Android in Xiaomi Phone: What is it, how does it work and how is it different from others?

Why Android in Xiaomi is not the same as others

When you buy a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you get a device based on the Android operating system — but not in the form that the owners of the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy are used to. The fact is that Xiaomi deeply modifys standard Android by adding its own MIUI shell. It is not just a “design theme”, but a full reworking of the interface, functions and even the logic of the system.

In this article, we will understand what Android is in the context of Xiaomi: how it interacts with the shell MIUI, What are the pros and cons of this, and why the brand's smartphones behave differently than the pure Android devices, you'll also learn how to check the system version, update it without risk, and what to do if the phone starts to brake after the upgrade. Special attention will be paid to the unique feature of Xiaomi – dual firmware (Global/China), which can drastically change the functionality of the device.

If you just bought your first Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6, or just want to figure out why your phone works the way it does, this guide is for you. We avoid technical jargon and explain everything on our fingers, but with a dive into the parts that are important for everyday use.

Android vs MIUI: Who is the most important in the Xiaomi phone?

So to start with, Android is the operating system that Google developed, and MIUI is Xiaomi's proprietary shell that runs on top of Android, and you can make the analogy with a computer: Android is Windows 11, and MIUI is a package of software that is installed on top of it, like Microsoft Office plus customized interface, but in the case of smartphones, the integration is much deeper.

MIUI is not just superimposed on Android, it replaces many system components: settings menu, notification center, phone app, camera and even security core. For example, in pure Android you will see the standard Google Dialer for calls, and in Xiaomi - the Mi Dialer app with recording conversations and spam filter.

• 📱 Pure Android (like Pixel 8): Minimalist design, quick updates from Google, no junk".
• 🎨 MIUI Android-based: bright animations, extra features (like Second Space for the second desktop), but updates come later.
• ⚙️ Deep integration: MIUI Changes even system fonts, icons and multitasking logic (for example, swipe up and hold gesture opens not a list of applications, but a control menu).

It is important to understand that the version MIUI ≠ Android version. For example, your Xiaomi 13T may work MIUI 14, but using Android 13 is like updating furniture in a room (MIUI), The problem is that Xiaomi sometimes delays Android updates, even if you are not using Android. MIUI updated regularly.

How to check out Android and MIUI versions of Xiaomi

To find out which version of Android and MIUI is installed on your phone, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Stick on the line MIUI version – here will be the shell number (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5).
4. Below, find the Android version – this is the version of the underlying OS (for example, Android 14).

If you have an older model (like the Redmi Note 10), the path may be slightly different: Settings → System → About Phone → MIUI version. On some firmware (especially Chinese) information about the Android version may be hidden - in this case, use third-party applications like CPU-Z or AIDA64.

Open Settings

Find the About Phone section.

Check the line “Version” MIUI"

Make sure the Android version is up to date

Compare with the latest updates on the official website-->

Note the firmware code after the version number (e.g., V14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM).

• CN is a Chinese firmware (often without Google services).
• Global or MI is the international version.
• RU - firmware for Russia (may differ from pre-installed applications).
• EEA is the European version (compliant with GDPR).

⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased in China and has a firmware code CN, You won't have Google Play or any other Google service, and you'll need to unlock the bootloader and run the global firmware to install them, which is a risky procedure that could lead to a loss of warranty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Android in Xiaomi

The MIUI proprietary shell adds a lot of features to Android that aren't in the standard system, but there are tradeoffs to pay for it, and we'll look at the key pros and cons.

One of the most controversial points is the policy of updates. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra received Android 14 only 4 months after the announcement, while the Pixel 8 was updated on the day of release. On the other hand, Xiaomi supports its devices longer than many competitors: even the budget Redmi Note 11 (2022) received a MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

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If you are annoyed by ads in MIUI, go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and turn off the “Recommendations” option. Also check the settings of each system application (for example, Downloads or Security) for banner ads.

How to update Android on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Updating the system on Xiaomi can take place in two ways: by air (OTA) And manually, through Recovery. The first method is simpler, but sometimes it's easier. OTA-updates are delayed or not appearing (especially on Chinese firmware.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

This is the safest method that does not require technical skills:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updates weigh 1.5-3 GB).
2. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, a Download button will appear.
4. After downloading, tap Install and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA does not come (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can install the update manually:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website (choose the Recovery ROM version).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
5. Please specify the downloaded update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Never install firmware designed for other regions (e.g. Chinese firmware on the global model). IMEI, network problems or full buildup of the device. Always check compatibility by model code (Settings) → The phone. → Model).

Frequent Android Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even with MIUI optimization, Xiaomi users are facing typical Android-related problems, and these are the most common ones and ways to fix them.

1.The phone brakes after the update

If after installing a new version of MIUI or Android, the device becomes slower to work:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Deep cleaning.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button) → "Safe mode") to check if a third-party application is at fault.
• 📉 Turn off animations: activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to Version) MIUI in settings) and set the animation scale on 0.5x.
• 🔙 If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset), but pre-repair backup!

2.The battery goes down fast.

MIUI is known for aggressive battery optimization, but sometimes it works against the user.

• 🔋 Check battery consumption: Settings → Battery → Battery use. If an application consumes >10%, limit your activity.
• 🛑 Turn off Auto Sync for unnecessary accounts (Settings) → Accounts).
• 🌙 Activate Power Saving Mode manually or set Adaptive Mode.
• 📡 Turn off device search and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-scanning.

3. Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.) are not working.

This problem is typical for Chinese firmware (CN), where Google services are removed by default.

• 📥 Install Google Installer (like Googlefier or Mi Account Unlock Tool) but it requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔄 Refuse the phone to the global version MIUI (risky if you don't have experience).
• 🛒 Buy a model with global firmware (Global or Global). EEA coded).

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If mobile data is lost after the update, check the settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Often, operators automatically send the correct settings to the SMS — request them through USSD-code (e.g. *99# for Beeline).

Hidden Android Features in Xiaomi You Didn’t Know About

MIUI hides a lot of useful things that are not obvious at first glance, and here are some that will make using your phone more convenient:

• 🎵 Double touch to wake up: activate in Settings → Lock screen → Double tap to wake up. Now you don't have to press the power button!
• 📸 Hidden folder in the gallery: Create a folder called.nomedia (with a dot at the beginning) – all files inside it will not appear in the gallery.
• 🔊 Sound modes for headphones: in Settings → Sound. → Sound quality in headphones can be selected presets for different genres of music.
• 🔒 Hidden applications: in Settings → Annexes → Hide applications can hide any programs from the menu (available only through search).
• 📡 Parallel spaces: in Settings → Special facilities → Parallel spaces can be cloned messengers (for example, have two WhatsApp accounts).
• 🖥️ Desktop PC mode: connect the phone to the monitor through USB-C → HDMI and activate Desktop PC Mode in the notification curtain.

Another little-known feature is the Face Down mode (Settings → Display → Face Down). If you activate it, the screen will automatically turn to book orientation when you look at your phone lying down, which is convenient for reading or watching videos in bed.

For experimentation enthusiasts, MIUI has a feature lab (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Tap 7 times) where you can test beta features, such as a new control center or gestures.

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To speed up charging, activate Plane Mode while connecting to the charger, which will turn off background processes, and the phone will charge 20-30% faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android in Xiaomi phones