Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for its functionality, but many users prefer pure Android (AOSP) for its minimalism, lack of advertising and smoother operation. Installing custom firmware allows you to get rid of pre-installed applications, speed up the system and get current security updates directly from Google. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.
In this article, we will look at all the steps of the transition to a pure Android, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the firmware and installing it. Particular attention will be paid to Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), where the process is more difficult than on older devices.
Why users want to install pure Android on Xiaomi
The main reason is dissatisfaction with MIUI. Despite regular updates, the shell is criticized for:
- 📱 Advertising in system applications (even in settings)
- 🐢 Slowdowns due to background processes and unnecessary services
- 🔒 Limited customization compared to AOSP
- 📅 Update delays (Xiaomi often lags behind Google with security patches)
Pure Android solves these problems, but it also has disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Loss of function MIUI: No themes, duplicate applications, gestures Xiaomi
- 🔧 Manual setting: some features (e.g. Double Tap to Wake) will have to be manually enabled
- 📱 Camera problems: Stock firmware often not optimized for Xiaomi hardware capabilities
Before you get started, assess whether you’re ready for a loss of warranty (on most models) and possible bugs.For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, some custom firmware doesn’t support an ultra-wide camera lens.
Preparation: What to do before installation
Installing a clean Android is a multi-step process, and a mistake at any step can cause the device to fail.
- Back up all your data. Use Mi Mover or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root). ⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, all data in the internal memory will be erased. Cloud copies (Google Photos, Contacts) will be saved, but SMS, Calls and files - no.
- Check the device model. Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. Some firmware supports only specific modifications (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro are different devices!).
- Check compatibility. On the XDA Developers website, find your model theme and check if it has stable AOSP builds (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- Charge the phone at least 70%, interrupting the process due to battery discharge can make the device inoperable.
Also prepare:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS (for fastboot and ADB)
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original to avoid communication interruptions)
- 📱 The debugging bridge ADB (install Android SDK Platform Tools)
Backed up the data.|Checked the device model for compatibility|I downloaded the firmware and TWRP forecast|I got it. ADB and Xiaomi drivers|Charged the phone at least 70%-->
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The Xiaomi bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must, but it comes with risks:
- 🔓 All data dumping
- 📉 Loss of warranty (on most models)
- ⏳ Waiting 7-14 days (on new devices Xiaomi introduces a mandatory delay)
Instructions for unlocking:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. In Developer, link your account to your device (Mi Unlock Status).
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your MIUI).
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, check: Tool version (should be the last one), Account binding (sometimes helps changing your account region to China), Internet presence on your PC (tool checks Xiaomi servers).
What to do if the unlocking does not work?
Choosing custom firmware: which one to install?
Not all firmware based on pure Android is equally good. Here are the popular options for Xiaomi:
| Firmware | Features | Pluses | Cons | Xiaomi support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Stock Android with minimal improvements | ✅ Stability✅ Regular updates | ❌ No GApps by default❌ Minimum customization | 🟢 Most models |
| Pixel Experience | Android with Google Pixel proprietary chips | ✅ Optimization✅ Pixel (Now Playing, Call Screen) | ❌ Camera bugs are possible❌ Required for iron | 🟡 Popular models |
| ArrowOS | Balance between stock Android and customization | ✅ Flexible settings✅ Good productivity. | ❌ Fewer updates than LineageOS | 🟢 Many devices |
| HaventOS | Firmware with an emphasis on design and smoothness | ✅ Unique interface✅ Optimization for gaming | ❌ Closed source code❌ Rare updates | ❌ Limited list |
For most users, LineageOS or Pixel Experience are the best choice. They are stable and have an active community.
- 🔍 User feedback XDA or 4PDA (Look for bugs with a camera, network, or battery).
Download the firmware only from official sources:
- 🔗 LineageOS
- 🔗 Pixel Experience
- 🔗 ArrowOS
⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from torrents or little-known forums. They may be embedded with malicious scripts or spyware.
Installation of TWRP and custom firmware
To install pure Android will need custom recovery TWRP. the Official version supports not all models Xiaomi, so sometimes you have to use informal builds.
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
- Download TWRP for your model from an official website or trusted sources (e.g. XDA).
- Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with fastboot.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Download to TWRP (otherwise MIUI will overwrite the Recovery): fastboot boot twrp.img
Step 2: Preparing for TWRP
- In TWRP, make Wipe → Format Data (this will remove everything from internal memory!).
- Copy the downloaded firmware to your phone via MTP (TWRP has the option Mount → Enable MTP).
Step 3: Installation of firmware
- V TWRP Select Install and specify the path to the firmware file (usually this is the ZIP-archive).
- Add GApps (if they are not included in the firmware). Pixel Experience doesn't need them.
- Swipe for confirmation and wait for the installation to finish (5-15 minutes).
- Once installed, run Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache and restart.
The first run can take up to 10 minutes, and if the system doesn’t boot for more than 20 minutes, something has gone wrong (it may not be compatible with the model).
💡
If there is no mobile network after installation, check the APN settings. Often it helps to manually enter operator settings or install an IMS patch (available on XDA for some models).
Solving typical problems after installation
Even if the installation is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 📶 No mobile network: Check if the firmware supports your modem model (some Redmis require a patch). APN (You can find them on your operator’s website).
- 📷 Camera not working: Install Google Camera with configured config for your model (look at 4PDA). Check if there is a patch for the camera in the firmware (for example, ANX Camera for LineageOS).
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off Always-on Display (if any). Check background processes in Settings → Install a kernel with better optimization (e.g. FrancoKernel if supported).
- 🔊 Sound problems: Check if SafetyNet is disabled (some banking apps block sound). ViPER4Android To improve the sound (requires Magisk).
If the problem is not solved, try:
- Reinstall the firmware (possibly the file was corrupted when downloaded).
- Search for solutions on forums (XDA, 4PDA) using the exact phone model.
- Return to MIUI via fastboot (instructions are available on the official website of Xiaomi).
💡
If banking applications (such as Sberbank or Tinkoff) stop working after installing a clean Android, install Magisk and activate the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
Alternatives: How to get a clean Android experience without firmware
If unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware seem too risky, there are alternative ways to get a near-pure Android experience:
- 📱 Launcher installation: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair mimics the Pixel interface. MIUI and gesture.
- 🔧 Disabling unnecessary services: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics This command removes Xiaomi analytics (requires) ADB).
- 🛡️ Use of the MIUI In "Advertless" mode: In the Mi Account settings, turn off personalized ads. MIUI Hidden Settings to access hidden options.
- 📦 Installing Google Feed: Download Google Now Launcher (outdated but working) or use Rootless Launcher.Tune Google Discover widget to the home screen.
These methods won’t give a full-fledged pure Android, but will greatly improve the user experience without risking the device.