Xiaomi smartphone owners often come across the term “pure Android,” but not everyone understands what it means in practice. If you’re used to MIUI’s branded shell with its vibrant design, many features and built-in services, switching to “naked” Android may seem like a radical move. But why are some users willing to sacrifice convenience for “cleanliness”?
In fact, pure Android (or AOSP — Android Open Source Project) is a version of the operating system without modifications from the manufacturer. That is, without preinstalled Xiaomi applications, without a branded launcher, without additional services like Mi Cloud or Security. This is the system that Google is developing, which underlies all customized shells. But there are nuances: on Xiaomi smartphones, pure Android is not installed out of the box — you need to install it yourself. And this begins to ask: is the game worth the candles? What are the pros and cons of this solution? And most importantly, how to do it safely?
Next, we will analyze everything on the shelves: from theory to practice, including step-by-step instructions, comparison with MIUI and tips for choosing firmware.
What is pure Android and how is it different from MIUI?
A pure Android is an operating system with no add-ons from the manufacturer, which includes only basic Google apps (e.g. Gmail, YouTube, Google Play Services) and a minimal set of features. Unlike it, MIUI is a deeply customized shell from Xiaomi, which adds:
- 🎨 Unique design with animations and themes
- 🔧 Advanced settings (e.g., Second Space or Game Turbo»)
- 📱 Pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps)
- 🔒 Additional security features (virus scanner, application blocking)
The main difference is in philosophy: MIUI aims to offer the user the maximum of the possibilities out of the box, even if some of them duplicate Google services. Pure Android, on the contrary, follows the principle of minimalism: only the most necessary, without unnecessary bells and whistles.
- 📱 Performance: Without background shell processes, the system works faster.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Less pre-installed services – longer battery life.
- 🔄 Previous PostPrevious Clean Android Gets Security Patches From Google Faster Than Xiaomi Adapts Them MIUI.
But it's not that clear. For example, MIUI has features that are not available in pure Android:
- 🔍 Advanced search by system (including messages and files).
- 📊 Detailed battery usage statistics by application.
- 🎮 Game mode with performance optimization.
⚠️ Note: Clean Android on Xiaomi does not mean full compatibility with all the features of the device, for example, branded gestures, a camera in full functionality or sensors (such as an infrared port) may not work).
Pros and cons of pure Android on Xiaomi
Before you go to pure Android, weigh the pros and cons. We've collected the key points in the table:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast work without lags (no background processes) MIUI) | ❌ Loss of branded features (Second Space, Game Turbo) |
| ✅ Quick security updates from Google | ❌ Possible camera problems (no optimization for Xiaomi hardware) |
| ✅ No Advertising in System Applications | ❌ Manual firmware update (no) OTA Xiaomi) |
| ✅ More free space (no pre-installed applications) | ❌ Risk of “bricking” when installed incorrectly |
| ✅ Compatible with Google Pixel features (e.g. Now Playing) | ❌ No official support from Xiaomi |
The last point is particularly critical: pure Android on Xiaomi is always an informal solution. The manufacturer does not test such firmware, so there are possible bugs with:
- 📡 Network (problems with VoLTE or 5G on some models).
Important: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), pure Android often performs worse than on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon, due to the closed source driver code.
What firmware with pure Android exist for Xiaomi
If you're going to try pure Android, you'll find firmware, all based on AOSP, but different in customization and device support, and here are the most popular options:
- 📱 LineageOS is the most stable and time-tested firmware and supports many Xiaomi models, including older ones (like the Redmi Note). 4X). The disadvantage is minimal customization.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – imitates Google Pixel firmware, including branded features like Now Playing or Live Captions. A great choice for those who want a “pixel” experience.
- ⚡ ArrowOS is a balance between cleanliness and customization. There are additional settings (such as choosing the notification style), but no frills.
- 🛠️ Havoc-OS is for fine-tuning enthusiasts, with lots of modules and themes, but it may be less stable.
- 🔄 CrDroid – combines elements of LineageOS and Pixel Experience, plus adds its own chips (for example, advanced gesture management).
How do you choose? Focus on:
- Smartphone model: Not all firmware supports your device. Check on official websites (e.g. LineageOS Wiki).
- Customization level: if you want minimalism, take LineageOS; you need Pixel Experience features.
- Stability: For daily use, it is better to choose firmware marked Official (official builds).
Example: For Xiaomi Mi 11 (Snapdragon 888) suitable Pixel Experience with full support for camera and 5G. But for the Redmi 9A (MediaTek Helio G25) the choice is limited – most likely only LineageOS without GApps.
What are GApps?
Step-by-step: how to install a clean Android on Xiaomi
Installing a pure Android is not a beginner's process, it requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all the data, and working with fastboot/recovery. If you're not sure about yourself, you'd better stop at this stage or consult a specialist.
What you need:
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux (for ADB and Fastboot).
- 📱 Backup of data (all will be erased!).
- 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Mi Account → Link your device.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (download from Xiaomi's site). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Power + Vol Down) and follow the program's instructions.
Step 2: Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)
- Download TWRP for your model from the official website (twrp.me).
- Go to Fastboot mode and connect the phone to your PC.
- Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
Step 3: Install firmware and GApps
- Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) and GApps (NikGapps or OpenGapps package).
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Install firmware, then GApps, then (if necessary) Magisk for root rights.
- Reboot. The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.
☑️ Preparing for the installation of pure Android
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) will no longer work after installing pure Android. L1, What is blocking Netflix and Disney viewing?+ into HD. This is due to Xiaomi’s closed drivers.
Problems after installation and how to solve them
Even if the installation is successful, you may encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera's not working. | There are no drivers for the camera module | Install ANX Camera or GCam with settings for your model |
| No mobile network. | Incorrect APN settings or lack of modems | Check APN in Settings → Mobile Network or reflash modems from stock firmware |
| Fast battery discharge | Background processes or unoptimized core | Install an optimized kernel (like FrancoKernel) or calibrate the battery |
| The gestures don't work. | The firmware does not support branded gestures Xiaomi | Use standard Android gestures or install Fluid Navigation Gestures |
| No sound in the speaker. | Problems with audio drivers | Check the settings in Engineer Mode (#36446337###) or search for the vendor. |
If the problem is not solved, check:
- 🔍 Logs of error: in TWRP You can see logcat (Advanced) → Copy Log).
- 📡 Forum 4PDA: Often there are solutions for specific models.
- 🔄 Other firmware: If one build bugs, try another (for example, instead of Pixel Experience – LineageOS).
💡
Before installing pure Android, check if your Xiaomi model has official firmware builds. Unofficial versions may contain critical bugs.
Should you switch to pure Android: conclusions
A pure Android on Xiaomi is a choice for enthusiasts who are willing to sacrifice convenience for control of the system.
- 🚀 Maximum performance is important to you (for example, for gaming or multitasking).
- 🔒 You value privacy and don’t want to be over-sold by Xiaomi.
- 🔄 You want to get security updates quickly without waiting for Xiaomi.
You should not cross if:
- 📷 You need a camera with full functionality (especially on flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- 🔋 You are not ready to mess with bugs and system customization.
- 📱 Your Xiaomi model is not supported by popular firmware (relevant for budget devices).
Key point: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors, pure Android often performs worse than on Snapdragon, due to closed drivers. Before installing, check your model's user reviews on forums.
💡
Pure Android on Xiaomi is always a compromise: you get speed and control, but you lose branded features and stability. For most users, MIUI remains a more balanced choice.