Choosing firmware for Xiaomi smartphone is always a compromise between stability, functionality and performance. MIUI The manufacturer offers optimized software with a guarantee of security, but is often overloaded with unnecessary services and advertising. On the other hand, custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS) promises “clean” Android, better performance and advanced settings, but require unlocking the bootloader and can take away guarantees.
In this article, we will discuss:
- 🔍 What is the difference between official and custom firmware for Xiaomi;
- ⚖️ Pros and cons of each option with examples;
- 📱 What firmware to choose for specific models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 and others.);
- ⚙️ Step-by-step installation instructions (with risks and warnings);
- ⚡ How to get the official back MIUI, if something goes wrong.
Important: the choice of firmware depends on your goals. If you want the most stable smartphone out of the box, stay on the phone. MIUI. If you're willing to sacrifice a warranty for speed, no advertising, and customization, try alternatives. But remember, the wrong firmware can turn your Xiaomi into a brick without any recovery.
1. Official. MIUI: pros and cons
MIUI — Xiaomi’s Android-based shell, but with deep customization and additional features, is pre-installed on all smartphones and updated regularly (monthly for flagships, less often for budget models).
Main advantages:
- 🔒 Security and warranty: Official software is tested and updates close vulnerabilities. MIUI fails to give up.
- 📱 Iron optimization: firmware takes into account the features of the Qualcomm, Mediatek and Dimensity processors used in Xiaomi.
- 🌍 Localization and support: Russian language, adapted services (e.g. Mi Cloud, Mi Pay), integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, speakers, etc.).
- 🔄 Regular updates: even budget models get security patches for 2-4 years.
But there are also significant shortcomings:
- 📢 Advertising and Bloatware: in MIUI built-in banner ads (for example, in Settings) → Themes or Browser, as well as pre-installed apps (Mi Video, Mi Music) that cannot be removed without root.
- 🐢 Slowdown over time: Many users complain that after a year of use, the smartphone begins to “brake” due to background processes MIUI.
- 🔒 Customization restrictions: despite the abundance of topics, MIUI does not allow you to deeply customize the interface (for example, change fonts systemically or remove annoying animations).
- 📊 Data collection: Xiaomi actively collects telemetry (even with the option turned off in the settings), which raises questions about privacy.
💡 Advice: If you are annoyed by advertising MIUI, You can turn it off. Go to Settings. → Password and security → Authorization → Advertising services and deactivate all switches. ADB execute:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution2.Castom firmware: why are they needed?
Custom (unofficial) firmware created by enthusiasts based on the open source Android code (AOSP). They offer "clean" Android without unnecessary bells and whistles, better performance and advanced customization:
- 📱 LineageOS is the most stable and close to the “stock” Android;
Advantages of custom firmware:
- ⚡ Speed: lack of background processes MIUI Optimized code yields 15-30% growth on Geekbench tests.
- 🆓 No Ads and Bloatware: Only Apps You Install Yourself.
- 🔧 Deep Customization: You can change everything from icons to the core of the system (with Magisk or KernelSU).
- 📱 Long support: Some firmware (e.g. LineageOS) are updated even for older models (Redmi Note 4, Mi) A1).
But there are also serious risks:
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and may result in data loss. L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.
| Criteria | Official MIUI | Custom firmware |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (build-dependent) |
| Productivity | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customization | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (regularity) | ⭐⭐ (depends on the developer) |
| Guarantee | ✅ It's still there. | ❌ Cancellation. |
Which Xiaomi models are better not to sew a custom?
3. Which firmware to choose for your Xiaomi model
The choice of firmware depends on the model of the smartphone, its hardware and your tasks. Below are recommendations for popular devices:
📱 Flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, POCO F5 Pro, Redmi K60)
For top models with Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3 fit:
- 🔹 Pixel Experience – if you want a Google Pixel interface with features like Call Screen;
📱 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 12 Lite)
Here, it's important to balance stability and functionality.
- 🔹 LineageOS – if you need reliability and long-term updates;
📱 Budget models (Redmi) A2, POCO M5, Redmi 10A)
For weak smartphones custom firmware can give a second life, but with reservations:
- 🔹 LineageOS for MicroG – if privacy is important (without Google services);
1. Check the processor model (Snapdragon/Mediatek)
2. to make sure that the unlocked loader is available
3. to make a backup copy of the data (through TWRP Mi Cloud)
4. to study firmware reviews on the forum XDA or 4PDA-->
4. How to install custom firmware on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
There are several steps to install custom firmware, and note that the wrong actions can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device. If you are not sure about yourself, contact a specialist.
🔧 Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from Xiaomi's website.
2. Enable Developer Mode (go to Settings) → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI).
3.B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. Attention: you will have to wait 7-14 days (this is Xiaomi's requirement for protection against theft).
🔧 Step 2: Installation TWRP Recovery
1. Download version. TWRP For your model from twrp.me.
2. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press the Power). + Vol Down).
3. Connect to the PC and execute the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.img🔧 Step 3: Installation of firmware
1. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services) to the memory card.
2. TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe (tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
3. Install firmware and GApps via Install.
4. Reboot. The first powering can take 10 to 15 minutes.
💡
If your mobile network is not working after firmware, check if your model supports VoLTE in this build. APN.
5. How to get the official back MIUI, if something went wrong
If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can roll back to the official one. MIUI. It's gonna take a while:
- 🔹 Fastboot firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com);
- 🔹 The Mi Flash Tool;
- 🔹 Unlocked loader.
Instructions:
- Download Fastboot-ROM for your model and unpack the archive.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot (Power) mode + Vol Down).
- Connect to your PC, in the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the unpacked firmware and press Refresh → Flash.
- Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes). The smartphone will automatically restart.
⚠️ Note: After returning to the MIUI You may need to re-activate the device via Mi Account. If you forget your account details, your smartphone may be blocked!
💡
Getting back the official MIUI You can only install it through Fastboot. TWRP It won’t work, you need a complete re-reading.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems with Xiaomi firmware, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device | Disparity between the regional version MIUI (Global/China/EU) | Download the firmware for your region or use it MIUI bootloader for Automatic Definition. |
| The smartphone does not turn on after firmware ("brick") | Incorrectly selected firmware or interrupted process | Try Fastboot (see section 5). If it doesn't work, bring it to the service. |
| The camera or mobile network is not working. | There are no drivers for your model. | Install a patch for the camera (for example, ANX Camera) or check the settings APN. |
| Error 7 in TWRP | The firmware is not compatible with the Android version | Update. TWRP Or download another firmware build. |
💡 Tip: Before firmware, always check reviews about a specific build on forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, for the Redmi Note 11, some versions of the Pixel Experience have bugs with a fingerprint sensor.
7. Alternatives: what to do if you do not want to be stitched
If unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware seem too risky, there are safer ways to improve Xiaomi’s performance:
- 🔹 Turn off the adverts in MIUI (see section 1).
- 🔹 Install a launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) to customize the interface.
- 🔹 Use it. ADB To remove the browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.weather2 adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.scanner
- 🔹 Activate Developer Mode and Disable Animations to Speed Up Work.
- 🔹 Install Magisk for root rights without firmware (only for unlocked bootloader).
These methods are not warranty-free and reversible, such as those that are remotely ADB applications can be restored by resetting to factory settings.