MIUI in Xiaomi smartphones: a full guide on the corporate shell

Introduction: why MIUI — It is more than just Android.

When you buy a Xiaomi, Redmi or Smartphone POCO, You get not just a device based on Android, but a gadget with a proprietary shell MIUI. It’s not just a collection of icons and themes – it’s an entire ecosystem that determines how your phone looks, works, and even how long it lasts. MIUI It is so deeply integrated into the experience that many users do not know how to do without its chips: from control gestures to built-in antivirus.

But what is it? MIUI It's not just a wrapper over Android, as some people think, but it's a standalone development by Xiaomi, which started in 2010 as a custom firmware for enthusiasts, and today has become one of the most popular shells in the world, with billions of active users. In this article, we will understand what MIUI It differs from pure Android, what versions it has, how to update it, and whether it can be disposed of (spoiler: yes, but not without consequences).

If you just bought your first Xiaomi or have been using it for a long time, but have never gone into the settings MIUI — This guide will help you understand all the nuances, and if you're considering buying a brand's smartphone, here you will find answers to questions that will help you make an informed choice.

What is it? MIUI: definition and history of development

MIUI (Pronounced “Mai Yu-Ai” is a proprietary shell developed by Xiaomi for its smartphones, tablets and even smart devices (such as Mi TVs). TV). It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), But heavily modified: modified interface, added unique features, optimized power consumption and performance.

History MIUI It started in 2010, when Xiaomi released the first firmware beta for the Nexus One, an experiment by a small team of developers who wanted to create an alternative to the standard Android, and a year later, in 2011, the first stable version was released. MIUI V4, Since then, the shell has come a long way: from imitating iOS (yes, the first versions copied the design of Apple) to a unique style with its own chips.

Today. MIUI — It's not just a shell, it's a full-fledged ecosystem with cloud services, branded apps, and even its own theme store (Mi Theme Store). 80 languages, including Russian, and regularly updated — MIUI 14 (Android-based 13/14), but already announced MIUI 15, It promises revolutionary changes in productivity and safety.

• 📅 2010 – First Beta Version MIUI for the Nexus One.
• 📱 2011 – release of Xiaomi Mi 1 with MIUI V4.
• 🌍 2014 – the beginning of global expansion (support for English and other languages).
• 🔄 2018 – transition to the project MIUI for POCO (subbrand POCO).
• 🚀 2023 - Exit MIUI 14 with a focus on productivity and minimalism.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI HyperOS is often confused with Xiaomi’s new operating system, announced in 2023. MIUI Some devices (like Xiaomi 14) but both are still co-existing, and if your smartphone Released is until 2026, it's likely still on it. MIUI.

Distinguish MIUI from pure Android and other shells

If you have used smartphones with “naked” Android (eg, Google Pixel) or shells from other manufacturers (Samsung One) UI, Oppo ColorOS, then MIUI Now, this is a very unusual thing to think about:

One of the main advantages MIUI You can completely change the look of the system with themes from the Mi Theme Store, set up the notification panel, add widgets to the lock screen and even change the fonts. MIUI For excessive customization, which can confuse newcomers.

Another key difference is built-in security tools. MIUI include:

• 🛡️ Antivirus (scans applications and files in real time).
• 🔒 Protection of personal data (for example, blocking access to contacts for individual applications).
• 📱 Second Space Mode (creating a second independent profile on one device).
• 🔑 Password protection of applications (you can block access to certain programs).

Versions MIUI: How to know what your firmware is and when to wait for an update

MIUI It's updated much more often than Android itself. Xiaomi releases new versions of the shell about once a year, and intermediate updates (with bug fixes and added features) are released monthly. MIUI installed on your smartphone, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Version numbers MIUI two-part: MIUI X.Y.Z, where:

- X is the main version (for example, 14 for the MIUI 14).

Y is the build number (usually increases with each major update).

Z is a regional suffix (e.g. R for Russia, E for Europe, C for China).

For example, MIUI 14.0.5.0.SKMCNXM deciphers:

- 14 - shell version.

- 0.5.0 is the assembly number.

- SKM — model code (Redmi) K50).

- CN — region (China).

- XM — suffix indicating the type of firmware (usually XM for global versions).

