What is the interface on the Xiaomi phone: a detailed analysis MIUI and its capabilities

When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, you have a bright, rich interface with many icons, widgets and settings. MIUI, It's a firmware that makes the brand's devices recognizable among thousands of other Android phones. But what exactly is behind the term? Why is Xiaomi's interface so different from pure Android, and what opportunities it opens up (or limits) for the user?

In this article, we will understand what the interface on Xiaomi phones is from a technical and user point of view. MIUI 14 (the current version for 2026) is different from previous generations, what features make it unique, and how to properly customize the system to your needs, whether it's performance, design or safety. MIUI for additional "chips", or it is better to switch to alternative firmware.

1. MIUI vs Android: What's the difference?

Many users mistakenly believe that the interface on Xiaomi is just "Android with other wallpaper." MIUI (Mi User Interface is a deeply redesigned shell that replaces the standard Android interface at all levels, from appearance to system processes:

• 🎨 Design and animation: MIUI It uses its own fonts, icons, transitions between screens and even sound effects. MIUI 14 appeared “morphic” animations that smoothly transform the interface elements.
• 🔧 Additional functions: B MIUI There are tools that are not available in standard Android, such as Second Space (Dual Account), Mode for children with restrictions, or Game Turbo for gamers.
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Xiaomi integrates its services – Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps (app store) that duplicate the functions of Google services.
• ⚙️ Deep settings: B MIUI You can fine-tune everything from sensor sensitivity to notification behavior for each application separately.

But there's a downside to this approach, MIUI often criticized for:

• 🗑️ Advertising in the system menu (in some regions, including Russia, it was turned off from the system menu) MIUI 12, but in global versions it can occur).
• 🐢 Slowdown over time: Due to the abundance of background processes and optimizations for the Chinese market, some users complain of “brake” after 1-2 years of use.
• 🔒 Restrictions for developers: For example, in MIUI It is more difficult to get root access, and some system files are blocked.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi overseas (e.g. on AliExpress), pay attention to the firmware version. MIUI They don't have Google services (no Play Market, Gmail, YouTube), and global ones can contain ads. → Version. MIUI.

2. The main elements of the interface MIUI

Xiaomi’s interface consists of several key components that shape the user experience, and we’ll go through them in detail.

Desktop (Home Screen)

Unlike standard Android, where apps are displayed in the menu, the MIUI By default, all icons are placed on the desktop (like iOS:

• 📱 No App Menu: All icons on screens (configured in Settings) → Desktop → Desktop style).
• 📂 From the app menu: Activates in the same settings – then the icons are grouped in the slide-out menu (as in “pure” Android).
• 🎨 Themes and wallpaper: MIUI Offers thousands of themes in the Themes store that change icons, fonts and even system sounds.

Notification panel and control centre

Upper curtain in MIUI split:

• 📱 Left: Quick switches (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight, etc.) can be edited by holding the icon. ⚙️.
• 🔔 Right-hand side: Application Notifications, and here you can see Floating Windows (if enabled in settings).

Interesting thing. MIUI — If you press the switch off button, you'll see a window with Reboot, Flight Mode, Emergency Call, and even Screen Recording (in some models).

Navigation and gestures

MIUI Supports three types of navigation:

1. Classic buttons (back, home, recent) are convenient for beginners.
2. Button gestures – swipe up from the bottom panel replaces the home button.
3. Full-screen gestures (like the iPhone) are swipes from the edges of the screen.

You can switch between them in the settings. → Display. → Navigation panel.

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If gestures are not working smoothly, try calibrating the sensor: go to Settings → Additional settings → Calibration of the sensor and follow the instructions.

3. Hidden functions MIUI, which you didn't know

MIUI It's filled with Easter eggs and hidden possibilities that aren't obvious at first sight:

• 🔍 Search by Settings: At the top of the Settings menu is a search bar – type in a keyword (e.g., “bat” for battery) and the system will show all relevant items.
• 📱 “Lite” mode: For weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You can turn on a lightweight version of the interface: Settings → Special facilities → Lite mode.
• 🔒 Hidden Apps: You can hide any app from the menu without deleting it. To do this, hold the icon and select Hide (only works with the Second Space enabled).
• 🎵 Individual notification sounds: C Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Notification sounds can be assigned a unique signal for each application.
• 📡 Accelerating the Internet: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Boot Speed Up can be enabled mode that prioritizes traffic for selected applications.

