MIUI in Xiaomi smartphones: everything you need to know the user in 2026

If you've ever held a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO smartphone, you've probably come across the acronym MIUI. It's not just a set of letters on the download screen, it's an entire ecosystem that determines how your phone looks, works, and interacts with you. But what exactly is behind that name? Why do some users praise MIUI for its flexibility and functionality, while others scold for "extra" apps and ads?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what MIUI is, how it came to be, how it differs from pure Android, and why Xiaomi has been developing its brand shell for more than 10 years instead of using the standard Google interface. You will learn about the hidden features of the system that the manufacturer does not always advertise, as well as how to customize MIUI to your needs - whether it is removing ads, optimizing performance or activating hidden features.

We will focus on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi), which have radically changed the approach to design and security. If you are just planning to buy a Xiaomi device or already own it, but want to understand the intricacies of the system – this material is for you.

What is MIUI: In simple words

MIUI (pronounced "My-Yu-Ii") is a proprietary shell that Xiaomi installs on top of the Android operating system.In other words, it is a user interface that replaces Google's standard design and features with Xiaomi's own solutions.

Imagine Android being the naked engine of a car, and MIUI being the body, the interior and all the extra options that make the car unique.Without the shell, the Xiaomi smartphone would look just like Samsung, Google Pixel or OnePlus devices, but thanks to MIUI it gets a corporate identity, additional features and even some limitations.

It is important to understand that MIUI — It's not a separate operating system, it's an add-on over Android, and it uses Google's core services and basic services, but it modifies them to fit Xiaomi's needs. MIUI eat:

• 🎨 Unique design with branded icons, animations and themes.
• 🔧 Additional settings that are not available in standard Android (for example, splitting screen time across apps or advanced gesture control).
• 📦 Pre-installed apps from Xiaomi (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps and more).
• 🔒 Own security services, including virus scanner, call blocker, and privacy protection.

But there's a downside to MIUI: some users complain about ads in system applications, excessive background processes that eat up battery power, and not always stable performance, but we'll talk about all of this later.

History of MIUI: From the first versions to HyperOS

The first version of MIUI was introduced in 2010, when Xiaomi was just beginning its journey as a smartphone manufacturer. Interestingly, the shell was originally developed as a custom firmware for devices of other brands (for example, for Google's Nexus One), only later it became a proprietary software for Xiaomi phones.

Since then, MIUI has come a long way in evolution, and here are the key milestones in its evolution:

In 2023, Xiaomi announced a gradual transition from MIUI to a new system, HyperOS. This is not just a shell update, but a complete redesign of the software architecture that should make Xiaomi devices faster, safer and versatile (including for smart devices of the Mi Home ecosystem). At the time of writing (2026), HyperOS is already available for flagship models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), and the rest of the devices are getting it in a phased update.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone is released before 2020, it may not get an update to HyperOS.The full list of supported models is published on the official Xiaomi website.

How is MIUI different from pure Android?

Many users, when switching from Google Pixel or Samsung phones to Xiaomi, wonder why the interface looks different even if the Android version is the same. MIUI. Here are the main differences:

• 📱 Design and animation: In MIUI They use unique transitions between screens, branded icons and themes. MIUI 14 appeared “live wallpapers” (Super Wallpapers), which smoothly animated when unlocked.
• ⚙️ Advanced settings: B MIUI There are some options that are not available in standard Android, for example, you can set up automatic switching between the two. 4G and 5G depending on the application or limit background activity for individual programs.
• 🔄 Multitasking: In MIUI A unique system of “floating windows” (Floating Windows) is implemented, which allows you to open applications in small windows on top of other tasks.
• 🛡️ Security and privacy: Built-in tools to block spam calls, hide notifications on the lock screen, and encrypt individual folders.
• 📊 Productivity: MIUI Optimized to run on “weak” processors (such as budget Redmi), but sometimes this leads to aggressive closure of background applications.

However, MIUI has some disadvantages compared to pure Android:

• 📢 Advertising in system applications (for example, in Mi Browser or Mi Music).
• 🗑️ Garbage files: MIUI Prone to accumulate cache and temporary data that have to be cleaned manually.
• 🔄 Update delays: Xiaomi often delays the release of new Android versions for its devices (sometimes 6-12 months).

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To disable ads in MIUI, go to Settings → Memory → Clean up and turn off the “Recommendations” option (or “Personalized Ads”).

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI is filled with Easter eggs and hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise. Here are some useful tips that will make it easier to use a smartphone:

• 🔍 Search by settings: Enter any query in the search bar in Settings, and the system will show all related parameters «NFC», You will see all the wireless payment options immediately.
• 📱 Second Space Mode: Allows you to create a separate work profile with your own applications and data (useful for separating work and personal life). → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🎵 Gestures for music: On the lock screen, you can control the playback of music by swipes (included in Settings) → Lock screen → Managing music).
• 📡 Accelerating the Internet: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Internet speed up: You can turn on a mode that prioritizes traffic for games and videos.

Another little-known feature is the hidden developer mode, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

In this section, you can disable animations to speed up the interface, enable debugging by USB alter the parameters GPU-rendering.

How to update MIUI to the latest version?

MIUI updates come out regularly, about every 1-2 months, and may include bug fixes, new features, or security patches to check for updates:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi, as the files weigh 1-3 GB).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the update does not come automatically, you can try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings).
• 📥 Download firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) and install it through System Update → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
• 🕒 Sometimes updates are phased out (first for 10% of users, then for everyone).

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware manually, do not interrupt the upgrade process - this can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device. SIM-map.

Check the vacant space (needs to be checked) ≥4GB)|Connect the charger|Create a backup copy of the data|Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)|Close background annexes-->

MIUI problems and how to solve them

Despite the advantages, MIUI is not without its disadvantages, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the problem is not solved by standard methods, you can try:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
2. Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranty.
3. Contact Xiaomi Support via the official chat or Mi Community forum.

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If your phone is slower after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware version via Fastboot or use the Mi Flash Tool (for power users only!).

MIUI vs HyperOS: Which is better in 2026?

With HyperOS, many users are wondering if they should upgrade from the usual MIUI.

• ⚡ Performance: HyperOS is built on a new architecture that reduces memory consumption and speeds up application launches. In tests (Geekbench, AnTuTu), the difference can be as much as 10-15% in favor of HyperOS.
• 🎨 Design: HyperOS uses a more minimalist interface with a focus on Material You (Google style), whereas MIUI 14 retains branded animations and bright colors.
• 🔒 Security: HyperOS improves data protection with integration with Xiaomi Cloud and new encryption algorithms.
• 📱 Device support: HyperOS is optimized for smart Mi Home devices (e.g., you can control a robot vacuum cleaner directly from the notification panel).

However, HyperOS has its disadvantages:

• 🔄 Not all apps are adapted to the new interface (for example, some games may not display correctly).
• 📉 Lack of certain functions MIUI, Others like Second Space or Child Mode (which will be returned in future updates).

If your smartphone supports HyperOS, we recommend upgrading — especially to owners of flagship models (Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi K60/K70). For budget devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 10) The transition may be less noticeable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI