See main article: 2012 BNP Paribas Open.
Victoria Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova in the final, 6–2, 6–3 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2012 Indian Wells Masters.
Caroline Wozniacki was the defending champion, but was defeated in the fourth round by Ana Ivanović.
All seeds received a bye into the second round.