Many users are faced with the desire to completely change the software shell of their device to get rid of pre-installed garbage and advertising. The question of how to remove MIUI from Xiaomi is becoming especially relevant for those who prefer stock Android or lighter alternatives. Complete replacement of the operating system opens up access to hidden functions and significantly improves the performance of the gadget.
The process of getting rid of the MIUI branded shell requires a deep understanding of the structure of Android and caution when working with system partitions. It is not just resetting the settings to the factory, but completely reflashing the device that will forever change its software. In this article, we will discuss all the steps, from the preparation of tools to the final installation of the new system.
It's worth noting that removing the standard firmware is an irreversible process that can affect warranty, but for enthusiasts willing to take risks for the freedom to control their smartphone, it's the only way to perfect optimization. We'll look at proven methods that minimize risks and allow you to get a stable device.
Why users want to get rid of MIUI
The main reason owners are looking for a way to remove MIUI from Xiaomi is because of the redundancy of features and aggressive battery optimization. The branded shell often limits the background of applications, which leads to missed notifications and unstable messengers.
In addition, built-in advertising in system applications annoys even the most patient users. Although it can be partially disabled, a complete system replacement ensures that there are no intrusive banners and unnecessary services. A clean system consumes less RAM, which is especially noticeable on mid- and low-end devices.
Another important aspect is the speed of getting security updates: Custom firmware is often updated by enthusiasts faster than the manufacturer releases patches for older models, which allows you to extend the life of the device and use current versions of the operating system long after the end of official support.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you remove MIUI, You need to carefully prepare the workspace and the software. You need a Windows computer, the original computer. USB-cable and stable Internet connection, without quality cable, the process can be interrupted at the most inopportune moment, leading to errors.
Make sure to back up all your important data as all files will be deleted in the process. Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60% so the device doesn't turn off during critical operations. You'll also need to turn on USB debugging mode on the developer menu.
☑️ Checklist for reflashing preparation
You'll need special utilities like ADB and Fastboot to work, which allow the computer to interact with the smartphone bootloader at a low level, and without them, most of the firmware commands will not be possible, so installing them is a must.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The key step, without which you can not remove MIUI, is unlocking the Bootloader, which is blocked by the manufacturer by default to protect the system from unauthorized changes. To unlock, you need to apply through the Mi Unlock Tool application and link the Mi Account to the device.
Once you submit an application, you have to wait a certain amount of time, usually 7 to 168 hours, before Xiaomi's server allows you to unlock, a security mechanism designed to make it harder to steal devices and install malware, and only after the timer has expired can you begin to directly remove the lock.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will result in the complete removal of all data from the device (Wipe Data), which can also cancel the warranty on the smartphone depending on the conditions of the service center.
The unlocking process is Fastboot. Once you connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock utility, the system will check the status of your account and, if all the conditions are met, unlock the device, from which point you have full control over the memory partitions.
What if Mi Unlock says "Couldn't verify device"?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
To install a new operating system instead of MIUI, a standard recovery mode is not enough: you need to install custom recoveries, most often using TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which allows you to install firmware from files, make full backups and clean partitions of the system.
The TWRP installation process is done via the command line using Fastboot commands, and the recovery image that is compatible with your device model is downloaded first, and the image from another model can cause the touch screen or touch screen to fail in recovery mode.
Once you have the command to retrieve the firmware, you need to immediately put the device into recovery mode so that you don't overwrite the TWRP with the regular bootloader. This is a critical point that requires attention and quick reaction. Successful installation of TWRP opens up access to the file system of the device.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| fastboot flash recovery | Team for installation of image of Recovery | Tall. |
| recovery.img | File of the image of a custom recaveri | Critical |
| Fastboot mode | Status of the firmware device | I'll be sure. |
| TWRP | The most popular custom Recovery | Recommended |
Process of installing a new operating system
Now that all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can start to replace the system directly. In the TWRP menu, you need to clean the Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache partitions, this step is called "Wipe" and it is mandatory for the new firmware to work correctly.
After cleaning, you should move to install the firmware file. A pre-downloaded archive with a new system (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS) should be placed in the memory of a smartphone or connect a flash drive via OTG. Install selects the desired file and is confirmed by a swipe.
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Before installing a new firmware, be sure to check the checksum (MD5 or SHA256) of the downloaded file. A damaged archive can lead to an endless bootloop.
The installation process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on memory speed and system size, and during this process, the connection should not be interrupted or the device turned off.
⚠️ Warning: If you use encryption firmware, the first run can last up to 10 minutes.Do not panic or reboot your phone forcefully if you see the Android logo.
Installation of Google Services and Drivers
Many custom firmware comes without Google services pre-installed due to licensing restrictions. To fully use a smartphone, you need to install GApps (Google Apps) separately, and the choice of package depends on the version of Android and the desired set of applications.
Installation of GApps is similar to the installation of the main firmware — through the Install menu in TWRP immediately after the firmware system, but before the first boot. It is important to choose the correct CPU architecture (usually arm64) and the Android version, otherwise services will not start.
After installing Google services and first downloading, you will be greeted by a clean Android interface, at which point it is recommended to immediately check the operation of the main modules: camera, sound, Wi-Fi and mobile network.
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The correct sequence of actions in TWRP: Wipe (clean) -> Install ROM (install system) -> Install GApps (install Google services) -> Reboot (reboot).
Possible problems and solutions
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, unexpected situations can occur, and one of the common problems is the bootloop, which is the endless restart of the device, and in most cases, this is solved by re-cleaning the partitions and reinstalling the firmware from scratch.
Users may also encounter a VoLTE or camera that is broken, because custom firmware uses drivers from stock MIUI, and sometimes they conflict with the new kernel, and in such cases, it helps to find a specific version of the firmware or patch for your model.
- 📱 Bootloop: Get in there TWRP, make a Wipe Dalvik/Cache And try to reinstall the firmware.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: Check if some application is not working in the background, or try another kernel (Kernel).
- 📶 No Network: Make sure you have the correct modem version for your region.
- 💾 Installation error: Check firmware file integrity and free space in the Data section.
If the device has stopped responding to commands and is not in Fastboot mode, it may be necessary to use test points to enter EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode. This is an extreme measure to restore the smartphone even with a completely damaged bootloader, but it requires disassembling the device.