Updates MIUI subdivided:

1. Stable versions are tested and recommended for most users.
2. Beta versions are test builds for enthusiasts (may contain bugs).
3. Weekly builds are the latest versions for developers (most unstable).

To check for updates, go to Settings → The phone. → Update system. If the update is available, the system will prompt it to download. 3-5 GB of free space and battery charge not lower 50%.

Advantages and disadvantages MIUI: fair-mindedness

Like any shell, MIUI It has its pros and cons. Let's go through them in detail so you can decide if it's right for you.

✅ Advantages MIUI

• 🎨 Deep Customization: Thousands of themes, icons, fonts and animations in the Mi Theme Store.
• 🔋 Battery optimization: advanced energy saving algorithms (e.g., Ultra Battery Saver mode").
• 🛡️ Built-in security: antivirus, application protection, second privacy space.
• 📱 Unique features: app cloning, read mode, quick responses to notifications.
• 🌍 Support for many languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh and others.
• 🔄 Regular updates: even budget models get updates during the course of the year 2-3 years.

❌ Deficiencies MIUI

• 📢 Advertising in system applications (in Chinese and some global versions).
• 🗑️ Bloatware: many pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, etc.).
• 🐢 Android update delays: sometimes new versions of Android arrive on the Internet MIUI months late.
• 🔒 Restrictions for developers: difficulties with unlocking the bootloader on some models.
• 📱 Beta instability: Weekly builds may contain critical bugs.

One of the most controversial issues is advertising in MIUI. In Chinese versions of firmware, it is most common (e.g., Mi Security or Mi Browser) and is smaller in global versions, but only root rights or custom firmware can get rid of it completely. MIUI (starting MIUI 12.5) Advertising has decreased significantly.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a Xiaomi smartphone from China (for example, on AliExpress), be prepared for the fact that it will be a Chinese version. MIUI Advertising and Google-free, and to use the Play Market and other Google apps, you'll have to install them manually or flash them through the global version.

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clear and remove cache for Mi Security, Mi Browser, GetApps applications.

2.In the same applications, disable the option "Personalized recommendations" or "Advertising notifications".

3. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) and use it instead of the standard launcher.

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How to update MIUI: step-by-step

Update MIUI — It's a simple process, but it has a few nuances. Here's a detailed guide on how to update the firmware on your Xiaomi smartphone:

📥 Method 1: Update by air (OTA)

This is the easiest and most recommended way.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updates weigh between 1GB and 3GB).
2. The battery should be at least 50% charged.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. If the update is available, click Download.
6. After downloading, click Install and wait for the reboot.

📁 Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

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

Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads website

Check that the firmware version is suitable for your region (e.g. Global or Russia)

Copy the firmware file (.zip format) into the root folder of the phone’s internal memory

Rename the file to update.zip (necessarily!)

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Next:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. Select the downloaded file update.zip.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

This method is used when the phone is not turning on or requires a complete firmware reflash, it is more complex and requires unlocking the bootloader, and you can find detailed instructions in our article "How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi".

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process! If during the installation of firmware the phone turns off or discharges, it can lead to a "brick" (device failure). If this happens, try to reflash the phone via Fastboot or contact the service center.

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Before you update, back up your data! Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).

How to remove MIUI or switch to another firmware

If you're not happy with it. MIUI, You can try alternative firmware. But there are a few important nuances:

🔄 Option 1: Installation of a global version MIUI

If you have a Chinese version of firmware (without Google services), you can reflash to the global one. MIUI. For that:

1. Download Global. ROM For your model from the official website.
2. Unlock the bootloader (instructions here).
3. Install firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.

It will keep all the functions. MIUI, It will also include Google Play and other services.

📱 Option 2: Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS)

If you want to get rid of it completely MIUI, You can install custom firmware on the base AOSP, for example:

• LineageOS is a pure Android with minimal improvements.
• Pixel Experience is a firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.
• Havoc-OS is a customizable firmware with many settings.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the loader.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Make a full backup of the current firmware.
4. Sweeping a new firmware through TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty, unstable phone operation or even failure.In addition, some features (for example, Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) Before you run your firmware, carefully review the reviews of your chosen firmware for your model!

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a global one. MIUI, And then experiment with custom firmware. Also remember that some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note) POCO X5) have a locked bootloader and unlocking can take up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions About MIUI