The Chinese giantβs device owners have long been accustomed to the fact that operating system updates come regularly, but not always predictably. The release of MIUI 13 was a landmark event, as this version brought significant changes to memory and interface optimization, as well as new features to protect against fraud. Many users still wonder whether to expect the arrival of firmware on their gadgets or whether it is time to think about buying a new device.
The situation with the spread of updates is always confusing due to the huge number of regional versions and the differences between the global and Chinese builds. Xiaomi traditionally divides its devices into several waves of updates, prioritizing the flagship lines of Xiaomi and Redmi K. Understanding the logic of this process will help you not panic ahead of time if your smartphone is still running MIUI 12.5.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which models are officially confirmed for the update and which will remain behind, and we will also touch on the technical aspects of the installation and answer questions that users often have when trying to speed up the receipt of a new version of the software.
Official list of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices
The list of devices that have received MIUI 13 is quite extensive, but it is clearly structured by series, first of all, flagships that were released in 2020 and 2021, it is standard practice in the industry to extend the life cycle of top devices, if you have a device in your hands from the Mi 11 series or Xiaomi 12, then you are in the priority group.
The mid-range segment of the Redmi Note brand is also covered by the new shell, but the timing may vary, especially for models released in early 2020. Below is a table with the main series that are guaranteed to receive or receive the final version of the firmware.
| Series of devices | Examples of models | Status of renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (Flagship) | Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro | Available. |
| Redmi Note | Redmi Note 10, Note 10 Pro, Note 11, Note 11 Pro | Available/In progress |
| POCO | POCO F3, POCO X3 Pro, POCO F4 | Available. |
| Budget Line | Redmi 9, Redmi 10, Redmi Note 9 | Selectively/Global |
Itβs important to note that some low-end models, such as the Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C, may not get a full MIUI 13 with a full set of features, but rather be limited to a security update or a stripped-down version of the interface.
β οΈ Note: Having a model on the list does not guarantee instant notification. Global firmware often comes out with a delay in the list. 2-4 month relative to Chinese release.
Technical requirements and compatibility of iron
Moving to MIUI 13 requires not only software compatibility, but also hardware resources, and the focus has been on optimizing RAM by implementing Memory Extension, which means devices with less RAM can run more stable, but older processors may not be able to pull new visual effects.
Smartphones based on Snapdragon 660 and lower chipsets, as well as older MediaTek Helio models of the initial series, are likely to remain on MIUI 12.5.This is due to the fact that the new shell requires more powerful cores to handle widgets and background processes without lags.
If your device is formally fit for the year of release but has only 3 or 4 GB of RAM, the system may not be as smooth as you would like. Hardware compatibility plays a crucial role here, and sometimes it is better to stay on a stable but old version than to get a new but slowing one.
- π± Minimum RAM for comfortable operation: 4 GB (recommended 6 GB)+).
- βοΈ Supported architectures: ARMv8 and higher (64-bit systems).
- πΎ Free space: minimum required 5-7 GB for downloading and unpacking the service pack.
Users should remember that even if the phone is on the list, physical wear of the battery and memory can negatively affect the experience of using the new OS. Before upgrading on the old device, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory to exclude file conflicts.
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Before installing a major update, be sure to back up important data to the cloud or your computer, as the process may not be correct.
Differences between the global and Chinese versions of firmware
One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between the Chinese (CN) and global (Global) versions of MIUI 13. In China, the update came out much earlier and contained features that were adapted or removed for the international market, for example, some widgets and ecosystem services only work within China.
The global version is subject to longer certification by Google and local regulators, which adds time to development, and Global ROM often changes pre-installed apps and removes specific Chinese services, and if you see screenshots of features you donβt have, itβs probably Chinese build.
Many users try to manually reflash the phone from the global version to the Chinese version for early updates, but this is a risky procedure that can lead to blocking banking applications, notification problems, and even a βbrickβ of the device if you do not do it correctly.
β οΈ Note: Installing Chinese firmware on a global version of the device (or vice versa) requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty and malfunctions LTE/5G network.
Can I install Chinese firmware on a global phone?
How to check and speed up updates
Officially, the update comes at random, but there are proven ways to check manually, so you go to the settings menu and select About, and there's the MIUI version logo at the top of the screen.
Click the logo several times to open the extended check menu, the system will contact the server and tell you if the new version is available, if the server is busy or the queue has not reached your region, you will see a message that there are no updates, in which case you can try to change the region.
Changing a region is a simple and safe trick. Go to Settings β Advanced Settings β Region and select a country where the update is already being distributed massively (such as India, Indonesia or Ukraine). After changing region, check again for updates. Remember to return your real region after checking.
βοΈ Checklist before update
If that doesnβt work, then weβll have to wait.Server load is always high at launch, and Xiaomi distributes traffic in stages to avoid servers crashing.
Main features and innovations of MIUI 13
Why is MIUI 13 so much to look forward to? This version brought not just cosmetic changes, but fundamental improvements, and one of the major innovations was Face ID, with an improved unlocking algorithm that now works faster and more reliably even in low light.
Also worth noting is the emergence of Super Wallpapers, which dynamically change depending on the time of day and user actions, creating a depth effect. The interface has become more minimal, fonts are optimized for better readability, and animations have become smoother thanks to the MiQE engine.
- π Fraud Protection: Built-in system warns of suspicious calls and links.
- π¨ New widgets: completely redesigned design and interactivity of elements on the desktop.
- β¨οΈ Improved keyboard: faster input, new themes and improved autocorrection.
A special focus on privacy: MIUI 13 introduces a feature to mask device ID for applications, making it difficult for ad networks to collect user data, an important step towards digital security.
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MIUI 13 focuses on speed optimization and privacy protection, making the system smarter, not just adding new features.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Like any major upgrade, the transition to MIUI 13 can be accompanied by βchildhood illnesses.β Users often complain about the fast battery drain in the first days after installation. This is normal: the system takes time (usually 2-3 days) to re-index files and optimize background processes.
Another common problem is heating the case: If the phone is warming constantly, not just during games, maybe some app is not compatible with the new version of Android or shell. Check the battery usage statistics in the settings to identify the "culprit."
In rare cases, there may be a network loss or Bluetooth malfunction. The solution is often network reset. Go to Settings β Connection and Sharing β Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values.