The question of when MIUI 10 will be released for Xiaomi devices worries many users, because this shell has brought significant changes in the interface and system performance. Xiaomi developers traditionally adhere to a schedule that depends on the device model and the release region. It is important to understand that global firmware versions always come out later than Chinese ones, which creates a certain time lag for owners of international modifications of gadgets.
The upgrade process involves hundreds of models, from flagships to budget devices, and takes several months. Xiaomi tries to optimize the code for older devices, but the priority is always given to newest hardware. If you expect performance gains or new features, such as an improved one-handed control mode or a redesigned notification curtain design, you will have to be patient and keep an eye on the official announcements.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the stages of release, the list of compatible devices and methods that will help to get the update ahead of the official deadline, and we will discuss the technical features of the new shell, which make it one of the lightest and fastest versions in the history of the company. The official global release of MIUI 10 launched in August 2018, but for each model the release date is individual.
Features and innovations of the MIUI 10 shell
The MIUI 10 shell was a landmark for the Chinese giant’s ecosystem, as it was the one that completely redesigned the visual style to fit modern minimalist trends. The focus was on full-screen mode as the market rapidly shifted to cut-out displays and frameless designs. The interface became more airy, unnecessary separators disappeared, and animations became smoother, which visually accelerated the smartphone’s performance.
One of the key features has been to support AI (artificial intelligence) in various system processes, to predict user actions, optimize the allocation of RAM and run frequently used applications faster, and to add new control gestures that allow you to completely abandon the on-screen navigation buttons, freeing up useful space on the display.
The audio system has also undergone changes: a new volume mixer has been introduced, where the sound sliders for media, bells and alarm clocks have become more informative; the sounds of the system have been rewritten, becoming more natural and pleasant to hear. For users who often travel or work in noisy places, the improved noise cancellation algorithm during calls has been a pleasant surprise.
⚠️ Note: Installation of beta versions MIUI 10 on major devices can lead to unstable banking applications and data loss, so always back up before experimenting.
Official timetable for release and distribution stages
Xiaomi has a phased update strategy to minimize bugs and technical issues, and the first to get access to the new flagship models of the Mi and Mi Mix series, because these devices are the devices that test the core functionality and have the highest priority among developers.
After being tested on top-end devices, the firmware adapts to the mid-budget segment known as the Redmi Note and Mi A series. This phase can take anywhere from two weeks to a month. and only lastly does the update reach entry-level budget smartphones such as Redmi (without the Note console) and POCO (depending on the region).
The Chinese version (CN) is always the first, followed by the Global version, followed by the regional version for Europe (EEA), Russia (RU), and India (IN). The time difference between the Chinese stable version and the global version can be from 1 to 3 months.
Why does the scalp come later in Russia?
Below is a table showing approximate release dates for stable versions for different device categories (data based on historical release statistics):
| Category of device | Example models | Beta test start | Stable version (Global) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagships | Mi 8, Mi Mix 2S | June 2018 | August 2018 |
| Middle class | Redmi Note 5, Mi 6X | July 2018 | September 2018 |
| Budget segment | Redmi 5, Redmi 5A | August 2018 | October 2018 |
| Old flagships | Mi 6, Mi 5s | July 2018 | September 2018 |
List of supported Xiaomi and Redmi devices
List of devices that have been updated before MIUI 10, which was very wide, which came as a pleasant surprise to many owners of older smartphones, even devices released a few years ago received support, which indicates that the code of the new shell is well optimized. MIUI 9 due to hardware limitations.
Owners of Mi series devices can expect full functionality, including new animations and AI features. For the Redmi series, some visuals could have been simplified to ensure smooth operation on less powerful processors. It is important to check the exact model of your device in the settings, as sometimes the same names can hide different modifications for different markets.
- 📱 Flagships: Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro, Mi 8 Explorer, Mi Mix 2S, Mi 6, Mi 6X, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, Mi 5.
- 📱 Middle class: Redmi Note 5 (Pro/Global), Redmi Note 5 AI, Mi 6X, Mi Max 2, Mi Max 3.
- 📱 Budget: Redmi 5, Redmi 5 Plus, Redmi 5A, Redmi 6, Redmi 6A, Redmi S2.
💡
To check if MIUI 10 is available to you, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version icon. If there is no update, try clicking on the icon 7 times for forced verification.
How to upgrade to MIUI 10 manually
If the automatic update does not come, you can install MIUI 10 manually using Recovery mode.This method requires downloading a special firmware archive from the official website. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the charge of your device is at least 60% to avoid turning off at a critical time.
The firmware file should have a.zip extension and weigh about 1.5-2 GB. You need to download the file strictly for your device model; firmware from another smartphone can turn the phone into a "brick." After downloading, place the file in the root of the internal memory of the device without putting it in folders.
Then go to Recovery mode. To do this, press the power button and the volume button at the same time before the Mi logo appears. From the menu, select the language (English), then press Wipe Data (if you need a full reset) or immediately go to the installation. Select Install, find the downloaded file and confirm the action.
☑️ Checklist before hand firmware
⚠️ Note: When you manually install firmware through Recovery, all data on the device will be deleted. Pre-save important photos and documents to the cloud or computer.
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
The first run after upgrading to MIUI 10 can take longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications and files, during which time the phone can heat up and the battery discharge faster, a normal phenomenon that goes away on its own within 1-2 days of active use.
However, users may face more serious problems, such as cyclical reboots or application errors, often caused by a conflict between the cache of old applications and the new system, in which case it is recommended to clear the cache of all applications or perform a full reset to the factory settings (Wipe All Data).
If your fingerprint or camera stopped working after the upgrade, you may have installed firmware from another region or model, in which case only flashing the correct version through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility will help. Also, problems can be caused by an unlocked bootloader if you installed global firmware on a Chinese machine without locking the bootloader back.
💡
If the phone is unstable after the upgrade, the most effective solution is a full reset (Wipe All Data) through Recovery mode.
MIUI 9 vs MIUI 10: Should I Upgrade?
Many users are wondering if it makes sense to upgrade from MIUI 9 to a new version, especially on devices with a small amount of RAM. MIUI 10 has really become lighter and faster, but on very old devices (with 2 GB of RAM or less), the difference may not be as obvious, and in some cases, the new animation may even slightly load the processor.
In terms of functionality, MIUI 10 offers much more customization and control options. Improved Do Not Disturb mode, smart alarm clock and new themes make smartphone use more comfortable. If you appreciate the modern look and smoothness of the interface, the upgrade is definitely worth it.
In terms of security, the new shell also benefits from getting more recent data protection patches. However, if your current smartphone is perfectly stable on MIUI 9 and you are not interested in new features, there is no need to rush to update. The stability of the current system is always more important than having new features that you have not yet tried.