Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to change the standard interface MIUI or HyperOS, which may seem overloaded or unusual. There are two fundamentally different approaches to solving this problem: secure installation of a third-party launcher or deep flashing of the device to obtain Root rights. The first option takes a few minutes and requires no special knowledge, while the second is a complex procedure that can turn the phone into a “brick” if errors.
In this guide, we will discuss both methods in detail so that you can choose the right level of intervention. You will learn how to completely change the visual style and functionality of the menu without losing the warranty and stability of the gadget. Full replacement of the system shell is possible only after unlocking the bootloader, which is officially allowed by Xiaomi, but takes time to wait.
Before you start any action, you need to clearly understand the difference between the user interface and the operating system. Replacing icons and desktop does not affect system files, while installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) completely rewrites the device's software.
Selection of method: launcher or custom firmware
For most users, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, a shell application that completely covers the standard desktop, notification panel and application menu, creating the illusion of a different operating system. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher allow you to customize animations, icon grids and gestures for yourself.
If the standard MIUI shell is not comfortable with advertising, heavyweight or lack of features, then consider custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom TWRP recap, and flashing a new system, which gives you complete control over the device, but deprives you of the ability to use some banking applications without additional manipulation.
It is important to evaluate your technical skills before starting the process. Launcher installation is safe and reversible at any time, whereas firmware requires accuracy and understanding of risks. A mistake in the firmware stage can lead to data loss or maintenance repairs.
Preparing the device for profound changes
If you're determined to change the shell through the firmware, you start a very careful preparation phase, and ignoring this stage is the most common cause of failure, and the first thing you need to do is make a full backup of all the data, because the bootloader will be completely cleaned during the process of unlocking.
You will need a computer running Windows, original USB-You also need to register your Mi Account and link it to your device in the settings, and without this step, the official unlock tools will not work.
Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times (MIUI Version). Once the notification "You became a developer" appears, go back to the menu and select Additional → For developers.
☑️ Checklist for reflashing preparation
In the developer menu, find an item OEM unlocking (unlocking) OEM) Then go to Mi Unlock bootloader status and switch on the switch. The system will warn you of the risks, we agree. This is where you will see if the account is linked to the device.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
This is the most critical stage that sets Xiaomi apart from many other brands: the company has introduced a mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) between linking an account and directly unlocking, a security measure that cannot be circumvented by official methods.
Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. Launch the program and log in to your Mi Account (use the same one you have on your phone). Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode: turn off the device and press the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time before the logo with the hare appears.
⚠️ Warning: After Fastboot mode is enabled, connect your phone to your PC. If the Mi Unlock Tool says that your account is not tied, even though the phone displays binding, try switching the Internet on your phone to mobile data (by turning off Wi-Fi) and updating the status in the bootloader menu.
If less than 7 days have passed since the account was linked, the program will report this and show the exact time remaining before unlocking. You will have to wait. If the time is up, press the Unlock button. The process will take a few minutes, the phone will restart and be reset to factory settings.
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open lock icon or the words "Unlocked" on it, which confirms that the path to install the custom shells is open.
Installation of TWRP and preparation for firmware
The standard recovery menu does not allow third-party systems to be installed. You will need a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to find the exact version of the recovery for your smartphone model on the official TWRP website or 4PDA forum. Using the version for another model is guaranteed to cause breakdown.
The installation process is as follows:
- 📱 Download the file image of the recovery with the extension.img.
- 💻 Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- 📂 Open the command line in the folder with files ADB And put in a command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-model.imgImmediately after a successful recording, don't let the phone boot into the system in the standard way.Put Volume up + Power to get right into the installed TWRP.If you boot into a regular MIUI, it can automatically replace TWRP with stock recavers.
What happens if TWRP is not installed?
Search and installation of custom firmware
Now that you have access to the extended recovery menu, you can choose a new “soul” for your smartphone. Popular projects include LineageOS (pure Android), Pixel Experience (Google Pixel interface) or Xiaomi.eu (optimized MIUI without ads and extra software).
Download the firmware archive (.zip) to the root of internal memory or to the root of the internal memory. SD-On the menu. TWRP Select Wipe and clean up the Dalvik, Cache, System, and Data partitions, which are critical to the stability of the new system.
Then go to Install, select a firmware file, and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take 2 to 10 minutes. Once complete, press Reboot System. The first turn on can last up to 5-7 minutes.
| Type of firmware | Difficulty | Stability | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global / China ROM | Low. | Tall. | For those who need an official MIUI |
| Xiaomi.eu | Medium | Tall. | For fans of MIUI without advertising and with Russian language |
| LineageOS | Tall. | Medium | For fans of pure Android and minimalism |
| Pixel Experience | Tall. | Medium | For those who want the Google Pixel interface |
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Xiaomi.eu is the best compromise for users who want to stay in the MIUI ecosystem, but get rid of Chinese software, advertising and bugs of global versions.
Setup and optimization of the new interface
When you first run the new shell, you'll be greeted by an initial setup wizard, and if you've installed custom firmware, the interface will be very different from the one you've used. Pay attention to the gesture settings, because they may work differently than in stock MIUI.
Google services (unless they are built into the default firmware, as is the case with some Chinese ROMs) may require GApps to be installed, similar to firmware: via TWRP immediately after installation, but before the first boot.
Be sure to update all apps through the Play Market.Castom firmware often comes with basic versions of system applications that require updates to work properly with security and sync.
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Once you install custom firmware, go to the battery settings and turn off aggressive optimization for instant messengers. This will prevent the late notification problem that is common with many Android builds.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The custom firmware world is not perfect. You might run into a broken camera, no sound in the calls, or a fast battery drain, and in such cases, the first thing you do is check the forum where you picked up the firmware, which is probably a known bug, and there's already a fix.
A common problem is a bootloop. If your phone is stuck on the logo, boot into TWRP again, do Wipe Data/Factory Reset and try flashing again. If it doesn't work, go back to the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
⚠️ Note: When returning from custom firmware to official (especially from a lower version of Android to a higher one), you may need to have an "Anti-Rollback" procedure.
Also worth mentioning is the operation of banking applications, which may not be running because of an unlocked bootloader, and bypassing this limitation often requires installing Magisk and security modules that hide the fact of the system modification from the bank applications.