When Xiaomi will update to Android 12: a schedule and a list of devices

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often wonder about the timing of major operating system updates. The move to Android 12 has been one of the most iconic events in the company's history, as it brought not only a new MIUI 13 shell, but also a radically redesigned interface, improved privacy and performance optimization. Users expect stable performance and new features that Google promises in its releases, and the company is trying to meet those expectations, albeit at different speeds for different device segments.

The upgrade process is a complex chain of events, starting with the release of betas for enthusiasts and ending with a global release of stable build. It is important to understand that the release date of the firmware depends on the model of your gadget, the region of purchase and the type of shell installed (Chinese or global). Xiaomi seeks to update its flagship lines in the first place, while budget models can get an update with a delay of several months or not get it at all if the device is already removed from support.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the chronology of the release of updates, the technical features of the transition to the new OS and answer the main question: when exactly your smartphone will receive the cherished notification of download. We will also consider the nuances of installing firmware manually for those who do not want to wait for automatic (push) from the company’s servers.

Official schedule of updates for different series

The history of release updates to Android 12 showed a clear dependence on the positioning of the device in the line of the manufacturer. flagship smartphones Xiaomi Mi 11 and Xiaomi 12 first received stable versions of MIUI 13 based on the new OS. This is logical, since these devices are a showcase of the company's technologies and should demonstrate the best software capabilities.

The mid-range, represented by the Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi Lite series, received updates in waves, first coming to China, then followed by the global version, and then localized builds for specific markets, such as Russia or Europe, delays between regions could be from two weeks to a month and a half, which often caused confusion among users.

Budget devices and models of the past have often been in the grey zone.Some of them received an update to Android 12 at the end of their lifecycle, which was a pleasant surprise, while others stayed on Android 11 forever. The exact release date for a particular model often depends on the certification of carriers in a particular region.

Below is a table illustrating the approximate release dates of stable versions for different categories of devices (on the example of global versions):

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Flagship models always receive priority in the queue for an update, while public sector employees can wait for an update up to 6 months or not receive it at all.

Technical features of MIUI 13 based on Android 12

The move to Android 12 under the MIUI 13 shell brought not just a change in the digits in the name, but a fundamental change in the system architecture. One key innovation was the Privacy Dashboard feature, which allows users to see in real time which applications are accessing the camera, microphone or geolocation, in response to growing demands for data security.

The visual part of the system has undergone changes due to the introduction of dynamic colors, although in MIUI this is implemented more modestly than in the stock Android. the interface has become lighter, RAM usage has been optimized, which is especially important for devices with 4 and 6 GB of RAM. Memory compression algorithms allow you to keep more applications in the background without rebooting them.

⚠️ Note: After upgrading to Android 12, some older apps may not work properly or crash due to changes in the new OS’s security policies that restrict access to certain system calls.

Also worth noting is the improved widget management and redesigned notification center, which is now divided into two parts: notification curtain and quick access panel. For many users, this has become a matter of habit, since in previous versions of MIUI these elements were combined.

How to check for an update manually

Often, servers are updated gradually, and the notification may not arrive on the day of the official release for your model, in which case you do not need to wait for the weather by the sea - you can try to initiate manual verification.

Find the About Phone section and click on the version icon MIUI. The system will contact the server and check for a new firmware specifically for your IMEI-Address and region. If the update is available, you'll see the download button.

• 📱 Open the settings and scroll down to the bottom.
• 🔢 Click on "About the phone.
• 🖱️ Touch the logo MIUI or buttons to check for updates.
• ⏳ Wait for the server’s response and, if available, start downloading.

In some cases, especially when switching between major versions of Android (for example, with a 11 on 12), The system may require a significant amount of space to be vacated, so make sure you have at least some space available. 5-7 GB of internal memory before starting the process.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If the automatic update doesn’t come in months and the new version has already been officially released for your model, you can use the manual installation method, which requires downloading the firmware file from the official website or proven resources and installing it through the recovery menu.

You will need to download a.zip (Recovery ROM) firmware file corresponding to your region (Global, EU, RU). The file must be placed in the root of the device's internal memory. Then, through the About Phone menu, you need to click on the MIUI version several times to activate the additional menu, and select the file manually.

The path for the firmware file: /internal_storage/downloaded_rom/

Always back up important information before starting the procedure so you don’t lose your contacts and photos.

⚠️ Note: Install firmware from another region (e.g. Global on a Chinese phone) without unlocking the bootloader is impossible and will lead to the error "Can't verify update." Don't try to fool the system by choosing files not for your model.

Typical problems after the update and their solution

Like any major update, the transition to Android 12 can be accompanied by childhood illnesses. Users often complain about increased battery consumption in the first days after installation. This is normal: the system takes time (usually from 3 to 7 days) to re-index files and optimize background processes for the new engine.

Another common problem is heating the case and lag in the interface. If the phone warms even in the simple, try to clear the cache of Google system services and the MIUI shell itself. Also helps remove unused applications that may not have adapted to the new power consumption standards of Android 12.

• 🔋 Let the phone lie on charge at night after updating for background optimization.
• 🧹 Clear the cache through the Recovery menu or storage settings.
• 📉 Remove newly installed apps if the problem appears immediately after their installation.
• 🔄 In extreme cases, perform a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset).

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If the battery is quickly down after the upgrade, go to the battery settings and turn on the "Energy Saving" mode for a couple of days until the system completes optimization.

List of devices that won’t get Android 12

Unfortunately, the company's policy is that not all devices receive major operating system updates. Usually smartphones receive 2 major Android updates and 3-4 years of security updates. Devices released before 2020 based on older Snapdragon 6xx and 4xx processors are most often left behind.

The list of "forgotten" often includes the budget Redmi series 8, 9 (basic models) and some modifications. POCO First-generation M. These devices are updated MIUI It can be limited to security patches, leaving the Android version unchanged.

That doesn’t mean the phone will stop working. Most apps continue to support Android 10 and 11 for a few more years, but the lack of new features and security patches could be a reason for thinking about changing the gadget in the future.