If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO I have at least once thought about getting rid of advertising. MIUI, Speed up your system or get the latest Android updates before the official release — you probably got the term "custom firmware." But what is it really? Why some users praise custom for flexibility and performance, while others warn about the risk of turning a phone into a brick»?
In this article, we will understand what is custom firmware (or custom). ROM), How it differs from the standard MIUI, What types of custom devices exist for Xiaomi devices, and how to install them correctly. You will also learn about the key pros and cons of this solution, and most importantly – about which Xiaomi models in 2026 are officially supported by popular customizables like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and for which you will have to look for informal builds with a risk to stability. If you are a beginner, do not miss the section with step-by-step instructions and a checklist for preparation - this will help avoid mistakes.
What is custom firmware and why it is needed on Xiaomi
Custom firmware is an alternative smartphone operating system created by enthusiasts or development communities based on Android’s open source code. MIUI, Xiaomi installs on its devices, custom offers:
- 🚀 Pure Android without branded shells and unnecessary apps (bloatware), for example, firmware like Pixel Experience copies the interface of Google Pixel, and LineageOS offers a minimalist design.
- 🔄 Even if Xiaomi stopped supporting your model, custom phones can give you the latest Android versions for another 2-3 years.
- ⚡ Improved performance: Optimized code and no background processes MIUI Often give an increase in speed and autonomy time.
- 🔓 Advanced settings: The ability to fine-tune the interface, the system core, control permissions and even overclock the processor (if supported).
But it's not all that rosy. Castom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader (which voids the warranty), and installing it involves risks ranging from data loss to complete device failure, IR-blaster or brand gestures may not work properly or may not be present at all.
⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware on Xiaomi model with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pros are more complex than Qualcomm Snapdragon devices, and often require special tools like SP Flash Tool and the risk of error is higher.
MIUI vs custom firmware: comparison of key features
To understand whether to switch to caste, compare it with the native MIUI Here's a table with key differences:
| Parameter | MIUI (firmware) | Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface. | It's a proprietary shell with lots of customizations, themes and widgets, and there's ads in system applications. | Minimalist design, close to "pure" Android. No advertising, but less branded Xiaomi chips. |
| Updates | Depending on Xiaomi’s policy, support for budget models ends in 2-3 years. | Some firmware (like LineageOS) support devices up to 5-6 years. |
| Productivity | Stable work, but lots of background processes (MIUI Optimizations). | Faster due to code optimization, but there are possible bugs (for example, with a camera or sensors). |
| Xiaomi's functions | Full support: IR-blaster, Game Turbo, signature gestures, Mi Share. | Many functions are missing or work through third-party applications. IR-The blaster needs Mi Remote from third-party developers. |
| Security | Regular security patches from Xiaomi, but closed source. | Open source (you can check for backdoors), but security updates are community-dependent. |
It’s important to understand that not all custom firmware is the same. For example, the Pixel Experience focuses on being as close to the Google Pixel as possible, and ArrowOS offers more customization. Some builds (like Havoc-OS) may be less stable, but they do support rare features like Volte on informal models.
Types of custom firmware for Xiaomi: official and unofficial
All custom firmware for Xiaomi devices can be divided into two large groups: official (supported by the development team) and informal (assembled by enthusiasts), let’s see how they differ and which ones are worth choosing.
Official custom firmware
These firmwares have been tested and are supported by well-known teams, and they can be downloaded from official sites, and updates come through built-in. OTA-Update:
- 📱 LineageOS is the most popular open source firmware. supports many Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) and POCO F3 (alioth).
- 📱 Pixel Experience – Copy the interface and features of Google Pixel, including Google Camera and Now Playing.
- 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between customization and stability. A2 (jasmine_sprout) redmi K20 Pro (raphael).
Unofficial (custom) firmware
These builds are created by individual developers or small teams, and they may offer unique features, but they often contain bugs.
- 🔧 Havoc-OS is the most customized, but less stable.
- 🔧 Paranoid Android – known for its Dynamic System (Adaptive Interface) feature).
- 🔧 CrDroid combines elements of LineageOS and Pixel Experience.
How to check if the firmware is official? Go to the project website (for example, download.lineageos.org) and enter the code name of your device (for example, davinci for Redmi). K20). If the model is on the list - firmware official.
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The code name of your Xiaomi device can be found in the Mi Check app (available on Google Play) or through the adb shell command getprop ro.product.device.
Preparation for installation: unlocking the bootloader and backup
Before installing custom firmware, two key steps must be taken: unlock the bootloader and make a full backup of data, and skipping any of these can lead to loss of information or inability to bring the phone back to life.
