Xiaomi mobile device owners traditionally expect new versions of the operating system with special awe. Android 12 was one of the most iconic updates, which introduced a radical new design of the Material You interface and improved privacy system. For the Chinese brand ecosystem, this update became the basis for the shell of MIUI 13 and subsequent versions, which radically changed the visual style and functionality of smartphones.
The process of distributing firmware in Xiaomi has its own features, depending on the region, the model of the processor and the type of global or Chinese version of the software. Many users wonder whether their device will fall into the list of lucky people who receive fresh software. In this article, we will analyze in detail the list of supported gadgets, the technical nuances of the transition and answer frequently asked questions.
It is worth noting that having a model on the list does not guarantee instant notification; developers may shift the schedule depending on the results of system stability testing; however, official confirmation from the vendor guarantees that your smartphone is technically capable of working with new memory management and energy saving algorithms.
Technological innovations Android 12 for the ecosystem Xiaomi
The move to the twelfth version of the green robot brought not just cosmetic changes, but deep reworking of system libraries. For Xiaomi devices, this meant the introduction of smoother window animation and improved buffer management. Material You allowed dynamic changes in the color range of the interface depending on the selected wallpaper, which became a key feature of the MIUI 13 shell.
The engineers focused on security and privacy, and they introduced a real-time app access control panel for microphone and camera applications, and now, if an app tries to access your data, a light goes up in the corner of the screen, a critical feature for protecting personal information in today's environment.
Also worth noting is the optimization of background processes: the new OS algorithms freeze unused applications more effectively, which has a positive effect on battery life, and for owners of older models, this was a breath of fresh air, allowing the device to extend its life without replacing the battery.
What is the difference between MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13?
The flagship series Mi and Xiaomi, waiting for an update
Flagship devices are always the first to get access to new software versions. In the Xiaomi Mi lineup and just Xiaomi (after rebranding), Android 12 support was provided for most models released in the last two to three years before the update.
Owners of the Mi 11 series, including Ultra, Pro and Lite, were among the first to receive stable firmware, based on the powerful Snapdragon 888 and 870 chipsets, which fully meet the requirements of the new OS. The update also covered the Mi 10 series, including the T and Pro versions, which was a pleasant surprise for users who are in a hurry to change the phone.
For them, adapting the interface to Android 12 required additional work on adaptability of controls. Below is a detailed list of flagship models confirmed for the update:
- 🚀 Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Lite 5G
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, Mi 10S
- 📷 Xiaomi Mi Mix 4, Mi Mix Fold
- ⚡ Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, 12X (received the system initially or among the first)
- 📲 Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (in some regions, the update came later)
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If you own a Chinese version of a smartphone (CN ROM), the upgrade to Android 12 may come earlier than the global version. However, do not rush to question, as this can block the work of banking applications (NFC Pay).
Popular models of Redmi Note and X series
The mid-market segment represented by the Redmi brand is the most popular, and it is here that the upgrade to Android 12 became the most anticipated event, as many users use these devices for 2-3 years. Support for the popular Note and X series has been extended, which confirms the company’s policy to extend the life of gadgets.
The Redmi Note 10 series received an update almost everywhere, becoming MIUI 13 based on the new Android, which significantly accelerated the interface on the Snapdragon 678 and Dimensity processors, and also included previous generation models such as the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S, although for them the update could come in the form of the latest major version of the software.
The Redmi Note 11 lineup was originally shipped with Android 11 or 12, but patches brought the system to the current state. It is important to note that in the budget segment, the update can come in stages: first the Chinese version, then the global version, and then the country-specific versions (Russia, Europe, India).
Below is a table that systematizes update status for popular mid-range models. Note that In-process status means that the firmware is in testing or regional rollout.
| Model of the device | Basic OS at exit | Android 12 Status | MIUI shell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Android 11 | ✅ Got it. | MIUI 13 |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | Android 10 | ✅ Got it. | MIUI 12.5 / 13 |
| Redmi Note 11 | Android 11 | ✅ Got it. | MIUI 13 / 14 |
| Redmi K40 (Mi 11i) | Android 11 | ✅ Got it. | MIUI 13 / 14 |
| Redmi 10 | Android 11 | ✅ Got it. | MIUI 13 |
Budget Segment and POCO Series
The POCO sub-brand is known for its performance-focused devices. The F and X3 series got Android 12 pretty quickly. In particular, the POCO F3 (similar to the Mi 11i) and the POCO X3 Pro became bestsellers thanks to timely support and powerful hardware that easily copes with the new OS.
In the low-end Redmi segment (series 9A, 10A, 11A), things are more complicated. Often these devices stay on the older version of Android, receiving only security updates. However, some models, such as the Redmi 10 and 10C, were able to jump to Android 12, made possible by the optimization of the code and the less demanding interface in the lighter versions of MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Owners of devices with 3GB or less RAM are advised to clear the app cache before upgrading.The new system may consume more resources in the background, which on weak devices will lead to brakes.
The list of POCO devices that have confirmed the update includes:
- 🎮 POCO F3, POCO F3 GT
- 📱 POCO X3 NFC, POCO X3 Pro
- ⚡ POCO M3 Pro 5G, POCO M4 Pro
- 📲 POCO X4 Pro 5G, POCO X4 GT
If you own a device that is not formally listed, don’t despair. Often regional versions (such as those in Russia or Ukraine) receive updates with a delay of several months relative to the global version. Checking for updates through the settings menu is the only reliable way to know the status of your device.
How to Check and Install Update Manually
The update process is standard for all Xiaomi devices, but has its own nuances. Usually the notification comes automatically, but you can initiate a search manually. To do this, go to the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. Click on the system logo, you will run a server check.
If the automatic search does not give results, and in the lists your model is, perhaps the update comes in waves, in which case you can use the function "Select a service pack". You will need to download the full archive of firmware (Recovery ROM) for your particular model from the official site or trusted resources (for example, miui.com or miui.ru) and specify the path to the file in the update menu.
⚠️ Note: When you manually install firmware through Recovery, make sure the software version is newer than the current one. Installing an older version (Downgrade) without unlocking the bootloader will lead to an error and a possible reboot cycle (Bootloop).
For advanced users, there is a method of updating through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you to install the system completely, which often solves problems with bugs after an update. However, this method requires an unlocked bootloader, which is not formally a prerequisite, but makes it easier to roll back in case of failure.
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The safest way to update is to wait for the official OTA-Manual installation of full firmware is justified only if there are errors in the current version of the system.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Switching to a new version of Android is always a risk of software conflicts. The most common problem after upgrading to Android 12 on Xiaomi is the fast battery drain in the early days. This is normal: the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. Usually after 3-5 days, autonomy is restored.
Another common problem is that notifications or a “green robot” (a Google Play service failure) is solved by clearing the cache of Google services through the Apps menu → All Apps → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear the cache. It is also recommended to remove old, unused applications that may not be compatible with the new version of the OS.
In rare cases, the NFC or fingerprint will stop working after an update. If the reboot doesn't work, you may need a full reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).