What’s changing in Xiaomi’s upcoming January 2026 security patch?

Even though Google has already issued the Android Security Bulletin for January 2026, it appears that Xiaomi fans are now waiting with bated breath, as the update is due to drop very soon. This update is no ordinary update; in fact, it patches up the “zero-click” critical vulnerability and is an essential milestone in the transition to HyperOS 3.

The Critical Fix: CVE-2025-54957 (Dolby Exploit)

The most notable component of the patch released in January 2026 is the patch for the high-severity vulnerability in the Dolby Digital Plus Codec.

• The Risk: In this attack, the potential exists to carry out remote code execution merely through the transmission of an audio file.
• The Effects: The reason this is a “zero-click” exploit is because without opening the file itself, the device could be infected. Xiaomi builds Atmos into nearly the entire lineup of smartphones (from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to the Note lineup) and is addressing this issue in the next update releases.

HyperOS 3 and Android 16 Synergy

It’s not just a security update. The January 2026 update comes alongside the overall rollout of HyperOS 3.

• Android 16 Base: For flagship devices such as the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15T Pro, the January security patch might be included with the Android 16 HyperOS 3 update.
• Android 15 Base: Older variants will get the January update for Android 15 HyperOS 2. Older versions may not always be running the latest update versions, but they can stay protected.

EOL Alert: The Final Patch for Some Models?

With the beginning of 2026, some of the most legendary Xiaomi smartphones are close to reaching End of Life (EOL). The upcoming January patch might very well be the last security update for:

• Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro: Planned end-of-life: March 2026.
• Redmi Note 12 5G: Close to the end of its official lifecycle.
• POCO X5 Pro 5G: Scheduled to receive final updates by February/March 2026.

How to Prepare Your Xiaomi Device

When the rollout starts, you can check for an update through the following steps:

• Tap on Settings > About Phone.
• Click on the tile that says “HyperOS version.”
• Click Check for Updates.
• If you wish to receive it earlier, make sure that the “Receive updates early” switch is enabled in the Update Settings menu.

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