Xiaomi shell (MIUI): What it is, features and how to work with it

When you buy a Xiaomi, Redmi or Smartphone POCO, You get not just a device based on Android, but a gadget with a proprietary shell MIUI. Many users do not even realize that it is not a “pure” Android, but a deeply modified system with unique design, features and sometimes specific problems?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what MIUI It's different from standard Android, what pros and cons it carries, how to check its version on your device and what to do if the shell is unstable. MIUI And you can install another launcher or custom firmware instead -- and whether you should. If you've just bought a Xiaomi smartphone or you've been using it for a while, but you want to get a little bit nuanced, this article is really useful.

What is the shell of Xiaomi (MIUI) And why do you need it?

Shell MIUI (Pronounced “Mai Yuai,” it’s a proprietary interface that Xiaomi installs on top of the Android operating system. It changes the look of the menu, adds unique features, optimizes the work of hardware and integrates the company’s services. In fact, it is an “addition” over Android, which makes Xiaomi smartphones recognizable and different from other brands.

First version MIUI It was launched back in 2010, long before Xiaomi became a global brand, and it was a custom firmware for enthusiasts that could be installed on smartphones from other manufacturers. MIUI — It is a full-fledged ecosystem that runs on dozens of Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, and also on some smart home devices (for example, Xiaomi Pad tablets).

• 📱 Replacing the standard Android interface – icons, animations, fonts and even system sounds are unique to the user. MIUI.
• ⚙️ Additional features – for example, the “Second Space” mode, app cloning, built-in ad blocker.
• 🔄 Optimization for Xiaomi iron – the shell takes into account the features of Qualcomm, MediaTek and even Xiaomi’s own chips (for example, Surge).
• 🌍 Localization for different regions – in MIUI There are special versions for China, Europe, India and Russia, taking into account local features.

It is important to understand that MIUI — It's not a separate operating system, it's a shell, and Android still works underneath it, usually one of the latest versions, but with profound changes. This means you can still install apps from Google Play, use Google services, and do everything you do on any other Android smartphone, but some features may work differently, such as managing notifications or configuring access rights.

Differences MIUI from pure Android: pros and cons

If you've used a naked Android smartphone before (like Google Pixel or Motorola), you'll notice a lot of differences after you switch to Xiaomi, some of which make it easier to use, some of which make it more annoying. Let's look at the main pros and cons. MIUI Compared to standard Android.

One of the most controversial issues is advertising in MIUI. In some versions of the shell (especially in Chinese and Indian), banner ads can appear in system applications, such as Files, Music or Themes. In European and global firmware, there is usually no advertising, but if it suddenly appears, you can turn it off in the settings of the Mi Account.

Another nuance is performance. On flagship models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi). K70) MIUI It works fast and smoothly, but on budget smartphones (like Redmi). A2 or POCO C55) This is because the shell consumes more resources than standard Android Go, which usually runs on cheap devices.

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If your smartphone Xiaomi began to slow down after the update MIUI, Try resetting to factory settings (with data saved) or disabling animations in developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap).

How to find out the version MIUI on your Xiaomi smartphone

To understand which version of the shell is installed on your device, just look at the settings. This information is useful if you want to update the firmware, install a custom theme or check compatibility with any application.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device).
3. Slip on the line version MIUI — This will include the number of the shell (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 Global).
4. To see the Android version, bar Android version (such as Android 13).

Version. MIUI usually consists of several parts:

• 🔢 The main number (for example, 14) is the shell generation.
• 🔢 Additional number (e.g. 0.5) – minor update.
• 🌐 Regional Suffix: Global - International version; EEA — Europe; China – Chinese firmware (without Google services); India – version for India; Russia – Russian localization (sometimes with local services pre-installed).

If you have a version MIUI It's outdated, it's usually the system itself that offers to update, but sometimes updates come with a delay, especially if you have regional firmware (for example, for Russia or India), in which case you can try to update manually through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Can I remove it? MIUI and install another launcher or firmware

Many users are unhappy with many MIUI They're going to get rid of it because of ads, or brakes, or a bad interface, and they want to get rid of it. That's technically possible, but there are a few nuances.

Installation of a third-party launcher (without removal) MIUI)

The easiest way to change the look of the system is to install an alternative launcher from Google Play.

