Smartphones of the Redmi Note 12 series have become a real bestseller due to the successful combination of affordable price and advanced characteristics. However, when purchasing a device, users often wonder about the software that is already installed out of the box or available for updating. Understanding what's on your gadget is critical to assessing its longevity, compatibility with modern applications, and data security. what version of Android installed on your gadget is critical to assessing its longevity, compatibility with modern applications and data security.
Depending on the sales region and release date, the initial versions of the operating system can vary significantly. Global models often start with more recent software, while Chinese versions may require flashing or manual installation of Google services. In this article, we will analyze in detail the evolution of firmware for the entire line Redmi Note 12, including Pro and Pro+ versions, and explain how to safely get the maximum possible update.
Initial version of the operating system upon purchase
When you first turn on a new smartphone, the user is immediately faced with a shell interface running on top of the base system. For most global versions Redmi Note 12 4Greleased at the beginning of 2023, the factory firmware was MIUI 13based on the architecture Android 12. This is a reliable and stable platform that ensures that all the main functions of the device operate without failure.
However, the situation changes dramatically if we consider models with support for fifth generation networks. Versions Redmi Note 12 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G were initially supplied with a more advanced MIUI 14 based Android 13. The difference in one generation of the system can be significant for the operation of some specific applications that require new APIs.
Chinese versions of devices, often imported as parallel imports, may have a slightly different picture. They may have a system installed without pre-installed Google services, which will require additional configuration steps from the user. It's important to check your device's region in the settings to understand which update branch you can count on.
It's worth noting that even if a phone came out with Android 12, that doesn't mean it'll be stuck on that version forever. Xiaomi's policy involves supporting current models for several years, providing major security and functional updates.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used or “gray” imported smartphone, be sure to go to the menu
Settings → About phoneand check the current version of MIUI. Chinese firmware (CN ROM) receive updates earlier than global ones, but may have problems with notifications and Russian language in some system applications.
Available updates to MIUI 14 and HyperOS
Xiaomi developers are actively working on optimizing the software for their bestsellers. A major update to the shell has already been released for the Note 12 line, which brings improved memory performance and a new icon design. This update is available for all modifications, including the basic 4G model. MIUI 14, which brings improved memory performance and new icon designs. This update is available for all modifications, including the base 4G model.
The most anticipated event for the owners of these smartphones was the announcement of the transition to a new ecosystem. HyperOS. This system replaces MIUI and promises deeper integration with the brand's smart home and car interfaces. The update is rolling out in waves, so notification availability may vary depending on your region.
Users who want to speed up the process can use the manual check feature. To do this, you need to go to the Settings → About phone section and click on the MIUI version logo. If the company's servers have already started sending out a package for your device, the system will offer to download it immediately.
It is important to understand the difference between stable and beta firmware. The stable branch is fully tested and recommended for everyday use, while beta versions may contain bugs, but give access to new features earlier than others.
Before installing a major update (for example, upgrading from Android 12 to 13), be sure to back up your important data to the cloud or to your computer, as the process may take up to 30 minutes and your phone will be unavailable.
Comparison of characteristics of Android versions in the line
To clearly see the difference between various modifications of the smartphone and their software, consider the summary table. It will help determine what maximum update is theoretically available for your specific model, based on the technical characteristics of the processor.
| Device model | Processor | Starting version of Android | Maximum version (plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 4G | Snapdragon 685 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) | Android 14 (HyperOS) |
| Redmi Note 12 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) | Android 14 (HyperOS) |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Dimensity 1080 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) | Android 14 (HyperOS) |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | Dimensity 1080 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) | Android 14 (HyperOS) |
As can be seen from the table, All devices in the line have a single development vector. Despite the differences in chipsets, the company strives to provide the same level of software support across the entire series. This makes life easier for users who don't have to guess whether their phone will get a new feature.
The Snapdragon and Dimensity processors used in these models have enough performance headroom to run modern versions of Android. Optimization of the system core allows even not the most powerful chips to work smoothly in the HyperOS interface.
All Redmi Note 12 models, including the basic 4G version, officially support updating to Android 14 as part of the HyperOS shell.
