How to Install Pure Android on Xiaomi Instead of MIUI: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for its functionality, but many users dream of a pure Android (AOSP) – without unnecessary apps, advertising and heavy background processes. The transition to “bare” Android gives a noticeable increase in performance, extends battery life and opens up access to customization, not available in standard firmware.

But the process of installing alternative firmware on Xiaomi devices is not just a download and install, and there are pitfalls here, from unlocking the bootloader (which has become more difficult since 2026) to the risk of building the device when you do something wrong. In this article, we will look at all the steps from preparation to final setup, and also tell you which Xiaomi models are best at this modification.

Importantly, the process is different for different smartphone lines. For example, the flagships of the Xiaomi 13 series require a different approach than the budget Redmi Note.

1.Why users want to remove MIUI and install pure Android

The main complaint against MIUI is that it is redundant, which is not always useful. The shell loads the system with unnecessary services, and some versions (especially for the global market) contain built-in advertising that is difficult to disable. For example, in MIUI 14, banner ads can appear even in the phone settings.

The second big argument is performance: Pure Android consumes 15-30% less RAM, which is critical for devices with 4-6 GB of RAM (for example, the Redmi Note 10 or Poco X3 Pro), tests show that smartphones hold a charge longer and overheat less often after switching to AOSP.

• ✅ The Pros of Pure Android:
• 🚀 Faster on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A)
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption (no background processes) MIUI)
• 🛡️ There is no telemetry collection (unlike the MIUI, which sends data to Xiaomi)
• 🎨 The ability to fine-tune the interface (through ADB or Magisk modules)

But there are also disadvantages: for example, some firmware may not work on Xiaomi's branded chips:

• 📸 Camera: processing algorithms MIUI Camera is often better than Google Camera (especially on budget models)
• 🔊 IR-Port: Control of equipment through the IR port may require manual adjustment
• 📶 Double. SIM: on some custom firmware there are problems with the work of two SIM cards

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Poco) M4 Pro) custom firmware installation may result in loss of support 5G Check compatibility on the forum before you start. XDA Developers.

2 What Xiaomi models support the installation of pure Android

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally well suited for flashing. Flagships (Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Mix) usually have a wide range of firmware, whereas budget models (such as the Redmi A1 or Poco C50) are often left without support.

Below is a table with popular devices and their compatibility with pure Android (data as of June 2026):

Before starting, check the current information on:

• 🌐 XDA Developers (partition of your model)
• 📱 Telegram chats on custom firmware (for example, @xiaomi_aosp)
• 🔧 Official website of LineageOS

⚠️ Note: MediaTek Helio G processors (e.g. Redmi 9 or Poco) M3) Often have problems with the modem after installation AOSP. If the connection is critical for you, it is better to stay on the phone. MIUI.

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Before buying a Xiaomi smartphone for custom firmware, check if there is a bootloader unlock for it.Some models (for example, for the Chinese market) may have a locked bootloader permanently.

Preparation for installation: unlocking the loader

The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader, which is impossible to install custom firmware without, and Xiaomi made it harder in 2026 to:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device.
2. Wait 7 days after the first tether (previously it was 72 hours).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and activate: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

Mi Unlock Tool

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check:

• 🔹 Mi Account is linked to the phone (in Settings) → Xiaomi account)
• 🔹 It's been 7 full days since the tie-up.
• 🔹 You're using the original. USB-cable (not all cables support Fastboot)

Link Mi Account to phone |Enable developer mode |Activate "OEM Unlock" | Download Mi Unlock Tool |Wait 7 days from the moment of binding-->

In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the rules: if the device was purchased in China (C-suffix models, such as the Redmi K60E), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without a Chinese phone number for confirmation.

4. Selection of firmware: AOSP, LineageOS or Pixel Experience?

Pure Android comes in many different kinds. Here are the main options for Xiaomi:

• 📱 AOSP (Android Open Source Project: The most "naked" Android without unnecessary applications. Suitable for power users who want full control.
• 🔄 LineageOS: The most stable custom firmware with regular updates. Supports most Xiaomi devices.
• 📱 Pixel Experience: Android with Google Pixel signature chips (like Now Playing or Call Screen) perfect for stock interface fans.
• ⚡ ArrowOS/crDroid: Firmware with advanced performance settings. Good for gamers.

How do you choose? Focus on:

1. Stability: LineageOS or Pixel Experience is better for daily use.
2. If you need Pixel chips (like Live Caption) – take Pixel Experience.
3. Performance: For games, crDroid with optimizations for Snapdragon processors is suitable.

Where to download firmware:

• 🔗 Official website of LineageOS
• 🔗 Pixel Experience
• 🔗 XDA Developers (for informal builds)

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (such as HavocOS or DerpFest) may contain unstable cores that will cause the phone to overheat. XDA or in telegram chat.

5. Install a clean Android through TWRP

Once you unlock the bootloader and select the firmware, you start installing it. You'll need a customized Recovery called TWRP.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website or XDA.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where the fastboot is located).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Resetting and installing firmware

1. In TWRP, complete the reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe) by selecting the Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (not necessary, but recommended)

GApps

MTP

TWRP

Install → Select ZIP

GApps

Reboot → System

Step 3. First setup

After launch:

• Go through the initial setting (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
• Check the work: 📶 Modem (calls, mobile Internet) 📷 If the camera doesn’t work, install Google Camera or ANX Camera) 🔊 Sound (speakers, microphone)
• If necessary, install Magisk for root rights (download).

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If you've got your phone stuck on your logo after installing the firmware, you've picked an incompatible version or you forgot to flash the vendor/firmware, so go back to TWRP, run the correct firmware, and reset again.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if installed correctly, there can be bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after installing the firmware, the phone does not turn on or boots to the bootloop (cyclical reboot):

1. Try to go to TWRP (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
2. If you don’t, connect your phone to your PC and do: fastboot flash boot twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery.
3. In TWRP, repeat the installation of the firmware with a full reset.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) post-installation AOSP Contactless payment ceases to work (NFC). This is due to the lack of Google Pay certificates in custom firmware.The solution is to use Magisk and the SafetyNet Fix module.

7 How to get MIUI back if something goes wrong

If pure Android didn’t meet expectations or critical bugs occurred, you can return the standard MIUI.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with platform-tools.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the script: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot reboot

If the phone does not load after that:

• Try to flash recovery from MIUI:
• Or do a full cleanup with the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).

Starting in 2026, Xiaomi will block the rollback of older versions of MIUI if the device has already been upgraded to MIUI 15+, in which case you will have to look for special “recoil” firmware on the forums.

8.Alternatives: How to Get a Clean Android Without a Full Firmware Flash

If the custom firmware installation process seems too complicated, there are easier ways to get closer to “pure” Android:

• 🔧 Disabling unnecessary services MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → App management. Disable or remove (Delete updates) apps like Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps. ADB, To remove system applications: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser
• 📱 Launcher installation: Launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair visually transform the interface to pure Android. For full effect, install the Icon Pack (for example, Pixel Icons).
• 🔄 Firmware via Xiaomi.EU: This is a modified version MIUI without advertising and with advanced settings. TWRP, It does not require unlocking the bootloader on some models.

These methods will not give such performance gains as a complete firmware replacement, but will eliminate most of the disadvantages of MIUI without the risk of “bricking” the device.

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If your goal is only to remove ads and unnecessary applications, it is enough to disable MIUI services through ADB or install Xiaomi.EU. Full flashing is justified only for old devices or customization enthusiasts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing clean Android on Xiaomi