Xiaomi 13 is a flagship smartphone that out of the box ran on MIUI 14 with a shell based on Android 13. However, with the release of HyperOS, many users want to upgrade to get a new system architecture, improved performance and fresh design. But the installation process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for a specific modification (Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro or 13 Ultra).
In this guide, we will discuss the two main ways to install HyperOS: official (via OTA or Mi Flash Tool) and custom (via TWRP). You will also learn how to avoid common errors, such as anti-rollback or locking your device due to an incorrect firmware version. If you are a beginner, follow the step-by-step instructions. Experienced users will find here current links to tools and tips for optimization after installation.
What is HyperOS and why should it be installed on Xiaomi 13?
HyperOS is a new operating system from Xiaomi, designed to replace MIUI. It is built on the core of Android 14 (for Xiaomi 13) and offers:
- 🔄 Unified architecture for all Xiaomi devices (smartphones, tablets, IoT devices).
- ⚡ Improved performance: optimized RAM consumption and smoother animation.
- 🎨 New design with adaptive icons, dynamic wallpaper and the theme Morphic Design.
- 🔒 Enhanced security: Isolated environments for applications and improved permission control.
Compared to MIUI 14, HyperOS promises up to 20 percent more battery life by optimizing the background of processes. However, there are downsides: some MIUI features (like Game Turbo or Second Space) work differently or don’t. Before installing, check if your model supports all the features of the new OS.
Preparation for installation: unlocking the bootloader and backup
Before you install HyperOS, you need to unlock the bootloader. Without this step, you won't be able to run your firmware through Fastboot or Recovery. Note: unlocking erases all data on the device!
Algorithm of action:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the program instructions.
The unlocking process can take up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's checkout). Once successfully unlocked, be sure to back up via Mi PC Suite or manually copy important files to your computer.
- 📁 pup DCIM (photo).
- 📱 Contact and SMS (Export it through Google Contacts).
- 🔑 Passwords from apps (use Google Password Manager or KeePass).
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, try using another one. USB-cable (preferably original) or port USB 2.0 on PC. Also check that the smartphone disabled Find Device in the account settings.
Selection of firmware: official vs custom HyperOS
There are two types of HyperOS firmware available for Xiaomi 13:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Where to download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Stable/Beta) | ✅ Full compatibility with iron✅ Support OTA-update✅ Guarantee maintained | ❌ Longer updates come out❌ There may be extra Xiaomi apps | Official website |
| Castomium (TWRP, OrangeFox) | ✅ More functions (root, modifications)✅ Frequent updates from the community✅ Ability to remove Bloatware | ❌ The risk of a brick device❌ No official support❌ Maybe it won't work. NFC camera | XDA Developers |
For most users, the official stable version is recommended, and the firmware is suitable for those who are ready for experimentation and bug fixing.
- Xiaomi 13 — fuxi
- Xiaomi 13 Pro — nuwa
- Xiaomi 13 Ultra — isis
Download firmware strictly for your code! Installing firmware from another model will result in a hard brick.
☑️ Preparation of HyperOS firmware
Install HyperOS via Fastboot (recommended method)
The method through Fastboot is suitable for official firmware and is considered the most reliable.
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 📦 Firmware archive (.tgz or.zip).
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder (for example, C:\HyperOS).
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
- Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after installation).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
Once the firmware is successful, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is 99% deaf?
Install HyperOS with Recovery (TWRP)
This method is suitable for custom firmware or if you already have TWRP Recovery installed, the advantage of which is the ability to back up the current system before installing it.
Important: Xiaomi 13 has anti-rollback protection, so you can not roll back on the old version of MIUI after installing HyperOS.
Instructions:
- Download the firmware in.zip format and place it on internal memory or SD-map.
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the firmware file.
- Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for completion.
- After installation, press Reboot System.
If after the reboot the smartphone hangs on the logo, try:
- 🔄 Repeat the installation by pre-formatting the Data.
- 🔧 Install another kernel or vendor (if the firmware is modular).
- 📱 Check firmware compatibility with your modification Xiaomi 13.
💡
If you install custom firmware, be sure to check for a patch for dm-verity (otherwise the device will not boot).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot flash not allowed in locked state | The bootloader is not unlocked | Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool |
| Invalid sparse file format at header | Firmware file damaged | Download the firmware again and check it out. MD5-hash |
| Hanging on the Xiaomi logo | Incompatibility of the kernel or modules | Install the firmware again with a full WIP |
| This package is for "fuxi" devices; this is a "nuwa" | Wrong code name | Download the firmware for your model (fuxi/nuwa/isis) |
If the device stops turning on (hard brick), try using it. EDL-This will require a box (UFi Box or EasyJTAG) or help from a service center.
💡
Before you go to the service, try to pinch Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds. Sometimes this helps to get out of soft brick.
HyperOS optimization after installation
After successful installation of HyperOS, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance and autonomy:
- 🔧 Disable unnecessary system applications: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop The full list of "bloatware" can be found at XDA.
- ⚡ Activate Performance Mode: Go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode and select High Performance.
- 🔒 Configure permissions for applications: In Settings → Confidentiality → Permissions Disable Geolocation and Microphone Access for Unnecessary Applications.
- 📱 Update Google Services: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services and click Update.
And you also need to look at navigation gestures, which are different in HyperOS than in MIUI, and to get back to the same control:
- Go to Settings → Display → Navigation panel.
- Choose MIUI Gestures (if available) or customize Android Gestures to suit you.
If you have any bugs after the update (for example, NFC or Always-on Display does not work), check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.