Users often wonder what version of the operating system is installed on their device or what is available for installation. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this question has its own peculiarities, as the company uses its own add-ons above the basic Android kernel. Understanding the difference between the firmware version and the operating system version is critical for application compatibility and data security.
Most of the brand’s devices are currently based on current versions of Google Android, but the interface and functionality are determined by the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. It is the shell that dictates the visual style, notifications and additional features that are not available in the “pure” Android.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find out the current version, which models are getting updates and whether to switch to the latest HyperOS. You will get comprehensive information about support for various series of smartphones, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi.
The Difference Between Android, MIUI and HyperOS
Many users confuse the shell version with the operating system version. Android is the basic core that provides all processes, memory management and communication with hardware. MIUI and HyperOS are add-ons that change the appearance, add services and change the logic of the interface.
For example, a smartphone can run on Android 13, but have a MIUI 14 shell. while another device with HyperOS 1.0 can also be based on Android 13 or 14. The key difference of the new HyperOS is to optimize the code and combine the smart home ecosystem, making the system lighter and faster than its predecessor.
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Switching to HyperOS often requires more free space than a regular MIUI update, so it is recommended to free up 10GB of storage before installing.
It’s important to understand that a shell update doesn’t always mean an update to the base Android. Often, the company releases new features within the same kernel version, and you can check this information in the settings where both options are specified.
How to find out the Android version of Xiaomi
There are several ways to get accurate information about your device's software, and the easiest and most reliable method is to use a standard settings menu, which doesn't require third-party software installation, and gives you 100% accurate results.
To obtain data, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 🔍 Select About Phone (usually at the top of the list).
- 👆 Find the line Version MIUI Version of HyperOS and click on it several times.
- ℹ️ The window that opens will show the Android version in a separate line.
Alternatively, you can use an engineering menu or third-party utilities like CPU-Z or AIDA64, which provide detailed information not only about the system, but also about the processor, sensors and temperature.
☑️ Verification of the relevance of the software
Note that in some regions, menus may be called differently, but the logic remains the same. If you use global firmware, the path is Settings → About phone.
Support table for Android versions by series
Xiaomi’s update policy depends on the device series. Flagship models receive updates to the basic Android for 3-4 years, while budget series can be limited to one or two major updates. Below is a table of current support status for popular lines.
| Series of devices | Basic Android (Start) | Maximum Android | Shell | Status of support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro | Android 14 | Android 17 (plan) | HyperOS | Actively. |
| Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro | Android 13 | Android 16 | HyperOS | Actively. |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | Android 13 | Android 15 | HyperOS / MIUI | Actively. |
| Poco F5 | Android 13 | Android 15 | HyperOS | Actively. |
| Redmi 12C | Android 12 | Android 13 | MIUI | It's over. |
It is worth noting that the data in the table is current at the time of the latest stable versions, and global firmware often comes with a delay relative to Chinese versions, due to the need to certify Google and adapt the interface to different languages.
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The flagship Xiaomi 13 and 14 series receive priority support and are the first to move to new versions of Android, while budget employees can stay on the old version of the core.
If your model is not on the list, it is likely that it belongs to an older generation, and owners of such devices are advised to follow the official announcements, as support policies may change.
The process of updating and its features
Updating the operating system is not just about changing the numbers in the settings; it is a complex process that affects system files, drivers and security libraries. Xiaomi has implemented a step-by-step rollout mechanism, where updates come to users in waves.
There are two main types of updates: One is security packs that fix vulnerabilities and come in often but don't change functionality; the other is major Android updates that bring new features, change design and take longer to install.
⚠️ Note: When updating with MIUI On HyperOS or when switching between major Android versions (e.g. 12 to 13), it is strongly recommended to back up your data.Although the process is usually smooth, the risk of losing photos or contacts is always there.
To start checking for updates manually go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI/HyperOS version and click on the system logo. If the update is available, the system will prompt it to download. If there are no updates, you may need to wait.
Why isn't the update coming?
Compatibility issues and bugs after the update
Switching to a new version of Android or updating the MIUI shell can be accompanied by temporary inconveniences. The system optimizes applications in the background, which in the first hours after installation can cause heating of the case and rapid battery discharge.
Users often face the following problems:
- 🐞 Disruptions in individual applications due to changes in Android privacy policy.
- 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge in the first 2-3 day-after-day.
- 📉 Reduced performance in games before full file re-indexing.
- 📱 Disappearance of some interface settings when switching to HyperOS.
Most of these problems are solved on their own within a few days of active use, however, if the device is unstable for a long time, a complete reset to the factory settings (Wipe Data).
⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone stops turning on or is constantly restarted (bootloop), don’t try to disassemble it yourself. Try to enter Recovery mode and reset data, but if this doesn’t help, contact the service center.
It is important to distinguish between software bugs and hardware problems, and the new version of the system can more aggressively manage memory, which will reveal existing defects in the drive or battery.
Switching to HyperOS: Should I Update?
HyperOS marks a new era for Xiaomi, not just the rebranded MIUI 15, but a deep redesign of the system architecture, with a focus on reducing resource consumption and integrating with the smart home.
Key changes in the new system:
- 🚀 Core Optimization: Reduced system size, making room for user data.
- 🎨 New design: Changed animations, fonts and control elements of the notification center.
- 🔗 Ecosystem: Improved communication between phone, tablet, laptop and household appliances brand.
- 🔒 Security: New data protection mechanisms at the Android core level.
Older users should weigh the pros and cons. On models with a small amount of RAM (4 GB), the transition to HyperOS can make the interface work less smooth compared to optimized MIUI.
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HyperOS is focused primarily on devices with 6 GB of RAM and higher. Owners of budget models with 4 GB of RAM are better off waiting for feedback about the stability of the new system on their specific processor.