The arrival of MIUI 12 represents a qualitative leap in the experience that Xiaomi offers on Android. This version not only renews the visual section, but also introduces an extensive catalog of features, privacy tools, advanced customization, and performance improvements that make a difference in the daily lives of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO mobile users. In this guide, you'll discover the most comprehensive analysis on All the new features and key features of MIUI 12, tips to get the most out of them, access to exclusive tricks and the updated list of compatible mobiles both from Xiaomi and its associated brands.
MIUI 12: All the new features and essential functions
MIUI 12 is much more than a cosmetic change: it represents a complete evolution of the customization layer. Xiaomi's efforts are focused on three major pillars:
- Fluidity and immersive visual design, with an advanced animation and transition engine.
- Privacy & Security enhanced with permission control systems and active notifications.
- deep customization to adapt the user experience to the highest level.
Below, we explore each of the innovations in detail, integrating the most sought-after tricks and features, and highlighting those small details that make the difference compared to other Android skins.
Visual renewal: Interface, animations and realistic fluidity
One of the most notable changes in MIUI 12 is its minimalist and modern interface. Menus, icons and screens use new graphic resources and animations designed to give a sensation of movement and life in every interaction. Xiaomi has implemented a new animation graphics engine This includes effects such as smooth transitions when opening and closing apps, more responsive navigation gestures, transparency, lighting effects, and bubbles when deleting items. This integration is especially noticeable on smartphones with high-refresh-rate displays, where fluidity reaches premium levels.
Among the most transformed visual areas are:
- Weather app renewed that presents animated backgrounds based on real weather conditions, incorporating realistic graphics that improve the information experience.
- Graphic design in the menu "On the phone", storage and battery statistics, with dynamic and clear display at all times.
- Adoption of visual formats in all native apps, including gallery, notes, and health, to provide a seamless viewing experience.
Redesigned control center and intuitive management
Xiaomi has redesigned the Control center in MIUI 12 to offer quick and intuitive access to the most used system settings. Inspired by other platforms but with its own personality, just swipe from the top right to display the toggles. WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile data, flashlight and brightness. These controls are completely customizable: You can add, remove, and reorganize shortcuts to your preferences using a simple editor that makes everyday life easier.
Among the most appreciated tricks is the possibility of manage shortcuts using editable icons, thus optimizing the flow of frequent tasks such as activating power saving mode, sharing screens, or controlling smart devices linked to the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Super 3D wallpapers and full visual customization
With MIUI 12 the spectacular arrives Super Wallpapers 3D, animated backgrounds with realistic graphics of Earth and Mars, among other scenarios, that show immersive transitions from the lock screen to the desktop. This feature, in addition to being visually striking, leverages sensors to synchronize the animation with the time of day and real-world conditions, achieving deep customization.
In addition, Xiaomi includes more than 1.000 new wallpapers Available from the Themes app, allowing each user to fully customize their device's aesthetic. Dynamic backgrounds, depth effects, and the option to download styles from third-party creators are also available, expanding the range of customization options.
It is important to mention that Super Wallpapers 3D require AMOLED displays on many models, although dynamic wallpapers are available on a very wide range of Xiaomi and Redmi phones.
Dark Mode 2.0 Advanced: Adaptive and Universal
MIUI 12 introduces a second generation of dark mode which is not limited to native apps. Now, the system can also obscure third-party apps using a automatic recognition of visual tones. This means a coherent environment and a real reduction in eye strain and energy consumption, as the backgrounds, menus and visual elements They adapt according to the ambient light and contrast preferences set by the user.
Dark mode can be set to turn on automatically based on schedules or light conditions, and even adjusts compatible icons and wallpapers to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the system. This feature places MIUI 12 among the most comprehensive layers for dark theme management.
Ultra-customizable Always On Display
On devices with OLED or AMOLED displays, MIUI 12 boosts the Always On Display feature allowing more than 1.000 customizable animated stylesAnimations that vary based on the time, weather, and important events are implemented, along with interactive icons for quick access to key information such as battery and notifications. All settings are conveniently managed from the Themes app, with a dedicated section for AOD.
This provides a unique, premium experience on recent Xiaomi and Redmi phones, allowing essential information to always be available with minimal power consumption.
Improved multitasking: Floating windows, split screen, and intuitive gestures
La multitasking in MIUI 12 is more versatile and efficient than ever. The following are implemented: floating windows, allowing any application to be converted into a small window on top of the rest of the apps, which can be moved, resized or fixed according to the user's needs.
This is especially useful for answering messages while watching videos, checking notes while browsing, or managing multiple tasks without having to switch between full screens. improved navigation gestures These allow you to open, close, and move these windows intuitively and with outstanding fluidity. Likewise, MIUI 12 maintains the split-screen function, allowing you to use two apps simultaneously and optimizing mobile productivity.
