Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: what Android and how to update

The question of which Android is installed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 when you buy, worries many users who are planning to upgrade their device. At the time of release in early 2023, the smartphone came with the Android operating system 12, on top of which was installed proprietary shell MIUI 13 or MIUI 14 depending on the region of sales. However, the Xiaomi ecosystem is known for its aggressive policy of updates, so the current version of the software may be significantly different from the factory.

The device owners often face confusion when they see different version numbers in their settings or read conflicting reviews online. The Redmi Note 12 is a global model and the software for it adapts to a specific market, whether it is Europe, Russia or Asia. Understanding the differences between Android and MIUI/HyperOS versions is critical for the proper functioning of the gadget and installing compatible applications.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the evolution of the software model, explain how to check the current version and whether to install beta firmware. You will learn why the Android number may not match the shell number and how to prepare for the transition to a new system without losing data.

Basic version of the operating system at the start of sales

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 debuted with Android 12, a stable version of the green robot that was considered the current standard for the mid-range segment, and the MIUI 13 shell, which ran on top of that base, offered users improved optimization and new widgets, but retained the familiar logic of the interface.

It’s important to understand that even if you buy a phone from hand or leftovers, the starter version of the software can be different. Global ROMs usually come with more recent software than Chinese ones (CN ROMs), which are then refashioned by sellers. The factory build of Android 12 on the Redmi Note 12 is basic and cannot be returned by official methods after upgrading to newer versions.

Some early shipments could have come with the pre-installed MIUI 14, which was based on Android 12, creating the illusion that the device originally came with a newer system, and the difference between these versions is not only in the visual elements, but also in the depth of the integration of the system services of Google and Xiaomi.

Users who care about the stability of specific old applications sometimes have to look for ways to roll back firmware. However, modern anti-rollback security mechanisms often block the installation of older versions of the bootloader and system.

Evolution of updates: from MIUI 14 to HyperOS

Xiaomi is actively developing its device software, and the Redmi Note 12 was no exception. Soon after the release, users began to receive updates to MIUI 14, which brought with it improved memory experience and new personalization capabilities. This version was still based on Android 12, but in some regions already tested the Android 13 base.

The most significant event was the transition to the new platform HyperOS. It is not just a change in the name of the shell, but a deep reworking of the core of the system. For Redmi Note 12, upgrading to HyperOS often means moving to Android 13 or even Android 14, depending on the region and type of firmware (Chinese or global).

• 🚀 MIUI 14 – The final version of the classic shell, optimized for Android 12 and 13.
• 🌌 HyperOS – a new ecosystem that combines smartphones, cars and smart homes, based on Android 13/14.
• 🔒 Security – Every major update brings new security patches to Google.

The update process can be done automatically via OTA (Over-The-Air) or manually through the file selection menu. Device owners should be careful: the transition from MIUI to HyperOS is irreversible without complete flashing with data cleanup.

If your Redmi Note 12 is still running on the older version, it is recommended to check for updates.The new system provides better compatibility with modern applications from the Google Play Store and improves overall responsiveness of the interface.However, on very old versions of the hardware, switching to heavy HyperOS can cause a temporary decrease in autonomy during the file indexing period.

How to check the current version of Android and MIUI

To determine exactly which Android is installed on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 right now, you do not need to install third-party programs. All the necessary information is contained in the system settings menu. This is the first step before any update or troubleshooting.

Go along the way: Settings → About the phone. At the top of the screen you will see the logo of the MIUI or HyperOS version. Below, under the "Android version", you will see the digit of the current operating system. By clicking several times in a row on the shell version logo, you can call a hidden menu with detailed information about the kernel and build date.

Also worth noting is the build number. It contains the region code and firmware compilation date. For example, the letters at the end of the number may indicate a region: RU for Russia, EU for Europe, GL for the global version. This is important, because firmware from different regions can come with different sets of preinstalled applications and frequency of updates.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to install firmware intended for other regions (e.g., China on the global version) without unlocking the bootloader.This may result in device locking or banking applications not working (NFC, Google Pay).

If the menu lists one version and you’re expecting another, it’s possible the update hasn’t arrived on your device in stages yet. Xiaomi often distributes updates in waves, so on the same phone in different homes, the software version may differ for weeks.

Comparative table of software versions

To organize the information, we have prepared a table showing the compatibility of shell versions and the operating system for Redmi Note 12. Data can vary depending on the specific release date of the update in your region.

As you can see from the table, the transition to HyperOS marks a shift from the core operating system to a newer one.For users, this means access to features that were not available on Android 12, such as improved widget management and more flexible privacy settings.

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If you’re planning to sell a phone, it’s best to stay on the latest stable version of HyperOS. Buyers are more likely to look for devices with up-to-date security and support for new apps.

However, newer versions of Android require more resources.On the Redmi Note 12 with its Snapdragon 685 processor, Android 14 can be slightly more energy-intensive in the first days after the update, until the system optimizes background processes.

Instructions for system updates

Updating the operating system is a process that requires careful attention. Before starting the procedure, make sure that your device is charged at least 60%.

The easiest way is to use the built-in updater. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI/HyperOS logo. The system will check for the new version. If the update is found, click Download and wait for the process to end.

For advanced users who want to speed up the process or install firmware manually, there is a file selection mode. The downloaded firmware archive (.zip format) must be placed in the root of internal memory or in a folder. downloaded_rom. Then, in the update menu, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file".

⚠️ Note: When you manually update (through file selection), all user data will be deleted. Be sure to back up photos, contacts and messages to the Mi Cloud cloud or to your computer before you start installing.

• 📲 Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid traffic costs.
• 🔋 Do not use your phone while installing updates so as not to disrupt the file recording process.
• 💾 Release me. 10-15 GB free space for unpacking and installation of packages.

After installing updates and restarting, the system can run slower than usual during the rest of the day. 15-30 It's okay, Android is re-indexing files and optimizing apps for the new version of the random.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Redmi Note 12 originally came out on Android 12, but supports an update to Android 13/14 as part of the HyperOS shell. Watch out for notifications in the About Phone menu for the latest security patches.