How to Install Pixel Experience on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide from Unlocking to Optimization

Pixel Experience

Xiaomi

Google Pixel

Pixel

Many Xiaomi users face problems after firmware: from bugs with sensors to complete inoperability of the module NFC The reason is often due to version incompatibility, improper unlocking of the bootloader or missed steps during installation. In this guide, we will take a look at the whole process from A to Z – from model validation to final system setup – and give you recommendations on choosing the most stable build for your device.

If you have never installed custom firmware before, be prepared for the process to take 1-2 hours and require care. A mistake at any stage can lead to the need for a complete reset or even recovery through the use of a new system. EDL-But don't worry, if you follow the instructions, the risks are minimal, and the result is worth it, you'll get a fast, up-to-date, Chinese-free smartphone.

1. Device preparation: model check and loader unlocking

The first and most critical step is to make sure that your Xiaomi model is officially supported by the Pixel Experience. Not all devices are suitable: for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) has stable builds, but here is the Pixel Experience. POCO X3 NFC (The surya may require additional patches for the camera.A full list of supported codename models can be found on the official Pixel Experience website.

To find out the encoding of your device:

1. Open the Settings app → The phone.
2. Tap the MIUI version several times to activate the Developer Mode.
3. Return to the main settings, go to additional → For developers.
4. Find the model code line (e.g., Raphael for Redmi). K20 Pro).

If your model is on the supported list, you can proceed to unlock the bootloader. Without this step, custom firmware installation is impossible. The procedure takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy (mandatory waiting for confirmation through the Mi Account).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Create a backup via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC. Also make sure there are no restrictions on your Mi Account (for example, if you previously blocked the device through Find Device).

To unlock:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official version only!).
2. Sign in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect the device to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

After successful unlocking, the Unlocked message will appear on the phone screen in Fastboot mode.

2.Select the Pixel Experience version: which is better, Plus, Vanilla or AOSP?

Pixel Experience comes in a number of different versions, and the choice depends on your priorities.

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is PixelExperience Plus, which offers a balanced set of features, including:

• 📸 Improved camera with night mode and Astrophotography (if supported by iron).
• 🎨 Icon and accent colors themes (like in Pixel 6).
• 🔋 Optimized power consumption for Qualcomm processors.
• 🔒 Monthly security updates from Google.

⚠️ Note: If your device is equipped with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 11), check for special assemblies marked with a note. MTK. These firmware require additional drivers for the modem and camera to work properly.

Download firmware only from the official website or trusted sources (for example, XDA Avoid "modified" builds from unknown authors - they may contain malicious code or unstable patches.

3. Installation through TWRP: step-by-step

To install Pixel Experience you will need custom recavery — TWRP. Official versions are available on TeamWin, but for some Xiaomi models (e.g., the official version, POCO F3) It requires informal builds. Make sure you download. TWRP It is for your codename.

Installation process:

1. Download the Pixel Experience firmware (.zip file) and put it in the root of the phone’s internal memory.
2. Download. TWRP for your model (.img file).
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-0-codename.img (Replace the codename with your model).
5. Right after the firmware. TWRP Go to the Recaveri, clamping the Volume up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite) TWRP stock-recavator).

In TWRP, do the following:

1. Press the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: 📁 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📱 Data 🔄 Cache
2. Strip the slider to confirm the reset.
3. Return to the main menu, click Install and select the downloaded firmware file.
4. Install (if any) additionally (if any): 🔄 Gapps (if the firmware is without Google services). 🔒 Magisk (for root rights, optional).

Reboot System

Completely wiping (System/Data/Cache)|Installed firmware Pixel Experience|Gapps installed (if necessary)|Antivirus on PC disabled (can block fastboot)|Battery charge >50%-->

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stayed on the Pixel Experience logo for more than 10 minutes after the reboot, it means there was an error during the installation. TWRP (clamping up + Power when turned on) and repeat the steps, making sure you choose the right firmware version for your codename.

