MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 9 Pro: When will the update be released and how to install it

Introduction: Why MIUI 12 is so important for the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro have been waiting for the official release for several years MIUI 12 is one of the most revolutionary versions of the shell from Xiaomi, and this firmware brought not only visual changes, but also major performance optimizations, new privacy features and improved gestures (MIUI 13, 14 and even 15) question about whether Redmi Note 9 Pro will get an upgrade to MIUI 12 in 2026, remains open.

The difficulty lies in Xiaomi’s policy: the company often limits support for older devices, especially if they came with earlier versions. MIUI. Redmi Note 9 Pro debuted with MIUI 11 Android-based 10, and its hardware capabilities (Snapdragon processor) 720G, 4/6 GB RAM) theoretically allow to start MIUI 12. But whether it's official depends on the manufacturer's decisions, and in this article, we'll look at all the nuances, from expected release dates to alternative installation methods.

Xiaomi: what is known about the support of the Redmi Note 9 Pro

At the time of writing the article (2026 Xiaomi has not announced an official update before MIUI 12 For the Redmi Note 9 Pro (model joyeuse) The last stable version for this device is MIUI 13 Android-based 12, a) in some regions — MIUI 14 (Android 13). This is because Xiaomi usually provides 2-3 Major updates for budget series, and Redmi Note 9 Pro has already exhausted that limit.

However, there are several important nuances:

📅 Region exceptions: India and China sometimes have "late" updates for popular models, MIUI 12.5 was released for some devices a year after the release.
🔄 Beta testing: Xiaomi can launch a closed beta MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 9 Pro, but odds are extremely slim - only flagships are usually tested.
📱 Alternative firmware: If there is no official update, custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) remains, but they require unlocking the bootloader.

To avoid missing the announcement, follow the official Xiaomi channels:

🌐 Official Xiaomi website (Support section) → MIUI Updates").
🐦 Xiaomi Twitter – lists of supported devices are often published here.
📱 Telegram channel MIUI — promptly informs about new firmware.

⚠️ Note: If your device is already installed MIUI 13 or newer, rollback to MIUI 12 official methods are not possible. This is due to Xiaomi's security policy - such actions can lead to the blocking of the bootloader.

📊 You're waiting for the upgrade before MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?

Yeah, I really do.

No, I'm happy with the current version.

I use custom firmware.

I don't know what it is. MIUI 12

Technical requirements: will the Redmi Note 9 Pro pull MIUI 12?

To understand why Xiaomi might not release MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 9 Pro, let's get into the technical limitations:

📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 cores, 2.3 GHz).
🧠 RAM: 4/6 GB (depending on the modification).
🗃️ Memory: 64/128 GB (UFS 2.1).
🔋 Battery: 5020 mAh.

On paper, these characteristics are sufficient for MIUI 12, but there are a few "pitfalls":

Restrictions on Android: MIUI 12 was originally developed for Android 10 and 11. Redmi Note 9 Pro has already received an update to Android 12 MIUI 13), and porting the old shell to the new OS version requires additional resources.
Optimizing for new devices: Xiaomi focuses on supporting current models (Redmi Note 12, 13, etc.) rather than on older ones.
Problems with drivers: For proper operation MIUI 12 Need Updated Drivers for Camera, Sensors, and Communication Module, Which May Not Be Available for Snapdragon 720G.

Characteristics	Redmi Note 9 Pro	Minimum requirements MIUI 12	Conformity
Processor	Snapdragon 720G	Snapdragon 660+	✅ Yes.
RAM	4/6 GB	3 GB+	✅ Yes.
Android	12 (in) MIUI 13)	10 or 11	❌ No (downgrade required)
Memory.	UFS 2.1	eMMC 5.1+	✅ Yes.

As you can see from the table, the main problem is the discrepancy of Android versions. MIUI 12 wasn’t tested on Android 12, so even if Xiaomi decides to release an update, it may not work well.

💡

If the functions are critical MIUI 12 (like Super Wallpaper or improved multitasking), consider buying a newer device like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, supportive MIUI 14 and get it. MIUI 15.

How to check the availability of the update before MIUI 12

If Xiaomi decides to release it MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 9 Pro, you can upgrade through the standard menu:

Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
If the update is available, a notification will appear with a suggestion to download the firmware.
Confirm the boot and wait until the end (it is recommended to connect the device to charging).
After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the update doesn’t come, try the following steps:

🔄 Resetting the update cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find "System Update" and clear the cache.
🌍 Change of region: Some updates are released first in China or India. To change region, go to Settings → Additionally. → Region and select "India" or "China" Warning: This may cause some services to crash (e.g. Google Pay).
🔌 Manual installation via Recovery: If you have a firmware file (e.g, miui_JOYEUSEGlobal_V12.0.1.0.QJZMIXM.zip), It can be installed through a stock Recovery:

If none of the methods worked, then no update has been released for your model, in which case only informal methods remain (for these, see the next section).

⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from unverified sources (such as torrent trackers or obscure forums) this can lead to malware installation or device locking (brick: MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Alternative methods of installation MIUI 12: custom firmware

If Xiaomi doesn’t release an official update, the only way to get it is to get it. MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 9 Pro – install custom firmware. This method is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty.