Instructions for safe firmware update
The software update procedure requires care to Avoid system file writing errors. Before starting the download, make sure the battery level is at least 50%. It is recommended to connect the device to a Wi-Fi network, since the installation package can exceed 4-5 GB.
Go to the settings menu and select About the phone. Click on the area with the current MIUI version. If an update is available, a Downloadbutton will appear. Once the download is complete, click Reboot. The phone will turn off and begin the installation process, which may be accompanied by several reboots.
In some cases, automatic updates may not arrive for months due to regional restrictions. Then you can use the manual installation method via Recovery. To do this, you need to download the firmware file (.zip extension) from the official MIUI Downloader portal and place it in the root of the internal memory.
Next you need to enter Recovery mode by simultaneously pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons while the phone is turned off. In the menu that appears, select Install update.zip and confirm the action. This method allows you to update forcibly, bypassing the wait for an OTA notification.
☑️ Preparing for a system update
⚠️ Attention: Never interrupt the update installation process by turning off the phone or pressing buttons. Interrupting the recording of the system partition may cause the smartphone to stop booting (bootloop), and recovery will require connecting to a PC and using special software.
Solving problems with lack of updates
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone writes “You are using the latest version,” although the solution is already being discussed on the forums new firmware for this model. Often the reason lies in the fact that your device belongs to a region where distribution has not yet begun, or you are using a modified version of the software.
Another common reason is an unlocked bootloader. If you previously unlocked the bootloader to install custom recovery or root access, automatic OTA updates will stop coming. In this case, you will have to update exclusively manually through a computer or Recovery mode.
It is also worth checking whether your phone has been “upgraded” from the Chinese version to the global one using a makeshift method. Such devices often have a “Closed” status in the bootloader settings, but are not formally global versions. For them, updates may never arrive, or they may arrive with compatibility errors.
In rare cases, the problem is solved by resetting the network settings or clearing the cache of the Update application. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the application System Update and select Clear cache. After that, repeat checking for a new version.
What to do if the update is frozen?
If the installation process is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, try force reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In most cases, the system will roll back to the previous working version.
Support prospects and future versions
The support policy for mid-segment smartphones has become more loyal in recent years. For the Redmi Note 12 series, the manufacturer has announced a guarantee of receiving two major Android updates. This means that the life cycle of the device in terms of software relevance will be quite long.
It is expected that the final major version for this line will be Android 15. After this, devices will only receive security patches for another one to two years. This is standard practice across the market to help keep user data protection up to date.
The move to HyperOS also opens up opportunities for features that were previously exclusive to flagships. Improved algorithms for working with RAM and a new task scheduler mechanism allow you to extend the comfortable life of your smartphone by a year and a half.
Users for whom the latest version of the system is critical, even after the end of official support, should pay attention to the developer community. For popular models like Redmi Note 12, unofficial firmware based on pure Android (AOSP) is often created, which can revive the device.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware (Custom ROM) completely voids the device's official warranty. In addition, banking applications and payment systems (Google Pay, Mir Pay) may stop working due to SafetyNet security mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to roll back from HyperOS back to MIUI 14?
The official rollback method (downgrade) through the update menu is blocked by the security system. You can return to the old version only through Fastboot mode and connecting to a computer using the Mi Flash Tool, in which case all data from the phone will be permanently deleted.
Why is there no Android 13 on my Redmi Note 12, although it has already been released?
The distribution of updates occurs in stages. Perhaps your batch of devices has not yet received the update. Also check the region in the settings: if a specific region is selected (for example, India or China), the update schedule may differ from European or Russian.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
When updating over the air (OTA) or via Recovery in normal mode, all user data is saved. Resetting to factory settings occurs only when switching between different types of firmware (for example, from Chinese to Global) or during a manual downgrade.
How to find the exact build number of Android?
Go to Settings → About phone. The MIUI version will be indicated there (for example, 14.0.5), and below it in small print is the Android version (for example, 13). The Build number is located in the same line and is needed to accurately identify the firmware on the forums.
Does the Android version affect the operation of banking applications?
Yes, some banking applications require certain security levels and API versions that appear only in the latest versions Android. Using an outdated system (below Android 11-12) may eventually make it impossible to launch banking applications.