Modern ecosystem Xiaomi offers users regular software updates that not only improve stability, but also introduce new security and interface features. The transition to Android 12 (often distributed in the MIUI 13 or HyperOS shell) is an important step for owners of mid-range and flagship devices released in the last few years. This process gives you access to improved privacy controls, a new Material You design, and energy optimization.
However, the update procedure may vary depending on the specific model of your gadget and the firmware region. Some users experience that the OTA notification does not arrive for months, while others receive it first. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to switch to a new version of the operating system, from standard settings to manual installation via Recovery.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that your device really supports the target version of the software. The company Xiaomi has a strict device support schedule, and attempts to install unsupported firmware may result in unstable operation or loss of warranty. We will look at the nuances of checking compatibility and the preparatory steps that are critical to saving your data.
Checking compatibility and preparing the device
The first step should always be model verification. Not all smartphones in the line have received official support. Go to the menu Redmi or POCO received official support Android 12. Go to the menu Settings → About phone and carefully study the model number. Check it with the official list of supported devices on the community forum or the manufacturer's website.
Preparation includes not only checking the version, but also freeing up space. To correctly download and unpack the installation package, the system requires a significant amount of free memory. It is recommended to have a reserve of at least 5-7 GB, even if the firmware file itself weighs less.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations with the software, be sure to create a complete backup of important data in cloud storage or on your computer. A failure during installation can lead to complete loss of information.
☑️ Preparing for the update
The battery charge level is also critical. The flashing process is energy-intensive, and a sudden power outage while recording system partitions can turn the smartphone into a brick. Connect the device to the network or make sure that the indicator shows more than 60% charge.
Official update method via OTA
The safest and recommended method is to use the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). The system independently checks the update servers and offers to download the package if it is available for your region and imei device. This method minimizes the risks of compatibility errors.
To run the scan, follow the path Settings → About phone → MIUI version. Click on the system logo or the "Check for updates" button. If a new version is available, the download will begin automatically. In some cases, the button may be inactive if the servers are overloaded.
If the update is not found, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to "India" or "Global", check for the update, and then return yours region. This often makes the notification appear faster.
Sometimes it is useful to clear the Update app cache. This will not delete your data, but will force the system to re-request information from the server. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Component update (or simply "Update") and click "Clear" → "Clear cache".
After downloading the file, the system will prompt you to reboot. The screen will go dark and the installation process will begin, which may take 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, the device will reboot several times. Do not touch the control buttons until the lock screen appears.
Manual installation via Recovery mode
If the automatic update does not arrive, you can use the manual installation method. You will need to download the full firmware archive (Recovery ROM) from the official website or trusted resources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater. The file must have the extension .zip and not require unpacking.
Place the downloaded file in the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory. Then go to the update menu (Settings → About phone → MIUI version) and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Select "Select firmware file" and specify the path to the downloaded archive.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Through the update menu | Yes (usually) |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz | Via a computer (Mi Flash) | No (full reset) |
| Card Update | .zip | Via Recovery mode | Depends on the choice |
The system will check the integrity of the file. If the version is higher than the current one and the region matches, the "Update" button will appear. After clicking, the phone will reboot and install packages in the background. This method often works where OTA stalls due to regional restrictions.
What to do if the system writes “The file cannot be verified”?
This message often appears when trying to install firmware from another region (for example, Chinese to Global) or when downgrading the Android version. In such cases, unlocking the bootloader and a complete flashing via Fastboot is required.
Updating via Fastboot mode and PC
For advanced users, there is a method of flashing the firmware via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool. This method is necessary if the device does not boot or the firmware region needs to be changed (for example, switching from CN to Global). It requires an unlocked bootloader.
The process begins by putting the smartphone into Fastbootmode. To do this, turn off the phone, and then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the image of a hare appears in the header. Connect the device to the PC via the original USB cable.
⚠️ Attention: Using Fastboot mode with the "Clean All" option will completely delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and applications. Make sure that you have an up-to-date backup copy before starting the procedure.
In the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the unpacked folder with the firmware. At the bottom of the window, it is important to select the firmware mode: “Clean All” (full cleaning) or “Save User Data” (saving data, does not always work when changing Android versions). Click the "Flash" button and wait for the process to complete, which is displayed by a green progress bar.
Possible problems and solutions
During the update process, users may encounter various errors. One of the common problems is getting stuck on the MIUI logo (bootloop). If the phone hangs on the screensaver for more than 15 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Another common situation is an error when checking a file during a manual installation. This is often due to a damaged archive. Try downloading the firmware again, preferably from another source or using a download manager, to avoid connection interruptions.
- 📉 Battery drains quickly: After a major system update, Android 12 may optimize background processes for several days. Let the phone work for 2-3 days in normal mode without resetting it.
- 📶 Problems with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: Reset network settings through the menu
Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. - 📱 Interface lags: Clear the cache of all applications or remove recently installed apps that may conflict with the new version of the shell.
If nothing helps and the device has stopped responding to commands, you may need to enter the mode Recovery (buttons volume "Up" + power) and selecting the "Wipe Data" item. This is an extreme measure that returns the phone to factory settings.
Features of the Android 12 interface on MIUI
After a successful update, you will notice significant changes in the visual part and logic of the system. Material You brings dynamic colors that adapt to the desktop wallpaper, changing the shades of icons and widgets. This makes the interface more personalized.
The control center has been divided into two parts: the notification shade and the quick settings panel are now opened by swiping from different corners of the screen. This solution, borrowed from iOS, seems unusual at first, but quickly becomes convenient when using a smartphone with one hand.
Particular attention is paid to privacy. Indicators now appear in the upper right corner (green dot for the camera, orange for the microphone), signaling that some application is using these sensors. An access log has appeared in the privacy settings, where you can see which applications accessed your data and when.
Android 12 on Xiaomi brings not only visual changes, but also a serious redesign of the system core, which requires a period of adaptation and optimization of applications in the first days of use.
The work with the clipboard has also been improved: the system now asks the application for permission every time it tries to read copied text, protecting you from hidden data collection of passwords and verification codes.
Is it possible to roll back from Android 12 to an older version?
Officially, Xiaomi prohibits rolling back (downgrading) Android versions through the standard update menu. Trying to install old firmware via Recovery will result in an error. To roll back, you need to unlock the bootloader and completely flash it via Fastboot with clearing all data, which is difficult and risky for the average user.
How long does it take to install the update?
The time depends on the size of the file and the speed of the device's memory. The download can take from 10 minutes to an hour (on a slow Internet), and the installation itself usually lasts from 5 to 15 minutes. During this period, you cannot use the phone.
Will the update delete my photos and applications?
When updating over the air (OTA) or through the firmware file selection menu, user data is saved. However, when using Fastboot mode with the "Clean All" option or when changing the firmware region, the data will be completely deleted.
Why is the update not arriving on my Redmi Note?
Updates are distributed in stages. Perhaps your batch of devices has not yet received the update. Also, the reason may be a changed firmware (Chinese instead of global) or the presence of root access that block receiving official updates.