Why Xiaomi users are looking for alternatives to MIUI
If you own a Xiaomi device — a smartphone, tablet, or even a Mi TV Box — you’re probably familiar with the MIUI branded shell. This firmware is known for its striking design, rich features, and deep integration with Xiaomi services. However, not everyone likes its features: aggressive memory optimization, advertising in system applications, limited customization, and sometimes redundant “synthesis” of the interface.
In search of alternatives, many people look to other shells, and one of them is Cinnamon. But what is it, how it is related to Xiaomi, and can it even be installed on the brand's devices? In this article, we will look at what Cinnamon is, how it differs from MIUI and other shells, and also consider the real ways of installing it (if any) and the potential risks.
Spoiler: Cinnamon isn't originally designed for mobile devices, and it doesn't have official support on Xiaomi smartphones, but it can be adapted for some models through custom firmware, but it's a complex process that doesn't work for everyone.
What is Cinnamon: Origins and Key Features
Cinnamon is a free desktop shell originally developed for Linux-based operating systems. It was created by the Linux Mint team as a response to GNOME 3's move toward a more minimalist interface that many users found uncomfortable. Cinnamon's primary goal is to provide a traditional, intuitive desktop with deep customization.
Key features of the shell:
- 🖥️ Classic interface with taskbar, Start menu and windows similar to Windows 7.
- ⚙️ High Customization: Topics, Applets, Extensions and Location Customizations.
- 📦 Easiness compared to KDE Plasma or GNOME, but with the preservation of functionality.
- 🔄 Support for multiple desktops and hotkeys.
- 🛡️ Open source (license) GPL).
But how does Cinnamon relate to Xiaomi? Some enthusiasts are trying to port elements of it to mobile devices, especially those running Android (which is where MIUI is built), but here comes the main problem: Cinnamon is not originally designed for touch screens and the ARM architecture that smartphones run on.
Cinnamon vs MIUI: Shell comparison
To see if Cinnamon is a viable alternative, let’s compare it to MIUI in terms of key parameters:
| Characteristics | Cinnamon | MIUI |
|---|---|---|
| Type of device | PC/laptop (Linux) | Smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes |
| Interface. | Classic (windows, taskbar) | Adaptive (touch, gestures) |
| Customization | Very high (themes, applets, scripts) | Limited (systemic topics only) |
| Productivity | Lightweight for PC, but not optimized for ARM | Optimized for mobile processors |
| Ecosystem | Linux applications (.deb,.rpm, Flatpak) | Android apps (APK, Google Play) |
As you can see from the table, Cinnamon and MIUI are designed for completely different platforms, but there is one caveat: some custom firmware for Xiaomi (for example, based on LineageOS or PostmarketOS) allows you to run Linux environments, including Cinnamon, but only on a limited number of devices.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to install Cinnamon on a Xiaomi smartphone through unofficial methods can lead to loss of warranty, unstable operation of the device or even its “bricking” (complete inoperability).Be sure to study reviews about the specific firmware for your model before experimenting!
Can you install Cinnamon on Xiaomi: Real Ways to Use it?
Technically, you can install Cinnamon on a Xiaomi device, but with serious reservations.
- Through custom firmware that supports Linux (e.g. PostmarketOS or Ubuntu Touch), some versions of these OSes allow Cinnamon to run as a desktop, but only on x86-based devices (e.g., Mi Notebook) or on individual smartphone models (e.g., Poco F1).
- Through a Linux emulator on Android (such as UserLAnd or Termux), Cinnamon will run inside the sandbox without full integration with the system.
- Through a connection to an external display (a Desktop Mode feature in some firmware).Some custom builds of LineageOS support desktop mode where you can run Cinnamon, but this requires manual configuration.
The most realistic scenario is using Cinnamon on Xiaomi laptops (such as the Mi Notebook Pro or RedmiBook), where it is installed as a regular Linux shell.
Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader)
Castomic Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
Suitable firmware (PostmarketOS, Ubuntu Touch)
Backup of the data (required!)
Knowledge of teams ADB and Fastboot-->
Step-by-step: how to run Cinnamon on Xiaomi Poco F1 (example)
Consider the Poco F1, one of the few Xiaomi smartphones that has PostmarketOS port-to-work with Cinnamon support. Attention: this guide is only suitable for power users!
Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader
Go to Mi Unlock and follow the official unlock instructions. This will take up to 7 days (waiting). SMS-Once unlocked, check status with the command:
fastboot oem device-infoStep 2: Installation of TWRP
Download the current version of TWRP for Poco F1 (for example, from here) and run it through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-beryllium.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-beryllium.imgStep 3: Install PostmarketOS
Download a PostmarketOS image with Cinnamon support (e.g., from the pmOS community) and run it through TWRP. After the reboot, select the Cinnamon environment from the sessions menu.
⚠️ Attention: On Poco F1 After installing PostmarketOS, the camera modules, fingerprint sensor and some wireless functions will stop working.
What if the sensor does not work after installation?
Cinnamon Alternatives for Xiaomi: What to Choose Instead
If Cinnamon isn’t right for you (and it’s 99% of the time with smartphones), consider more realistic alternatives for Xiaomi.
- 📱 Android-based custom firmware: LineageOS is pure Android without unnecessary add-ons. Pixel Experience is an interface like Google Pixel. Havoc-OS is high customization (themes, gestures, statusbars).
- 🖥️ Desktop Mode: In some firmware (for example, MIUI 12+) You have a Windows-like interface to connect to a monitor. USB-C to HDMI Support for DeX-like mode.
- 🐧 Linux via Termux: Install Termux from F-Droid, then execute: pkg install x11-repo pkg install cinnamon Launch is possible only through VNC-viewer (no hardware acceleration).
If you want a Linux shell, look for PinePhone or Librem 5, smartphones originally designed to work with Cinnamon, KDE Plasma Mobile or GNOME.
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Before installing custom firmware, check its support on the XDA Developers forum. Look for topics marked "[ROM]" and user reviews of your model.
Risks and disadvantages of using Cinnamon on Xiaomi
Even if you manage to run Cinnamon on a Xiaomi device, be prepared for the following issues:
| Problem. | Effects of consequences | The solution (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Low productivity | Lags, slow animation, overheating | Use lighter shells (XFCE, LXQt) |
| Lack of drivers | Camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sensors are not working | Search for custom cores (e.g. on GitHub) |
| Fast battery discharge | Autonomy is reduced by 2-3 times | Disconnect background processes, use saving mode |
| No Google Services | Many Android apps are not working. | Install MicroG or use web versions |
In addition to technical problems, there are legal risks: the installation of unofficial firmware violates the warranty of Xiaomi.
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Cinnamon on Xiaomi smartphones is an experiment, not a ready-made solution. If you want a stable working tool, you’d better stay on MIUI or choose a proven custom firmware based on Android.