The most popular options are:

📱 MIUI 12 Ported ROM: Unofficial builds based on firmware for other devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 9S or POCO X2). Examples:
🔧 AOSP-firmware MIUI: For example, Havoc OS Pixel Experience with ported wallpaper and animations MIUI 12.
🛠️ MIUI Mix: Hybrid firmware that combines MIUI 12 with features from new versions.

To install custom firmware will require:

Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait).
Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
Make a backup of the current firmware (through TWRP → Backup).
Sweep ZIP-Firmware file and, if necessary, GApps (Google services).

Detailed instructions for the Redmi Note 9 Pro can be found on the forums:

🔗 XDA Developers (Redmi Note 9 Pro).
🔗 4PDA (joyeuse).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device. MIUI for other models – this is fraught with problems with the camera, sensors or mobile communication.

What happens if you make an incompatible firmware?

Incompatible firmware can cause: - Permanent restarts (bootloop). - Failed communication module (no network, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). - Failure of the camera or fingerprint scanner. - Complete "bricking" of the device (requires flashing through the firmware through the device). EDL-Recovery in such cases often requires contacting a service center.

Frequent issues after upgrading to MIUI 12 and their solution

Even if you can install it. MIUI 12 (officially or through custom firmware), you may encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Strong heating and battery discharge	Unoptimized processes in the background	Turn off "Autosync" in Settings → Accounts and limit background activity of applications.
Navigation gestures do not work	Conflict with previous settings	Reset your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Gestures.
Errors when connecting to Wi-Fi	Outdated drivers of the network module	Update the Wi-Fi module firmware via Fastboot or go back to the stock firmware.
The camera makes an error when starting.	There are no drivers for Snapdragon 720G	Install a patch for the camera (for example, ANX Camera or GCam).

If the device gets worse after the update, try the following steps:

Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and delete unnecessary files.
Resetting settings: In Settings → System system → Reset settings select "Reset all settings" (does not delete data).
Reverse to previous version: If firmware is custom, go back to the backup via TWRP. For official firmware rollback is possible only through Fastboot.

If problems persist, contact support forums or Xiaomi service center, and note that no official support is provided when using custom firmware.

💡

Before installation MIUI 12 be sure to check reviews about a particular build on forums. Many custom firmware contain bugs that can make the device unsuitable for daily use.

Should we wait? MIUI 12 or better to upgrade to the new version?

If you are still thinking about whether to install MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 9 Pro, ask yourself a few questions:

🔍 What functions MIUI 12 Do you need? If it comes to visual changes (like new animations or "Super Wallpaper"), it may make sense to consider alternative launchers (like Lawnchair or Nova Launcher).
⚡ Are you ready for possible bugs? MIUI 12 on Snapdragon 720G It can work slower than MIUI 13, due to insufficient optimization.
💰 If your device is already outdated, it may be more logical to save for a new model (for example, the Redmi Note). 13 Pro, which supports MIUI 15 And it'll get updates. 2-3 year-end.

For comparison, here are the key differences between MIUI 12 and MIUI 13/14:

Function	MIUI 12	MIUI 13/14
Productivity	Optimized for Android 10/11	Best Optimization for Android 12/13, lower battery consumption
Design	"Super Wallpaper," new animations	More minimalist design, adaptive icons
Confidentiality	Basic permission settings	Extended control of applications, "Sandbox"
Multitasking	Improved window management	Support for floating windows, fast switch

If your goal is to just update the interface, it may make sense to stay on the same page. MIUI 13 or move on MIUI 14 (if available) If specific functions are critical to you MIUI 12 (e.g., "Super Wallpaper" or improved dark theme), then custom firmware may be a justified risk.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions about MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

❓ Will there be an official update before MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026?

✅ Xiaomi doesn't usually release older versions. MIUI For devices that have already received newer updates. - Redmi Note 9 Pro's out with MIUI 11 got MIUI 13/14, therefore MIUI 12 Exceptions are only possible for certain regions (for example, India), but the chances are very small.

❓ Can I roll back with MIUI 13 on MIUI 12?

❌ No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No. No, no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Xiaomi's. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. MIUI 12 through TWRP, But it requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss.

❓ What custom firmware MIUI 12 best suited for the Redmi Note 9 Pro?

🔝 The most stable assemblies: MIUI 12 by StableTeam – Optimized for joyeuse, minimal bugs. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Port – Includes improvements to the MIUI 12.5. MIUI Mix - hybrid MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, a good balance between stability and new features: XDA or 4PDA.

❓ How to check which version MIUI I have a Redmi Note 9 Pro installed on my?

📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. This will include the current software (for example, MIUI Global 13.0.4. You can also use the command in the terminal: getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name This will display the exact version of the shell.

❓ What to do if you update before MIUI 12 phone started to slow down?

🔧 Try the following steps: Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean up. Turn off animations in Settings. → Special facilities → Remove animations. Reset to factory settings (remember to backup!). If nothing helps, go back to the previous firmware version. If the brakes are related to a particular application, try clearing its cache or turning off background activity.