1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
By default, Xiaomi blocks the bootloader to prevent unauthorized changes to the system.
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and follow the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Xiaomi resets the phone to factory settings. All data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted.
2. Creating a backup
Even if you unlocked the bootloader, before installing custom firmware, be sure to make a backup copy:
- 📁 Files and Media: Copy Photos, Videos, and Documents to PC or Cloud.
- 📱 Apps and settings: Use Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup.
- 🔄 Nandroid-backup: In TWRP (Custom Recavers can create a full picture of the system (Backup) → Select Partitions).
bootloader unlocked (check through fastboot oem device-info)
Backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages)
At least 70% of the battery is charged
Downloaded firmware and TWRP for your model
Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->
Step-by-step: how to install custom firmware on Xiaomi
If you have completed all the preparatory steps, you can proceed to install. Below is a universal instruction, suitable for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (For example, LineageOS).
Step 1: Installation of TWRP Recovery
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to install firmware and modifications:
- Download the official TWRP for your model from twrp.me (see the code for the device, for example, raphael for Redmi). K20 Pro).
- Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Open the command line in the folder with TWRP Next Post:Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-raphael.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-raphael.img
Step 2: Install firmware through TWRP
Now you can install the firmware itself:
- Download. ZIP-Firmware archive (e.g. LineageOS) and, if necessary, GApps (Google services).
- Move the files to your phone or flash drive.
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Press Install, select. ZIP firmware and confirm installation.
- If you need GApps, install them immediately after the firmware (without restarting!).
- Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes after installation, then the firmware is incompatible with your model. TWRP.
What if there is no network after installation?
Problems after installation and how to solve them
Even if you did everything according to the instructions, after installing custom firmware, you can have problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The camera is not working.
A common problem on custom firmware is a broken main or front camera.
- 📸 There are no drivers for your camera module (especially for Sony devices). IMX Samsung ISOCELL sensory).
- 📸 Incompatible version of Google Camera (e.g. GCam for Snapdragon 865 is not suitable for Snapdragon) 732G).
Solution: Install a modified version of GCam (e.g. from developers) BSG or Wichaya, or use alternative apps like Footage or Open Camera.
2. no mobile network (No Service)
If after the firmware has disappeared signal cellular network, check:
- 📶 Have firmware and vendor files from the latest version been installed? MIUI (see spoiler above).
- 📶 Are the settings correctly indicated? APN (Check in the settings → Mobile network → Access points).
- 📶 Does the firmware support your region (some Pixel Experience builds are optimized for the US)/Esquirm).
3. Fast battery discharge
If the battery goes down too quickly, it may be:
- 🔋 Background processes (check in Settings) → Battery → Use of the).
- 🔋 Unoptimized kernel (try firmware with another kernel, such as KernelSU).
- 🔋 Lack of Deep Sleep (Install BetterBatteryStats for Diagnostics).
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If the phone overheats or brakes after installing custom firmware, try rolling back to an older version or choosing firmware with a different core (for example, ArrowOS instead of Havoc-OS).
Best custom firmware for Xiaomi in 2026
The firmware choice depends on your model and goals, and below is the ranking of the most stable and functional customizable for Xiaomi devices for 2026, based on user feedback and community support.
1. LineageOS
⭐ The Best Choice for Stability
- 🔹 Supports most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC).
- 🔹 Minimalist interface without unnecessary “fit».
- 🔹 Regular security updates.
2. Pixel Experience
⭐ For lovers of the Google Pixel interface
- 🔹 Full Pixel Emulation: Google Camera, Now Playing, Live Caption.
- 🔹 Supports Xiaomi Mi 11 (Venus), POCO F3 (alioth).
- 🔹 Requires installation of GApps (they are already included in some builds).
3. ArrowOS
⭐ For advanced users
- 🔹 More customization settings than LineageOS.
- 🔹 Supports Xiaomi Mi A3 (laurel_sprout), Redmi K30 Pro (lmi).
- 🔹 Some builds have Face Unlock (Face Recognition).
4. Havoc-OS
⭐ For experiments with customization
- 🔹 Support for themes, gestures, change of statusbar.
- 🔹 Less stable, but offers unique features (e.g., Per-app volume).
- 🔹 Suitable for Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia), but requires manual tuning.
Before choosing a firmware, check its support on the forums. XDA Developers or in telegram chats (e.g. Xiaomi Custom ROMs). Pay attention to user reviews with your model, this will help to avoid surprises.