MIUI 12: What You Need to Know

If you own a Xiaomi phone, you’ve probably heard the name MIUI 12. It’s the version of Xiaomi’s Android skin that came out a few years ago, and many people still use it because it feels smooth and adds useful stuff. In this article we’ll break down the main features, show you how to get the update, and share some settings that make the phone run better.

Key Features of MIUI 12

First up, privacy. MIUI 12 adds a privacy dashboard that tells you which apps are using your camera, microphone, or location. You can toggle permissions right from that screen, so you know exactly who’s listening.

Next, the new dark mode. It’s not just a color swap – the UI elements are redesigned to look good in low‑light, and battery life gets a small boost because dark pixels use less power on AMOLED screens.

The system also rolls out smoother animations. Opening an app or switching home screens feels fluid, thanks to a higher frame rate that Xiaomi tuned for most devices.

Another nice touch is the “Super Wallpaper” feature. It adds subtle motion to your lock screen wallpaper, giving a lively feel without draining much battery.

Finally, MIUI 12 brings a built‑in timer for calls and a quick reply widget for messaging apps, making everyday tasks faster.

How to Install or Update to MIUI 12

Getting MIUI 12 on your phone is easy if you follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → About phone → System update. The phone will check for the latest OTA (over‑the‑air) package.

2. If MIUI 12 appears, tap Download. Make sure you’re on Wi‑Fi and have at least 30 % battery (or keep the charger plugged in).

3. Once the download finishes, you’ll see an Install button. Tap it, confirm, and the phone will reboot into the update process.

4. After the reboot, you’ll land on a welcome screen that walks you through new features. You can skip the tutorial if you prefer.

If the OTA doesn’t show up, you can visit the official Xiaomi Mi Community website, download the fastboot ROM for your model, and flash it manually. That method is a bit more technical, so only try it if you’re comfortable with a PC and USB debugging.

Remember to back up your data before any major update. Xiaomi’s built‑in backup tool under Settings → Mi Account → Backup & reset does the job quickly.

Once you’re on MIUI 12, spend a couple of minutes exploring the new settings – you’ll find hidden options like “App lock” and “Read receipts” for messages.

That’s it – a fresh MIUI 12 install should feel smoother, safer, and a bit more fun to use.