MIUI Xiaomi: What it is and how to work with it

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. This firmware is so deeply integrated into the brand ecosystem that many users do not even suspect that what they see on the screen is not a “clean” Android, but a heavily modified version with unique features, design and... sometimes a headache.

But what exactly is behind the abbreviation? MIUI? Why Xiaomi doesn’t use a standard interface like Google Pixel or Samsung with One UI? And most importantly, how do you customize this shell, update it, or even remove it if you don't like it? MIUI From A to Z: from the history of creation to hidden chips, which are silent even official instructions.

If you just bought a Xiaomi smartphone and are lost in settings, or have long been using the device, but want to squeeze the most out of it – this article is for you. MIUI (The debate over whether it is good or bad has been ongoing since 2010, but we will explain how it works at the system level, why some functions behave illogically and how to live with it.

What is MIUI: In simple words

MIUI (Pronounced "My-Yu-Ii") is a proprietary shell that Xiaomi installs on top of the Android operating system. It replaces Google's standard interface with its own, adding unique features, visuals and optimization tools, MIUI — This is the face of Xiaomi smartphones, their main competitive advantage (or disadvantage, depending on the views of the company).

First version MIUI It was released in 2010 and was based on Android 2.2 Froyo, and it was an experiment at the time: Xiaomi wanted to create a shell that combined the simplicity of iOS with the flexibility of Android. MIUI — One of the most common custom firmware in the world, second only to the Samsung One UI Oppo ColorOS.

It's important to understand: MIUI — It's not just "themes and wallpaper." It changes things:

• 📱 Interface: No shortcuts app (like pure Android), instead a single screen with a weather widget and quick settings.
• ⚙️ System functions: own notification center, multitasking menu, control gestures.
• 🔒 Security: built-in antivirus, call blocker, blacklist for SMS.
• 🔄 Xiaomi controls the release of firmware, not Google.
• 🛠️ Optimization: functions like "Ultra-Economic Mode" or "Extended Memory" (RAM-expansion).

And yet, MIUI There are different versions, not just by number (for example, MIUI 14), but also by region. ROM) It is very different from the global (Global) ROM) — It doesn't have Google services, but it has Chinese apps and features that we don't have.

MIUI vs. Pure Android: 5 Key Differences

If you’ve used Google Pixel, Nokia or Motorola before, switching to Xiaomi can come as a shock.

But there are also advantages. MIUI out of the box:

• 🔍 Built-in scanner QR-codes (no need to install third-party applications).
• 📊 Traffic monitoring with app detailing (useful for internet-limited tariffs).
• 🎵 Equivalent sound enhancer (improving quality in headphones).
• 🔋 Deep battery optimization (Supersaving and Background Process Freeze modes").

But it's not all that rosy. MIUI:

• ⚠️ Advertising in system applications (in some regions, such as India).
• ⚠️ Security update delays (sometimes critical patches arrive 2-3 months later than on Pixel).
• ⚠️ Data collection (Xiaomi has been repeatedly accused of excessive telemetry).

💡

If the ad in MIUI It's annoying, you can turn it off. → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings (cogs) → Delete "Recommendations".

MIUI Versions: How to Know Yours and What Numbers Mean

Version numbers MIUI It can be confusing. For example, on one smartphone, it can be MIUI 14, and the other — MIUI 13.5 What's the difference?

Since 2021, Xiaomi has been using the following numbering system:

• 🔢 Main number (e.g. 14) – major update with new design and features.
• 🔢 Fractional number (e.g. 13.5) – intermediate release with stability improvements.
• 🔤 Letter suffix (e.g. 14.0.5) – small patches and bug fixes.

To find out the version MIUI on his smartphone:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to About the Phone.
3. Find the MIUI version.

You'll see something like this: MIUI Global 14.0.5.0 (TKLCNXM).

Transcript:

• Global - regional firmware (may be China, EEA for Europe, India, etc.).
• 14.0.5.0 - The shell version.
• TKLCNXM — Model and region code (here T) = Redmi Note 12, CN = China, XM = Global).

How to update MIUI: step-by-step

Updates MIUI There are two types: by air (OTA) — Automatic and manual via a firmware file. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• 📶 You have a stable Wi-Fi connection (updates weigh 1-3 GB).
• 🔋 Battery charge over 50%.
• 📱 The device is officially supported (no custom firmware).

