Can I put HarmonyOS on Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Installing HarmonyOS on Xiaomi devices is a challenge that many alternative firmware enthusiasts are interested in. Although Huawei developed its OS primarily for its own gadgets, the modifier community has found ways to adapt it to devices from other brands, including the Redmi and POCO lines. However, this process is fraught with technical difficulties and risks, from losing warranty to completely “filling” the device.

In this article, we’ll look at which Xiaomi models theoretically support HarmonyOS, which tools you’ll need to install, and provide a step-by-step guide to current firmware versions for 2026. We’ll focus on the critical moments that 90% of users miss when they first try firmware, from unlocking the bootloader to setting up the kernel. If you’re not ready for hardware experiments or have no experience with ADB and Fastboot, it’s best to dwell on this paragraph.

Why HarmonyOS on Xiaomi: pros and pitfalls

The main motivation for installing HarmonyOS on Xiaomi is the desire to try out an alternative ecosystem with unique chips:

• 🔄 Smooth multitasking thanks to micronuclear architecture (there are fewer lags in theory when switching between applications).
• 📱 Cross-platform synchronization with Huawei devices (laptops, tablets, smart watches).
• 🛡️ Improved security by process isolation (according to developers).
• 🎨 Minimalist design without unnecessary "Chinese" add-ons (relevant for users tired of the use of the Internet) MIUI).

But there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Unstable work on non-native "iron" - possible accidental reboots, overheating or sensor failures.
• 🔌 Application compatibility issues (especially Google banking and services).
• 📉 Lack of official support – all builds are created by enthusiasts, updates are chaotically released.
• 🔧 Difficulty rolling back to stock firmware (a complete reset and flashing through will be required) EDL).

⚠️ Note: As of 2026, Huawei is not officially providing the kernel source code for porting HarmonyOS to other manufacturers' devices.

Compatibility: What Xiaomi models support HarmonyOS

In theory, HarmonyOS can be installed on any device with a Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek processor, but in practice, working builds exist only for a limited list of models. Below is a table with current data for 2026 (information is based on the XDA Developers and 4PDA forums):

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean firmware isn't possible -- but you'll need to compile the kernel and adapt the drivers yourself. For beginners, this is often a daunting process. Also, even for supported devices, key features may not be available:

• 📸 Camera – often only the main module works, without HDR night-time.
• 🔋 Charging – problems with fast charging are possible (the device defines charging as 10W).
• 🎧 Audio – no support for some codecs (e.g., audio, LDAC or).

💡

Before installing, check if your Xiaomi model has a working HarmonyOS build on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Pay attention to the date of the last theme update – if it is older than 6 months, the build is likely outdated.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the bootloader and backup

The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader, which is not possible to install custom firmware without it, and is officially authorized by Xiaomi, but has limitations:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (go to Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Activate the OEM Unlock option in the developer menu (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect the device to your PC, install the Android SDK Platform-Tools and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock
4. Confirm the unlock through SMS-code (will come to the number associated with the account).

⚠️ Warning: After unlocking the bootloader from the device will be removed DRM-The key responsible for Widevine L1. That means Netflix, Disney,+ Other services will only work in permission. 480p. The key can be restored only through the Xiaomi service center (cost) ~3000₽).

Next, you need to create a full backup of the current system. Use TWRP (Castom Recovery) or the ADB Backup utility:

Make a backup of contacts and SMS via Mi Cloud|Save photos on PC or Google Photos|Write it down. IMEI devices (command *#06#)|Download HarmonyOS firmware for your model|Check the battery charge (minimum 70%)-->

Pay special attention to the preservation of the persist partition, which contains unique calibration data for sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer), without it, after firmware, you may have problems with autorotating the screen or gestures.

Step-by-step: install HarmonyOS on Xiaomi

When you're done, you start the firmware, and it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the model.

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 Linux (macOS is not recommended due to problems with Fastboot drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📁 HarmonyOS firmware in.zip format (do not unpack!).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Fastboot, ADB, Platform Tools.

Step 1: Going to Fastboot Mode

Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the smartphone to your PC and check for the device detection by the command:

fastboot devices

If the response displays a serial number, the connection is established.

Step 2: Custom Recavery Firmware (TWRP)

Download the TWRP version for your model (for example, this version will work for the Redmi K40).

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-alioth.img

Then reboot to the Recovery:

fastboot reboot recovery

Step 3: Cleaning the sections

In the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (internal memory formatting is not necessary, but is recommended to avoid conflicts).

Step 4: Installation of HarmonyOS

Go back to the main TWRP menu, select Install, and specify the path to the downloaded firmware archive. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes). Do not restart the device immediately after installation - first patch the kernel (if it is attached to the build) and then select the Reboot System.

Solving typical problems after installation

Even if the firmware is successful, you may encounter bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If you notice that the battery runs out in 3-4 hours after installing HarmonyOS, check the activity of the processes through ADB:

adb shell dumpsys batterystats

Often the culprit is the service hwPmsService – it can be disabled through AppOps (root rights are required).

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Most of the problems with Xiaomi’s HarmonyOS are caused by drivers not working properly. Before installing, check if your model has patches for the camera, modem and sensors – without them, the user experience will be extremely limited.

How to get it back MIUI after HarmonyOS

If the HarmonyOS experiment didn't live up to expectations, you can go back to stock firmware.

1. Download the official Fastboot-ROM for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Platform Tools.
3. Translate the device to Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash all flash_all_lock.bat (for Windows or./flash_all_lock.sh (for Linux/Mac).

After flashing, the device will automatically lock the bootloader. To unlock it again, you will have to wait 7 days (Xiaomi restriction for protection against theft).

⚠️ Note: If, after the return to MIUI The sensors (gyroscope, compass) stopped working, which means that the persist partition was damaged when you installed HarmonyOS. EDL-firmware (cost) ~2500₽).

HarmonyOS Alternatives for Xiaomi

If the goal is simply to get away from MIUI, consider more stable custom firmware options:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary add-ons, regular updates.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with the brand design of Google Pixel and all services GMS.
• ⚡ Evolution X – Optimized build with advanced performance settings.
• 🛡️ CalyxOS – firmware with a focus on privacy (without Google trackers).

The advantage of these firmware is a large user base and regular updates. For example, LineageOS 20 (based on Android 13) supports more than 50 Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro and POCO X3 NFC. Installation is the same as HarmonyOS, but with less risk of critical bugs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions