After weeks of leaks and rumours, Xiaomi has finally released MIUI 12 with major UI changes and new features for a variety of its devices.
It features the new gesture navigation system, has extensive privacy protection, and offers beautiful animations for just about everything. Not to mention, MIUI 12 is packed with features and utilities.
In this article, we look at all aspects of MIUI 12, be it the UI, privacy, or hidden features. With that in mind, let's move on to the list and explore the top 25 MIUI 12 features.
Best MIUI 12 Features in 2020
1. MIUI12 user interface and layer
Xiaomi has constantly redesigned its user interface over the past few years, to make MIUI more minimalistic and intuitive to use. Last year, MIUI 11 broke away from its clunky design and brought something new: a clean and consistent user interface. This year, with MIUI 12, Xiaomi is building on its previous foundation, and it seems that the company has finally struck a good balance between feature count and minimal design language.
From the home screen to settings and system apps, everything is completely in sync with each other. The user layer does not have no deprecated AOSP interface which basically proves that Xiaomi has been persistent in revising and maintaining the design method across the board in MIUI 12.
Menus and pages are highlighted with large headers, eerily similar to the Windows Mobile operating system. Buttons and switches are again larger, making it easier for users to manage their mobile phone. What I like about MIUI 12 is that it doesn't feel cartoony in any way.
In fact, MIUI 12 shows itself to be quite mature, due to its consistency in each design element, be it small or large. And what is more, the entire user interface has a visual approach rather than a textual one. There are infographics, buttons, menus, cards, and they all come from a visual design language. In short, MIUI 12 is very well organized and I am sure you will love it.
2. Animations in MIUI 12
The animations in MIUI 12 are so good that it deserves a separate section. Yes, it's clearly iOS-inspired, but it's a job well done to successfully copy every UI transition with finesse. The moment you unlock the phone, The fade-in animation in MIUI 12 provides a satisfyingly smooth experience. Also, you will experience bounce effects throughout the user interface and zoom effect when opening apps.
You get a satisfying animation when you uncheck a task in the Notes app, uninstall an app, move between apps, and do anything else. Basically, the animations in MIUI 12 take the user experience to a higher level, and maybe better than the Pixel UI. In a nutshell, MIUI 12 is brewing with a range of visually pleasing animations and that completely changes the position of MIUI among all Android ROMs out there.
3. Control Center
In an attempt to make MIUI more like iOS, Xiaomi separated Quick Settings panel and notification tone in two different parts. You can access the Quick Settings panel, ironically named Control Center, from the top right and the notification shade from the top left. Many users will hate it and rightfully so, but it's nothing to worry about.
You can still go back to the old layout by simply disabling Control Center from the Settings page. Problem solved. But speaking of the design aspect of MIUI 12's control center, it looks pretty good, and again, it's a good job of copying iOS.
Apart from that, Xiaomi has also implemented its own version of Group Notification. Based on promotional and low priority content, MIUI 12 will group notifications at the end to make your notification less crowded. However, if you don't like this implementation, you can fall back to the default Android style, which is much better.
4. Gesture system
With MIUI 12, Xiaomi has finally removed its native gesture implementation and brought in Xiaomi's gesture navigation system. Android 10. You can go back from both sides, but you can't switch apps by holding down the back gesture. Also, you can switch between apps by swiping left and right at the bottom of the screen.
That said, what's cool about MIUI is that it adds its own refinements. Although the gesture system is almost in its infancy, Xiaomi has added a way to open the app-specific menu from the top from the screen. It basically means that from the top, you can swipe right to open a hamburger menu and it won't trigger the back gesture. it's great? One more reason to love MIUI 12.
5. Disable ads in one touch
Remember last year when Xiaomi announced that it would bring a one-touch switch to disable all ads from system apps? Well, it's finally here in MIUI 12. You no longer need to go through hacks and disable individual app ads. Alone open the account page located at the top of the Settings page and go to “Privacy Policy”.
Here you will find “System Announcements”. Open it and deactivate the lever immediately. That's it. With a single touch, you can now disable ads from all system apps in MIUI 12.
6. Floating window
The floating window is one of the main features of MIUI 12 and it is really interesting that Xiaomi has taken Freeform Window from Android 10 and made something useful for users in general. Basically, you can create a mini window of one app (works in most apps) and continue working in other apps with no problem.
At the same time, you can interact with the floating window without function restrictions, move it around the screen and enlarge the window according to your needs. That sounds great. Previously, this feature was only limited to the Calculator app, but now you can also use it on WhatsApp, Telegram, and other popular apps. You can use the Floating Window from the Recents menu and the notification ringtone.
7.Super Wallpapers
After Google introduced live wallpapers on Pixel devices, it has become a trend among mobile phone users. Following the trend, Xiaomi has gone one step ahead and brought something called Super Wallpapers with MIUI 12. It is quite similar to live wallpapers but comes with more dramatic animation that you are going to love it.
Until now, there are only two Super wallpapers based on Earth and Mars. Also, not all Xiaomi phones will get Super Wallpapers as it requires a powerful GPU. However, you can download the APK and run it on other Xiaomi devices as well.
