Android 12 on Xiaomi: When to wait for an update to your model and how to get it faster

Upgrading to Android 12 for Xiaomi devices is one of the most talked-about issues among smartphone owners of this brand. Despite the fact that the new version of the operating system was announced by Google back in October 2021, many Redmi, POCO and Mi models still remain on Android 11 or even Android 10. In this article, we will understand when to expect an official release for your device, which models have already received the update and which – never see it.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t update all its smartphones at once, and the company follows a phased schedule that depends on the popularity of the model, the hardware’s capabilities, and developer priorities. In addition, the speed of the release is influenced by the region: for example, devices for the Chinese market often get firmware earlier than global versions. We have collected all the relevant information for May 2026, including data from official sources and insider channels.

If you don’t want to wait for an official update, the article also includes manual installation instructions via MIUI Recovery or Fastboot, and tips for getting your device ready for an upgrade. But remember, informal methods always come with risks, from data loss to a smartphone breeze.

Android 12 official release schedule for Xiaomi: which models have already been updated

Xiaomi began testing Android 12 for its devices in late 2021, but the mass adoption of firmware began only in 2022-2023.To date, most flagships and parts of mid-budget models have already received an update, but many smartphones still remain without it.

As you can see from the table, flagship models (the Mi 10 and Mi 11 series) were among the first to receive an update, while budget devices (such as the Redmi Note 9) were left without support. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy: the company guarantees only 2 major Android updates for most smartphones.

If your model isn't on the list, that doesn't mean the upgrade will never come out. Xiaomi sometimes goes back to older devices, especially if they remain popular.For example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro got Android 11 a year and a half after its release, although it wasn't originally planned.

Why Xiaomi hasn’t got Android 12 yet: 5 Reasons Why You Should Have Your Own

If your device is still running an older version of Android, there may be a few reasons for this.

• 📅 Outdated model: Xiaomi officially says it only supports smartphones for 2-3 years after release.If your device is released before 2019, chances are it will not get an update to Android 12.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Firmware for the Chinese market (CN) They are often released earlier than the global (Global) or European (European (EEA). Mi 11 Lite in China has been updated a month earlier than in Europe.
• 🔄 Testing MIUI: Xiaomi releases betas for a limited number of users first, and then stable builds. If you are not part of the beta program, the update will have to wait longer.
• 📦 Operator lock: Some smartphones sold through mobile carriers (such as MegaFon or Beeline) get firmware delayed due to additional checks.
• 🛠️ Technical limitations: Older processors (e.g. Snapdragon) 6xx Helio Pxx may not support new Android 12 features, such as Material You or improved permissions.

To see if your device will make it to the upgrade list, check it on Xiaomi’s official website in the Update Support section. If the model is not there, the chances of an upgrade are minimal.

⚠️ Note: Some users are trying to update through MIUI bootloader or third-party sites, downloading firmware for other regions, which can lead to loss of warranty, errors in the operation of sensors or even complete failure of the device.

How to Check the Availability of Android 12 for Your Xiaomi

Before looking for ways to manually upgrade, make sure that Android 12 is not yet available for your model through standard channels.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip the MIUI version several times until the words “You became a developer!” appear (this unlocks hidden settings).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → System Update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack (if there is no such option, your model does not support manual installation).
5. If the system offers to download the file, then the update is available, and if not, you will have to wait or look for alternative ways.

You can also check the relevance of the firmware through the MIUI Forum:

• Go to the official download page.
• Enter the name of your model in the search box.
• Take a look at the Android version in the description of the latest stable firmware.

Check the vacant space (minimum 3 GB)

Connect the charger (battery > 50%)

Create a backup in Mi Cloud

Disable VPN and proxy

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If the system says “No updates”, but you are sure that your model has already released, try changing the region in the settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Region.
2. Choose India or Indonesia (these regions often get firmware before Europe).
3. Restart the device and check for updates again.

How to speed up Android 12: 4 working ways

If the official update is delayed but your model supports it, you can try to speed up the process. Importantly, these methods do not guarantee 100% results, but increase the chances.

1. Entry into the MIUI Beta Program

Xiaomi regularly recruits beta testers for new firmware versions, and program participants receive updates 1-3 months earlier than others.

1. Register for the MIUI Forum.
2. Find the Recruitment section for your model.
3. Fill out the questionnaire and wait for approval (may take up to 2 weeks).

The downside of the method: beta versions often contain bugs, so installing them on the main smartphone is not recommended.

2 Manual update via Recovery

If the firmware for your model has already come out, but has not yet reached through OTA, it can be installed manually:

1. Download the official service pack from MIUI Downloads (select the version for your region!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → System Update → Select an update package.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Installation via Fastboot (for power users)

This is a good way to do it if the standard update doesn't work. You'll need a computer and a Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the Fastboot firmware for your model.
2. Unpack the archive and install Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down).
4. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

⚠️ Warning: Installation via Fastboot completely resets the device to factory settings. Pre-backup all data, including photos, contacts and messages. Also make sure that you downloaded the firmware for your model - the error will lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the smartphone.

4.Region change via VPN

Some users manage to get the update earlier by connecting to servers in other countries.

1. Install. VPN-Application (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
2. Connect to a server in Indonesia or India.
3. Go to Settings → System Update and check for updates.

This method doesn’t always work, but in some cases it can trick Xiaomi’s servers.

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If the smartphone is slowing down after the upgrade, try to reset the cache: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up, select Wipe Cache and confirm the action. This will not delete your data, but can eliminate the lag.

Xiaomi models that will never get Android 12

Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi devices support Android 12, and if your smartphone is released before 2019, it will likely remain on Android 10 or Android 11.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 9 SE / Mi 9T / Mi 9T Pro (last version - Android 11)
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 / Mi 8 Pro / Mi 8 Lite (latest version is Android 10)
• 📱 Redmi Note 8 / Note 8 Pro / Note 8T (latest version: Android 11)
• 📱 Redmi Note 7 / Note 7 Pro (latest version is Android 10)
• 📱 POCO F1 / POCOPHONE F1 (latest version of Android 10)
• 📱 Redmi 7 / Redmi 7A / Redmi 8 / Redmi 8A (latest version of Android 9 or 10)

If your model is on this list, don’t waste time waiting – Xiaomi has officially confirmed that these devices will no longer receive major Android updates. However, you can try custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but it requires unlocking the bootloader and ADB skills.

For older smartphone owners, there’s good news: even without Android 12, you can get some of its features through MIUI 12.5 Enhanced.This update brings improved performance, new animations and power optimization without changing the Android version.

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If your Xiaomi is released before 2019, the odds of Android 12 are zero. Instead, look for custom firmware or optimizing the current version through MIUI 12.5 Enhanced.

What to do if after upgrading to Android 12 smartphone works worse

Despite Xiaomi’s promises of optimization, many users face problems after upgrading: brakes, fast battery drain or overheating.

• 🔋 Cache reset: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. It won't delete your data, but it can eliminate the lags.
• 🔄 If the problems are critical, you can return to Android 11 via Fastboot (instructions are available on Xiaomi) EU Forum).
• ⚙️ Turn off animations: Turn on Developer Mode (shap 7 times on Version) MIUI), Then in the Developer Settings set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of the Animator on 0.5x.
• 📱 Factory reset: Extreme measure, but often helps. Pre-save all data to Mi Cloud or to your computer.

If some features (such as Always-on Display or Dual Apps) are missing after the update, check for them in the settings. Sometimes Xiaomi transfers the options to other menu sections.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after the update, check the applications in the background. Often social networks (Facebook, Instagram) or instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) are to blame. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android 12 on Xiaomi