What operating system is on Xiaomi smartphones: a detailed analysis of MIUI, Android and alternatives

When it comes to Xiaomi smartphones, many users are wondering: what operating system (OS) is installed on them? At first glance, the answer seems obvious - Android, but in practice it is more difficult. The fact is that Xiaomi uses its own MIUI shell, which is so deeply integrated into the system that sometimes creates the illusion of a separate OS. In this article, we will understand what exactly works under the hood of your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 13T, how the versions of MIUI differ from “pure” Android, and why this is important for the user.

Immediately it is worth clarifying: all Xiaomi smartphones (with rare exceptions) work on the basis of Android, but with a proprietary shell. MIUI, It's a complete add-on that changes the interface, the functionality, even the logic of the system, and it's not just a design theme, but a complete add-on with its own services, applications, and optimization algorithms. MIUI It comes in several versions, from global (for the international market) to Chinese (with limitations and features).We will then go through all the nuances in detail, including how to check the version of the OS on your device and compare it with other shells (for example, HyperOS, which comes in place of the new version of the OS). MIUI).

1. Android as the basis: why Xiaomi can not do without it

Although MIUI looks like a standalone system, its foundation is Android, Google’s open mobile platform. Xiaomi, like other vendors like Samsung, Oppo, Realme, doesn’t develop an OS from scratch, but adapts Android to its needs.

• 🔹 App Compatibility: All Google Play apps run on Xiaomi thanks to Android-based software. MIUI It just adds its chips on top of it.
• 🔹 Security and Updates: Critical security patches come from Google, and Xiaomi adapts them to its shell (sometimes with a delay).
• 🔹 Hardware support: Android provides drivers for processors (Qualcomm, MediaTek), cameras, communication modules — MIUI They only optimize their work.

Interesting fact: in 2023, Xiaomi began testing its own Vela OS (for IoT devices), but for smartphones, it still sticks to Android. Even in the newest HyperOS, which replaces MIUI, the kernel remains Android-based. This means that buying Xiaomi, you always get an Android smartphone, albeit with a unique add-on.

MIUI vs Android: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

If Android is the skeleton of a system, MIUI is its face, its character, and even its habits. Xiaomi's shell changes everything from icon design to notification logic to memory management.

One of the main advantages of MIUI is the flexibility of the setup, for example, here you can:

• 🎨 Change design themes beyond recognition (including animations and sounds).
• 🔒 Configure application rights to the smallest detail (for example, prohibit access to geolocation for a particular software in the background).
• ⚡ Use performance modes (Battery, Balance, Performance) to optimize work.

However, MIUI has its drawbacks, such as aggressive background optimization often kills applications that users would like to keep active (messengers, health trackers), and some versions of MIUI (especially Chinese ones) contain built-in ads in system applications, which causes users to dissatisfaction.

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To disable MIUI ads, go to Settings → Memory → Settings → Disable MIUI recommendations. Global versions may not have this option.

3. How to find out the version of the OS on your Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

To determine exactly which operating system is installed on your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Phone in English).
3. Find the lines: Version MIUI — This is the number of the shell (for example, MIUI 14.0.5. Android version - here is the base OS version (e.g. Android 13). build number - full firmware information (e.g., Android 13, SKQ1.211006.001).

An example of what you can see:

Version. MIUI: MIUI Global 14.0.3.0 (SKUEUXM)


Android Version: 13 TKQ1.221114.001




Assembly number: SKQ1.211006.001

Pay attention to the first letters in the assembly number:

• 🅰️ SKQ... — Android 13.
• 🆃 TP1... — Android 12.
• 🆁 RQ3... — Android 11.

This will help you understand which version of Android your MIUI is based on.

Check if the item is hidden in additional settings |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Reset your phone settings (if critical)|

Try using the app. CPU-Z Google Play-->

4. MIUI Versions and their Android Compatibility: Compatibility Table

Xiaomi regularly updates MIUI, but not always in sync with the release of new versions of Android. For example, MIUI 14 was released on the basis of Android 13, but some devices received it late.

It is important to understand that one version of MIUI can run on different versions of Android depending on the model. For example, POCO M3 received MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10, while Xiaomi 11T – on Android 11.

5. HyperOS: What it is and whether it will replace MIUI

In October 2023, Xiaomi announced a new operating system, HyperOS, which is not a complete abandonment of MIUI, but its evolution, built on the same principles, but with improved architecture.

• 🔄 Modular structure: The system is divided into independent modules that can be upgraded separately (e.g., camera only or interface only).
• ⚡ Performance: Declared reduction in memory consumption by 20-30% compared to MIUI.
• 🔒 Security: New system of delimitation of application rights (type of iOS).
• 🌐 Cross-platform: HyperOS will be used not only in smartphones, but also in smartwatches, TVs and cars Xiaomi.

The first HyperOS was Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro (January 2026), and the transition will be gradual for the rest of the models, while HyperOS remains an add-on to Android — just more advanced than MIUI. So, in essence, it is still Android, but with a new shell.

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HyperOS won’t replace Android — it will replace MIUI as a shell.The underlying OS will remain the same, but with improved optimization and new features.

6. Alternative OS for Xiaomi: can you install a “clean” Android

If you don’t like MIUI or HyperOS, you have a few options:

1. Custom firmware: 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary applications. 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel. 📱 ArrowOS – Lightweight firmware with a focus on performance.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings and can void the warranty, NFC or camera) may work properly.

Global versions of MIUI

If you have a Chinese version of Xiaomi (with the prefix CN in the model number), you can flash the global MIUI (Global or EEA), which will remove Chinese services and advertising, but retain all the features.

Firmware from third-party developers

On the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, you can find modified versions of MIUI with remote bloatware (unnecessary applications) and optimizations.

Before installing an alternative OS, check:

• 🔧 Compatibility of firmware with your model (by device code, for example, surya for POCO X3).
• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50% to avoid bricks when firmware is being used).
• 📥 Availability of data backup (firmware erases everything from internal memory).

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To find firmware, use the code name of your device, which you can find in the CPU-Z application (Device section) or by entering the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device in the terminal.

7. Frequent OS problems on Xiaomi and how to solve them

Xiaomi users often face typical MIUI problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If your device gets worse after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cash.
2. Reverse to the previous version (if backup is available).
3. Perform reset to factory settings (preliminary saving data).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The phone stopped turning on (hang on the logo), do not try to sew it through the Fastboot without instructions. In 90% of cases, a hard reset helps (clamp down the power supply). + Volume up for 10 seconds, but it will delete all data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions