How to change your Xiaomi: from changing wallpaper to deep customization

Xiaomi devices are known not only for affordable prices, but also for the wide range of customization options. Whether you want to just refresh the appearance of the smartphone or completely rewrite its functionality, there are many options. However, not all changes are equally safe: some require unlocking the bootloader, others can lead to a loss of warranty, and others can turn the gadget into a brick. In this guide, we will analyze all levels of modifications from basic settings to advanced technical interventions.

It is important to understand that the depth of change depends on the model of the device, for example, the flagship Mi 13 Ultra or Redmi. K60 Pros support more customization options than budget Pocos M6 or Redmi A2. Also, you should consider the version. MIUI — In global firmware, some features may be reduced compared to Chinese ones. Before you start making changes, check that your model is compatible with the selected methods.

If you're a beginner, start with the safest ways to do this: change themes, install widgets, or customize gestures. For experienced users, we'll talk about unlocking the bootloader, installing it. TWRP And custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and for those who want to make the most of iron, consider overclocking the processor and modifying the build.prop file.

Basic customization without risks

To start with, changes that don't require root rights or unlocking the bootloader will work for even those who are afraid of losing their warranty or accidentally breaking the device.

The easiest way to refresh the look is to change the theme of the design. MIUI And there's a whole Topics section that you can download both official and custom themes to get there:

1. Open the settings → Display → Themes.
2. Select a category (for example, "Dark" or "Dark" category "AMOLED").
3. Click on your favorite topic and apply it.

For more personalization, install a third-party launcher, such as a Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher.

• 🎨 Change icons, fonts and animation transitions.
• 📱 Customize gestures (such as swiping up to call a search).
• 🔄 Hide unnecessary apps from the menu.
• 🖼️ Install dynamic wallpaper with paralax effect.

Another safe way to change the device is to set up the notification and lock panel. MIUI This is done through settings. → Lock screen and Settings → Notifications, you can go here:

• 🔔 Change the style of notifications (e.g. make them transparent).
• 🔒 Add widgets to the lock screen (weather, music player).
• 📊 Set up fast switches in the curtain.
• 🎵 Change melodies and vibrations for different types of alerts.

2. Unlocking the bootloader: the first step to profound change

If basic settings aren't enough, the next level is bootloader unlocking, which allows custom firmware, kernels and root rights to be installed, but the process has nuances:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. backup the data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or with Mi Cloud.

The official way to unlock from Xiaomi requires:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (in Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Apply for unblocking via the official website (up to 30 days may be required).
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool utility and connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with the device switched off).
4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

Informal methods (e.g. through EDL) They can bypass the wait, but they can risk locking the device permanently, and we recommend using them only as a last resort and with a full understanding of the consequences.

After unlocking the bootloader, you can install custom recovery menus (for example, TWRP) But remember, this will void the warranty and may cause update issues. MIUI airborne (OTA).

3. Installation of custom firmware: pros and pitfalls

Custom firmware opens access to functions that are not in the standard MIUI. For example, Pixel Experience adds pure Android with features from Google Pixel, and LineageOS offers a minimalist interface with long-term support for updates:

• 🔍 Check firmware compatibility with your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — device!).
• 📥 Download firmware only from verified sources (XDA Developers, SourceForge).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – interrupting the installation process can cause you to fail.
• 📝 Make a full backup through TWRP (including Boot, System and Data).

The installation process usually looks like this:

1. Download the firmware (.zip format) and place it on a memory card or internal memory.
2. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on the phone off).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Havoc-OS) require additional installation of GApps (Google services), and if not installed, apps like Play Market or Gmail will not work.

After installing custom firmware, you may encounter bugs:

• 📶 Mobile network problems (solved by installing the correct modem file).
• 🔊 Failing speakers or microphone (check kernel compatibility).
• 📷 Camera artifacts (install GCam or patch for the camera) ANX Camera).

Loader unlocked|Backup of all data.|Downloaded firmware for a specific model|File integrity checked (MD5)|Battery charge ≥60%-->

4. Root rights: pros and cons

Getting root rights gives you complete control of the system, but it also opens up security holes.

• 🚀 Remove built-in applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser or GetApps.
• ⚡ Modify system files (e.g. build.prop to change) DPI screen).
• 🔧 Use applications like Titanium Backup or Greenify for deep optimization.
• 🎮 Emulate clicks in games via GameGuardian (but this can lead to a ban!).

The most popular way to get root is through Magisk.

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub.
2. Place the file in the phone's memory.
3. Download to TWRP and select Install → Magisk.zip.
4. Once installed, restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

Cons of root rights:

• 🛡️ Security: Root apps can steal data (e.g. bank passwords).
• 📱 Stability: Incorrect changes in the /system This will lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot).
• 🔄 Updates: After update MIUI The root is gone and it needs to be re-installed.
• 🎮 Games: Many online games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact will block root devices.

💡

If banking applications (such as Sberbank or Tinkoff) stop working after receiving root, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hiding mode for specific applications.

5. Modification of system files: for experienced users

If you're ready to experiment, you can change the system settings to improve performance or add new features.

1. Change in screen resolution (DPI)

By default. MIUI high-value DPI, It makes the interface look bloated, to make it more compact:

1. Open up. /system/build.prop In a text editor (for example, through Root Explorer).
2. Find a line. ro.sf.lcd_density and change the meaning of c 440 on 400 (or below for a denser interface).
3. Save the file and restart the device.

2. Processor overclocking

To disperse CPU You'll need an overclocking-enabled core (e.g., FrancoKernel) and Kernel Adiutor app. Attention: overclocking increases heat and shortens the life of the chip:

• 📈 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: up to 3.3 GHz (Standard 3.2 GHz).
• 📈 Dimensity 9000: up to 3.1 GHz (normal 3.05 GHz).
• 📉 Snapdragon 680: not recommended acceleration due to weak cooling system.

3. Disabling advertising in MIUI

Xiaomi is known for integrated advertising in system applications, to remove it:

1. Install. ADB to your computer and connect your phone in debugging mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
3. To remove the ads completely, also remove the packages: com.android.browser (Mi Browser) com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop)

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI. Before that, make a backup through TWRP Titanium Backup.

💡

You can't change system files without root. All modifications are at your own risk - incorrect edits can lead to data loss or device failure.

External modifications: covers, films and upgrades of iron

Not all changes are software-related, but physical modifications to a device can also drastically change the look and function of the device.

1. Replacement of the rear panel

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) allows the rear cover to be replaced:

• 🖤 Matte black panel instead of glossy (less fingerprints from fingers).
• 🌈 Gradient covers with the effect of "chameleon".
• 🛡️ Impact-resistant panels with reinforced glass (for example, from Spigen).
• 💎 Covers with rhinestones or engraving (for lovers of shine).

Installation of additional modules

With Magnetic Modules (e.g. from Magsafe) you can add:

• 🔋 External battery (extra 5000 mAh).
• 📷 Telephoto or macro lens for camera.
• 🔊 A sound amplifier with additional speakers.
• 💡 LED-nightlight.

Modification of the chamber

To improve the quality of the photo can:

• 📸 Install GCam (Google Camera) with optimized settings for your model.
• 🔍 Replace the protective glass of the chamber with sapphire (less scratches).
• 🎥 Use external microphones (e.g., external microphones, BOYA BY-M1) for better sound in video.

With physical modifications, it is important:

• 🛠️ Use quality tools (e.g., iFixit set for disassembly).
• 🔥 Monitor the temperature during soldering (for example, when replacing the charging connector).
• 📋 Check the compatibility of parts (for example, the battery from the Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for the Note 11 Pro).

7.Recovery after unsuccessful changes

If the device stops turning on or is not working properly, don't panic. In most cases, it can be brought back to life.

1. Soft Brick (device is powered on but not booted)

Symptoms: Hanging on the logo MI, cyclic.

Decision:

1. Download to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img (where boot.img — Original firmware file for your model).
3. If it doesn’t work, run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

2. Hard Brick (device does not respond to buttons)

Symptoms: Black screen, no reaction to charging or connecting to a PC.

Decision:

• 🔌 Try charging your phone for 1-2 hours (sometimes the problem is with a discharged battery).
• 🔧 Use it. EDL Mode (emergency mode) for firmware via Qualcomm Tools (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 💻 Contact the service center if self-recovery failed.

3. Loss of IMEI or network functions

If the IMEI is missing or the mobile network is not working:

1. Install the original modem software (NVRAM) for your model.
2. Restore. IMEI E-mode (code #4636##) but it doesn’t work on all devices.
3. Use MediaTek chips for your computer SN Write Tool (requires backup) NVRAM).

⚠️ Attention: If you have lost IMEI After unofficial modifications, recovery through the engineering menu may not be possible, in which case only the flashing of the original will help. NVRAM through SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek) or QFil (for Qualcomm).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing Xiaomi