8. Privacy protection in MIUI 12
Against the background of growing suspicion against Chinese OEMs for data leak malpractice, Xiaomi is taking sufficient measures to protect consumers' data on their smartphones. With MIUI 12, Xiaomi has introduced a separate and comprehensive panel called Privacy Protection on the Settings page.
With the behavior of the application, you can find permission stats of all apps and monitor their use. MIUI 12 classifies some permissions like location, storage, camera, microphone as sensitive permissions and shows how individual apps are using those permissions.
In addition to that, you can also manage sensitive permissions and revoke permissions that are not in line with expected behavior. Beyond, MIUI 12 alerts you if an app tries to access your location, record audio or take photos in background. In short, the privacy protection in MIUI 12 has undergone a much-needed upgrade and is certainly among the best features.
9. New permission system in MIUI 12
Xiaomi seems to be making it harder for apps to get permissions than ever in MIUI 12. Now, whenever an app tries to access a permission, it will be shown a permit application prepared with all the details as to what the app can do with that permission. For example, it not only shows the “Storage” permission, but also shows, with this permission, the app can modify and delete your files. This goes a long way in making users aware of what you are allowing to third-party apps. Other than that, every permission request has the least intrusive privacy option as the default option.
For example, "Allow only while using the app" is targeted instead of "Always allow" in permission requests. Again, this small design change brings a change in user behavior when granting permission. The new permission system is one of the best features of MIUI 12.
10. Virtual ID
After Privacy Protection and the new Permission System, Virtual ID is the third privacy-related feature in MIUI 12. Every app and website on the Internet uses something called an online identifier to serve personalized ads to users.
However, there are cases where companies try to create profiles of individuals from such data which can lead to targeted attacks, tracking and profiling. So to prevent that, Xiaomi has brought Virtual ID with MIUI 12. Instead of your real ID, MIUI will provide a Virtual ID (OAID) to third-party apps.
It goes to prevent apps from tracking your behavior and preferences. As a result, your privacy will always be protected.
You can enable Virtual ID from Settings -> Privacy Protection -> Manage -> Special Permissions -> Manage Virtual ID.
11. Dark Mode 2.0
Xiaomi had already made great progress with Dark Mode in MIUI 11 and now with MIUI 12, you get a new Dark Mode 2.0. In addition to the usual system-wide dark mode, now the wallpaper will also adjust to a darker color with more contrast. In case you don't know, it works with any wallpaper and not just system wallpapers.
Plus, when you turn down the brightness in dark mode, colors and lower contrast are automatically adjusted so you don't experience ghosting or any kind of gray smudges on your screen. Also, you can now choose dark mode for individual apps, so that's pretty cool.
12. Snap mode and camera improvements
Snap mode is a brand new feature in MIUI 12 and is built into the camera settings. With Snap mode activated, you can take photos even when the screen is off. Basically, with this feature, you no longer need to download a third-party spy camera from the Play Store.
To enable it, simply open the Camera Settings and turn on Snap Mode. After that, open the Camera app and turn off the screen. Now, hold down the volume down button and a photo will be clicked right away. Note that it also turns on the camera sound, so turn it off before secretly clicking a photo.
Also, the Camera app has undergone some UI improvements. By advancing the visual design language, you get controls and buttons that are easy to understand and use. You also can change camera color mode, sound and feature layout from Camera Settings -> Personalize.
Apart from that, you get the new subtitle mode which dictates the subtitles in real time while you are recording a video. Also, similar to iPhones, you can now tap and hold the shutter button to instantly record video instead of taking burst photos.
13. Focus mode
Focus mode finally debuted in MIUI 12 after making some noise arriving in MIUI 11. In case you're not familiar, Focus mode is very similar to OxygenOS Zen mode. That allows you to free yourself from your mobile phone for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Besides, you can also set your own custom time. Within this period, you will be locked out of your phone, except to make and receive calls. There are many Oxygen OS cheats to try.
Focus mode is intended for users who use phones for a seemingly long period of time without interruption. So if you want to go on a digital detox with a Xiaomi device, MIUI 12 has you covered. You can find Focus Mode under Screen Time (Digital Wellbeing) on the Settings page.
14. Video Toolbox in MIUI 12
Video Toolbox is a new feature in MIUI 12 that is very similar to Task Toolbox, but only for video related apps. It stays on the left side of the screen and allows you to quickly access many video-focused controls by simply swiping to the right. For example, if you are watching a video, you can change the mood of the screen with multiple effects from the Toolbox.
Similarly, you can take a screenshot, record video, make a note in a floating window, play video sound with screen off and also search in a web browser, all while watching a video. You can enable Video Toolbox for other video apps as well as Netflix and Amazon Prime from Settings -> Special Features -> Video Toolbox.
15. New health app
In MIUI 12, Xiaomi has brought a new Health app that puts all your health information, from different sources, in one app. You can also integrate your health data from Mi Band, Google Fit and other services and devices. A particularly cool feature of the Health app is sleep analysis that works without any sensors.
The Health app uses snoring and talk detection during bedtime to analyze your sleep cycle. It may not be the best way to calculate your sleep cycle, but you can definitely give it a try.
