You're used to the Samsung ecosystem, but for some reason you've switched to Xiaomi -- or just want to try the Korean brand's signature chips on a Chinese smartphone? This article isn't about magic, it's about specific technical solutions. We'll look at what interface elements, applications and features you can bring from Galaxy to Redmi/POCO, and where you're facing insurmountable limitations.
Spoiler: You can't completely replace MIUI with One UI, it's like trying to put a Tesla engine in a Lada Granta. But the individual components -- launcher, proprietary utilities, gestures, even some system features -- can be integrated. The key is to understand the risks, from loss of warranty to unstable device operation. If you're ready for experimentation, read on.
1.Why do users want to “make Xiaomi Samsung”?
The reasons usually boil down to three key points:
- 🔄 UI: One UI is considered more intuitive for users migrating from iOS or older versions of Android. Responsive design, large controls and logical menu structure are what many lack in MIUI.
- 🛠️ Branded features: DeX (desktop mode), Samsung Pay with support for MST, Knox for security or Good Lock for customization – these tools have no direct analogues from Xiaomi.
- 📱 Ecosystem: Synchronization with Galaxy Watch, Budds, or SmartThings works much smoother than trying to make Xiaomi friends with devices of other brands.
According to a survey by the Android Authority (2023), 42% of users who switched from Samsung to Xiaomi, the main disappointment is the lack of familiar gestures and utilities. But there is also a downside: MIUI offers more options for fine-tuning, and Xiaomi hardware often surpasses Samsung in price/performance ratio.
2.What can you transfer from Samsung to Xiaomi without root?
If you're not ready to unlock the bootloader and get root rights, there are limited options, but there are.
- 📱 Launcher One UI: Officially not, but there are clones like One Launcher or Hex Installer (with a Samsung theme) that copy the look, but not the functionality.
Important limitation: without root, you can not:
- ❌ Replace system fonts with SamsungOne.
- ❌ Integrate Bixby or DeX (the latter requires official kernel support).
- ❌ Move Knox is a proprietary hardware-based technology.
☑️ What can be installed without root
3. Complete transformation: root, custom firmware and risks
If you're willing to go further, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware will open up new possibilities, but there are serious risks.
| What can I do? | Difficulty | Risks. | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install One UI through ported firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Device Brick, IMEI Loss, Camera/Network Modules Problems | Unstable work, lack of updates |
| Switch LineageOS + Samsung Theme | ⭐⭐⭐ | Loss of warranty, possible bugs with iron | Pure Android with Visual Similarity |
| Install Magisk + modules (One UI fonts, animations) | ⭐⭐ | Failures in banking applications | Partial transformation without replacing firmware |
| Porting Samsung Apps via ADB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Conflicts with MIUI system services | Working Samsung Health, Notes, etc. |
Critical information: In 2026, there is no stable portable One UI firmware for Xiaomi devices. All available builds are amateur projects with a lot of bugs, especially in the camera, NFC and network modules. If you want Samsung, buy Samsung.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is tied to the Mi Account and requires waiting 7-15 days (depending on the model). Once unlocked, all data will be reset and the warranty is canceled. Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) block access to Widevine L1, which means the loss of support for Full HD in streaming services.
4. Step-by-step instructions: how to install the launcher and Samsung theme
So let's start with the safest way to do this, visual transformation.
- 📱 Xiaomi’s smartphone is on MIUI 12–14 (older versions may have compatibility issues).
- 🔗 Xiaomi account to access themes.
- 🛠️ Hex Installer App (for icon installation).
Step 1 Installation of the launcher
- Download One Launcher or Lawnchair 2 (with Samsung theme) from Google Play.
- Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher and select the installed launcher.
- In the launcher settings, activate the options: -- Enable Samsung gestures -- Hide the search bar -- Use Samsung icons
Step 2: Installation of themes and fonts
- Open the Themes app on Xiaomi.
- In search, type “One UI” or “Samsung” and select your favorite theme (e.g., “One UI 5 Dark” from developer @mahdi).
- For fonts, use iFont (download the SamsungOne.ttf file and install through the app).
Step 3: Customize the icons
- Install Hex Installer and download the Samsung One UI Icons icon pack.
- Apply the package via Hex Installer → Apply.
- In the launcher settings, select a new pack of icons.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
5. Samsung’s branded features portability: What really works
Some Samsung chips can be played on Xiaomi using third-party apps or settings.
- 🔄 DeX (Desktop Mode): There is no full replacement, but Second Screen or Scrcpy allows you to display the screen on the monitor. For advanced users, Ubuntu Touch or Maru OS (requires root).
What you can't replicate:
- ❌ Bixby — No API for third-party devices.
- ❌ Link to Windows – requires pre-installing on PC and support from Samsung.
- ❌ Game Launcher with game optimization – the analogues (Game Turbo in MIUI) work differently.
💡
If you need Always On Display (AOD) as you would on Samsung, install the AOD Notify app and configure the display of time, notifications and animations. On Xiaomi's AMOLED- screens, this works without significant battery consumption.
6. Alternative Solutions: When Transformation Is Not Necessary
Before you spend your time trying to make Xiaomi Samsung, ask yourself: should you?
- 🔧 Set up MIUI for yourself: Turn off the ad (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI – tap 7 times, then Additional → Special Features → Get recommendations), install a minimalist launcher (Before Launcher) and use Tasker for automation.
According to Counterpoint Research, 68 percent of users who tried to “remake” Xiaomi to Samsung eventually returned to standard MIUI or switched to Pixel/iPhone, due to incompatibility of ecosystems at the level of hardware and software.
⚠️ Warning: If your goal is Samsung Pay with MST support for payments on older terminals, know that no solution for Xiaomi can replicate this. MST- chip is only built into Samsung Galaxy S/Note/A series devices (before 2022 years).
7.Comparison of Xiaomi and Samsung: Which is better in 2026
Before you try to “make Xiaomi Samsung,” compare them by key parameters:
| Parameter | Xiaomi (MIUI) | Samsung (One UI) |
|---|---|---|
| Customization of the interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (theme, icons, system settings) | ⭐⭐⭐ (limited to corporate identity) |
| Ecosystem (watches, headphones, TV) | ⭐⭐ (only works with Xiaomi devices) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (wide range of compatible gadgets) |
| PO Updates | ⭐⭐ (2–3 years of support) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4-5 years for flagships) |
| Productivity (price/quality) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Snapdragon 7+/8 Gen at Exynos price) | ⭐⭐⭐ (more expensive with similar iron) |
| Corporate functions (DeX, Knox, etc.) | ❌ No analogues. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (unique solutions) |
Bottom Line: If you want customization and price/performance, stay with Xiaomi and customize it. If you want a stable ecosystem and long-term support, go with Samsung.
💡
Trying to completely replace MIUI with One UI is like trying to turn a bicycle into a motorcycle, and visually you can achieve similarities, but it will remain a different device with different capabilities and limitations.