4. First setup and solution of typical problems

After a successful boot, you will be met by an initial setup wizard similar to the Pixel stock, where you can immediately activate the following functions:

• 🔐 Security: Set up unlock by fingerprint or Face Unlock (if supported).
• 📶 Network: Enable VoLTE and VoWiFi in Settings SIM-Cards (if the operator supports the).
• 🔋 Battery: Activate Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery.

But even after a successful installation, there can be bugs, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If you have the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) stopped working after the firmware, it means that you have installed the firmware for the wrong codename. 9S (Curtana) looks similar but has different iron, so you'll have to repeat the installation with the correct version.

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If after firmware lost sound in the speaker, check the settings Output sound in Settings → Sound. Sometimes the default system switches to USB-audio.

5. Optimization of performance and battery

Pixel Experience Out of the Box is Faster Than MIUI, It's because there's no back-end processes, but there are a few tricks to make it even more responsive:

To increase productivity:

• 🚀 Enable Developer Mode and Activate Optimization MIUI (It works on the Pixel Experience!).
• 🔄 Turn off animations: in Settings → System system → For developers, set all three animation parameters on 0.5x.
• 📉 Use Greenify to “freeze” unnecessary apps (e.g., Mi Browser if it’s left behind after firmware).

To save battery:

• 🔋 Activate Adaptive Brightness and set a limit on 60 Hz (if the screen supports) 90/120 Hz).
• 📵 Turn off Device Search and Wi-Fi Scanning in Settings → Location.
• 🔌 Install AccuBattery app to monitor charging cycles.

If you notice that the phone is warming for no reason, check the list of running processes in Settings → Battery. → Battery use. Often the culprit is Google Play Services - in this case, resetting the app cache or rolling back to the previous version via APKMirror will help.

6. Pixel Experience Update and System Backup

Pixel Experience is updated every 1-2 months and you can install updates directly from the system:

1. Go to Settings → System → System Update.
2. If an update is available, download it and confirm the installation.
3. The phone will automatically reboot to TWRP (If it is installed, and apply the update.

⚠️ Note: When updating through OTA (Over-The-Air) do not make data vape, otherwise you will lose all settings and applications. Exception - if the description of the update indicates otherwise (for example, when you switch to a new version of Android).

For reliability, it is recommended to create a backup before updating:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Select Backup and mark sections: 📁 Boot 🗃️ System 📱 Data

Save the backup on SD-map USB-accumulator.

If there are bugs after the update (for example, Bluetooth stopped working or if the update is not valid). GPS), try:

1. Clear the cache in TWRP (Wipe → Cache/Dalvik).
2. Reverse to the previous version through the backup.
3. Report the bug to the official support chat (attach the error log from adb logcat).

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Never update the Pixel Experience through Xiaomi’s stock recavator, which will result in data loss and a possible device blink. TWRP built-in OTA-upgrader.

7. Magisk installation and root rights (optional)

If you need a root license (for example, for ViPER4Android Or AdAway, install Magisk after you have installed Pixel Experience. Importantly, some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) can block work on rooted devices.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip) from GitHub.
2. Reboot to TWRP and set Magisk.zip standard module.
3. Reboot to the system and check for root rights through the Magisk Manager app.

To hide the root from banking applications:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings.
2. Include MagiskHide and add problematic apps to the list.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with MediaTek Helio chipset) G90T) Magisk can break the modem, in which case use alternative root methods, such as KernelSU.

8. Pixel Experience Alternatives for Xiaomi

If Pixel Experience didn’t work for you (for example, due to camera or network bugs), consider other custom firmware:

If you’re choosing between Pixel Experience and LineageOS, prioritize:

• 📱 For maximum stability and long-term support - LineageOS.
• 🎨 For Google and Camera Features – Pixel Experience.
• ⚡ For gaming and performance – crDroid or ArrowOS.

Before switching to another firmware, always make a full backup in TWRP Check user reviews of your model in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA).

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On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi 9 or POCO M3) Pixel Experience may perform worse than LineageOS due to driver issues, in which case test firmware at your own risk or stay on the line. MIUI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)