16. MIUI 12 Backup and restore using a computer
The backup and restore tool in MIUI 12 has a much-needed feature. Now, you can backup and restore your data on computers and the process is quite seamless.
You just need to backup all your data with Backup & Restore tool on your mobile phone and then copy the folder to your computer. After the backup process, you can find the backup folder inside MIUI -> Backup -> AllBackup.
By the way, backup files are stored in BAK format. And if you want to restore a backup from PC, just move the backup folder to your smartphone. After that, open Backup and Restore tool and switch to “Restore from computer”.
Here, it will automatically detect the backup folder and then you can proceed with the restore process. Note, however, that it does not back up the DCIM folder that stores all your photos, videos, and screenshots. In that case, you need to back up the DCIM folder manually.
17. lock screen clock
MIUI 12 has added a new lock screen clock that goes very well with the Super Wallpapers. It has a more textual style and the location on the lock screen looks great.
If you want to use the new lock screen clock, go to Settings -> Lock screen -> Lock screen clock format.
18. Sunlight mode
Sunlight mode is for those users who don't trust auto-brightness but want a solution to increase brightness while outdoors.
For example, even when auto-brightness is off, the screen brightness will increase when the mobile phone detects strong ambient light. Basically, with sunlight mode on, you can keep auto-brightness disabled and yet enjoy a good amount of brightness in sunlight automatically.
19.Lite mode
Lite Mode was part of previous versions of MIUI, but in the last two iterations, it was removed. Finally, Lite Mode has returned with MIUI 12. With Lite Mode, you can increase the size of the screen, the icon and the general UI. The control center is also simplified and system apps offer basic options in Lite Mode.
If you want to offer a Xiaomi device to elderly people, consider enabling Lite Mode in MIUI 12. It will make smartphone usability and navigation much easier for elderly people. You can find Lite mode in Settings -> Special Features.
20. Improvements in My Share
Mi Share is already pretty good at sharing files between Oppo, Vivo, and Realme devices, but with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a new device to the list. Now, together with other mobile phones, you can seamless file sharing with Mi Computers also.
What it means is that just like AirDrop, you will be able to share files and folders on your Mi laptop without much friction and at a higher speed. However, please note that you need to install the Xiaomi AIoT app on your computer for it to work.
21. Earthquake Warning
The security app in MIUI 12 has undergone some major changes. In addition to many utilities built into the Security app, it now also has Earthquake Warning. With this new feature, you can Receive earthquake alerts.
It will play a warning sound and also give you useful information right away. Additionally, you can choose to send your location information to emergency contacts at that time. These kinds of features make MIUI a unique skin for Android.
22. Improved file manager in MIUI 12
With the improved File Manager in MIUI 12, you can now quickly sort files and folders with a single tap. Xiaomi has brought a filter function which is located in the bottom right corner and allows you to sort folders based on size, type, and modified time.
In addition to that, you can also change the view from folders and files to lists and tiles from the same filter option. In a nutshell, if you were using Mi File Manager before, your experience will be much better in MIUI 12.
23.Dynamic Weather App
Xiaomi has completely revised the weather app and it looks somewhat similar to the native iOS weather app. However, the new change is noticeable and its dynamic view based on current weather.
It's clean, gives you a 5-day forecast, provides humidity information, and offers sunrise and sunset times. Overall, the new Dynamic Weather app is well designed and will make your MIUI 12 experience even better.
24. Game driver and other developer options
Developer Options in MIUI 12 has some new options, but among them, Game Driver seems to be interesting. It offers three options to choose from: Default, Game Driver and Prerelease Driver. While there isn't much information on its exact purpose, so far, it seems like a work in progress. It might have to do with Snapdragon's new feature that allows GPU driver update via OTA, but who knows.
On top of that, MIUI 12 has surprisingly kept some of the important features of Android 10. You can change the system-wide color and shape of icons from Developer Options, and in my short test, it worked pretty well.
25. Other features of MIUI 12
MIUI 12 ships with a network diagnostic tool where you can check your network speed, discover network problems and monitor which application is consuming your bandwidth in real time. You can find Network Diagnostics on the WiFi page.
In addition to the ability to add charts and create always-on display themes, you can now download always-on display themes from the official Themes app. You can further customize them based on your artwork, font, and text.
Unlike previous versions of MIUI, private DNS now no longer hidden within the system and you also don't need to use the Activity Launcher to access the particular settings page. Just go to Settings and open Connection and Sharing.
Here you will find private DNS in all its glory. Now you can easily configure the DNS of your choice.
MIUI 12 has brought some new battery indicators and you can get them from Settings -> Notifications and Status bar -> Status bar -> Battery indicator.
Best MIUI 12 Features Ranked For You
Those are the 25 best features of MIUI 12 that you should know and take advantage of. It was only the first beta so in the next few days there could be new feature additions so stay tuned as we will bring you all the new features.
As for the overall impression, certainly MIUI 12 is a big step up from last year's MIUI 11, both in terms of features and UI/UX. If you have any questions for us, yours is in the comments section below.