How to make an iPhone menu on Xiaomi: a complete guide to the style of iOS

Many users who are moving from the Apple ecosystem to Xiaomi devices are faced with an unusual interface shell MIUI or the new HyperOS. Despite the functionality, the lack of the usual “home” button, the specific structure of the menu and a different kind of widgets can cause discomfort. Fortunately, the modern mobile industry allows you to easily transform the appearance of the smartphone, turning a budget or flagship device Redmi or Poco into a visual copy of the iPhone.

Customization doesn’t require superuser rights or complex device flashing. Launchers and specialized themes let you change icons, fonts, transition animations, and even the control center in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available ways, from simple themes to deep customization through third-party apps, so that your Android is indistinguishable from iOS visually.

You have to understand that a full copy is visually possible: system features like Siri or AirDrop will remain Google services or Xiaomi equivalents. However, if your goal is aesthetics and the usual arrangement of elements, the result will surprise you pleasantly. Let's start transforming your device using proven methods and safe tools.

Use of the built-in MIUI theme store

The easiest and safest way to change the interface is to use the standard Theme app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones. Developers around the world create detailed copies of the iOS interface that change wallpaper, icons, lock screen and system fonts. First, open the app and enter queries like “iOS 17”, “iPhone style” or “Apple UI” in the search bar.

You'll see dozens of options after you search. Pay attention to the theme's ranking and downloads to ensure it's stable. Some themes may require a paid MIUI Premium subscription, but most are free. When choosing a theme, read the description carefully: some modifications only change icons, while others affect the notification panel and the multitasking menu.

Once you have the theme installed, the system will suggest you apply all the components or choose them manually. For maximum similarity to the iPhone, it is recommended to use the theme completely, including the lock screen and system fonts. However, if you like standard Xiaomi widgets more, you can deselect this item. After applying the changes, restart the device so that all the animations fall into place.

The built-in theme store is a great start, but it has limitations. Often, the themes may not be displayed correctly on Dynamic Island screens or tablets. In addition, HyperOS shell updates can sometimes reset customization, requiring reuse of the theme. However, this is the most integrated method in the system, without affecting battery performance.

Installation of third-party launchers for full imitation

If standard MIUI capabilities aren’t enough, third-party launchers from Google Play come to the rescue. Apps like Launcher iOS 17 or Control Center iOS completely replace the desktop, copying the logic of iOS, which includes bottom-up swipes for unlocking, an App Library-style app library, and the characteristic swaying icons with long presses.

Installing a third-party launcher requires a number of permissions. You will need to allow the application to access the Overlay on top of other applications and assign it to the default primary launcher in the system settings. The process is usually automated: the application will redirect you to the desired Settings menu → Applications → Application Management → By default.

Third-party launchers have more flexibility than themes. You can adjust grid size, indentations, docking behavior, and even add widgets that don’t physically exist on Android (like Apple Weather-style weather widgets). However, it’s worth remembering that such apps consume more RAM, which on Redmi’s budget models can lead to more frequent offloading of background processes.

⚠️ Note: Some aggressive launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s system navigation, causing gesture problems.If swipes stop working after installing the launcher to return back, temporarily switch to standard button navigation or change the launcher app.

To achieve the best result, it is recommended to combine the launcher with widget engines, for example, install a launcher for the menu structure, and for widgets use a separate application, this approach provides a balance between visual similarity and stability of the Android operating system.

Setting up the control center and notification curtain

One of the most notable differences between iOS and Android is the split control center: on the iPhone, the swipe on the top right opens up brightness and sound sliders, and on the left, notifications. On Xiaomi, this can be done through special module applications like iOS Control Center. These applications create a layer on top of the system curtain, mimicking Apple's design.

Once you install the app, you'll need to grant access authorization, which is a critical step without which the app won't be able to intercept swipes and display custom interfaces. In the special features menu, find the app installed and activate the switch. The system can alert you to security risks -- for proven apps from the Play Market, it's safe.

In the control center settings, you can change the behavior of sliders, for example, make a long press on the brightness slider opens an extended menu, like on an iPhone. You can also adjust color schemes: sliders can change color depending on the wallpaper, which is a feature of iOS 15/16/17.

Also, don’t forget the standard MIUI features. Some versions of the shell already have a Control Center Style option where you can switch to Old or New (Separated) view. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Control Center and choose a style that is more like Apple. This native solution works more stable than third-party counterparts.

Transformation of the lock screen and Dynamic Island

The lock screen is the first thing a user sees. To make it look like an iPhone, it's not enough to just change the wallpaper. You'll need a lock screen customization app that adds weather widgets, pedometers and a music player in the style of iOS. Popular apps allow you to customize the time font to make it thin and elegant, like Apple.

Dynamic Island features, Xiaomi owners with a capsule cutout can use special apps (e.g. dynamicSpot) that turn the camera area into an interactive element, displaying notifications about calls, tracks in Spotify or timers, fully copying the behavior of the iPhone 14 Pro and later.

There are also solutions for devices with a conventional notch or hole, and the app creates a software black capsule around the camera, hides it and uses it to display statuses, which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functionally, allowing you to see charging status or silence mode at any time.

When setting up the lock screen, it is important not to overload it with widgets. The excess of information can make it difficult to read time and date, and also increase battery consumption, as the screen will be activated more often to update data. Find a balance between beauty and functionality.

Replacement of system fonts and sounds

The details are everything. The San Francisco font used in Apple products is a recognizable part of the brand. In the Xiaomi theme store, you can find substitute fonts that are as close to the original as possible. A search for "San Francisco" or "Apple Font" will give you several options. Once you install the font, the entire interface, including the settings menu and third-party apps, will change.

The sound plays a role too. Android system sounds (dial, text, lock) are different from iOS tunes. You can download a.ogg or.mp3 system sound pack and replace them via the Settings menu → Sound and vibration → Additional → Notifications sound. You can need a theme that supports this feature, or root rights, to replace the system sounds (clicks, lock).

Don’t forget the tactile recoil. iPhone is famous for its Taptic Engine. Xiaomi with linear motors can adjust the vibration in the Settings menu → Sound and vibration → Vibration when touched, choosing the shortest and clearest response. This will add a sense of “premium” when printing and navigation.

Widgets and final polishing of the interface

The final step is installing widgets. Standard MIUI widgets look different than iOS. Use widget apps like Widgetsmith (or their Android counterparts) to solve this problem, and they allow you to create calendar, photo, note and weather widgets that are exactly the same as Apple's design.

Put widgets on the home screen, observing the grid. In iOS, widgets take 2x2 or 2x4 places. Try not to disturb this geometry. Group widgets by meaning: weather and calendar on top, music and notes in the middle, this will create a sense of order and familiarity.

⚠️ Attention: Installing a lot of live widgets (especially weather and news) can significantly increase battery consumption.If you notice a quick discharge, reduce the frequency of updating widgets or remove the least used ones.

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For the perfect copy of the iOS interface, hide the captions under the app icons. In some launchers, this is done in the appearance settings, and in a standard MIUI, you may need to use a special theme that hides the text.

After all the settings, take a screenshot and compare it to an image of an iPhone. Chances are, only an experienced user will notice the difference. Your Xiaomi now looks like a Cupertino device, while retaining all the power and flexibility of Android.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A comprehensive approach combining theme, launcher and widgets gives the best visual result, turning the Xiaomi interface into an exact copy of iOS without losing the functionality of Android.