The transition to a new version of the operating system is a key stage in the life cycle of any smartphone. For device owners Xiaomi updating to Android 12 (often supplied in a shell MIUI 13) provides access to a redesigned interface, an improved privacy system and energy optimization. Many users are faced with the fact that automatic notification of new firmware does not arrive, although their device officially supports the update.
The process of installing a new software version may vary depending on the regional version of your device and the current build. MIUI. There are several proven methods: from standard over-the-air updates to manual installation of the image through recovery mode. Choosing the right method depends on your technical background and the condition of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, check the compatibility of models and consider the nuances of manual installation. It is important to understand that updating the system kernel affects critical sections of memory, so neglecting security rules can lead to data loss or the need for service repairs.
Checking compatibility and preparing the device
Before proceeding with any actions, you need to make sure that your model has officially received support Android 12. The company Xiaomi releases updates in waves, and some devices may receive the firmware later than others or not at all. The list of supported smartphones is constantly expanding, but flagships from previous years are usually a priority.
Make sure that there is enough free space on the internal storage. To download and unpack the firmware archive, you usually need at least 5-10 GB of free memory. If the storage is full, the system may throw an error or freeze during the file verification process.
Creating a backup copy of the data is a critical step. Even with a regular update, there is a minimal risk of failure, which may require a full reset. Use the built-in application Security or cloud services Google to save contacts, photos and application settings.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the procedure, be sure to charge the device to at least 60%. Interrupting the update process due to low battery can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a “brick.”
It is also worth disabling all third-party optimizers and antiviruses that may interfere with system recording processes. Check the integrity of the SIM card and microSD card: sometimes a conflict of file systems on external media interferes with the correct operation of the installer.
☑️ Ready for update
List of devices supporting Android 12
Updating to Android 12 available for a wide range devices released between 2019 and 2021. However, the availability of global stable firmware depends on the specific sales region. In China, updates often arrive earlier than in the global market.
Below is a table of popular models that are guaranteed to have received or are receiving an update to this OS version through official channels. If your device is not in the list, it is possible that only a beta version or custom firmware is available for it.
| Device series | Examples of models | Update status | Shell version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagships Mi | Mi 11, Mi 10, Mi 9 | Stable version | MIUI 13 / 14 |
| Redmi Note Series | Redmi Note 10, Note 9 Pro | Stable version | MIUI 13 |
| POCO Series | POCO F3, POCO X3 NFC | Stable version | MIUI 13 |
| Budget segment | Redmi 9, Redmi 10 | Depending on the region | MIUI 12.5 / 13 |
Owners of series devices Black Shark or specific Chinese versions without Google services should contact specialized forums, as the update path may differ from the standard global scenario.
Method 1: Over-the-air (OTA) update
The simplest and safest method of obtaining a new version Android is to use the standard OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. This method does not require connection to a computer and minimizes risks for inexperienced users. The system itself checks the servers for the presence of a new build suitable for your device ID.
To start the scan, go to the settings menu and select About the phone. Click on the large version icon MIUI. If an update is available, the button Download and install will become active. In some cases, the system may offer to download a full package (~3-4 GB) or an incremental update (~300-500 MB).
Incremental packages install faster, but require that a certain previous version is already installed on the device. Full packages (Full ROM) are more reliable, as they overwrite all system partitions, eliminating possible garbage accumulation errors in previous versions.
If the update button is not active, try clearing the cache of the Software Update application. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Software update → Memory → Clear cache.
Sometimes the notification does not arrive due to region settings. Changing the region in the phone settings to “India” or “Indonesia” can artificially trigger the update to appear, but this method requires caution and subsequent resetting of the settings.
⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the download of the OTA package when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. A damaged download archive will result in a verification error, and the process will have to start again, wasting traffic.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery
If automatic updating does not work or you want to update ahead of schedule using the firmware file downloaded from the official website, the installation method via mode is suitable for you. Recovery. This method requires first downloading a firmware file with the extension .zip.
You must download the firmware only from trusted resources, for example, the official portal Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Make sure that the firmware type (Recovery) matches the selected installation method. The file must be placed in the root of the device’s internal memory, without being in any folders.
