How to Update Xiaomi to MIUI 12

MIUI 12 was introduced on April 27, 2020. The new firmware version received significant changes in animations, security, and system options. The first presentation was traditionally for the Chinese region after the global announcement on May 19. In this article, we will tell you how to update Xiaomi to MIUI 12 by air (that is the official method) through TWRP Recovery (localized firmware) and Fastboot (Developer and Stable versions). We will also find out which Xiaomi smartphones will get the update and when.

What’s new compared to MIUI 11

There are no significant changes in functionality in MIUI 12. Almost all of the innovations relate to graphics, animations, applications, and personal data privacy. Let’s take a closer look:

• Smooth animation with beautiful effects. It appears when switching between vertical and horizontal modes, as well as when opening programs and tabs.
• Changed design. Redesigned all the icons, the settings menu, and the notification bar.
• Dynamic font. Letters can be scaled by adjusting their size and thickness. This should work not only with hieroglyphs but also with Latin and Cyrillic.
• Dark Mode 2.0. Dark Mode is now supported in all systems and third-party applications. Once activated, the picture will gradually darken, and not only the black background will be turned on.
• Super Wallpaper. The firmware has an animated space wallpaper, which goes from the lock screen to the desktop. You can also set the animated weather forecast: all the natural changes will be displayed on the screen as screensavers.
• Modified applications Notes, Tasks, Calculator, and Camera. The programs have received many improvements in both design and functionality.
• New themes in Always on Display. Users are offered a huge choice of dials, pictures, and designs for AOD.
• Handy organization of important data about your phone. Such information as storage capacity, free/occupied memory space and smartphone characteristics are arranged in graphs.

MIUI 12 Global Stable release date

MIUI 12 Global Stable was unveiled on May 19. At the presentation, the developers announced the full list of devices that will be updated. The update schedule to the international MIUI 12 will be divided into 2 waves. In the first phase, the firmware will be released for new flagships, in the second – for phones released during the year, and in the third – for older and budget models.

Which Xiaomi smartphones will get MIUI 12 (officially)

After the presentation on May 19, we already know the full list of Xiaomi phones that will be updated to MIUI 12 Global Stable.

Redmi lineup

• Redmi K30 Pro, Redmi K30 Pro Zoom Edition, Redmi K30, Redmi K30 5G;
• Redmi K20 Pro, Redmi K20 Pro Premium Edition, Redmi K20;
• Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, Redmi Note 9;
• Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi Note 8, Redmi 8, Redmi 8A;
• Redmi Note 7 Pro, Redmi Note 7, Redmi 7, Redmi 7A;
• Redmi Note 6 Pro, Redmi 6, Redmi 6A;
• Redmi Note 5;
• Redmi S2.

Mi lineup

• Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10, Mi 10 Youth Edition;
• Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro, Mi 9 Pro, Mi 9 Pro 5G, Mi 9, Mi 9 Explorer Edition, Mi 9 SE, Mi 9 Lite;
• Mi 8, Mi 8 Transparent Edition, Mi 8 Screen Fingerprint Edition, Mi 8 Youth Edition, Mi 8 SE;
• Mi Note 3, Mi Note 10, Mi Note 10 Pro;
• Mi Max 3;
• Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Mix 3;
• Mi 6X.

Subbrands

• Xiaomi CC9 Custom Edition, CC9 Pro, CC9e;
• Pocophone F1, Pocophone X2, Poco F2 Pro.

How to update Xiaomi to MIUI 12

Once you know who gets the new firmware, you can proceed directly to the update. There are three methods to update your phone to the latest version – “by air” with the help of the custom recovers and MiFlash.

Over-the-air (OTA) update

This is the easiest option that will suit beginners and inexperienced users. When the update arrives, you will immediately get a notification where you need to click “Download firmware” and then “Update now”.

But you can also check the availability of the new build yourself. To do this, go to “Settings” and open the “About the phone” section. Press “System update”. A new page will open, and you should click “Check for updates”. If a new version is available – the system will offer to download it.

