MIUI Xiaomi Redmi 7: Everything you need to know about the shell

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, which is still in active use. But what makes this device so special, beyond its technical characteristics? The answer lies in the branded shell MIUI, which radically changes the user experience compared to “pure” Android. If you just bought Redmi 7 or plan to do it, it is important to understand how MIUI works, what its pros and cons, and how to properly update the system to avoid problems.

MIUI is not just a wrapper over Android, but a complete ecosystem with unique design, additional features and deep integration with Xiaomi services. Redmi 7 originally installed MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but since then there have been several major updates that have added new features and fixed bugs. However, not all users know how to check the relevance of their version, where to download official firmware and what to do if the update is “hang.” In this article, we will discuss all these questions in detail, from basic concepts to advanced settings.

What is MIUI and how is it different from standard Android?

MIUI (abbreviated as MI User Interface) is a proprietary shell developed by Xiaomi for its devices. It runs on top of the Android operating system, but it modifies it so much that users often confuse MIUI with a separate OS. The main difference from the “bare” Android or shells of other manufacturers (for example, One UI from Samsung or ColorOS from Oppo) is:

• 🎨 Unique design with rounded icons, animations and themes that can be changed through Themes (including third-party designs from the MIUI Theme Store).
• 🔧 Advanced settings that are not available in standard Android: for example, adjusting the brightness of the screen according to the schedule, flexible notification management or built-in recording screen.
• 📱 Deep optimization for budget smartphones (like Redmi 7), which allows the system to run smoothly even on weak hardware".
• 🔒 Integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem: synchronization with smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners), cloud storage Mi Cloud and proprietary applications like Mi Home or Mi Fit.

But MIUI has some critical features that not everyone likes, such as the shell, which is known for its aggressive memory management: it often closes background applications to save battery power, which can interfere with instant messengers or music players, and the MIUI has ad modules on its default (although it can be turned off in settings).

On Redmi 7, MIUI runs Android 9-11 (depending on the firmware version), but it looks and functions very different from the standard Google interface. For example, there is no usual application menu – all icons are displayed on the desktop (as in iOS), and the swipe up opens the quick settings panel, not the list of installed programs.

What version of MIUI supports Xiaomi Redmi 7

Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) was released in March 2019 with a pre-installed MIUI 10.2 based on Android 9 Pie. Since then, the smartphone has received several major updates, but official support from Xiaomi ended in 2022. This means that new versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI 14) on the Redmi 7 will never be released – the last stable firmware remains MIUI 12.5 (Android 11).

Here is the official updates for Redmi 7:

After MIUI 12.5, updates to Redmi 7 stopped, but enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware (for example, based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which allows you to update Android to more recent versions.

⚠️ Note: If you see any suggestions to upgrade Redmi 7 before MIUI 13/14 Android 12+, This is either a scam or an unofficial firmware, and there will be no official updates to this model.

To check the current version of MIUI on your smartphone, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. There you can see the Android version and build number (for example, V12.5.1.0.RFLEUXM).

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If your Redmi 7 is running MIUI 10 or 11, it is recommended to manually upgrade to MIUI 12.5 via Settings → System Update.

How to upgrade MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi 7: step-by-step instructions

Updating MIUI to Redmi 7 can be done in two ways: through the built-in update menu (OTA) or manually by downloading the firmware from the official website. The first method is easier, but sometimes the system does not offer current versions, in which case manual installation will help.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

This is the safest and most recommended way.

Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi|The battery should be charged. ≥50%|Release me. ≥2 GB of memory|Make a backup copy of important data-->

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if the update has already been downloaded) or Check Updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download and wait for the download to complete.
4. After downloading, click Reboot - the smartphone will install the update on its own.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and don't interrupt it or turn off the phone until the lock screen appears.

Method 2: Manual updates through Recovery

If OTA-Update does not work (for example, due to a failure or regional restrictions), you can install firmware manually:

1. Download the official Fastboot or Recovery package from Xiaomi Firmware (select the Redmi 7 (onc) version).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on three dots and select Select Update File.
4. Please specify the downloaded update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: If you download firmware for another model (like the Redmi Note 7), the phone may stop turning on.Always check the device's code name (onc for Redmi 7).

For advanced users, a firmware method via Fastboot via PC is also available, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in data loss.

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If after the update, the smartphone began to slow down, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).

The main features of MIUI on Redmi 7, which you may not know

MIUI on Redmi 7 hides a lot of useful features that aren’t obvious at first glance.

• 🔍 Search by settings: swipe down on the home screen and enter a request (for example, “power saving mode”) – the system will show all related parameters.
• 📱 Dual apps: You can clone messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for two accounts. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🎵 Gestures for music: on a locked screen, swipe two fingers left/right to switch the track.
• 🔋 Ultra-power saving mode: disables background processes and leaves only calls/SMS. Activated in Settings → Battery.
• 📸 Hidden Camera Features: Manual (Pro) Mode Can Save Photos in Format RAW or use timelapse with interval setting.

Another little-known feature is Second Space Mode (Settings → Special Features → Second Space), which creates an isolated profile with separate apps and data, which is convenient for separating work and personal accounts.

MIUI also offers a built-in recording screen without having to install third-party programs. To use it, swipe down the notification bar and find the Screen Record icon (if not, add via Edit).

Typical MIUI issues on Redmi 7 and how to fix them

Despite the optimization, MIUI on Redmi 7 is sometimes unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If after the update MIUI smartphone began to slow down, try:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Disable animations: In the Developer Settings, set the Animation Scale on Off.
3. Reset the settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI smartphone does not turn on or stuck on the logo, try to go to Recovery (clip the power supply) + Volume up) and choose Wipe Cache. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

MIUI vs. custom firmware: should we switch to alternatives

Many Redmi 7 users are unhappy with the limitations of MIUI (advertising, no updates, closed source) and are considering switching to custom firmware like:

• 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ More recent versions of Android (up to 13-14).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Apps.
• ✅ More opportunities for fine-tuning.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the loader (data reset).
• ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ❌ Loss of official guarantee.

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow the instructions from the XDA Developers forum for Redmi 7 (onc). Remember that the wrong firmware can "brick" the device!

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Custom firmware is suitable for advanced users who are willing to sacrifice stability for new features. For most Redmi 7 owners, the latest official MIUI 12.5 remains the optimal solution.

User reviews about MIUI on Redmi 7: pros and cons

MIUI on Redmi 7 collects conflicting reviews, and here's what users write in forums and reviews:

Pros:

• ✔️ Smooth work even on a weak Snapdragon 632 processor.
• ✔️ Rich settings (such as flexible notification management or gestures).
• ✔️ Long battery life due to energy efficiency optimization.
• ✔️ Regular bug fixes (during official support period).

Cons:

• ❌ Advertising in system applications (although it can be turned off).
• ❌ Closed source code, which complicates the development of custom firmware.
• ❌ Aggressive memory management, which causes applications to close in the background.
• ❌ Termination of updates after MIUI 12.5.

On 4PDA, many users have noted that Redmi 7 on MIUI 12.5 is more stable than on earlier versions, but those who have switched to custom firmware complain about problems with the camera or Wi-Fi module.

Overall, MIUI on Redmi 7 is a trade-off between functionality and stability.The shell is suitable for most tasks, but if you want the latest versions of Android or full control of the system, it's worth considering alternatives.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI Xiaomi Redmi 7