Android 12 on Xiaomi: When will the update for your model be released?

Update to Android 12 for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It has become one of the most anticipated events among the brand’s users, and although the new version of the operating system was announced by Google in October 2021, many smartphone owners still haven’t got it on their devices. In this article, we will understand which models have already been updated, for which devices the update is still in plans, and what to do if your smartphone is stuck on the old version.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t update all its devices at once, and the company follows a multi-step strategy: first, flagships get updates, then mid-range models, and only last, budget smartphones. In addition, the speed of the firmware output is affected by the region of sales, the version MIUI (Global, Chinese, European, even a telecom operator, if the device was purchased in connection with the tariff.

Official schedule of Xiaomi updates to Android 12 (2026-2026)

Xiaomi has not traditionally published the exact release dates of updates, but based on the analysis of previous releases and information from insiders, you can make a rough graph.

Xiaomi often releases updates in waves, first for a limited number of users (usually participants in a beta program), and then for everyone else. If your device falls into the list below, but the update has not yet arrived, it may be available in the coming weeks.

If your model isn't in the spreadsheet, it doesn't mean it'll never get Android 12, it may not be officially announced. To clarify the status, check the official website. MIUI or in the app Update system on your smartphone.

How to check for Android 12 updates on Xiaomi

Many users are unaware that an update to Android 12 may already be available, but it doesn’t install automatically due to the device’s settings. To manually check for a new firmware, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device in some versions) MIUI).
3. Slip on System Update (or Update Check).
4. Click the Check Updates button and wait for the search to be completed.

If an update is found but not installed, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery level exceeds 50% (or the device is connected to charge).
• 📶 You have a stable Wi-Fi connection (over-the-air updates rarely work via mobile internet).
• 📱 There is enough free space on the device (at least) 3-5 GB).
• 🔒 You do not have root rights or custom firmware installed (this blocks). OTA-update).

Make a backup copy of the data|Connect to Wi-Fi|Charge the battery to 80%+|Release. 5 GB memory|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->

If the system says “no updates” but you’re sure your model should have received it, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and check the updates again.
• 🌍 Switch to another region in settings (e.g., from "Russia" to "India" or "Europe").
• 📲 Install the latest version of the System Update app via Google Play.

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If the update does not come for a long time, try to clear the cache of the application System Update in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Why hasn’t my Xiaomi got Android 12 yet?

There are several reasons why your device may not receive an update to Android 12, even if it is officially supported.

1. Regional restrictions Xiaomi often releases firmware first for the Chinese market, then for the global market, and only then for certain regions (for example, Europe or India).If your smartphone is bought in Russia, but the firmware is “sharpened” for another region, the update may be delayed.

2. Version MIUI

Some devices only get Android 12 as part of the MIUI 13 or newer, if your smartphone is running on MIUI 12.5 Enhanced, the update may not come until the next shell version is released.

Operator lockdown

If you bought a smartphone from a mobile operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon), then the firmware could be modified to meet their requirements, in which case updates often come later than for the “pure” versions.

4. Technical limitations

Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C3) Xiaomi doesn’t always announce this in advance, so users have to wait or stay on the older version.

⚠️ Note: If your device is older 3 years (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 9 or Redmi Note 8), probability of getting Android 12 Xiaomi usually supports smartphones with OS updates during the 2-3 years.

How to speed up getting Android 12 on Xiaomi

If you don't want to wait for an update to come in the air, there are a few ways to speed things up, but remember that some methods can be risky and lead to data loss or device lockdown.

Method 1: Manually upgraded via Recovery Xiaomi allows you to install firmware manually through recovery mode.

1. Download the official update package for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root directory of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
5. Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Method 2: Participation in beta testing MIUI Xiaomi regularly recruits users to test new firmware versions to become a beta tester:

1. Go to the official website MIUI ROM.
2. Find your model and apply for the program.
3. If you are approved, you will receive the update before the rest.

Method 3: Change the region of the firmware

Sometimes the update is already available in another region, but it hasn't arrived in yours yet.

1. Download the firmware for the desired region (for example, EEA Europe).
2. Install it via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the forums). XDA Developers or 4PDA).
3. Check the updates once installed – Android 12 is probably already available.

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Installation of unofficial firmware or changing the region can lead to loss of warranty. Before any manipulation, make a backup copy of the data!

What’s new in Android 12 for Xiaomi: key features

Upgrading to Android 12 brings not only design changes, but also new features that could be useful to Xiaomi smartphone owners.

• 🎨 Material You is a dynamic design theme that adapts to wallpaper. MIUI This feature is partially integrated, but does not work on all devices.
• 🔒 Privacy panel – you can now see which apps use a microphone, camera or location in real time.
• 📱 One-handed mode – improved navigation for large screens (relevant to Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or POCO F3).
• 🔋 Adaptive performance – the system automatically optimizes the processor’s performance depending on the battery charge.
• 🎮 Game Dashboard – a control panel for gamers with quick access to settings FPS, screen recording and notification blocking.

Android 12 also has improved Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, Added support for new codecs for wireless headphones (LC3 Bluetooth LE Audio), and optimized power consumption in the background.

However, not all features can work on Xiaomi devices due to the shell features. MIUI. Material You is often replaced by standard themes. MIUI, Some of the controls are duplicated by Xiaomi’s own settings.

Problems After Upgrading to Android 12 and Solutions

Unfortunately, upgrading to a new OS version doesn’t always go smoothly, and Xiaomi users often encounter bugs that can be fixed on their own, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If after the update the device began to brake, try the following steps:

• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Turn off animation in Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.
• 📱 Remove unnecessary apps and turn off autoboot in Settings → Annexes → Autoboot management.

⚠️ Note: If after upgrading to Android 12, the smartphone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MIUI, Don't try to reflash it yourself. Contact the service center - this may be due to damage to system files.

Alternative ways to get Android 12 on unsupported devices

If your Xiaomi model hasn’t received and won’t receive an official update to Android 12, but you want to try a new version of the OS, there are several alternative ways.

1. Custom firmware (Custom ROM)

There are unofficial Android 12 builds for many Xiaomi devices, such as:

• 📱 LineageOS 19 (based on Android 12)
• 🔧 Pixel Experience (with Google Pixel interface)
• 🌍 ArrowOS (minimalist firmware)

To install custom firmware, it is necessary:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
3. Download firmware from the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA.
4. I'll stitch it through recovery.

2.GSIs (Generic System Image) GSI — These are generic Android 12 images that can be installed on many Project Treble-enabled devices. For Xiaomi, this is true for models starting with the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 7.

3. firmware port from another device

Experienced users sometimes carry firmware from similar models (for example, from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the Redmi Note 10), but this is fraught with bugs and unstable work.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware can lead to loss IMEI, dead-chamber NFC. Before experimenting, make sure that your model has a stable build and rollback instructions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android 12 on Xiaomi