Xiaomi’s new shell is always a big deal for the user community, as software defines the user experience as much as hardware. MIUI 12 is one of the biggest updates in the company’s history, bringing revolutionary changes to design, animation and privacy protection. Device owners around the world are looking forward to seeing their gadgets access new features like Superstorms and a redesigned control center.
However, the update process does not affect all models at the same time, and engineers carefully test firmware for each chipset to ensure stable operation of the system. In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi smartphones and sub-brands are guaranteed to receive the update, as well as the nuances of the transition to the new version of the software.
It is important to understand that having a device on the list does not guarantee instant receipt of the file. Global firmware is often released later than Chinese, and regional features can make their own adjustments to the release schedule.
Key innovations of the MIUI 12 shell
The move to the twelfth version of the shell brought not just cosmetic changes, but a fundamental revision of the visual interface language. System animation has been completely rewritten from scratch, allowing for smoothness comparable to top competitors in the market. Now transitions between applications, opening folders and folding windows look like a single, continuous process, devoid of jerks and delays.
The Motion Effect technology, which allows interface elements to respond to touch with high accuracy and realism, also has a powerful upgrade to protect privacy: users can now see which applications are accessing the camera, microphone or geolocation in the background.
What is Super Wallpapers?
And let's not forget the functional improvements, which are a lot more convenient with One Hand mode, and also the enhanced ability to configure Always-On Display, all of which require some computing resources, which has a direct impact on the list of supported devices.
Flagship devices and the Mi Note series
The first updates are usually flagship models equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and sufficient RAM. These devices set the standards for performance, and for them MIUI 12 is optimized first. Owners of the Mi 10, Mi 9 and Mi 8 series can count on stable operation of all visual effects.
The Mi Note 10 series also made it to the top of the list, despite the fact that this device was positioned as a mid-range cameraphone, but with a flagship feature set.
It’s worth noting that for older flagships like the Mi 8 or Mi Mix 2S, the update could be the last major Android update, so users of these models are advised to check the stability of the main applications immediately after installation.
Support for Redmi and POCO smartphones
The mass segment represented by the Redmi and POCO brands is the largest user segment, and the upgrade of these devices requires more testing time due to the huge variety of iron configurations, but Xiaomi tries not to leave popular models unattended.
The Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 9 series were hits, and it was a matter of time before they got the MIUI 12, and for these devices, the optimizations were mainly in the background and battery management, which allowed them to extend battery life.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the POCO brand, which after its separation received its own update branch: POCO F2 Pro and POCO X3 NFC models received the shell almost simultaneously with the Mi flagships, which confirms the high priority of these devices in the company’s strategy.
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Before installing a major MIUI update, be sure to back up important data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer to avoid losing information in the event of a crash.
Compatibility table of popular models
For your convenience, we have prepared a summary table that shows the status of receiving an update for key smartphone lines. Please note that dates may vary depending on the region and the specific carrier.
| Series of devices | Models. | Status of renewal | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Flagship | Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 9, Mi 8 | Available. | Full support for all functions |
| Redmi Note | Note 9 Pro, Note 8, Note 8 Pro | Available. | Limited animation on the Note 8 |
| POCO | F2 Pro, X3 NFC, X2 | Available. | Specific POCO launcher |
| Budget | Redmi 9, Redmi 8 | In development | Basic functionality |
As you can see from the table, the vast majority of devices released after 2018 will have access to the new shell in one way or another, but owners of budget models such as the Redmi 8A may have to settle for a stripped-down version without some heavy visual effects.
Installation process and firmware types
There are several ways to update users, and the easiest and most secure is through the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update, in which case the device will find the right package and install it, but sometimes the notification does not come, even though the update has already been released for your model.
In such cases, you can use a manual method. You will need to download the firmware file (Recovery ROM) from the official website and place it in the root of internal memory. Then in the update menu, click on three dots in the corner and select Select the firmware file.
☑️ Checklist before update
⚠️ Note: When you manually install firmware, make sure you download the version for your model (Global, China, EEA). Installing the wrong version can result in a bootloader lock or data loss.
There is also a method of updating via Fastboot using a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is considered a “clean installation” as it completely erases data from the device, which often helps to avoid errors and bugs from the old system.
Possible problems and solutions
Like any major upgrade, the transition to MIUI 12 can be difficult, and users often report increased battery consumption in the first days after installation, which is normal: the system takes time to re-index files and optimize background processes.
Another common problem can be the hanging of individual apps, and if you notice that WhatsApp or banking apps are unstable after updating, try clearing their cache or reinstalling them, which in most cases solves the compatibility problem.
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If the phone starts to discharge quickly after the upgrade, give it 2-3 days to optimize the background processes before sounding the alarm.
In more rare cases, users encounter a "bootloop" (cyclic reboot). If this happens, you need to reset to the factory settings through Recovery Mode, to do this, you need to press the power button and increase the volume when the device is turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will older flagships like the Mi 5 or Mi 6 get a MIUI 12?
Can I install MIUI 12 on devices that are not on the official list?
How much space is needed to upgrade to MIUI 12?
What to do if the update is stuck in the verification phase?
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware assemblies (ports from other models) voids the warranty and can make the device vulnerable to malware. Always check digital file signatures.
In conclusion, MIUI 12 is a major step for Xiaomi’s ecosystem, making smartphone use more enjoyable and secure, and even if your device doesn’t get all the visuals, the improvements in control and security will be available to most users.