How to change the shell on Xiaomi: full instructions from unlock to install MIUI or AOSP

Changing the shell on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that attracts both power users and beginners who want to get more features from their device. MIUI It offers rich functionality, but many people don’t like its overloaded interface, advertising or restrictions (AOSP), custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, as well as modified versions MIUI third-party.

However, the process of replacing the shell is not just installing new software; it requires unlocking the bootloader, backing up data, choosing a compatible firmware, and carefully executing instructions. Errors at any stage can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable), so it is important to understand all the nuances. In this guide, we will understand how to safely change the shell on Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices. POCO, avoiding typical errors.

1.Why do users want to change the shell to Xiaomi?

The main reason is dissatisfaction with the standard MIUI. Despite regular updates and improvements, this shell has a number of drawbacks:

• 📱 Overloaded interface with duplicate functions and unnecessary applications.
• 📢 Advertising in system menus (in some regional versions).
• 🔒 Restrictions on removing preinstalled applications.
• 🔄 Delays in updates for budget models.
• 🛡️ Data collection (despite privacy claims).

Alternative shells solve these problems:

• 🤖 AOSP (Clean Android – Minimalist interface, no ads, quick security updates.
• 🎨 Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS) – advanced settings, themes, improved performance.
• 🔄 Modified MIUI (for example, MIUI EU) — same shell, but without advertising and with advanced features.

However, not everything is so rosy: custom firmware can deprive you of some of the Xiaomi branded features (for example, IR-The Blaster or Game Turbo, and the Warranty void, and not all models are supported by alternative builds.

2. Preparation for the change of the shell: backup and unlock the bootloader

Before you start replacing your firmware, you need to take two critical steps: back up your data and unlock the bootloader, and skipping any of them can result in loss of information or inability to install a new shell.

Data backup

Changing the shell is almost always accompanied by a complete reset (Wipe Data), which means that all your data — photos, contacts, messages, applications — will be deleted.

• ☁️ Cloud Storage: sync contacts, calendars and notes with your Google Account or Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Local Copy: Copy photos, videos, and documents to a computer or external drive.
• 📱 Applications: Use Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup to save user data for applications.
• 🔑 Passwords and tokens: export data from password managers (e.g. Bitwarden or Bitwarden) 1Password).

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If you are using two-factor authentication (2FA) In applications, be sure to save backup codes until reset. Some services (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may require SMS-Confirmation to the old number after flashing.

Unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader)

Xiaomi is locking the bootloader on all its devices to prevent unauthorized firmware changes, which must be unlocked to install an alternative shell.

1. Mi Account Link: The device must be linked to the Mi Account (require to confirm email and phone!).
2. Unlock request: submitted through the official Mi Unlock Tool app (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
3. Waiting for approval: usually takes 3 to 7 days (sometimes longer).
4. Direct unlock: Once approved, connect your phone in Fastboot mode and unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Important: unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the device, even if you don't install the new firmware right away, so backups must be done before that step.

⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on the device. In some regions (e.g. EU), this may be reversible, but in most cases, it is impossible to return the warranty after unlocking.

3. Selection of an alternative shell: MIUI EU, AOSP custom-made?

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to decide on a new shell, the choice depends on your goals:

Before choosing, check if your device model is supported on official firmware forums. For example, for LineageOS, the list of supported devices is available on the official website.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may not work properly with Widevine L1 — This will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming on Netflix, Disney.+ and other services before 480p.

Loader unlocked

A backup copy of all data has been created

Selected compatible firmware for your model

Downloaded firmware file and tools (TWRP, ADB)

Battery charge of at least 70%-->

Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) — mandatory step for most firmware

For the installation of an alternative shell (except for MIUI EU via Fastboot) you will need custom Recovery - usually it TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. ZIP-Firmware files, backups and restore the system.

4.1 How to install TWRP?

The installation process depends on the device model, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Download the latest version TWRP For your model from the official website (twrp.me).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB Fastboot and run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-1-whyred.img (substitute twrp-3.7.0-1-whyred.img in the name of your file).
4. After installation, restart to the Recovery team: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-1-whyred.img

Important: on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3) You may need to disable the Recovery check through the command:

fastboot flash disable_verity

Otherwise, the system will automatically replace TWRP on standard Recovery at the first load.

4.2. Establishing a backup in TWRP

Before installing a new firmware, be sure to make a full backup of the current system:

1. In TWRP, go to the Backup section.
2. Mark all sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
3. Select a place of preservation (better to save) SD-map OTG-accumulator).
4. Start the backup process.

This backup will help restore the device if something goes wrong.

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No TWRP It is impossible to install most custom firmware — MIUI EU, which can be stitched through Fastboot.

5. Step-by-step instructions for installing a new shell

Now that the bootloader is unlocked, TWRP And you've got the backup set up, you can start installing a new shell. MIUI EU and custom firmware on the base AOSP.

Installation MIUI EU (publicity)

MIUI EU — This is a modified version of the standard shell, cleared of advertising and with advanced settings:

1. Download the latest version MIUI EU for your model from the website xiaomi.eu.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Launch the file. windows_fastboot_update_rom.bat (for Windows or linux_fastboot_update_rom.sh (for Linux/Mac).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. 5-10 minute.

Once installed, the device will automatically restart. The first start can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Installation of custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS and others.)

For installation of firmware on the base AOSP need TWRP:

1. Download firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) and GApps (Google services if not included in firmware).
2. Reboot to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Install → Choose. ZIP-file

GApps

Reset the device.

The first run can take up to 20 minutes. If the system doesn't boot for longer than 30 minutes, it may be that the firmware isn't compatible with your model.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) after installation AOSP-The firmware stops working 5G. This is due to Qualcomm proprietary drivers that are not included in open builds.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

If the device behaves unstable after installing a new shell (for example, it discharges quickly or overheats), try:

• 🔄 Reinstall firmware with full Wipe.
• 📥 Update Firmware to the latest version.
• 🔧 Install a kernel optimized for your firmware.

7. How to get back the standard MIUI, if something went wrong

If the new shell did not suit or the device began to work worse, you can always return to the standard shell. MIUI. For that:

1. Download the latest stable version MIUI For your model from the official website (MIUI Downloads).
2. Unpack the archive and get the tgz file.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware: Select a folder with the unpacked firmware. Select Clean All mode. Press Flash and wait until it's finished.

If the Mi Flash Tool is a “flash not done” error, try:

• Use a different version of the tool (e.g. Mi Flash 2018 instead of 2021).
• Squeeze through TWRP, if you have a backup MIUI.
• Check if the bootloader is unlocked (if not, unlock again).

After returning to MIUI The bootloader will remain unlocked, but you can block it back through the Mi Unlock Tool (this will return the warranty, but delete all data).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)