• 🏠 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office Tools.
• 🔍 Lawnchair launcher in the style of “pure” Android (Pixel).
• 🌈 Apex Launcher – lightweight option for weak devices.

The launcher will replace only the main screen and application menu, but system settings, notification center and other elements MIUI But it's safe, because you don't risk building a smartphone.

2. Installation of custom firmware (complete removal) MIUI)

If you want to get rid of it completely MIUI, You can also use an alternative smartphone, for example:

• 🤖 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary add-ons.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware in the style of Google Pixel.
• 🌍 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many functions.
• 🔄 ArrowOS – Easy and fast firmware for weak devices.

But there are serious risks:

⚠️ Attention! Custom firmware installation voids warranty, can cause data loss and even device failure if something goes wrong, and some features (such as a camera or fingerprint sensor) may not work properly.

Before the firmware must:

Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding)

Make a full backup of data on a PC or cloud

Download firmware and tools (TWRP, ADB, Fastboot)

Charge your smartphone at least 70%

Make sure the firmware is compatible with your model (check the device code in Settings). → The phone. → Model)

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If you're not confident, it's best not to take risks. For most users, the best solution is to disable unnecessary features. MIUI launcher.

How to optimize MIUI for maximum productivity

If your Xiaomi smartphone started to brake, warm up or discharge quickly, the problem may be in the settings. MIUI. Here are some proven ways to speed up the shell without drastic measures (like firmware).

1. Disable animations and visual effects

MIUI She's known for her beautiful but resource-intensive animations:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the items: The scale of window animation → Off; Scale of transition animation → Off; Duration of the animator → Off..

2. Cleaning the cache and unnecessary processes

MIUI It has a built-in utility for system optimization:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the Cleanup tab.
3. Click Clear – this will delete temporary files and cache.
4. For deep cleaning, use Security → Optimization.

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Regular cleaning of the cache and turning off background processes can increase battery life on the 15-20% speed up the opening of applications on 30-40%.

4. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the smartphone is slowing down a lot, and the previous methods didn't work, you can do a hard reset, which will delete all the data, but return the system to its original state:

1. Backup important files on your PC or cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset all settings and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention! After reset, all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. If you sync with Google or Mi Account, some information (for example, contacts) can be restored.

Xiaomi’s new HyperOS shell: What will change in 2026

At the end of 2023, Xiaomi announced HyperOS – a new shell that should replace the new model. MIUI It's not just an upgrade, it's a complete rebranding and redesign of the system?

HyperOS is being marketed as a lighter, faster and more versatile platform that will work not only on smartphones, but also on smartwatches, TVs, tablets, and even cars.

• ⚡ Increased productivity – optimized code and reduced resource consumption.
• 🔄 A single ecosystem – synchronization between all Xiaomi devices (for example, copying text from a smartphone to a tablet).
• 🎨 New design – a more minimalist and modern interface.
• 🛡️ Improved security – a new mechanism for data protection and access rights.
• 🤖 AI functions – integration of generative AI for processing photos, text and voice commands.

The first smartphones with HyperOS have already begun to receive an update (for example, Xiaomi). 14 redmi K70). The transition of all devices to the new shell is planned for the 2026-2026 However, not all older models will get an update – Xiaomi usually supports smartphones for no longer. 3-4 years.

If your smartphone does not make it to the list of supported, do not be upset — MIUI Security updates will be available for a long time, but new HyperOS features (like AI tools) on older devices won’t work.

Frequent MIUI problems and how to solve them

Despite the upsides, MIUI And sometimes it's unstable. Here are the most common problems and the ways to solve them:

1.The smartphone is very warm and discharges quickly

Possible causes:

• 🔥 Background processes – disable auto-run of unnecessary applications (Settings) → Annexes → Auto-start).
• 🔄 System Update – Check if the firmware is downloaded in the background.
• 🎮 Games or Heavy Apps – Activate Game Turbo Mode for Optimization.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery – if your smartphone is older than 2 years, it may be time to replace the battery.

2. no notifications from applications are received

V MIUI There is an aggressive battery optimization that can block notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a problem app (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
3. Activate options: Auto Start; Secondary Start; Show notifications.

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

3. Advertising in system applications

If you see banner ads in Files, Music or Themes, you can turn them off:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Go to Advertising. → Personalized Advertising and Turn It Off.
3. In some applications (for example, Files), advertising can be turned off in their settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about MIUI