To start the installation process manually, go to the menu About phone and repeatedly click on the version icon MIUIuntil the message “Additional update features are enabled” appears. Then click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Select firmware file.
File path: /storage/emulated/0/update.zipAfter selecting the file, the device will reboot into recovery mode and begin the installation process. The screen may go dark for a few minutes - this is normal behavior. Do not press any buttons at this moment.
What to do if error 7 appears in Recovery?
Error 7 usually means a mismatch between the firmware region and the device, or an attempt to roll back to an older version (Anti-Rollback). In this case, use only the official firmware for your region or the Fastboot method.
The advantage of the Recovery method is that it saves user data (photos, contacts), unlike a complete flashing. However, if you switch from the global version to the Chinese version or vice versa, the data may be lost.
Method 3: Updating via Fastboot mode
The flashing method via Fastboot is the most powerful tool in the arsenal of an advanced user. It allows you to completely repartition the system partitions and install a clean version Android 12, ignoring regional lock restrictions (if you have an unlocked bootloader).
For this method you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB and Fastboot, as well as a high-quality USB cable. Download the firmware image with the extension .tgz (Fastboot ROM), unpack it and place it in the root of drive C or in the folder with platform tools.
Turn the smartphone into Fastboot mode by simultaneously holding down the power and volume down buttons while the device is turned off. Connect your phone to your PC. In the computer command line, enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the device serial number is displayed in the console, you can run the firmware script. The folder with the unpacked firmware usually contains a file flash_all.bat (for Windows) or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac). Running this script will automatically flash all partitions.
⚠️ Attention: The command
flash_allcompletely deletes all data from the device. A backup is required before performing this procedure. Using the commandflash_all_except_data_storageallows you to save data, but may cause conflicts when changing the Android version.
The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes. When finished, the device will automatically reboot. The first launch after a clean installation will take longer than usual, as the system will optimize applications.
Fastboot mode is the only way to change the firmware region (for example, from CN to Global) or restore the device after a serious software failure.
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of updating to Android 12 users may encounter a number of common problems. One of the most common is the “bootlap” (cyclic reboot). This can happen if the firmware file was damaged during boot or if the integrity of system files was compromised before the update.
The network may also disappear or sensors may not work correctly. This is often solved by resetting the network settings or completely wiping the data via Recovery. In rare cases, a re-flashing is required in the same way, but using the full cleanup command.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: After a major update, the system spends several days indexing files and optimizing the background. Let the device work for 2-3 days in normal mode.
- 📶 Wi-Fi problems helps: Try to forget the network and connect again. In some cases, resetting the network settings in the menu
Connections and sharing. - 📱 Interface slowdowns: Clear the system launcher cache and delete unused widgets that may not be optimized for the new version MIUI.
If the device stops responding to presses and does not enter the menu, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In critical situations, only the mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which can be entered through specialized software or closing contacts on the board (for experienced ones), will help.
Why did some applications disappear after the update?
Some old applications may be incompatible with the new security requirements of Android 12. Check for updates for them in Google Play or remove outdated software.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to upgrade from Android 10 directly to Android 12, bypassing 11?
Yes, if you use the full firmware package (Full ROM) via Recovery or Fastboot you can jump over the intermediate version. However, when updating OTA, the system usually prompts you to install the versions sequentially.
Will my Mi account and data be erased after the update?
When updating via OTA or Recovery while saving data, the account and files remain in place. When flashing via Fastboot with the full wipe command (flash_all), all data will be deleted.
Is it safe to install Chinese firmware on a global device?
No, it is not safe without unlocking the bootloader. Trying to install CN ROM on a Global device via Recovery will result in an error. In addition, Chinese firmware does not have Google services by default, which requires additional configuration.
How to roll back to Android 11 if I didn’t like the new version?
Official rollback (Downgrade) is only possible through Fastboot mode with preliminary unlocking of the bootloader. An attempt to rollback via Recovery is often blocked by the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which can damage the device.
Why did the battery begin to discharge faster after the update?
In the first 48-72 hours after installing a new version of Android, the system performs background optimization of applications and re-indexing of media files. This is a temporary phenomenon that should go away on its own.