Instructions:

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Connect to Wi-Fi

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Go to Settings → About the phone → System update

Click "Check Updates"

Download and install (if available)

Do not turn off the phone during installation-->

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📡 Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 days (updates come in waves).

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA It doesn’t work or you want to upgrade to another version (e.g. China). ROM Global, you can manually install firmware. Attention: this will reset all data if you don't backup!

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select Recovery) ROM, Not Fastboot).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Please specify the downloaded update.zip and confirm the installation.

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Manual firmware through Recovery is the safest way to update MIUI But it will reset all the settings to factory settings, so save your contacts, photos and app data in advance.

⚠️ Note: if you install firmware for another region (for example, EEA Global may not work, but may stop working:

• 📶 Mobile communication (due to different frequencies).
• 💳 Contactless payments (NFC You may require local certification).
• 🎮 Some system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI It's filled with Easter eggs and hidden settings that don't lie on the surface:

Second Space Mode

The feature allows you to create a second independent profile on your phone with:

• 🔑 Individual applications (for example, the second WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 📁 Your files and settings.
• 🔒 Separate password for entry.

How to turn on: Settings → Special facilities → Second space.

2.Gesturals for hidden functions

V MIUI There are undocumented gestures:

• 👆 Double swipe down on desktop – quick app search.
• 👉 Double touch of the lock screen – unlock (configured in Settings) → Lock screen → Additionally).
• 🔄 Holding the Home button – Calling Google Assistant (if not disabled).

3. Hidden menu of engineering settings

For advanced users in MIUI There is an engineering menu where you can:

• 📡 Testing the network (signal, Internet speed).
• 🔊 Adjust the sound (for example, disable audio compression in headphones).
• 📱 Check sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer).

How to open: Enter the phone code ##4636##.

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1

But be careful – the wrong settings can disrupt the phone!-->

The “Laboratory” regime

In some versions MIUI There's a hidden Lab with experimental functions, and there's features that are tested before the official release:

• 🖼️ Dynamic wallpaper (responsive to the time of day).
• 🔍 Improved search by system (including file content).
• 🎮 Gamer mode with advanced performance settings.

How to find: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on version number to unlock lab).

MIUI problems and how to solve them

Despite the upsides, MIUI It's not perfect. Here are the most common problems and the ways to fix them:

1. Fast battery discharge

Frequent complaints by users — MIUI "It's eating the battery, even when it's on standby:

• 🔄 Background activity of system applications (MiuiDaemon, Analytics).
• 📡 Continuous network search (if the signal is weak).
• 🔋 Unoptimized Updates (sometimes newer versions) MIUI buggy).

Decisions:

• 🛠️ Turn off Autosynchronization in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
• 🚫 Freeze Unnecessary System Applications Through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🔋 Include Ultra Savings Mode in Settings → Battery.

2. Intrusive advertising

In some regions (especially India and China) MIUI displays advertising:

• 📁 Conductor (in the folders "Downloads", "Images").
• ⚙️ Settings (in the section "Themes").
• 🔍 Search (in the search bar on the desktop).

How to clean up:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Press the gear in the upper right corner.
3. Turn off the recommendation option.

⚠️ Note: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You can't remove the ads, they're embedded in the system applications. ROM.

3. Hanging and lags

If MIUI The first thing to do is to “slow down” the reasons may be:

• 🗑️ Completed storage (less than 10% of free space).
• 🧹 Fragmented memory (especially if you install/delete applications frequently).
• 🐛 Bug in the latest update (often after major updates).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Restart your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 📱 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

MIUI On different devices: what you need to know

MIUI It is installed not only on smartphones, but also on other Xiaomi devices:

• 📺 Televisions (Mi) TV) — shell MIUI TV multimedia.
• ⌚ Smart watch (Mi Watch) – a simplified version for wearable devices.
• 🖥️ Tablets (Mi Pad) - adapted for large screens.
• 🚗 Automotive Systems (Xiaomi Car) — MIUI For cars (so far only in China).

But even on smartphones. MIUI They behave differently depending on the:

For example, on POCO-device MIUI name MIUI for POCO — It's the same shell, but with a different launcher design and without some Chinese chips, and the Black Shark is used. JOYUI — modified MIUI with an emphasis on performance in games.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI