considered. F3 popular:
- 📱 Pixel Experience is a pure Android without shell MIUI, but with support for all of Google's features.
- ⚡ LineageOS is a stable firmware with minimalist design and long updates.
- 🔥 Xiaomi.eu is a modified MIUI with no ads and advanced settings.
- 🤖 ArrowOS is the balance between performance and customization.
However, before installing custom firmware, consider:
- ⚠️ Warranty Loss – Unlocking the bootloader voids the official Xiaomi warranty.
- 🔧 Risk of "brick" - wrong firmware can make the phone inoperable.
- 🔋 Battery issues – some custom firmwares are less optimized for the Snapdragon 870.
- 📵 No OTA- updates — you have to manually track the release of new versions.
If you do, follow this algorithm:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery for alioth.
- Download the firmware from the official website (for example, Pixel Experience).
- Fly through TWRP by pre-doing Wipe Dalvik/Cache, System, Data.
⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware often does not support Widevine L1, which will make Netflix, Disney+, and other services work in low resolution (480p instead of Full HD).