Owners of Xiaomi smartphones are traditionally waiting for major updates to the operating system, as it brings not only a new visual style, but also important security features. Android 11 has become a landmark release, which introduced a redesigned notification interface, improved privacy control and the ability to manage smart home devices directly from the power menu. For many users, the compatibility of their gadget with the new version of the OS is especially acute, because it depends on the further relevance of the device.
Xiaomi is known for its aggressive support policy, providing updates even for mid-range and low-end models, which is rare for other manufacturers. However, the process of releasing MIUI firmware based on the new version of Android always takes a certain time and takes several stages: first, the flagship series, then the middle-class devices, and only at the end of the queue are budget models.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which models are guaranteed to receive the update, how to check manually for it, and what to do if your model is on the waiting list. The official global stable version of Android 11 firmware for most supported devices began to spread in the second half of 2021. Understanding these processes will help you avoid installing unstable builds and properly prepare your phone for migration.
Key innovations of Android 11 for owners of Xiaomi
The move to a new version of the operating system is not just a change in the numbers in the settings, but a fundamental change in the logic of the interface. In Android 11, Google redesigned the notification bar, dividing them into dialogs and standard alerts, which greatly simplifies navigation. For Xiaomi users who are accustomed to deep customization of MIUI, these changes may seem invisible at first glance, but they are integrated into the system layer.
One of the most useful features is the ability to record a screen with sound without having to obtain root rights, which was previously a pain for Xiaomi smartphone owners. Now this feature is built natively and is available through the Quick Access Panel. Also worth noting is the improved control over application resolutions: you can give access to the camera or microphone for only one session of the program, which increases the security of personal data.
⚠️ Note: After upgrading to Android 11, some third-party launchers or modified themes may not work properly.
Another important aspect is the optimization of the work with 5G-It's smarter to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile Internet if a signal on one network becomes unstable.--For the game mode Game Turbo in MIUI Android 11 also has been updated to reduce input delays and improve processor resource allocation.
💡
Before upgrading, make sure to back up important contacts and photos to the Mi Cloud or your computer, as sync errors sometimes occur when switching between major versions of Android.
Full list of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones getting an update
The list of devices that are officially confirmed by the company to receive Android 11, is quite extensive and covers several generations of smartphones. Leaders of the queue are traditionally flagship series, such as the Mi 10 and Mi 11, which were the first to receive a stable version of firmware.
Below is a table with the main series and models for which the update is already available or in the final testing phase. Please note that the availability of the update may depend on the region for which the device is released (Global, EU, China, Russia).
| Series of devices | Key models | Status of renewal | MIUI version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi flagships | Mi 11, Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 9T Pro | Stable version | MIUI 12.5 / 13 |
| Redmi Note | Redmi Note 10, Note 9 Pro, Note 8 | Stable version | MIUI 12.5 |
| POCO | POCO F3, F2 Pro, X3 NFC, M3 | Stable version | MIUI 12.5 |
| Budget segment | Redmi 9, 9A, 9C, 8A | In the rollout phase. | MIUI 12.0.4+ |
Owners of the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi 9 series should be especially patient, as for these mass models, the release of the update often stretches for several months due to the need for careful testing on different configurations of the iron.If your device is not on the list right now, this does not mean that it will not receive an update: wave release can take up to six months.
How to check for an update and install it manually
The process of checking for a new firmware version in MIUI is standardized, but it has its nuances. The standard way is through the settings menu, but sometimes the server does not immediately give an update, even if it is already released for your model, in which case you can try a forced request.
For standard check, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the big MIUI version icon. If the system finds a new version, it will start downloading. If you see the message "No Updates", but you are sure that Android 11 has already come out for your model, you can use the hidden verification method.
Click 10 times in a row on the version icon MIUI (version numbers, such as 12.0.3.0. This activates the hidden menu "Extended Settings" and there will be a button "Select firmware file" or an option for forced verification through the server. → Additional settings → Region on "India" or "Global", check updates and then return your region.
☑️ Checklist before update
The incremental update only contains changes, while the full package allows you to upgrade to the new version of Android from any previous build, bypassing the intermediate stages.
Features of the update for POCO and global versions
POCO’s smartphones often have a unique update situation. Although hardware can be copies of Redmi models, the software for them is developed separately, meaning that the POCO X3 NFC can get Android 11 sooner or later than its Redmi Note 9 Pro sibling.
Global versions of firmware (Global) ROM) It always comes out later than China. ROM). The difference can be anywhere from 1 to 3 months, due to the need to pass Google certification and adapt the interface to different language and regional standards. If you own a Chinese version of a smartphone that has been updated to global firmware manually, you may face delays in getting it. OTA-update.
⚠️ Reflashing the Chinese version of the smartphone on the global (Global) ROM) With an unlocked bootloader, it can lead to blocking some banking applications or work NFC. Make sure you use the official global version for your region.
POCO users are also plagued by periodic bugs in early Android 11 firmware, such as increased battery consumption or auto-brightness issues, and it is recommended not to install the update on the first day of its launch, but to wait for feedback from other users on forums.
Why is POCO updated separately?
Possible problems after installation and methods of their solution
Switching to a new major version of Android is stressful for the system. Even if the installation process is successful, in the first hours or days, there may be strange behavior in the smartphone. Most often, users experience a rapid battery drain. This is normal: the system takes time (usually 2-3 days) to re-index files and optimize background processes.
Another common problem is that apps, especially banking, are not working properly. After Android updates, the paths to system libraries change, and applications need to update themselves for compatibility. Go to Google Play Store → App Management and update all programs to the latest versions.
If you notice constant reboots or "freezes" of the interface, perform a factory reset. This is a radical, but often the only sure way to get rid of conflicts of old system files with the new OS.
- 📱 Resetting settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Erase all data.
- 🔋 Battery calibration: Discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% when off, then turn on and use up to 15%, then recharge to 100%.
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Recovery Mode (clamping the volume button up and power) and select "Wipe Cache" (not to be confused with Wipe Data).
💡
90% of problems after an update are solved by waiting 48 hours to complete the system’s background optimization or cleaning the application cache.