Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for its functionality, but for many users it seems overloaded with advertising, unnecessary services and suboptimal performance. If you want to remove MIUI from your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, it’s possible, but the process requires preparation. In this article, we’ll look at all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing pure Android (AOSP) or custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience.
It's important to understand that completely removing MIUI means replacing the firmware, not just disabling individual features in the settings. This means you have to unlock the bootloader, which will reset the phone to factory settings, delete all data, and may void the warranty. If your goal is just to remove ads or optimize work, you may need to disable system applications or install MIUI without advertising through ADB.
The article is relevant for models of 2018-2026 (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.). For older devices (until 2017), the process may be different - check the compatibility of firmware on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
1.Preparation: What to do before removing MIUI
Before you start replacing the firmware, follow the mandatory steps:
- 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 70% – the process can take 1-2 hours, and the battery will stop the installation.
- 📱 Make a full backup of your data: contacts, photos, messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copy on your PC.
- 🔐 Make sure you have a Mi Account (linked to your phone) – it will be required to unlock the bootloader.
- 💻 Prepare a PC with Windows 10/11 or Linux (for fastboot and ADB). MacOS may have problems with drivers.
Also check if your model supports the installation of alternative firmware. For example, LineageOS 20 and ArrowOS are available for the Xiaomi 12T Pro, while for the Redmi 9A, the choice is limited due to the weak Helio G25 processor.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro 5G) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to blocking the broadband module (loss of the bootloader). 5G/LTE). Before the procedure, check the user reviews on 4PDA.
Unlocking the bootloader: Step 1 on the way to removing MIUI
The bootloader on Xiaomi is locked by default. To install another firmware, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.
Instructions:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version)
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.
Mi Unlock Tool
Mi Account
72-168 hours
Xiaomi
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically perform a hard reset. All data will be deleted!
Linking your Mi Account to your phone|Enable the developer mode|Activate unlocking OEM|Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC|Wait 3-7 days for approval-->
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone in China (the local version), unlocking may not be possible without additional manipulation. EDL-Mode and Authorized Xiaomi Account.
3. Choosing an alternative firmware: what to install instead of MIUI
Once you unlock the bootloader, you can install one of the alternative firmwares, and here's a comparison of the popular ones:
| Firmware | Features | Xiaomi support | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Pure Android with minimal improvements, regular updates. | Most models of 2019-2023. | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | The interface is like Google Pixel, with branded chips (Now Playing, Call Screen). | Popular models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) | High (requires GApps) |
| ArrowOS | Optimized for performance, a lot of customization. | Limited list (mostly flagships) | Medium |
| HaventOS | The firmware is based on MIUI, but without advertising and unnecessary services. | Models with Snapdragon 800+ series | Low. |
Before choosing, check compatibility on official firmware sites or forums. For example, LineageOS 18.1 is suitable for Xiaomi Mi A3, and Pixel Experience Plus is suitable for POCO X3 Pro.
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If you’re a beginner, start with HaventOS – it’s a modified ad-free MIUI that installs easier than pure Android.
4. Install custom firmware through TWRP
To install an alternative firmware, you will need a custom TWRP recavator. Here is a step-by-step instruction:
- Download TWRP for your model from twrp.me (file with.img extension).
- Move the firmware file (e.g. lineage-20.0-20260501.zip) to the phone's memory.
- Connect your phone to your PC and move it to fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
- Please. TWRP The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redmi_note_10_pro.img (Replace the file name with yours).
- TWRP: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
- In TWRP, run Wipe (cleaning Dalvik, Cache, System, Data partitions).
- Install the firmware through Install → Choose. ZIP-file.
If Google services are not working after you install Pixel Experience, download the appropriate GApps package (such as NikGApps) and run it through TWRP after the main firmware.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K40, POCO F4) After installing custom firmware, broadband modulation ceases to work 5G. This is due to Qualcomm proprietary drivers that are not included in open builds.
6 How to get MIUI back if something goes wrong
If the alternative firmware is unstable or you don’t like pure Android, you can return MIUI.
- Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
- Transfer the phone to fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or run the command: fastboot -w update file name.zip
This method will completely restore MIUI If the phone doesn't turn on even after that, try flashing it through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a Deep Flash cable).
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Recovering MIUI through fastboot is the most reliable way to bring your phone back to life, but it erases all data. Always back up before experimenting!
7.Alternatives: How to Improve MIUI Without a Full Replacement
If unlocking the bootloader and firmware seem too difficult, consider less radical ways to optimize MIUI:
- 🚫 Disabling Advertising: Install ADB AppControl and disable unnecessary system applications (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop).
- ⚡ System Acceleration: Activate MIUI Optimization in the developer settings and disable animations.
- 🔄 Launcher Installation: Try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair for a Pixel-like interface.
- 🛡️ Tracking Block: Use Blokada or NetGuard to restrict access to the Internet for system applications.
These methods do not require unlocking the bootloader and retain a warranty, but they will not give the same level of customization as a complete firmware replacement.