Smartly organized app drawer
For the first time, MIUI 12 incorporates a native app drawer. When activated, all apps are automatically stored, allowing for a cleaner and more organized home screen. Includes automatic classification by thematic categories (communication, photography, tools, games, etc.), making it easier to search and access the most used applications.
Users can switch between the traditional desktop app view and the new app drawer, providing increased customization and convenience in everyday life.
Privacy, enhanced security, and advanced permission control
One of the pillars of MIUI 12 is its focus on Personal data protectionThe system incorporates innovations such as:
- Improved Privacy Dashboard: Provides a detailed log of how many times each app has accessed critical permissions (location, camera, microphone, contacts, storage) and when.
- Notifications active in the background: Whenever an app uses your camera, microphone, or GPS without your knowledge, an icon or visual alert appears in the status bar, allowing you to block or revoke permission immediately.
- Single-use permits: You can grant temporary access to protected resources for the app to use only once, and when you close the app, those permissions are automatically removed.
- Mask mode: A feature that simulates incognito mode, providing dummy data to apps that request sensitive information without sending your real data.
- Removing metadata from shared photos: When sending images, you have the option to remove information such as location or camera details, strengthening your privacy when sharing content.
- TÜV Rheinland safety certification: MIUI 12 meets international standards to provide extra protection.
Advanced Screencasting and Video Toolbar
MIUI 12 expands the possibilities for the screen transmission (screen cast), allowing you to send videos, games, documents, apps, or the entire screen to compatible monitors, TVs, or projectors. It includes options to continue using your phone while streaming, keeping the app in a floating window and allowing you to hide notifications or calls on the external monitor to preserve privacy.
La video toolbar It makes it easy to edit, record and project multimedia content, and even allows you to turn off the mobile screen (screen off) to save battery while keeping the transmission active.
Improvements to proprietary apps: health, notes, gallery, and more
Xiaomi's native apps are getting a major update in MIUI 12. Highlights include:
- Health application: Now allows for advanced sleep tracking (including snore monitoring and sleep phase recognition, without the need for a smart bracelet), counting steps, floors climbed, and the quality of physical activity, saving all data locally on the device for maximum privacy.
- Notes and gallery: Expanded editing, organization, and synchronization options, integration with themes and wallpapers, and smart sorting tools.
- Minimalist mode (for older people or users looking for simplicity): Simplifying the interface and increasing the size of text and buttons.
- Video edition: New tools for cutting, merging, applying effects, and sharing videos on social media directly from the gallery.
- New widgets and shortcuts for digital wellbeing, parental controls, permission management, and performance optimization.
Second-generation dark mode and smart battery saving
El dark mode 2.0 Developed by Xiaomi, it represents one of the most refined sections in MIUI 12. It allows:
- Automatically darken third-party applications without requiring native support thanks to a system of analysis of colors, contrasts and texts, dynamically adapting backgrounds and icons.
- Reduce energy consumption and eye fatigue, especially useful on devices with OLED or AMOLED displays.
- Set automatic schedules or activate ambient light mode to maximize eye comfort.
As to ultra battery saving modeMIUI 12 can restrict non-essential functions, limit background processes, and keep only critical activities like calls, messages, and basic network access, extending the phone's battery life in emergency situations or when a charger is unavailable.
Floating windows, split screen, and quick actions
In addition to multitasking, MIUI 12 includes features of split screen to use two applications simultaneously. The entire system is optimized for gesture navigation, allowing:
- Open, move, and resize floating windows with simple swipes.
- Split the screen to work or enjoy entertainment without switching apps.
This raises the level of productivity and enables professional management from the Xiaomi mobile.
Artificial Intelligence: Mobile AI Compute Engine
The new Mobile AI Compute Engine API enables intelligent features such as:
- Spam call recognition and advanced filtering to avoid inconvenience.
- Better detection of physical activity and proactive adaptation of resources according to usual use.
- Automatic optimization of consumption and speed, detecting patterns and adjusting the system in real time to provide an optimal balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Game mode and personalized gaming experience
El Game Turbo mode receives new options to customize the experience during matches:
- Access graphics acceleration, latency improvement, and advanced notification settings to avoid interruptions.
- Direct gameplay recording, brightness control, and resource management to maintain stable performance during intensive gaming.
- Options to allow or block calls and messages during the most demanding games.
Advanced Tricks and Features: Get the Most Out of MIUI 12
MIUI 12 includes a host of advanced tricks and tweaks. Highlights include:
- Setting up physical shortcuts: Customize physical buttons to perform actions such as opening the camera, turning on the flashlight, or taking screenshots with key combinations.
- App cloning (dual apps): allows you to use two accounts of the same app (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) simultaneously.
- One hand mode: Shrinks the screen for easy one-handed operation, adjusting the size to the user's preference.
- Disabling advertising in system apps through internal settings and notification permissions.
- Digital wellbeing management and monitoring: Usage timers, parental controls, and app blocking to improve habits and minimize distractions.
- Mi Share (fast file sharing): Send documents, images, and videos to other Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO devices without the need for external apps or an Internet connection.
