Updating the operating system is always an exciting process for a smartphone owner, especially when it comes to switching to a new major version like Android 11. For the Xiaomi ecosystem, this release was a landmark, as it brought not only changes to the interface, but also critical improvements in privacy and notification management. Many users are still looking for information about when their device will receive the cherished update or why it has not yet arrived.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models officially received a stable version of the Android 11 firmware. We will look at the technical features of the new OS, the features of the MIUI 12.5 shell, which is most often based on this version of the android, and also answer frequently asked questions about manual installation.
It is important to understand that the schedule of updates depends on many factors, including the region of sales and the specific modification of the device. Global versions often receive late updates compared to Chinese builds.
Key innovations of Android 11 on Xiaomi smartphones
The move to Android 11 brought with it a number of system changes that significantly affect the daily use of the smartphone, one of the main innovations was the feature โBubblesโ (Bubbles), which allows you to display active chats in floating windows on top of other applications, which is especially convenient for those who use instant messengers for work and do not want to constantly switch between tabs.
Another important aspect has been improved access rights management, which allows users to grant one-time permissions to applications, which significantly improves the digital security of personal data, and has also learned to automatically reset rarely used applications, denying them access to the microphone and camera.
- ๐น Improved media player control panel integrated into the fast settings curtain.
- ๐น Network support 5G More efficient frequency switching to save energy.
- ๐น Built-in screen recording function with audio capture without the need for third-party programs.
- ๐น Optimizing your work with connected devices through the IoT menu in the notification curtain.
โ ๏ธ Note: After upgrading to Android 11, some older apps may not work properly due to changes in the system's security policy.We recommend updating all programs through the Google Play Store.
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Before a major system update, always back up important contacts and photos to the Mi Cloud or Google Photos cloud to avoid data loss in the event of a crash.
The MIUI shell interface has also changed to become smoother and more visually pleasing. New animations and a redesigned notification control center (divided into two parts in some regions) have made interaction with the smartphone more intuitive.
Mi and MIX flagship series: priority in getting updates
Traditionally, the first new version of Android receive flagship devices series Xiaomi Mi and MIX. These smartphones are equipped with the most productive hardware, which allows the company's engineers to quickly adapt the code and test new features without the risk of performance decline.
Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 11 series were among the first to receive stable build based on Android 11. Devices of this lineup were often updated to MIUI 12.5, which was based on the eleventh version of the android. Owners of Mi 9T Pro, Mi 9 and even some versions of Mi 8 also made the list of lucky, although the update came to them in waves depending on the region.
| Series of devices | Models. | Android 11 Status | MIUI version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Global / CN / EEA | Stable. | MIUI 12.5 |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 | Pro / Ultra / Lite | Stable. | MIUI 12.5 |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | T Pro / SE | Stable. | MIUI 12.5 |
| Xiaomi MIX 3 | 5G / Global | Beta/Completed | MIUI 12 |
Importantly, for some older flagships, such as the Mi 8, the update could come as early as the end of the support lifecycle, and further major Android updates for them may be limited.
Popular models of Redmi Note and budget segment
Redmiโs budget and mid-range smartphones have always been hugely popular, and the issue of updating them is especially acute: the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 9 series were the โgolden middleโ that guaranteed Android 11.
The hit Redmi Note 8 Pro received an upgrade to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, which extended the life of the device and improved its stability. Similar situation with the Note 9 series, where even the basic models were able to experience the innovations of the new operating system.
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 8 / 8T / 8 Pro - received an update.
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 9 / 9S / 9 Pro - received an update.
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 10 (basic) โ originally released on Android 11.
- ๐ฑ Redmi 9 / 9A / 9C โ The status of the update depended on the region.
Itโs worth considering that entry-level processors like the Helio G25 or G35 may have had trouble with the new heavy MIUI animations. So on some budget-savvy Android 11 came in a stripped-down or optimized interface to ensure smooth running.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some Redmi models, upgrading to Android 11 may temporarily reduce battery autonomy in the first days of use until the system re-indexes files and learns your habits.
Why isnโt everyone getting an update at the same time?
Smartphones brand POCO and their compatibility
The POCO brand, which split from Redmi, inherited the policy of updating its parent division.Post 2020 smartphones such as the POCO F2 Pro and POCO X3 NFC received Android 11 almost immediately or soon after launch, and these devices were initially positioned as productive, so software support was a priority for them.
The situation POCO F1 It turned out interesting: despite the age, the device received a global update, but often users faced the need for manual installation through Recovery, as OTA-Update (over the air) may not come automatically due to the specifics of regional firmware.
For the POCO M series (M2 Pro, M3), Android 11 became the de facto standard, as they were already sold with a pre-installed or quickly updated system, which ensured long-term relevance in the market. Users are advised to check the firmware version in the settings, as sometimes global versions of POCO get Chinese MIUI ports with a modified logo.
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POCO smartphones released in 2020-2021 have a high priority of support and are guaranteed to run on Android 11 or later.
How to Check and Install Update Manually
If the automatic notification doesnโt come, donโt panic. You can check for updates manually through the system menu. Go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI version and click on the system logo or the โCheck Updatesโ button.
In some cases, the system may write that there are no updates, although they are already released for your model, and this is often due to regional restrictions, in which case you can try changing the region in the settings (Settings โ Additional settings โ Region) to India or Indonesia, checking for updates, and then returning your region, but this method does not work on all models.
โ๏ธ Checklist before update
For advanced users, there is a method of manual installation through Recovery. You need to download the firmware archive from the official site miui.com, corresponding to your model, and select it through the recovery menu. The path to the file should be at the root of internal memory, and the file name should not contain unnecessary characters.
Path to the update menu:
Settings โ About Phone โ Menu (three dots) โ Select a firmware filePossible problems after the update and their solution
Switching to a new version of Android is always a risk of software bugs. The most common problem after installing Android 11 on Xiaomi is fast battery drain. This is because the system takes time (usually 3-5 days) to optimize background processes and re-index media files.
Users may also experience some system applications disappearing or sensors malfunctioning, and in such cases, resetting to factory settings helps, but this is an extreme measure, and most often, it is enough to clear the cache of Google and MIUI system services through the application menu.
- ๐ง Reset network settings if mobile Internet is lost.
- ๐ง Clearing the gallery cache if no photos are displayed.
- ๐ง Reinstall problematic apps from the Play Market.
- ๐ง Full reset (Wipe Data) if there is a constant reboot.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the phone stopped turning on after the upgrade, don't try to disassemble it. Try entering Recovery mode. + Power) and perform data reset or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.