One of the most controversial functions MIUI — cleaning-up RAM. The system aggressively closes the background applications to free up memory, on the one hand, it saves battery power, on the other hand, it can interrupt the work of messengers or music. → Annexes → Auto-start, but be prepared for increased battery consumption.

4. How to set up the interface MIUI beneath

One of the main advantages MIUI — So here's a step-by-step guide to adapting the interface to your needs.

Changes in themes and icons

MIUI It offers one of the richest Android-based themes stores to change the design:

1. Open the Themes app (Themes).
2. Select the category: Themes, Icons, Wallpaper or Fonts.
3. Click on the option you like and select Apply.
4. Some themes are paid (costs from 50 to 300 rubles), but there are also free.

If you want to return the standard look, select the Default theme in the My Themes section.

Optimization of productivity

In time. MIUI It might start to slow down to get the job back to work smoothly:

Disable animations in Settings → The phone. → Developer parameters → The scale of animation (select) 0.5x)

Clean the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleanup

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start

Remove or disable unused applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management

Reboot your phone (sometimes this solves problems with lags)

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Configuring notifications

MIUI Allows you to fine-tune notifications for each application:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
2. Select the app from the list.
3. Set up the parameters: 🔔 Sound: Turn on/off or select a tune. 📱 Pop-up notifications: Do you show them on the lock screen. 🔕 Priority: “Important” notifications will be shown first.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI There is a function of concentration (Settings) → Notifications → Concentration, which blocks all notifications for a selected period, is useful for sleep or work, but remember to turn off mode so you don’t miss important messages.

5. Interface problems MIUI and their decisions

Despite the richness of the user experience, MIUI We often face typical problems. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. Important: before doing this, back up your data to Settings. → Additional settings → Backup and reset.

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Most of the problems with MIUI So, if you're trying to get your phone to reset or update the launcher, if you're going to slow down after you upgrade, try retrace to the previous version via Fastboot. 4PDA).

Alternatives MIUI: Should I switch to other scalings?

Not everyone likes the interface. MIUI Because of its heavy weight or limitations, you might want to consider alternative firmware:

• 🤖 Pure Android (AOSP): Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offers naked Android without the bells and whistles. Pros: high performance, minimalist design. Cons: no Xiaomi branded chips (for example, Second Space).
• ⚡ Base-based castor firmware MIUI: For example, MIUI Mix or MIUI Pros are modified versions MIUI with remote advertising and additional settings.
• 🍎 iOS-style firmware: iOS Launcher or Lawnchair mimic the iPhone interface, but run on top of it MIUI (They don't replace it completely).

Before installing custom firmware, consider:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) cancels the warranty.
• 🛠️ Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) if installed incorrectly.
• 🔄 Data loss: When you change firmware, all files on your phone will be deleted.

If you do, here is a brief instruction:

1. Unblock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you need a Mi Account).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
3. Download the firmware (for example, from the forum) 4PDA site XDA Developers).
4. Fastboot or TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Check compatibility with your Xiaomi model before firmware. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro will not work for the Redmi Note 10, which will cause the phone to fail.

7. The future MIUI: What to Expect in the Next Versions?

Xiaomi regularly updates its firmware, adding new features and improving performance. Based on official announcements and leaks, you can expect the following in the future. MIUI 15 (presumed release - end of 2026):

• 🤖 Deeper integration with Android 15: Support for new API For notifications, security and multimedia.
• 🎨 New design: Rumor has it, MIUI 15 will have a more minimalist interface with a focus on flat design).
• 🔒 Improved privacy: New tools to control app access to data (similar to iOS).
• 🎮 Game Improvements: Advanced Game Turbo settings, including cloud gaming support.
• 🌍 Localization for Global Markets: Maybe finally remove ads in all regions.

Xiaomi is also expected to continue to develop the HyperOS ecosystem, a new operating system that will bring together the company. MIUI, HyperOS is currently only available on a limited number of devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), but it could replace it in the future. MIUI.

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If your phone supports the upgrade MIUI 14, but it doesn't come "over the air," check the firmware region. Sometimes updates are delayed for specific models or countries. In this case, you can install the firmware manually via Reccovery or Fastboot (instructions are available on the official Xiaomi website).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's interface