- Customize full themes, fonts, icons, and desktop grids to tailor your phone to your style.
- Removing or customizing a watermark on the camera, being able to sign your photos in a personalized way.
- show the connection speed in the status bar to have network information at all times.
New camera features and multimedia improvements
In MIUI 12, the camera receives a host of new features, although some advanced features are mainly available on mid- to high-end models:
- Kaleidoscope effect and the ability to clone subjects multiple times in the same shot.
- New portrait modes, real-time editing, smart filters, and improved algorithms for night photography.
- Clearer, more customizable interface with shortcuts to key settings.
- Option to record video in advanced formats and share directly on social networks.
Other improvements and details that complete the MIUI 12 experience
Among the additions that complete the experience are:
- Interactive notifications, which display active icons when using sensitive functions (camera, microphone, location).
- Smart organization of the left-side menu, with widgets for accessing relevant information and favorite apps.
- Advanced video and screen capture editing with annotations, cropping, and filters.
- Optimized RAM management, support for virtual RAM expansion on some models, and efficient cleanup of background processes.
- Support for pure Android-style navigation gestures, making it easier for users migrating from other brands to adapt.
- Productivity tools, such as synchronization between PC and mobile, copy/paste between devices, and receiving phone notifications on your computer.
- Improvements to the Xiaomi ecosystem with integration of IoT and home automation devices.
Complete list of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones compatible with MIUI 12
The MIUI 12 update has arrived in waves to a wide range of devices. Most phones released by Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO in recent years can enjoy most features, although some premium features are reserved for the most powerful models. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Lite, Mi 10 Youth Edition
- Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 9 SE, Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro, Mi 9 Lite, Mi 9 Transparent Edition
- Xiaomi Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro, Mi 8 Lite, Mi 8 Explorer, Mi 8 Youth Edition
- Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, MIX 2S, MIX 3
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3, Mi Note 10, Mi Note 10 Lite
- Redmi K30, K30 Pro, K30 5G, K30 Zoom Edition, K20, K20 Pro, K20 Pro Premium Edition
- Redmi Note 9, Note 9 Pro, Note 9S, Note 8, Note 8 Pro, Note 8T, Note 7, Note 7 Pro, Note 6 Pro, Note 5, Note 5 Pro
- Redmi 8, 8A, 8A Dual, 7, 7A, 6, 6 Pro, 6A
- Pocophone F1, POCO X2, F2 Pro, POCO M2, POCO C3, among others
- Mi MAX 3, Mi 6, Mi 6X, Mi Mix, Mi CC9, CC9e, CC9 Pro
Other relevant models, according to official and semi-official listings in China and European updates, include:
- Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10S, Mi 9 Pro 5G, Mi 9 SE, Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 UD, Mi 8 Transparent Edition, Mi 6X
- Redmi K30S, K30i 5G, K30 Ultra, K30 Pro Zoom Edition, K20 Pro Premium Edition
- Redmi 9, 9A, 9C, 7, 7A, Y2, Y3, S2, Note 9 Pro Max, Note 9S, 8A Pro
It's important to note that some model names may vary by region (for example, the Redmi K30 series is equivalent to the POCO series in Europe). The vast majority of models released with MIUI 11 or MIUI 12 preinstalled receive the update and have access to core features, although minor restrictions may apply depending on the hardware.
To follow the evolution of the updates, it is advisable to pay attention to the official Xiaomi notes and the application of device updates.
MIUI 12 FAQs and Usage Tips
- Can ads be removed from MIUI 12? Yes, you can disable ads and notifications from the 'msa' app or specific system apps from your app and notification settings.
- How to clone an app for two accounts? Go to Settings > Apps > Dual Apps and select the apps you want to duplicate.
- Does dark mode affect all apps? MIUI 12 darkens most apps, both native and third-party, even if the original app isn't compatible, thanks to its own contrast engine.
- How do I activate the app drawer? From Settings > Home Screen > choose the option with app drawer.
- Can I customize the icons and grid? Yes, you can change the icon size, number of columns and rows, and visual appearance from the home screen settings and the Themes app.
- What to do if a function is missing? Some advanced features may only be available on phones with compatible hardware (AMOLED displays, specific sensors, etc.).
- Is MIUI 12 receiving security updates? Xiaomi maintains regular updates to fix bugs, vulnerabilities, and optimize new features, especially on newer models.
By exploring thoroughly MIUI 12It's clear that Xiaomi has opted for a comprehensive, secure, and highly customizable layer. The integration of advanced privacy features, polished visual design, productivity and multitasking capabilities, and the inclusion of tools specific to the Xiaomi ecosystem place it at the forefront of Android customization.
Whether you're looking to make the most of your screen, optimize your daily life, improve your privacy, or simply customize your phone's look to your liking, MIUI 12 is one of the most robust and well-known options. If your device is compatible, don't hesitate to explore every corner of this version and discover all its secrets. For an even more in-depth look, visit our selection and stay up to date with the latest Xiaomi news.