Xiaomi smartphones are known for their MIUI, which combines rich functionality with branded design. However, not everyone likes its style, advertising inserts or restrictions. Fortunately, owners of Xiaomi devices can replace standard firmware with an alternative one - from pure Android (AOSP) to custom builds like Pixel Experience or LineageOS. But this process requires caution: the wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick.
In this article, we’ll look at all the steps from choosing the right shell to the final configuration of the system, how to unlock the bootloader, install custom recovery (TWRP), and which firmware is best suited for specific Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO models.
Why do users want to change MIUI?
The MIUI branded shell has both fans and opponents, and here are the main reasons Xiaomi owners are choosing to replace:
- 🚫 Bloatware and Advertising: Even in Global Versions MIUI contains pre-installed apps and banner ads that can not always be turned off.
- 🔄 Unstable updates: frequent updates MIUI Sometimes they bring new bugs instead of fixes, especially on older models.
- 🎨 Design and animation: some users consider the interface MIUI overloaded or unmodern.
- 🔒 Restrictions of regional versions: Chinese firmware is deprived of Google services, and global – some features (for example, a theme store).
- ⚡ Productivity: custom firmware based AOSP Often work faster due to the absence of unnecessary background processes.
On the other hand, MIUI offers unique features like Second Space, extended gestures, or a built-in screencast. Before you change the shell, evaluate what features you really need — some of which may not be available in alternative firmware.
What shells can be installed on Xiaomi
The choice of alternative firmware depends on the smartphone model, your needs and level of training.
| Type of firmware | Examples | Pluses | Cons | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Android (AOSP) | Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, CrDroid | Clean interface, minimalism, fast work | Some functions may not be supported (for example, IR-blaster) | Medium |
| MIUI-based | MIUI EU (without advertising) MIUI Mix | It saves all MIUI chips, but without Bloatware | Requires regular updates, possible bugs | Low. |
| Firmware for enthusiasts | LineageOS, Resurrection Remix | Maximum customization, long-term support for old models | Complex setup, possible problems with the camera or modem | Tall. |
| Port firmware | MIUI from other models, ColorOS for Xiaomi | Unique design, unusual features | High probability of bugs, no OTA-update | Very high. |
For most users, the best choice is Pixel Experience (if you want a pure Android) or MIUI EU (if you want to keep the brand functionality, but without advertising).Be sure to check before installing whether your model is supported on the official firmware website or the XDA Developers forum.
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Use the XDA Developers site to find the latest firmware. The theme description always lists the functions that are working and not working (e.g., VoLTE or Widevine L1).
Preparation for changing the shell: unlocking the loader
The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader, without which you can't install custom recovery or firmware. Attention: the procedure erases all the data on the device, including internal memory!
⚠️ Note: Unlock the bootloader on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) requires waiting 7-14 days after the Mi Account is linked.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi website.
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging modes in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Log in to Mi-account on your phone and in the utility on PC.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
- Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. If you receive a waiting message, try once a day.
After successful unlocking, check the status of the command in the terminal:
fastboot oem device-infoThe answer should be Device unlocked: true.
Save all data (photos, contacts, SMS) on PC
Check the battery power (minimum 60%)
Make sure the model supports unlocking
Download firmware and TWRP in advance
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Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)
Xiaomi's standard recovery doesn't allow you to install unofficial firmware. You need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) — custom recovery with advanced features. It's important to choose a version that is compatible with your model!
Download the current TWRP image for your device from the official twrp.me website or trusted source (e.g. XDA).The file must have the.img extension.
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode (like when unlocking).
- Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redmi_note_10_pro.img (Replace the file name with yours).
- Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power. If you boot into the system, standard recovery will rewrite TWRP!
In TWRP, you should immediately make a full backup of your current firmware (Boot, System, Data, Modem) and this will save you if the new shell is unstable.
What to do if TWRP does not start?
New shell installation process
Once the TWRP is installed, you can start the firmware, and the algorithm depends on the type of shell you choose, but the general scheme is this:
- Partition Cleanup: In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (if required). Don't touch Modem and Persist!
- Firmware: For AOSP-Firmware: First install the firmware file (.zip), then GApps (if you need Google services). MIUI-based: one is sufficient ZIP-file.
First launch
Example of commands for firmware via fastboot (if TWRP is not suitable):
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot -w
fastboot reboot⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T) Firmware via fastboot requires the use of a script flash_all.sh Run it from the firmware archive, run it in the Linux terminal or through the WSL Windows.
After successful installation, check the performance of the main functions:
- 📶 Network: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi.
- 📷 Camera: all modules (main, wide-angle, macro).
- 🔋 Charging: fast charging, wireless (if supported).
- 🔊 Sound: speakers, microphone, 3.5 mm connector (if available).
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If you don't have a sensor, camera or network after you've run your firmware, you've probably picked an incompatible version of the firmware. Go back to TWRP and restore the backup or run another build.
Solving typical problems after a shell change
Even when installed correctly, new firmware can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not turned on (bootloop) | Incompatible firmware or damaged partitions | Return to TWRP and flash it again by pre-executing Format Data (not Wipe!). |
| The mobile network is not working | No modem or incorrect APN settings | Swipe the modem.img file from the stock firmware or manually add the operator's APN. |
| Fast battery discharge | Background processes of a new shell or an unoptimized core | Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption) or flash another core. |
| Widevine L1 (Netflix in HD) is not working. | There is no DRM certification | Install the Magisk patch or flash the firmware with L1 support. |
If the problem is not resolved, please refer to the XDA Developers forum or the thematic group on Telegram.
- 📱 Model phone;
- 🔧 Firmware version (e.g. Pixel Experience 13);
- 📝 Error Logs (can be obtained in the TWRP or through adb logcat).
How to get back MIUI if something goes wrong
If the alternative shell fails to meet expectations or critical errors occur, you can always return to the standard MIUI.
- Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Download. Choose the Fastboot version (.tgz extension).
- Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
- If the phone doesn’t boot, use EDL (Mi Flash Tool Emergency Firmware) mode, which requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Resets anti-rollback protection, but can block the bootloader if you use unofficial tools.The official method requires permission from Xiaomi.
After returning to MIUI, it is recommended to:
- 🔄 Update to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
- 🔒 Block the bootloader with the command fastboot oem lock (optional, but increases security).
- 📱 Check it out. IMEI and the serial number in *#06# - they must match the sticker on the box.