MIUI Xiaomi Redmi: Everything you need to know about the shell from Xiaomi

If you’ve just bought a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone or have been using it for a long time, but still don’t fully understand what MIUI is, why it doesn’t look like standard Android, and what hidden features it has – this article is for you. MIUI (pronounced “My Yu-Ii”) is a branded shell from Xiaomi that radically changes the look and functionality of the operating system. It’s installed on all of the brand’s smartphones, including the Redmi line, and often raises questions from users accustomed to Google’s Android naked or shells of other manufacturers.

On the one hand, MIUI It offers a lot of unique features, from advanced gestures to built-in optimization tools, and on the other hand, its custom interface, the abundance of pre-installed applications and specific settings can confuse beginners. MIUI, How it works on Xiaomi Redmi, how it differs from other versions of Android, and how to set it up correctly to make the smartphone work quickly and conveniently. MIUI, How to turn off ads and why the shell sometimes “slows down».

What is MIUI and why is it needed in Xiaomi Redmi?

MIUI is a customized Android-based shell designed by Xiaomi for its devices. It replaces Google’s standard interface with unique design, additional features and optimization tools. The first version of MIUI came out in 2010, and since then, the shell has gone a long way from imitating iOS to a standalone style with a focus on personalization and performance.

On smartphones Xiaomi Redmi MIUI performs several key tasks:

• 🎨 Unique design: rounded icons, animations, themes and the ability to change the interface “for yourself».
• ⚡ Performance optimization: built-in tools for cleaning memory, managing background processes and extending battery life.
• 🔧 Advanced Settings: Access to features not found in standard Android (e.g., app cloning, Second Space mode, system-level ad blocking).
• 🌍 Localization for different regions: adapting to languages, cultural characteristics and even local services (for example, integration with Mi Pay in China).

It’s important to understand that MIUI is not a separate operating system, but an add-on above Android, meaning that under the hood of your Redmi, it’s still Android (like version 13 or 14), but with a much changed interface and additional features, which means you can still install apps from Google Play, use Google services and update the system through standard channels.

How to find out the version of MIUI in your Xiaomi Redmi

To understand which version of MIUI is installed on your smartphone, you need to follow a few simple steps, which will be useful if you want to update your firmware, check compatibility with applications or troubleshoot.

Open the Settings menu on your Redmi, scroll down and select About. Here you'll see a block with firmware information.

• A version of MIUI, such as MIUI 14.0.5 (the main version of the shell).
• Android version – for example, Android 13 (the basic OS on which the shell runs).
• The build number is the technical firmware identifier (it is useful for manual updates).

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If the settings do not include the item About phone, try to enter in the search box settings request "version MIUI" - the system will prompt the desired section.

You can also find out the MIUI version through the combination ##4636## in the Phone app (not all models), and after dialing, a menu with technical information will open, where the shell version and Android version will be specified.

Distinguish MIUI from pure Android and other shells

If you’ve used Android smartphones with naked (like Google Pixel) or other brands (like Samsung One UI, Oppo ColorOS), MIUI might seem unusual.

One of the most notable differences of MIUI is that it doesn't have an app drawer, and all the programs installed are displayed right on the desktop, like iOS. Not everyone likes it, but you can get used to it, but MIUI has a convenient sorting of applications by folder and the ability to hide unnecessary icons.

Another unique feature is Second Space, which allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings, and data, which is useful if you want to separate work and personal data or give your phone to someone for a while without risking your files.

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MIUI offers more customization options than pure Android, but takes time to set up. If you want minimalism, consider smartphones with shells close to Android stock (like Motorola or Nokia).

Pros and cons of MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi

Like any shell, MIUI has its strengths and weaknesses, and let's look at them in detail so you can decide if it's right for you.

The benefits of MIUI:

• ✅ Deep customization: You can change themes, fonts, animations, even the sounds of system notifications. Themes has thousands of free and paid themes available on the app.
• ✅ Performance optimization: Built-in tools like Security and Cleanup help free up memory and speed up the system.
• ✅ Unique features: cloning messengers (for example, two WhatsApp accounts), read mode, gestures for quick access to functions.
• ✅ Regular updates: Xiaomi frequently releases security patches and new versions MIUI, Even for the Redmi budget models.
• ✅ Integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem: easy synchronization with Mi Band smart watches, speakers, lamps and other gadgets of the brand.

The disadvantages of MIUI:

• ❌ Advertising in system applications: By default, banners can be displayed in the Browser, Music and other standard programs. They can be turned off, but not all users know how to use the system.
• ❌ Many pre-installed apps: some of them can’t be removed without root rights (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Community).
• ❌ Android update delays: Xiaomi often delays the release of new versions of Android for its devices, updating the shell first MIUI.
• ❌ Non-standard interface: the lack of an application bar and the unusual location of some settings can be confusing for beginners.
• ❌ Data collection: Xiaomi collects anonymous telemetry to improve shell.This can be disabled in privacy settings.

How to Upgrade MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi

Regular MIUI updates are important for security, stability and getting new features. Xiaomi releases two types of updates:

1. Stable versions are tested and recommended for most users.
2. BBETA-versions – contain new features but may have bugs (available on request via Mi Pilot).

To update MIUI on your Redmi, follow the following steps:

If the update does not come automatically, you can install it manually:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (choose Global or Russia region).
2. Place the file in the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not in the folder!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

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Before manually updating, back up your data to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will protect your files in the event of a crash.

⚠️ Warning: Never install firmware from unverified sources! this can lead to a phone lock or data leak. Use only official files from Xiaomi's website.

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI hides a lot of useful things that are not obvious at first glance.

• 🔍 Search by Settings: At the top of the Settings menu is a search bar – type in a keyword (such as “bat” for battery) and the system will show all related items.
• 📱 Light Mode: A simplified interface for older adults. Included in Settings → Special facilities → The Light mode».
• 🔋 Hidden battery savings: activate settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Super energy saving – the phone will consume a minimum charge in the background.
• 🎵 Built-in equalizer: Music app has advanced sound settings (click on three dots) → equalizer).
• 📲 Screenshot gestures: swipe three fingers down the screen to take a screenshot (configurated in Settings) → Additionally. → Buttons and gestures).

Another little-known feature is Game Turbo, which optimizes performance during games by blocking notifications and freeing up resources, and swipes on the right in the game or through Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo.

Frequent MIUI problems and how to solve them

Despite the benefits, MIUI users sometimes face challenges, and here are the most common ways to address them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo, try to go to Recovery Mode (click the power buttons) + Volume up and do a reset (Wipe Data) that will delete all the data, but bring the phone back to life.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about MIUI