What operating system is used in Xiaomi phones: MIUI, HyperOS or Android?

When buying a Xiaomi smartphone, many users are faced with the question: what is the operating system installed on it? On the Internet, you can find mentions of Android, and the Internet is not a single device. MIUI, And the new HyperOS, it's not that easy to sort this out, especially if you're used to Google's "pure" Android or Apple's iOS.

In fact, all Xiaomi phones run on Android, which is the basis, but on top of it, the company installs its own shell: it used to be the first to run on Android. MIUI, And in 2023, we started to go to HyperOS. Why is that? It's all about the extra features, the unique design and the optimization of Xiaomi's hardware. But not everyone knows that these shells can be replaced with standard Android -- but more on that later.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 📱 What OS is generally on Xiaomi smartphones and how they differ
• 🔍 How to know which version of the system is installed on your device
• ⚖️ Pros and cons MIUI, HyperOS and pure Android
• 🔄 Can I change the firmware and is it worth it?

If you are just planning to buy or have already become a happy owner of a gadget from Xiaomi – this information will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of the capabilities of your phone.

1. The basic OS of all Xiaomi phones is Android (but not quite)

Any Xiaomi smartphone — whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi 14 — runs on Android. It’s an open operating system from Google that manufacturers can modify to suit their needs, which is why Android looks and works differently on devices of different brands.

Xiaomi has never released a phone with a pure Android (like the Google Pixel), but instead develops its own shells:

• 📦 MIUI (2010-2023 – legendary firmware, known for its design and abundance of features
• ⚡ HyperOS (late 2023) – a new system that replaced MIUI

This means that even if the phone specs Android 13, in fact, you will get Android 13 with a shell Xiaomi.

Why is it? First, the shell allows Xiaomi to stand out from the competition due to unique features (for example, the “Second space” mode or super wallpapers); Second, it gives more control over updates – the company can add its security patches independently of Google.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the European market (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pros come with almost pure Android as part of the Xiaomi by Google program, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

2. MIUI HyperOS: What’s the difference and what’s better?

Until October 2023, all Xiaomi smartphones worked on the MIUI — It was a shell that was loved for its setup and hated for its advertising, but then the company announced HyperOS, which they called "the next generation system.

The main difference between HyperOS is not just a shell above Android, but a separate operating system built on the Android kernel, but with its own solutions for memory management, security and interaction with hardware. For example, HyperOS implements Xiaomi Vela technology, a lightweight environment for IoT devices that allows a smartphone to interact with a smart home faster.

Should I update with MIUI If you have a flagship model (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70), Yes, the new system is more stable and offers more multitasking. For older devices (like the Redmi Note 10), the transition may not be so obvious, as some users complain about bugs in the early versions of HyperOS.

3.How do you know which OS is installed on your Xiaomi phone?

To determine exactly which operating system is running on your smartphone, just look at the settings. Here is a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device).
3. Find the lines: 📌 Version. MIUI / HyperOS version - the shell is listed here 📌 Android Version – Here’s Google’s Basic OS

For example, if you see:

HyperOS version: 1.0.5.0.UMBMIXM


Android Version: 14

This means that the phone has a HyperOS 1.0.5 shell based on Android 14.

Another way is to look at the boot screen when you turn on your phone. MIUI, The shell has not yet been updated to HyperOS, and the new devices (released after October 2023) will have the HyperOS logo.

Open Settings → The phone.

Find the lines "Version" MIUI/HyperOS" and “Android version"

Compare with the latest available updates

If necessary, update the system-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) In the settings, only the Android version can be displayed, and the shell information is hidden. In this case, check the Settings menu. → The phone. → Software version or use the application CPU-Z Google Play.

4.Can I install pure Android on Xiaomi?

On most phones, Xiaomi can be replaced. MIUI Or HyperOS on naked Android. There are a number of ways to do that:

• 🔧 Official firmware (for Android One devices, for example, Mi) A3)
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader and install via fastboot

The easiest option is if your phone supports the Android One project, in which case you can download the official firmware from Xiaomi and flash it through the Mi Flash Tool. A2 It was originally a pure Android, and it is not difficult to return it back.

For the rest of the models, you'll have to use custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – as close as possible to Android stock
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – Android with Google Pixel chips
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality

However, there are pitfalls here: not all functions can work correctly (e.g., for example, NFC Or a camera, and the warranty on the phone will burn down.

Is the game worth the candle? If you're annoyed by the commercials in MIUI Or you don't like the design of HyperOS, yes, but be prepared for the fact that you're not:

• ❌ You will lose some Xiaomi chips (like Second Space or Game Turbo)
• ❌ Banking applications may stop working (due to lack of certification)
• ❌ Updates will have to be installed manually.

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Before installing custom firmware, make a backup of data through TWRP Recovery or Mi PC Suite, it will save your photos and contacts if something goes wrong.

5. Which Xiaomi models support HyperOS and which ones are left on MIUI?

The HyperOS transition started in late 2023, but not all devices received the update immediately.

A full list of supported devices can be found on the official website of Xiaomi HyperOS. Please note that for some regions (for example, India or China) updates may be released later than for global versions.

If your model is not on the supported list, don’t be upset — MIUI It still gets security updates, but new features (e.g. integration with Xiaomi cars) SU7) It will only be available on HyperOS.

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HyperOS is not just a new version. MIUI, It's a separate OS with its own kernel, and it takes more resources, so older phones like the Redmi Note 8 won't have it.

6. OS problems on Xiaomi: what to do if the system is buggy?

Even the most reliable operating systems sometimes fail, and if your Xiaomi phone starts to brake, overheat, or make errors, here's what you can do:

• 🔄 Reboot is a classic way that works 50% of the time. Press the power button and select Reboot.
• 🗑️ Cache Clearing - Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Resetting settings is a last resort if nothing helps (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
• 📥 Software Update - Check for Updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the problem occurs after upgrading to HyperOS, try rolling back.

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 10 times on the line with the version to activate Additional Features.
3. Select Select a firmware file and specify the downloaded package.

⚠️ Attention: Recoil from HyperOS to MIUI This can lead to data loss if you don’t backup in advance. Also on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) rollback is blocked by the manufacturer.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all or is stuck on the logo, try entering Recovery mode (clip the Power). + Volume up and reset (Wipe Data), in extreme cases, will help firmware through Fastboot from the computer.

7. Which OS to choose when buying a new Xiaomi phone?

If you are looking for a new Xiaomi smartphone, look at the operating system version.

• 🆕 For new models (2026) – take with HyperOS. It is optimized for modern hardware and offers better multitasking.
• 💰 For budget phones, check if there is an upgrade to HyperOS, MIUI It’s also a good option (especially in versions 13-14, which have removed ads).
• 🔓 If you want pure Android, look for models from the Android One program (for example, Xiaomi Mi). A3) or consider POCO minimalist.

Also consider the region of purchase:

• 🌍 Global version (Global) - firmware adapted for Europe, no Chinese services.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China) – more features, but without Google Play (you will have to put manually).
• 🇮🇳 Indian version (India) – may differ in a set of pre-installed applications.

For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ In the global version will get HyperOS with Google services, and in the Chinese version – without them, but with additional chips for the local market.

And one last piece of advice: if you don't like experimentation, go for models that have already gotten HyperOS and have positive feedback about it. 13T or Redmi K70 — The new system is operating stably.

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HyperOS doesn’t support all older Xiaomi devices yet. If you want long-term support, take the flagship models (Xiaomi series) 12/13/14), They are guaranteed to receive updates longer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware