The update is always a landmark event for smartphone owners, especially when it comes to the transition to Android 12.This version brought not only a new visual style of Material You, but also a major change in the management of privacy and performance. For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, the issue of compatibility of their devices has become one of the most discussed in the technical community.
Xiaomi is known for its device support policy, which varies greatly depending on the modelβs price segment: Xiaomi Mi and Xiaomi 11 flagship phones get updates first, while Redmi budget models can wait for months. Understanding whether your gadget will make it to the supported list is critical to planning for future use of the device.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the list of models that are officially confirmed or are in the testing stage of the new OS. We will analyze the features of firmware, possible risks when manually installed and answer the most frequent questions of users who do not want to miss important innovations from Google.
Features of updating to Android 12 on Xiaomi devices
The transition to a new version of the operating system for Xiaomi devices is not directly, but through the proprietary shell MIUI. In most cases, the global version of Android 12 came to the Chinese manufacturerβs smartphones along with the MIUI 13 shell, although some models received an Android update earlier, even based on MIUI 12.5. This creates a certain confusion, since the shell version number and the Android version do not always coincide.
The main feature of the update was the optimization of memory. the system has learned to manage background processes more efficiently, which is especially noticeable on devices with a RAM of 4 GB and 6 GB. Users note that MIUI 13 based on Android 12 works more stable than previous versions, consumes less battery power in standby mode and opens applications faster.
β οΈ Warning: Installing beta versions of firmware or manually flashing through Fastboot may result in a loss of warranty.Always check the status of the bootloader before starting any manipulations.
Itβs important to understand that updates are undulating, and even if your model is on the supported list, the notification of availability of the new version may not come immediately, depending on the region where the device was purchased and the carrier. Owners of Chinese versions of smartphones (CN ROM) often receive updates several weeks earlier than owners of global versions (Global ROM).
Xiaomi and Mi flagship series getting Android 12
Flagship devices are always a priority for developers, and they are the ones that test new features before mass release. The list of phones that are guaranteed to receive or receive Android 12 includes almost all models released since 2020, as well as some of the hits of 2019.
The Xiaomi 11 series, including Lite, Pro and Ultra, are based on powerful Snapdragon processors, which ensures excellent compatibility with new graphics elements, and the update also affects the Mi 10 series, which, despite its age, continues to be relevant due to high-quality optimization.
Below is a table with the main flagship models and their update status:
| Model of the device | Basic version of Android | MIUI shell version | Status of renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Ultra | Android 12 | MIUI 13 | Available. |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 / 10s / 10 Pro | Android 12 | MIUI 13 | Available. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Android 12 | MIUI 13 | Available. |
| Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 | Android 12 | MIUI 13 | Available. |
| Black Shark 4 / 4 Pro | Android 12 | JoyUI 13 | Available. |
The Mi Mix Fold, which is also included in the list of supported devices, was a pleasant surprise for owners of niche gadgets. However, owners of Chinese versions of flagships should be careful when flashing on the global version, as this can block the work of certain functions, such as NFC or working with banking applications.
Why are the flagships getting the updates first?
Support for Redmi and POCO smartphones
The Redmi and POCO sub-brands cover a huge market segment, and the update policy here has its nuances. Budget and mid-budget models often come with an older version of Android but have the potential to upgrade.The list of Redmi and POCO phones that will get Android 12 is wide enough but requires careful study.
The Redmi Note 10 series was a real hit, and Xiaomi confirmed the release of Android 12 for all models of this line, including the Note 10, Note 10 Pro, Note 10S and Note 10 5G. This is a significant event, since these devices belong to the mid-range segment.
- π± Redmi Note 10 Series: All models of the lineup received a stable version MIUI 13 based on Android 12.
- π POCO F3 / X3 NFC / X3 Pro: These popular models have also been included in the priority list for the update.
- π° Redmi 9 / 9T / 9 Pro: Budget hits also not gone unnoticed, getting an update at the end of the queue.
Owners of POCO devices should consider that for the global market, firmware often comes out with a delay compared to the Indian or European regions.If you own a POCO X3 NFC or POCO F3 model, but there is still no notification of the update, it may be worth checking the region in the settings or waiting for the official mailing.
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Before updating your firmware, make sure to back up all important data to the cloud or your computer, as in rare cases, a complete device reset may be required.
How to check the availability of the update manually
Often, the device is already supported, but the notification does not come, in which case you can try to initiate the check manually, it is a secure procedure that does not require root rights or unlocked bootloader.
You need to go to the settings menu first. Find the "About Phone" item, which is usually located at the top of the list or in the "Advanced Settings" section. Inside this menu will be the "Version" button. MIUI or system update.
Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times to activate additional functions)Once you click on the check button, the system will contact Xiaomi servers. If you have a stable version of Android 12 for your model and region, it will start downloading. However, if the server responds that there are no updates, this does not always mean that they do not exist.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use third-party apps to βforceβ updates downloaded from unverified sources, which may lead to malware installation or damage to the system partition.
There is also a hidden update developer menu, which requires you to click on the current firmware version number multiple times in the update menu, which will open up additional options such as Select a firmware file (for manual installation via Recovery) or switch between versions (Beta/Stable) if you are a tester.
βοΈ Check before updating
Compatibility issues and known bugs
Despite extensive testing, the transition to Android 12 can come with a number of issues: users of various forums report specific bugs that manifest themselves on different models, and knowing these issues will help you make an informed decision about the upgrade.
One common problem is increased battery consumption in the first days after the upgrade, the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. This is normal, and usually stabilizes after 3-5 days of active use. However, on some Redmi Note 9 models, users noted maintaining high consumption even after a month of use.
There are also problems with Always On Display and the fingerprint scanner, some devices that are upgraded to the screen or stop using navigation gestures, often by cleaning the cache of system applications or, in extreme cases, a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset).
- π Battery consumption: May temporarily increase due to background optimization.
- πΈ Camera: On some models (e.g. Mi) 9T Pro) observed focus problems after update.
- π‘ Communication: Rare cases of signal loss 4G/5G, resetting.
If you encounter a critical error, don't rush to bring your phone to the service. Often the solution is already on the official MIUI forum. Critical is a bug in which the device goes into an endless restart (bootloop) immediately after installing the update, in which case you will need to flash it through the computer.
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Most bugs after the update are temporary and are eliminated during the first week of use or with the release of a patch version of the firmware.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will the old Xiaomi Android 12 phones get?
Can I install Android 12 if I donβt already have it in my region?
Will the update delete my data?
What to do if the phone freezes after the update?
In conclusion, Android 12 was a significant milestone in the development of the Xiaomi ecosystem, bringing modern design and improved security. Owners of devices from the supported list should definitely consider upgrading, weighing all risks and making backups.