How to put Pixel firmware on Xiaomi: from unlock to first download

Installing Pixel Experience on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular way to get a clean Android with Google Pixel features without buying a device from an American brand.This firmware offers stable operation, regular security updates and a minimalist interface without any extra software from MIUI. However, the installation process requires care, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for your model.

In this guide, we will go through all the steps from compatibility check to first system setup, learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common errors (for example, incompatibility with the camera module on some Xiaomi models from 2022-2023), and what to do if the device does not boot after firmware. Important: the procedure voids the warranty and can lead to data loss, so make a backup before you start.

If you're new to custom firmware, don't be intimidated by terms like fastboot or TWRP, we'll explain each step in plain language. For power users, we'll give you current commands and links to official resources. Let's start with the most important thing: checking whether your Xiaomi model is suitable for installing the Pixel Experience.

1. Compatibility: Which Xiaomi models support Pixel Experience

Not all Xiaomi smartphones can run the Pixel Experience, and the firmware developers support a limited list of devices, with a separate build for each model. Below is the current list of compatible devices (as of June 2026):

A full list of supported devices is always available on the official Pixel Experience website.Please note: if your model is not listed, installation is possible only through informal builds (for example, from the XDA Developers community), but this is fraught with bugs and unstable work.

Also check your device's CPU version. For example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the Mediatek Helio G90T chipset is not supported by most custom firmware because of the closed source driver code. But the Redmi Note 8 on the Snapdragon 665 is compatible.

⚠️ Note: Install Pixel Experience on devices with Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO M3 Pro 5G) Often leads to problems with your mobile network or camera. Before you run the firmware, check this information in the forums.

2.Preparation: Unlocking the bootloader and backup

Before installing the Pixel Experience, you need to unlock your Xiaomi bootloader.This is a must-do step, as by default the manufacturer blocks the ability to change system partitions. The process takes 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy of waiting for confirmation.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
• 📁 Backup of data (photos, contacts, messages).

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted! Also note that some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working due to the lack of SafetyNet certificate.

3. TWRP Installation: Custom Recovery for Firmware

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery menu that allows you to install custom firmware, backup and restore the system. Without it, you can not install the Pixel Experience.

Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me. Pay attention to the code name of the device (for example, lavender for Redmi Note 7). The wrong version can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

Install TWRP via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lavender.img

After successful installation, the device will automatically restart to TWRP. Here it is recommended to immediately make a backup of the current firmware (Backup section), selecting the following sections:

• 📁 Boot
• 📁 System
• 📁 Data (if there is a place on the memory card)
• 📁 Vendor

Download the correct version of Pixel Experience for your model |

Install TWRP and backup the current firmware |

Download Gapps (if not included in firmware)|

Format the Data section (when switching from MIUI)|

Check the battery charge (minimum 70%)-->

4 Download and install Pixel Experience

Now, to the firmware itself, download the current version of Pixel Experience from an official website or trusted source (e.g., XDA Developers).

• 🔹 Official - Official stable version.
• 🔹 Plus Edition – with additional features (like Google Camera by default).
• 🔹 Unofficial – Unofficial builds, may contain bugs.

You may also need a Gapps package if it is not part of the firmware. NikGapps or MindTheGapps is usually sufficient for the Pixel Experience.

Installation instructions:

1. Copy the downloaded firmware file (for example, PixelExperience_plus_lavender-14.0-20260610.zip) Gapps (if necessary) for internal memory or SD-map.
2. Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when turned on).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Install

Gapps

wipe

Reset the device.

5 First setup and solution of common problems

Once installed successfully, the device will load into the initial setup menu, where you may encounter a few typical problems:

1. There is no mobile network

If the smartphone is not catching the network, check the APN settings or reflash the modem and vendor modules from MIUI via TWRP. Some models (such as the POCO F1) require an additional IMS patch.

2.The camera is not working.

On devices with Snapdragon processors (such as the Redmi K20 Pro), Google Camera may not work. The solution is to install an alternative GCam module (for example, from the developer BSG or Urnyx05).

3. Fast battery discharge

In the first days after firmware, the system indexes files, which increases battery consumption. If the problem persists, check the background processes in Settings → Battery or calibrate the battery via TWRP (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without rebooting).

4. Fails to pass SafetyNet check

Without passing SafetyNet, banking applications and Google Pay will not work. To solve, install the Magisk module and activate MagiskHide or use the Universal SafetyNet Fix patch.

💡

If after firmware the device is stuck on the logo Pixel Experience, try to reboot in the TWRP And repeat the installation without formatting Data. → Cache).

6. Optimization and fine-tuning of the Pixel Experience

After successful installation, you can improve the system with a few tricks:

1. Customization of gestures

Pixel Experience supports navigation gestures from Android 10+. To enable them, go to Settings. → System system → Gestures → System navigation and select Gesture navigation. For smoothness, it is recommended to disable animations in Settings → The phone. → Build number (click 7 times to activate developer mode, then in Settings) → System system → For developers, set the animation scale to 0.5x).

2. Improved productivity

For devices with Snapdragon 845/855 (such as POCO F1 or Mi 9), you can activate Force GPU Rendering and Disable HW Overlays in the developer settings. This will speed up the rendering of the interface, but can increase battery consumption.

Customization of the interface

Pixel Experience features icon themes and styles. Install KWGT or Nova Launcher for additional customization. You can also change the font through Settings → Display → Font Style.

4. Optimization of autonomy

To extend the battery life:

• 🔋 Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery.
• 🔋 Set background limit for applications through Settings → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔋 Activate the Dark Theme and set screen timeouts for 15–30 seconds.

💡

Once you have installed the Pixel Experience, it is recommended that you calibrate the battery: completely discharge the device, then charge to 100% without rebooting, which will help the system determine the level of charge correctly.

7.Return to MIUI: How to roll back

If Pixel Experience fails to meet expectations or critical errors occur, you can return to the standard MIUI.

1. Download the official MIUI firmware for your model from Xiaomi’s website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Reboot your smartphone to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to the PC and launch the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS).

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once complete, the device will automatically reboot to MIUI. All data will be deleted, so pre-backup through TWRP or Google Account.

⚠️ Note: When returning to MIUI You may need to re-unlock the bootloader if you have previously blocked it. Also note that some features (such as Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may not work properly after the scaling of the.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions