Many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users appreciate their hardware stuffing, but often remain unhappy with the shell of MIUI or HyperOS. The excess of advertising, overloaded interface and specific system sounds are what many want to get rid of. The ideal solution for such users is to turn the device into an analogue of Google Pixel, which is famous for its “pure” Android.
The transformation process does not require complex manipulation of the bootloader or obtaining superuser rights. Modern methods allow you to change the appearance and functionality of the system by installing launchers, widgets and cameras from Google. It is a safe way to get the experience of using stock Android while retaining all the advantages of Xiaomi hardware.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to replace standard apps, change system fonts, and adjust navigation so that your smartphone becomes indistinguishable from the flagship of the Pixel line. We’ll look at both software techniques and interface finesse for maximum similarity.
Install Pixel Launcher and Google widgets
The first and most important step is to replace the standard desktop.The MIUI shell has a unique operating logic that differs from stock Android.To change that, you'll need to install the Pixel Launcher. Officially it's only available on Google devices, but enthusiasts have created modified versions that work on any Android smartphone.
The most stable solution is considered to be the Nexus Launcher project or modified APK-Pixel Launcher files from APKMirror. Once installed and provided with all the necessary permissions, your desktop will acquire a recognizable look with round app icons and Google search bar at the bottom of the screen.
Where to download the secure version of the launcher?
Importantly, the Assistant widgets and Google Discover newsfeed may require additional customization to work properly, and in some versions of the launcher, a swipe to the left opens the newsfeed, as on the original Pixel devices.
- 📲 Download. APK-Pixel Launcher file from the latest version from a reliable source.
- 🔒 Allow applications from unknown sources to be installed in security settings.
- 🏠 Click the Home button and select Pixel Launcher as the default app.
- 🎨 Set up the desktop grid through a long tap in the free screen space.
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If after installing the launcher, the animation of folding applications disappeared, try to turn on the Allow rotation option in the launcher settings or restart the device.
Replacement of system fonts with Google Sans
The visual identity of the Google Pixel is built not only on icons, but also on typography. The Google Sans font (or Product Sans) is the hallmark of the search giant's ecosystem. Xiaomi smartphones use the default Roboto font or modifications, which immediately reveals the origin of the device.
To replace the font without obtaining root rights, you can use the zFont 3 application. This is a powerful tool that allows you to install custom fonts into the system through backup and swapping files or through special topics.
Once you install the font, the changes will affect not only the desktop, but also the system menus, settings and supported applications, which will create a sense of integrity of the interface. However, be careful: some characters in specific applications may not display correctly if the font does not support certain language ranges.
⚠️ Warning: Before installing a new font, make sure you know how to reset the theme settings in case of a critical display error. MIUI This can be done through the “Subjects” app» -> Profile -> Settings -> Drop it.
An alternative method is to use the Pixel Experience theme in Xiaomi’s official theme store. A “Pixel” search often yields results that already contain the embedded Google Sans font, making the process easier for beginners.
Google Camera: Photo level of the flagship
One of the main reasons for the Pixel's popularity is its camera. Google's image-processing algorithms work wonders by pulling details out of shadows and providing perfect dynamic range. Xiaomi owner can access these algorithms by installing a Google Camera (GCam) port.
The installation process is not trivial, as there is no universal version. Each processor model (Snapdragon, MediaTek, Exynos) and a specific camera sensor need a different build, and the most stable ports are those from the developers of BigKoo, Urnyx05 or Hasli.
After installation and initial setup (often required to download) XML-configuration for your model, quality of images in mode HDR+ Night Sight can outperform Xiaomi's native camera, especially the difference in night photography and portrait mode.
| Function | Xiaomi's native camera | Google Camera (GCam) |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic range | Medium, possible lights. | Excellent, light and shadow balance |
| Night mode. | Requires a tripod or long exposure | Quick, off the hands, minimal noise |
| Launch speed | Depends on MIUI optimization | Instant launch. |
| Portrait processing | Often wrong with the contours. | Precise background blur |
You don’t expect the GCam to work out of the box with all the camera modules, and you often need to manually activate the wide-angle lens and TV in the settings of the GCam app itself.
Setting up navigation and system gestures
The Pixel interface is characterized by its distinctive navigation. Unlike standard buttons or MIUI gestures, stock Android uses specific swipe sensitivity and return animation. To approach this experience, you need to set up the system correctly.
The current versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 already have a gesture mode similar to Android 10+. You need to go to the screen settings and select Full Screen Mode. However, for complete similarity, it is recommended to disable the animations of the interface or replace them through themes.
☑️ Setting up navigation
Also worth noting is the Quick Settings Bar, which looks different on the Pixel than it does on Xiaomi. It's hard to copy it completely without root rights, but you can use Google's Switch widgets to minimize the differences.
To control one hand, the Pixel uses a swipe down the bottom of the screen (Action Bar). In Xiaomi, this feature can be activated in the “Additional” -> “One-Hand Mode” section by selecting the option “Down the screen”.
System sounds and wallpaper Stock Android
The devil is in the details. Even a perfectly configured interface will give its origins when a notification or call is received. Xiaomi's standard tunes ("Mi Pop," "Whistle") are too recognisable.
You need to download the Stock Android Sounds system sound pack, and you can do this through the Themes app by finding a theme called “Pixel Sounds” or “Pure Android” and using only the notification, alarm and call sounds.
Wallpaper also plays a key role. Pixel uses dynamic wallpaper that changes color depending on the theme, or static images with abstract shapes. Download the official wallpaper from a Pixel 8 or Pixel 9 device in maximum resolution and install it on the main screen and lock screen.
- 🎵 Replace the ringtone with “The Big Adventure” or “Over the Horizon” (old Android versions) or new Pixel tunes.
- 🔔 Set the adara or Mellow notification sound for maximum similarity.
- 🖼️ Use the live wallpaper "Pixel Wallpapers" from the Play Store for the effect of transfusing flowers.
- 🔇 Turn off screen lock sounds in the sound settings if they are annoying.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes with sounds, carefully read the description. Some themes can change the icons of system applications (phone, messages), returning the standard view. MIUI, Look for topics marked "Sounds only».
Additional optimization and widget "Assistant"
The final touch will be to customize the Google Assistant widget. On the Pixel, it's integrated into the bottom of the screen or called by a swipe from the corner. On Xiaomi, you can set up a Google widget on your desktop that will display weather, calendar and hints.
For deeper integration, you can use the latest version of Google App, and its settings include the Assistant section, where you can activate the “Continued conversation” features and other features that are typical of pure Android.
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The integrated use of launcher, fonts, camera and sound creates a presence in the Google ecosystem, hiding the shell. MIUI/HyperOS from the user's eye.
Remember to regularly update installed apps, especially Google Camera and Pixel Launcher, as developers are constantly improving compatibility with new versions of Android.