The installation will happen automatically: the user will only need to choose the time of the update – at the moment or at night. No additional actions are required.

Despite the simplicity of the method, it has two significant disadvantages:

• The update comes only to the global firmware. If you have a custom or reflashed Chinese version – the build will not come.
• MIUI 12 Global release is significantly delayed compared to China ROM, so you have to wait quite a long time for the update “by air”. Much faster – to put the localized shell, based on the Chinese developer or stable build, on your own.

Through TWRP (localized firmware)

Until the global stable firmware is released, experienced users can install localized MIUI 12 via TWRP Recovery. The most popular builds are Xiaomi.EU and Mi-Room.

A video on Xiaomi.EU installation will also help. You will find all the necessary complete information at the links, and here we will duplicate only the most important information.

1. Unlocking the bootloader and installing the custom recovery.
2. Download ADB drivers so the computer will recognize the phone (drivers have usually installed automatically in Windows 10).
3. Download Xiaomi.EU firmware that fits your phone model.
4. Download the program Magisk. It is necessary to ensure that the customized firmware is not lost and does not overlap with the stock one. You can download it from here.
5. Switching the smartphone to recovery mode by pressing the power and volume buttons.
6. Reset the user data via “Wipe“. Reboot the device with “Reboot to recovery”.
7. Connect the device to the PC using the USB cable and move the flash file and the Magisk to the phone memory.
8. Disconnect your mobile device from the PC.
9. Press “Install“ on the phone and choose the firmware file. Swipe to the right to confirm. Wait for the installation to complete.
10. Then go back to the previous menu and install Magisk similarly.
11. Restart the smartphone and proceed with the initial setup. That’s the end of the firmware installation. The first power-on of the smartphone after flashing can take up to 10 minutes. This is normal.

Via Fastboot (MiFlash)

This method is suitable for installing MIUI 12 Global, RU, or China Developers. We have a detailed article that will help you flash your mobile device using Fastboot without any problems. In short, you need to:

1. Activate the bootloader and give your computer the drivers to recognize the connected smartphone.
2. Install MiFlash or MiFlash Pro software.
3. Download the firmware file from a reliable source (currently, only the Chinese beta version is available).
4. Put the phone into Fastboot mode: turn it off, press the power button and volume rocker after one minute.
5. Connect the handset to your PC via the original USB cable.
6. Unpack the firmware archive to your system drive to a folder with short Latin letters.
7. Launch MiFlash.
8. Press “Select“ to specify a path to the firmware file.
9. Refresh the list of devices by pressing “Refresh“. If the smartphone is successfully connected, its code will be displayed in the column “device”.
10. At the bottom, set the options for cleaning: “Clean all”, “Save user data” or “Clean all and lock”. The preferred option in most cases – “Clean all“.
11. Press “Flash“ and wait for the end of the installation.

If you choose “Clean all and lock”, the bootloader will be locked.

FAQ

How do I install Super Wallpaper?

Super Wallpaper is now available not only in MIUI 12. If you have an earlier version of the firmware, such as MIUI 11 or 10 – you can download the APK file with live wallpaper. After installing this file, the space screensavers will appear in the standard wallpaper app. On MIUI 12, you don’t need to download anything: you can enable super wallpaper directly in the theme app.

What to do if the update does not come through the air?

Update through OTA arrives on all phones with global stable firmware. That’s why ensure that you have exactly Global ROM, not custom, Chinese, or localized firmware. If Global ROM is installed on your smartphone, but the system does not offer to download the new build, download the update from the official website MIUI. And in the item “Settings” – “About the phone” – “System update” click on the triple dot. In the menu that appears, click “Download firmware file”. The update will start automatically.

How to become a Mi Pilot beta tester?

To do this, you need to fill out an official application. If approved, you’ll receive updates 2-3 weeks earlier than other users. All the details can be found in a separate branch on the Mi Community forum.

Now you know how to put MIUI 12 on Xiaomi or Redmi smartphones. Each user will find the most convenient way to install it. If you have any additional questions – ask for help in the comments.