How to Make Xiaomi Like an iPhone: Completely Converting MIUI to iOS

Why do users want to turn Xiaomi into an iPhone – and should they?

Apple's ecosystem has long been a benchmark for many: concise design, smooth animation, rigorous integration between devices. But what if you have Xiaomi with its flexible MIUI, and the soul asks for iOS? Is it possible — and how deep can you go in the transformation?

We warn you right away: you can't replace your iPhone with Xiaomi, because the hardware and software are different. However, you can visually and functionally approach iOS by 70-80%. In this article, we will analyze all the ways - from superficial (themes, icons) to deep (guest settings, alternative launchers and even emulating AirDrop functions), and compare what works stably and what can break your smartphone.

An important nuance: since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has been actively blocking third-party launchers and system modifications through ADB, so some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. If you are not ready for this, focus on the soft ways from the first three sections of the article.

1. Visual transformation: themes, icons and fonts for iOS

The easiest and safest way to do this is to change the MIUI shell to something that looks like iOS, without having to have root rights or technical skills, standard tools or a theme store.

Start with the official Themes app (pre-installed on all Xiaomi) and search for queries such as:

• 🔍 "iOS theme – you will find dozens of themes with icons, wallpaper and fonts for iPhone
• 🎨 "Minimal iOS - concise options without unnecessary tinsel
• 📱 "iPhone X/14 “Style” – Themes for Specific Apple Models

Pay attention to the ranking and downloads – popular themes are usually better optimized.

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Before installing the theme, take screenshots of the current home screen so you can quickly return the original look if something goes wrong.

If there are few standard themes, try third-party launchers:

• 📲 Lawnchair 2 – Supports iOS icons, gestures and adaptive wallpaper
• 🎛️ Nova Launcher - flexible setting of the grid of icons (can be done as on an iPhone — 4×6)
• 🖼️ iLauncher – a specialized launcher with an imitation of iOS, including folders and dock panel

The main disadvantage: launchers eat additional RAM (up to 200-300 MB).

⚠️ Attention: Some themes from the store Themes contain ads or hidden subscriptions. Before installing, read reviews and check the app's permissions in Settings → Annexes.

2.Gestural and navigation: how to do it on the iPhone

One of the key elements of iOS is gesture control without buttons, and MIUI has a similar feature, but it works differently.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Select “Gest navigation” (not to be confused with “Navigation buttons”).
3. Turn on the “Swipe up for Return” option – this simulates a swipe from the bottom up to exit the application.

For a more accurate simulation, install Fluid Navigation Gestures (requires ADB or root).

• 👆 Configure swipe zones (like on an iPhone – only the bottom of the screen)
• 🔄 Add a reverse swipe to switch between applications
• ⏱️ Adjust the speed of animation (in iOS it is slower than in the MIUI)

The main difference from iOS is that MIUI does not have hot corners (swipe diagonally for quick action), but you can set up a double touch to lock the screen, like on old iPhones.

3. Alternative applications: replacing the standard with iOS-like

Even with the upgraded launcher, Xiaomi's standard apps (calls, messages, gallery) give MIUI a head start, and the solution is to install analogues stylized for iOS:

To make a full impact, replace the system sounds. Download Zedge and find there:

• 🔔 iPhone notification sounds (Tri-tone, Chord files)
• 📞 Calling Sounds (Classic Marimba)
• 🔕 Lock/unlock sound

⚠️ Note: Replace system sounds through Settings → Sounds don’t work on all Xiaomi models, and some devices (like the Redmi Note 12) will require Root Explorer and superuser rights.

4. iOS Features on Xiaomi: What can be emulated and what can not

Some Apple chips have analogues on Android, but they work differently.

Configure AirDrop with Mi Share or Nearby Share|Imitate Face. ID through face recognition in Settings → Screen locking|Enable the "Do Not Disturb" mode on schedule, as in iOS|Create widgets for the style of iOS 14 with the help of KWGT-->

What won't work:

• 🚫 iMessage – There is no full-fledged analogue for Android (even Google Messages does not support encryption between Android and iPhone).
• 🚫 Apple Pay – Xiaomi only uses Google Pay or Mi Pay (depending on the region).
• 🚫 Smoothness of animations – even on Xiaomi flagships (13 Ultra) microfreezes are more noticeable than on iPhone.

Here's what we can do:

• ✅ Lock screen: Install Always On Display with iOS style via Settings → Display. → Screenshot.
• ✅ Control Center: Replace the standard with Power Shade (Xposed or Magisk required).
• ✅ Siri: Set up Google Assistant to activate with voice (OK, Google) and change voice to female (reminds Siri).

5. Deep Customization: Root, Firmware and Risks

If you don't like the surface changes, you can go further -- but here's where the risks come in.

1. bootloader unlock: Allows you to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS with an iOS theme). minus: the warranty is lost, and new Xiaomi (after 2022) requires a wait of 7-15 days after the unlock request.
2. Magisk Installation: Root access without losing the ability to upgrade: 🔧 Change system fonts on San Francisco (Apple font) 📱 Install iOS-emoji instead of standard 🔒 Bypassing restrictions MIUI Change of system files
3. iOS-like shell firmware: There are firmware like iOS Launcher OS Or Launcher iOS 16, but they're: 🐢 It is very difficult (especially on the budget Redmi) 🔄 Breaking updates through the air 🛠️ Requires a manual backup through TWRP

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 11), unlocking the bootloader can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage). XDA Developers.

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If you need a stable smartphone, limit yourself to themes and launchers. Root and custom firmware are only suitable for experiments on a backup device.

6.Comparing Xiaomi to iPhone: Which is better in 2026

Before we waste time on transformation, is it worth it? Let's compare the key aspects:

So the bottom line is, if you want stability and ecosystem, you better save for iPhones, and if you want flexibility, price and hardware, Xiaomi with iOS settings is a viable alternative, and the key is not to expect full identity from it.

And one last tip: before you start the transformation, try living with the original MIUI for a week, and you might like its features, like the built-in Game Turbo for gamers or Second Space for separating work and personal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about converting Xiaomi into iPhone