The evolution of the operating system from the Chinese giant continues, and MIUI 13 was a landmark in the development of the company's ecosystem. Users around the world were looking forward to information about which devices will be honored with a new shell built on the basis of Android 11 and Android 12. Unlike previous versions, this firmware brought not just cosmetic changes, but fundamental optimization of memory and increased attention to the protection of personal data.
Budget and mid-budget owners often worry that their gadgets will be left behind, but this time the list of supported devices turned out surprisingly wide. Xiaomi has expanded its reach to include even some models released a few years ago, which suggests that the optimization of the code allowed to run a heavy shell on less powerful hardware without critical loss of performance.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which smartphones will receive the update, how to check for it, and whether to install the beta version. You will learn about the hidden features that appeared in System UI, and how to properly prepare the device before the upgrade procedure to avoid losing important files or causing software errors.
Key features of the new shell MIUI 13
The move to the thirteenth version brought with it a host of changes that not only affect visual style but also deep-seated processes, with Focus, a feature that allows you to create work profiles for study or work, blocking distracting apps and notifications, especially for those who use a smartphone as their primary work tool and need concentration.
There have been significant improvements in widgets, which are now more interactive and informative, allowing you to control music, notes and calendar directly from your desktop without running basic applications. The interface has become more airy, fonts are optimized for better reading, and animations have become smoother, which is especially noticeable on devices with a high-speed interface. AMOLED-screens from Redmi and Black Shark.
β οΈ Note: Before installing the global firmware version, make sure that your Mi Cloud account has all the important contacts and photos, as you may need to completely reset your data when switching between regional versions (for example, from Chinese to Global.
Also worth noting is the improved security system: MIUI 13 has built-in fraud protection and SMS, which runs on a huge database that is updated in real time, and the feature of hiding data in photos: the system automatically blurs faces and document numbers in pictures if you share them through messengers, which is a unique step towards privacy.
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Before updating, take a picture of the current network settings and screen brightness β after installing a new firmware, some parameters can be reset to factory values.
The flagship smartphones of the Mi and Xiaomi series
Flagship devices are traditionally the first to access new software versions. Owners of top-end models can expect maximum performance and a full set of features, as the hardware of these smartphones with a margin to cope with new interface tasks.
The Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 11 series are being highlighted, with not only a new shell, but also optimized drivers for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 888 processors, respectively, which reduces the heat of the device during prolonged loading and improves the performance of the cameraβs image processing algorithms.
Below is a list of flagship models that are guaranteed to receive or have already received a stable version of the update:
- π Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, 12X
- π Xiaomi 11, 11 Pro, 11 Ultra, 11i
- π Xiaomi Mi 10, 10 Pro, 10S, 10 Ultra
- π Xiaomi Mi 9, 9 Pro, 9 SE (latest major update)
- π Xiaomi Mi Mix 4
Itβs important to understand that for the Mi 9 series, this update could be the last major Android update. Although the shell will work steadily, some new features that require a powerful neural processor may not be available on the old hardware.
Update for smartphones Redmi and POCO
The mid- and low-end segments represented by the Redmi and POCO brands received a huge boost, a strategic move by the company to keep users in the ecosystem. Even entry-level devices powered by the Helio and Snapdragon 4-series processors have been able to digest the new shell, albeit with some limitations in animation.
The Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 11 series were a hit with updates, and owners of these popular models received not only a new interface, but also improved communication modules, and MIUI 13 redesigned the switching algorithm between Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, which solved the problem of frequent connection breaks, which users complained about earlier.
The list of supported mid- and budget-class devices includes:
- π± Redmi Note 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro+
- π± Redmi Note 10, 10 Pro, 10S, 10T
- π± POCO F3, F4, F4 GT
- π± POCO X3 Pro, X3 NFC, X4 Pro
- π± POCO M4 Pro, M3 Pro
β οΈ Warning: On smartphones with 3 GB of RAM after installation MIUI 13 may be more aggressive downloading of applications from the backgrounds. It is recommended to close unused programs manually through the multitasking menu.
Black Shark gaming smartphones deserve special attention. Although they are based on a separate version of the JoyUI shell, which is based on MIUI, they also received an update to version 13. This brought improvements to the game mode, allowing you to fine-tune the sensitivity of the touchscreen and the system's response to touch.
Compatibility table and release statuses
The process of distributing the update is ripple-like, with testers and flagship owners in China getting new packages, then the update coming to global markets for the top segment, and only lastly reaching budget models. Release status can range from Beta to Stable.
The table below shows the current MIUI 13 release status for different product lines. Please note that dates may shift depending on your smartphoneβs region of sale.
| Series of devices | Status of renewal | The basis of Android | Region (First launch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 / 12 Pro | Stable version | Android 12 | Global |
| Xiaomi 11 / Mi 11 | Stable version | Android 12 | Global |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | Stable version | Android 11/12 | Europe/Asia |
| POCO F3 / X3 Pro | Stable version | Android 12 | Global |
| Redmi 9 / 9A / 9C | Beta/Waiting | Android 11 | China/India |
If you see Beta status in the table, it means the update is available to download through the testing program, but may contain bugs.The stable version goes through a full cycle of checks and is recommended for everyday use by most users who do not want to risk the stability of the device.
What is the Beta version and should it be installed?
How to Check and Install Update Manually
Usually, the notification of a new firmware comes automatically, but sometimes this process can be delayed due to the characteristics of the operator or regional settings. To avoid waiting for favor from the system, you can check for updates manually through the standard settings menu.
To do this, you need to go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version. In the window that opens, click on the system logo or the βCheck Updatesβ button. If the server sees your device and the right firmware for it, download will begin.
β οΈ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware installation process. If the battery power drops below 30% during the upgrade, the phone may go into an endless bootloop cycle, which requires flashing through the computer to exit.
There is also a way to manually install via a firmware file, which is to download the current archive (usually.zip) from the official site or proven resources, place it in the root of internal memory and select from the update menu by clicking three dots in the corner of the screen and selecting "Select firmware file".
βοΈ Preparations for renewal
Once the file is selected, the system will check its integrity and suggest restarting. The installation process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the memory speed of the smartphone, during which time the screen can go out and turn on several times - this is normal for the installer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Even with detailed instructions, users often have specific questions about compatibility, data loss, and returning to the old version.
Will my data (photos, contacts) disappear after upgrading to MIUI 13?
Why isnβt my phone getting an update when itβs on the list?
Can I retrace the MIUI 12 if I donβt like it?
Will MIUI 13 increase battery life?
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MIUI 13 is primarily about optimization and security, and even if visual changes seem minimal, it works more efficiently under the hood, extending the life of your devices.
In conclusion, MIUI 13 is a great way to bring new life to your smartphone, even if you donβt notice the revolutionary changes in the interface, the improvements in stability and security are worth it, and keep an eye out for official notifications and updates in time to stay in a secure digital environment.