Why MIUI 12 is still relevant in 2026
Despite the release of newer versions of the shell β MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and even HyperOS β many Xiaomi users are still interested in upgrading to MIUI 12. The reasons are different, from the stability of the old models to the familiar interface, which new versions often break. But there is a caveat: official support for MIUI 12 for most devices is already completed, and the last global update for this version came in December 2022.
However, some regions (such as China or India) may get security patches or minor updates longer, and flagships like the Xiaomi Mi 10 or Redmi K30 Pro sometimes face a situation where the firmware is βhangingβ on an old build due to errors in Xiaomi servers. In this article, we will discuss which models can still get MIUI 12, how to check the status of the update and what to do if the update does not come.
MIUI 12 release date: What Xiaomi says
Xiaomi never publishes the exact release dates in advance, depending on the device model, region, and even the carrier (for devices with a provider-specific connection).
- π Flagship models (series Mi, POCO F, Black Shark receive updates first β within 1-3 months after the announcement of the new version MIUI.
- β³ Mid-size segment (Redmi Note, POCO X awaits update 3-6 months.
- β οΈ Budget smartphones (Redmi A series, POCO M) often remain without updates or receive them with a delay of up to one year.
- π Global versions (marked Global) are updated after the Chinese version by 1-2 months.
For MIUI 12, the last wave of updates came in 2021-2022, for example:
| Model | The latest version of MIUI 12 | Release date | Status of support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 10 | MIUI 12.5.8.0 (Android 11) | November 2022 | β Completed. |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | MIUI 12.5.6.0 (Android 11) | September 2022 | β Completed. |
| POCO F2 Pro | MIUI 12.5.5.0 (Android 12) | July 2022 | β Completed. |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | MIUI 12.0.3.0 (Android 10) | March 2021 | β Completed. |
If your model doesnβt make it to this list, check its status on the official MIUI Updates Tracker website. But be prepared for the fact that for most devices MIUI 12 will not come out β instead, Xiaomi offers a switch to MIUI 13/14 or HyperOS.
How to check if MIUI 12 update is available for your Xiaomi
Before you search the Internet, check the status of the update on your device.
- Open Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
- If you see a message that says βNo updates foundβ, then MIUI 12 will not be released for your model.
If the system offers an upgrade to MIUI 13/14, but you want to stay on MIUI 12, there are two options:
- π Reverse to the old version via Fastboot (risky, requires unlocking the bootloader).
- π‘οΈ Disable automatic updates in settings so you donβt accidentally install a new version.
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If your device doesnβt see the update, try changing the region in your settings (like India or China) β sometimes this helps get the update sooner.
You can also use third-party services to track updates:
- π XiaomiUI β database with the history of updates on models.
- π€ Telegram channel MIUI Versions β Notifications about new firmware.
What to do if the update is βhangingβ on the download?
Xiaomi models that can get MIUI 12
For 2026, official upgrades to MIUI 12 are unlikely, but there are exceptions:
- π± Devices with long-term support: Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, Redmi K40 Pro β sometimes get security patches on the base MIUI 12.5 Enhanced.
- π Corporate/regional versions: some models for China or India may be updated longer than the global version.
- π§ Custom firmware: informal builds (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) often support MIUI 12 for older devices.
A full list of models that theoretically can still get an update:
| Model | Probability of updating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | β οΈ Low. | The latest version is MIUI 12.5.7.0 (Android 11), and only security patches are available. |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | β No. | Officially translated to MIUI 13. |
| POCO X3 Pro | β οΈ Very low. | In some regions, MIUI 12.5.5.0 is still available. |
| Xiaomi Mi 10T | β No. | Support is completed in 2023. |
β οΈ Note: If your model is not listed, it is likely that, MIUI 12: Attempt to install older versions manually may brick your device.
Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the battery to 50% or higher|Download the correct firmware version for your model|Disable the antivirus and VPN|Make sure there is enough free space on your phone (minimum 3GB)-->
How to speed up MIUI 12 if the update is delayed
If your device is still on the supported list but the update doesnβt come, try these methods:
- Manual installation via Recovery: Download firmware from the official website (file with.zip extension). Rename the file to update.zip and place it at the root of the phone's memory. Press Volume up + Power to log in to Recovery. Select Install update.zip and confirm installation.
- Change the firmware region: Some regions get updates earlier. To change region: 1. Install the "MIUI bootloader" app from the Play Market. 2. Select your model and download firmware for another region (e.g. EEA β India). 3. Install it via Recovery (see paragraph 1).
If none of the methods worked, it is possible that Xiaomi has suspended the update due to bugs, in which case it is only necessary to wait or switch to custom firmware.
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Manually installing firmware can lead to data loss or locking the device. Always back up before the process begins!
What to do if MIUI 12 is no longer available for your model
If Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting your device, you have three options:
- π Reverse to the old version (if you have already updated) MIUI 13/14). You will need to unlock the bootloader and use Fastboot.
- π οΈ Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that will give you access to new features, but will deprive you of warranties.
- π± Buy a new device β if your smartphone is older than 3-4 years, itβs probably time to consider replacing it.
For the retracement of MIUI 12 with a newer version:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 720 hours to wait!).
- Download the desired firmware version for your model (see Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Install via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
β οΈ Note: Reverse to the old version MIUI This could cause problems with Google Pay, Widevine L1 (no HD On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) the main camera stops working after the rollback.
MIUI 12 alternatives: should you upgrade to new versions?
If MIUI 12 is no longer available, it might be worth considering switching to MIUI 13/14 or HyperOS.
| Function | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13/14 | HyperOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Stable but outdated optimization | Improved memory management | New core based on Android 14 |
| Design | Classic MIUI with round icons | Flatter design, new animations | Minimalist interface, close to βpureβ Android |
| Support for devices | Only the old models. | Flagships of 2020-2022 | New devices (from 2023) |
| baga | Minimum (time-tested) | Frequent problems with battery and heating | There are few reviews (new system) |
If you are happy with MIUI 12, but the updates are no longer coming out, the best option is to stay on the current version and disable the update check.
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Press three points. β Settings.
- Turn off the option of Automatic download via Wi-Fi.
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If your phone is slowing down after upgrading to MIUI 13/14, try resetting to factory settings (Settings β Additional β Restore and Reset).