Many Xiaomi smartphone users appreciate the functionality and stability of Samsung’s One UI. The desire to bring this visual style and feature set to another brand’s device is natural, especially given the rich customization capabilities of Android. However, the process of installing a foreign firmware or theme requires a deep understanding of the operating system architecture.
It is important to note that the full installation of the system shell One UI on Mi or Redmi devices is technically impossible without a complete flashing of the device, this is due to the fact that the core of the system and the hardware drivers are written specifically for Exynos or Snapdragon processors in conjunction with specific modules of cameras and screens Samsung.
However, there are ways to bring the look and feel of MIUI or HyperOS to the Korean giant’s products as closely as possible, and we’ll look at legal and safe interface transformation methods, and the risks of deep system modification attempts. Completely replacing MIUI system files with One UI files without porting to a specific model will lead to a brick of the device.
Technical limitations and architecture of Android
The Android operating system is based on the Linux kernel, but each manufacturer makes its own changes. The One UI shell is not just a set of icons, it is a deeply integrated layer of system applications, frameworks and libraries. Xiaomi smartphones use its own MIUI add-on, which conflicts with Samsung's system challenges.
Trying to install a Samsung system image (ROM) on Xiaomi requires a dedicated port created by enthusiastic developers for a particular model. These ports are extremely rare, as they require reassembling the camera drivers, sound and sensors. 99% of the time, you will find only theme devices, not full firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Search and install random files called “One” UI ROM For Xiaomi, unverified sources are guaranteed to infect malware or completely lose data.
Hardware differences also play a key role: Even if the processors match, the brands’ camera and sensor implementations are different. Samsung’s system applications simply won’t be able to find the right hardware addresses in a Xiaomi phone, causing a cyclical reboot or bootloop.
A Safe Alternative: Thematic Interface
Instead of risk-taking flashing, it's smarter to use the customization capabilities that MIUI itself provides. Theme setting is a standard feature that allows you to change icons, fonts, control panel and system sounds. In the GetThemes theme store, you can find hundreds of options that copy the One UI style.
To get started, you need to open the Themes app on your desktop, and search for queries like "One UI," "Samsung Style," or "S24 Theme," and you'll see a lot of options created by independent designers, some of which only change icons, others completely redraw the notification bar and settings menu.
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the Profile section».
- 🔍 In the search bar, type “One” UI 6" or "Samsung Experience».
- 📥 Download your favorite package and click "Apply».
- ⚙️ For deep customization go to "Settings» → «Topics» → «Setting up».
Once the theme is applied, the interface will be visually similar to Samsung’s product, but will remain functionally MIUI. This is the most stable safe way to get the desired look without losing warranty and risk of breakdown.
Use of launchers for emulation of One UI
If built-in theme capabilities aren’t enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, apps that completely replace the desktop, app menus, and often the search bar. Launchers like One Launcher or S Launcher can replicate up to 90% of Samsung’s visual shell style.
To install such software you will need to download APK-The launcher file or find it in Google Play Market. Once installed, you need to give the application the necessary permissions to display on top of other windows and access to storage.
Why doesn’t the launcher change the notification curtain?
However, the launcher will not be able to change the system dialogues, the Android settings menu or the lock screen (without additional complexity), transition animations may differ from native ones, as they depend on the MIUI rendering engine, not the launcher.
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For maximum similarity, install the Samsung weather widget (via APK) and set up the 5x6 desktop grid in the launcher settings.
Preparation of the device for modifications
Before making any changes to the system, whether it is installing themes or launchers, you need to prepare the device, this minimizes the risk of data loss in the event of a failure, creating a full backup is a must for any enthusiast.
Use the built-in Mi Cloud or Google One app to save contacts, photos, and app lists. For more advanced users, it is recommended to create a local copy through Settings → About Phone → Backup. Backup files are better saved on your computer.
☑️ Checklist of smartphone preparation
Also, check for updates to MIUI itself. On the current version of the system, the themes and launchers are more stable, as they contain security bug fixes. Go to Settings → About the phone and click on the system version to check.
Comparison of MIUI and One UI capabilities
When trying to install One UI, users often forget that MIUI has its own unique features that Samsung doesn’t have, such as second space, app hiding, and more flexible handling of iOS-style notifications. The switch to Samsung’s visual style can take away some of the functionality.
Consider the major differences in the way the two companies work, and understanding these differences will help us decide whether the game is worth the candle or whether we should better customize the existing shell.
| Function | One UI (Samsung) | MIUI / HyperOS (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|
| Location of the menu | The bottom of the screen | Top part (classic) |
| Control panel | Separate curtain on the right | Built into the notification curtain |
| Customization | Good Lock (module) | Built-in themes (comprehensive) |
| Ecosystem | Deep integration with Galaxy Watch/Tab | Integration with the Mi Home Smart Home |
As you can see from the table, the approaches differ fundamentally: One UI is sharpened with one hand, moving controls down. MIUI adheres to more traditional Android logic, although in recent versions HyperOS also implements one-handed controls.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
When installing themes or launchers, users may encounter artifacts, icons may not match the signatures, and fonts may “go,” usually solved by reusing the theme or resetting the launcher settings.
If the phone is slower after installing the launcher, check the animation settings. In Settings → Advanced Settings → For developers, reduce the scale of animation of windows and transitions. This compensates for the heavyness of some launchers.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing the theme, the desktop is missing or black squares appear, press the volume button or use a voice command to start the task manager and remove the problematic theme app.
In rare cases, topics may conflict with the System Security app. If you notice increased battery consumption after installing the theme, try to delete it and check the power consumption statistics. Third-party themes sometimes contain unoptimized scripts.
Final recommendations on customization
The quest to make your Xiaomi look like Samsung is commendable, but it's important to strike a balance between beauty and stability.Using proven themes from the official store and popular launchers from the Play Market is the only safe way to go.
Don’t try to search for ways to “swipe” One UI through Recovery or Fastboot unless you’re an experienced developer with a spare phone for tests. The risk of getting a broken device is too high, and the visual result isn’t worth it.
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The best way to get One UI on Xiaomi is to combine a Samsung-style system theme and a third-party launcher, rather than trying to replace system files.
Experiment with settings, use widgets and icons to create a unique interface that will be convenient for you, regardless of which brand logo is flaunted on the back of your gadget.