The Mi 8 Explorer Edition picked up the stable MIUI 12 update based on Android 10 around a week ago in China. This new update released as version 12.0.1.0.QEHCNXM and was rolling out to users over the air.

As expected, the new MIUI 12 update for the Mi 8 Explorer Edition brought along a host of new features and improvements over MIUI 11. Xiaomi continues to live up to its reputation by offering as many features as it can. This is evident with the MIUI 12 skin.

But it appears that the previous update for the device was pulled due to unknown reasons. Instead, the company has re-released the stable MIUI 12 update for the device. This time around, it comes as version 12.0.2.0.QEHCNXM, up from the same MIUI 11-based version 11.0.3.0.QEHCNXM.

mi_8_explorer_edition_front_back
Mi 8 Explorer Edition

Like the previous update, the new software is rolling out via an OTA update to users in China. Moreover, the changelog for this new version is also almost identical to the previous software update. You can take a look at all the new features and additions below:

Highlights
MIUI 12. Yours alone.
System animations
New: All-new physically based animation engine with advanced architecture will refresh your device’s look.
New: Dynamic window technology takes switching screen orientation to a new level.
Optimization: Animations in selected scenes
System visuals
Brand new visual design works for all types of content and languages.
Magazine-level layouts bring important things into the spotlight and make content structure clear.
Super wallpapers
New: Super wallpapers break physical boundaries and keep inspiring you with every touch.
Privacy protection
New: MIUI 12 is the first Android-based mobile OS that went through the rigorous enhanced privacy protection testing.
New: Reset your device ID and control how it’s used based on virtual ID technology.
New: Grant permissions that will be used only while you’re using an app.
New: You can also grant permissions just once, and decide again next time a permission is required.
New: Restrict access to telephony to third party apps.
New: Return blank messages to the apps that require personal information.
New: Receive notifications whenever apps record audio, use camera, or access your location.
New: Use secure sharing to control what additional data is sent along with shared items.
New: Get comprehensive stats on how apps use permissions in app behavior history.
New: Visit privacy.miui.com to learn how MIUI protects your privacy.
Optimization: Apps aren’t allowed to launch other apps in the background now.
Floating windows
New: Pull down a notification sent by a messenger app to turn it into a floating window.
New: Floating windows keep apps running in the foreground even when you pause to do other things.
New: You can minimize a floating window using a full screen gesture.
New: You can open an app in a floating window directly from Recents.
Optimization: Press and hold an app preview in Recents to choose between Split screen and floating windows.
AI Call Assistant
New: Mi AI can answer your calls now!
New: You can record a customized greeting that will be played to the other person during AI calls.
New: Customized greetings are also supported for outgoing calls.
Xiaomi Health
New: All-new Xiaomi Health gives you more options and makes your health stats more accurate.
New: Put your device next to you before falling asleep to analyze your sleep cycle and record talking and snoring.
New: You can sync data with supported wearable and smart home devices.
New: Xiaomi Health can remind you to stand up and move when it detects that you’ve been sitting down for too long.
New: The app also analyzes your stats and gives you simple health advice.
New: Our new low-power consumption AI algorithm allows you to count steps and track workouts whenever your device is with you.
Control center
New: Swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen to open Control center.
New: Animated icons are a joy to look at!
New: Swipe down from the upper left corner to open Notification shade and from the upper right corner to open Control center
New: When Notification shade is open, swipe down from the upper right corner to open Control center
Optimization: MIUI 11 custom toggle order is preserved after updating to MIUI 12
Fix: Some toggles disappeared from Control center in the editing mode
Accessibility
New: Mi Ditto combines dictation and speech output, making mobile devices more convenient for people who have difficulties using conventionally designed smartphones.
Dark mode
New: Dark mode support is also provided for third party apps now.
New: Contrast is lowered automatically in low light conditions to protect your eyes.
New: Font weight is adjusted to Dark mode as well, reducing blur and glare.
New: Wallpapers can be displayed in darker palette when your device switches to Dark mode.
Optimization: Brightness and color improvements for wallpapers in Dark mode
Always-on display
New: You can use custom images with Always-on display now.
New: Usage history saves all your choices and allows you to come back to them.
Trips
New: Traffic and suggested routes to airports and train stations.
New: You can track your previous trips now.
New: Checklists for trips.
New: Alarms for train arrivals.
Mi Carrier Services
New: View your SIM balance and mobile data usage stats.
New: Save frequently used phone numbers to top up balance and buy mobile data later.
New: Buy SIM cards and services.
System
Optimization: Full screen gestures are now ignored on the Lock screen alarm page
Fix: Home screen went black and started flashing after unlocking in some cases
Messaging
New: Promotional messages are grouped according to their content now.
Lock screen
Fix: Custom signature didn’t appear on the Lock screen
Status bar, Notification shade
New: Screen lights up with an animation now
New: Status bar color gradient animation
New: All-new design.
Home screen
New: Animated Home screen icons are neat and satisfying.
New: We’ve added a new animation for uninstalling apps.
New: Gravitational animations make returning to Home screen look seamless and natural.
Themes
New: More than 2000 new Always-on display themes.
Screen Time
New: Dashboard with the stats that cover 4 weeks is available now.
Optimization: New design makes your Screen time stats more comprehensible.
Weather
New: New animations bring the weather from outside directly to your screen.
Settings
New: Security introduces new comprehensive privacy protection mechanisms.
New: Lite mode simplifies your device and brings essential features up front.
New: New full screen gestures for switching between apps are available.
File Manager
New: Use the floating shortcut to filter and sort items, as well as switch view.
Calendar
New: New layout tailored for landscape orientation is available now.
New: We added lots of fresh animations that will accompany your actions.
New: Calendar cards will remind you about important events and anniversaries.
Notes
New: You can create folders with notes now.
New: New dynamic backgrounds look gorgeous!
New: Tasks are completed with a satisfying animation now.
New: Checklists of subtasks make managing your agenda much simpler.
Security
New: New animations feel natural and refreshing.
New: Keep your home safe with smart home device alerts.
New: Binging your favorite shows will be more convenient with our new video toolbox.
Xiaomi Cloud
New: Shared family storage plan is available now.

Much like any other airborne update, the stable MIUI 12 update may take a few hours or even a few days before it rolls out on your Mi 8 Explorer Edition. Fortunately, we’ve got our hands on the download link in case you wish to manually update your phone.

Of course, there are a few risks involved with installing the update manually. Thus, make sure to create a backup of all the files on your device before proceeding. That being said, we have added the link to download the MIUI 12 update for the Mi 8 Explorer Edition below:

  • Device: Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer
  • Codename: ursa
  • Channel: China Stable
  • Version: V12.0.2.0.QEHCNXM
  • Android: 10
    • Type: Recovery
      • Download: Link
      • MD5: 9a608a65ae4a98e10cde9690c1b9ea87

Users who had installed the previous MIUI 12 update will also receive a minor OTA update which will bump the software version to 12.0.2.0.QEHCNXM. That being said, Xiaomi is yet to release the stable MIUI 12 update for several devices. Check out our MIUI 12 update tracker to know all the details regarding the rollout.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Dwayne Cubbins
1254 Posts

My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.

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