What firmware is installed on most Xiaomi devices: statistics, comparison and recommendations

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably wondered what firmware is on most of the brand’s devices? This question is relevant not only for beginners, but also for experienced users who want to optimize the work of their gadget. In 2026, the firmware ecosystem of Xiaomi has undergone significant changes – from the classical model. MIUI Up to the new HyperOS, as well as custom solutions like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

The firmware usage statistics on Xiaomi devices depend on a variety of factors: region of sales, smartphone model, year of release, and even user preferences. For example, in China, most devices run on the latest versions of HyperOS, while in Europe and Russia it is still common. MIUI 14.And owners of old flagships (for example, Mi 9 or Redmi Note 8 Pro) often switch to custom firmware due to lack of official support.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 📊 Statistics of the popularity of firmware on Xiaomi devices in 2026 (according to analytical services).
• 🔄 Differences MIUI HyperOS: What to Choose and Why New Firmware Isn't Always Better.
• 🛠️ How to find out your firmware and check its relevance.
• ⚙️ Custom firmware: pros, cons and risks for different models.
• ⚠️ Common Update Errors and How to Avoid Them.

1.Statistics firmware on Xiaomi in 2026: which versions are leading?

According to Xiaomi Community and StatCounter, the distribution of firmware on the brand’s devices looks like this (relevant for the first half of 2026):

HyperOS took the lead less than a year after its release, but MIUI 14 still dominates the devices, Released until 2023, and interestingly, custom firmware has grown by 3% since 2023, which is due to the growth of communities like this. XDA Developers and simplifying the process of unlocking the bootloader.

It's important to remember that statistics vary depending on the model. POCO F1 (2018 year 60% Users use custom firmware, while on Xiaomi 14 their share does not exceed 1-2%.

2. MIUI HyperOS: What to choose in 2026?

HyperOS is Xiaomi’s new operating system to replace MIUI. It debuted in October 2023 on the Xiaomi 14 and gradually spreads to other models:

• 🔹 Performance: HyperOS built on the Android kernel 14 And the Geekbench test shows that HyperOS smartphones are on the same page. 10-15% Best results in benchmark tests compared to MIUI 14.
• 🎨 Design: Minimalist interface with emphasis on animations and adaptive icons. MIUI 14 preserved classic "Chinese" style with bright colors.
• 🔒 Security: HyperOS has an improved app rights delineation system and built-in Xiaomi Security Center with monthly updates.
• ⚡ Power efficiency: In tests Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS showed 8% lower battery consumption in standby mode compared to the previous model MIUI 14.

However, MIUI 14 is still relevant for many users:

• 📱 A wide range of supported devices (including models) 2020-2022 year-end).
• 🌍 Localization: MIUI It is better adapted for the Russian and European markets (for example, there are built-in Yandex.Search and Mail.ru services).
• 🛠️ HyperOS is still raw – users complain of bugs with notifications and work NFC.

So which firmware to choose? If you have a flagship 2023-2026 year (Xiaomi) 14, Redmi K70), HyperOS for older devices (Redmi Note) 11, POCO X4 Pro, it's better to stay on MIUI 14 — It is more stable and has more optimizations for specific models.

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HyperOS is suitable for new devices, but MIUI 14 remains the best choice for smartphones over 2 years old due to stability and optimizations.

3.How do you know which firmware is installed on your Xiaomi?

It takes less than a minute to check the firmware version.

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Click on Version. MIUI (or the HyperOS version).
4. This will show the full information, including: 📌 Firmware version (for example, HyperOS) 1.0.3.0.UMCEUXM). 📌 Android version (such as Android 14). 📌 Firmware region (e.g, RU — Russia, IN — India).

If you have custom firmware, the path may be different. For example, in LineageOS, the version is displayed in Settings. → System system → System updates.

Check if the "About Phone" section is hidden in the settings

Use the search by settings (magnifying glass icon)

Install the app CPU-Z or AIDA64 detail

Restart your phone if the settings don’t open.

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Pay attention to the regional code in the firmware version (the latest ones). 2-3 Letters, for example:

• ...UMCEUXM — Global version (Global version).
• ...UMCCNXM — Chinese version (China).
• ...UMCRUXM — Russian version (Russia).

If your smartphone is purchased in China, but the firmware is not localized, you can change it to a global one through the Mi Flash Tool (but this will reset all data!).

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Take a picture of the screen with the firmware version before updating, which will help you roll back if something goes wrong.

4.Castom firmware: is it worth going over?

Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS) is popular among enthusiasts, but not suitable for everyone.

• ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary apps (bloat) from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Long-term support: even for devices 2018-2019 years, for example, POCO F1 Gets updates to Android 13 custom-made).
• ✅ Flexible configuration: the ability to change the kernel, processor frequency, manage system-level permissions.

But there are also serious disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, flashing cancels it).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) when you make an error during installation.
• ❌ Unstable camera operation, NFC sensors (especially on newer models).

According to the survey, 4PDA, 68% of users who installed custom firmware on Xiaomi faced at least one serious problem (for example, fast battery discharge or a broken module). 5G).

If you still decide to try custom firmware, follow the rule of three “NO”:

⚠️ Note: DO NOT install firmware unless: your model is listed as supported on the firmware site; you have not done a backup of data through the firmware site. TWRP; Your battery is less than 50 times drained%.

5. Typical errors when updating firmware and how to avoid them

Updating firmware on Xiaomi usually goes smoothly, but there are nuances that many people don't know about.

1. Interrupting the update (for example, due to a dead battery or loss of the Internet) can lead to a bootloop (infinite reboot).
2. Incompatible version: attempt to install firmware for another model (e.g. firmware from Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Redmi Note 12 Pro).
3. No unlocking of the bootloader: without this custom firmware can not be installed, and official updates can be blocked.
4. Ignoring the region: Installing Chinese firmware on a global model (or vice versa) leads to problems with Google’s language and services.

How do you avoid problems?

• 🔋 Battery charge must be at least 60% before upgrade.
• 🌐 A stable Internet: for major updates (1-2 GB) use Wi-Fi, not mobile network.
• 📋 Model Check: Compare the firmware name to your model in Settings → The phone. → Model.
• 🔓 Unlock bootloader (if you need custom firmware): This takes up to 72 hours through the Mi Unlock Tool.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the Xiaomi logo after the update, try:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If it doesn’t help, reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

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The most common mistake is trying to install firmware for another model. Always check the device code (such as tucana for Redmi Note 8 Pro) before downloading the file.

6. How to update firmware on Xiaomi: official and informal ways

There are three main ways to update firmware on Xiaomi devices:

🔹 Official air renewal (OTA)

The easiest and safest method.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it and install it.

Advantages: automatically, without risk of damaging data. Disadvantages: updates come with a delay (sometimes on the Internet). 1-2 A month later than the Chinese version).

🔹 Manual installation via Recovery

It's fine if OTA-No updates coming:

1. Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (section) MIUI Downloads).
2. Place the file in the root of the phone’s memory (not in folders!).
3. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select the update file.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

🔹 Fastboot Firmware (for experienced users)

Used to restore the device or install custom firmware, requires an unlocked bootloader and PC.

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer.


2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).




3. Connect the device to the PC and select firmware in the Mi Flash Tool.




4.Push Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: This method erases all data on the phone! pre-backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP.

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If after the update the phone began to brake, reset the cache in Recovery: pinch the Power + Volume up, select Wipe cache and reboot.

7. The future of Xiaomi firmware: what to expect in 2026?

Xiaomi plans to fully migrate all supported devices to HyperOS in 2026, according to leaks from Xiaomi Community, the following innovations are expected:

• 🤖 AI optimization: automatic performance adjustment for user tasks (for example, the game mode will be activated itself when you start games).
• 🔄 Modular Updates: The ability to update individual components (camera, sound, security) without completely flashing.
• 🌍 Unification of firmware: reduction of regional versions (e.g., Global and Global integration) EEA).
• 🛡️ Improved security: built-in antivirus based on Xiaomi Security with weekly database updates.

Xiaomi is also expected to expand the list of devices that support 4 Android updates (now they are only flagships like Xiaomi) 14). For budget models (Redmi, POCO) The number of updates will remain at the level 2-3.

As for custom firmware, it will grow in popularity among older device owners, for example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020), informal Android 14 ports based on LineageOS 21 are already available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware