Why is MIUI 13 still relevant in 2026?
Despite the release of newer versions of the shell — MIUI 14 and HyperOS — many Xiaomi users continue to look for ways to install MIUI 13. The reasons are different, from the stability of the old models to the familiar interface, which in new versions has changed dramatically. For example, owners of the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro often note that MIUI 13 based on Android 12 works faster than MIUI 14 on Android 13 for their devices.
And some of the features that have been removed in subsequent updates are still in this version, and it's about the classic notification menu, flexible power saving settings, and even the ability to turn off ads in system applications without root rights, but before you install it, it's important to understand whether your device is suitable for an upgrade and which method to choose, whether it's official or custom.
Official Device Requirements for MIUI 13
Xiaomi has released MIUI 13 for most smartphones since 2020, but there are some nuances: some models received the update only in certain regions (for example, the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE in Europe), while for others the version remained in beta status.
- 📱 Device model: should be included in the official list of supported (see table below).
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60% before installation (at a discharge below 30%, the system may block the process).
- 📶 Network connection: stable Wi-Fi (update "over the air" weighs 2-3 GB).
- 📂 Free space: minimum 5 GB in main memory (temporary files take up to 4 GB).
If your device is not on the list but is technically capable of running Android 12 (based on MIUI 13), you can try unofficial firmware, but this can lead to a loss of warranty and the risk of “bricking” the phone.
Compatibility table: which Xiaomi supports MIUI 13
| Series of devices | Supported models | Type of update | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11 | 11, 11 Pro, 11 Ultra, 11 Lite 5G NE | Official (OTA) | 11 Lite 4G is only in beta |
| Redmi Note 10 | Note 10, Note 10 Pro, Note 10 Pro Max | Official (OTA) | Note 10S update is suspended |
| POCO | F3, X3 Pro, X3 GT | Official (for the global version) | POCO M3 is not supported |
| Xiaomi 10 | 10, 10 Pro, 10T, 10T Pro | Officially | The last stable version before the transition to HyperOS |
If your model is not in the table, check it on the official Xiaomi website (section "Supported Devices"). Alternatively, the XDA Developers forums, where unofficial ports for older devices (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi 9T) are published.
⚠️ Attention: Installation MIUI 13 on Android 11 and lower devices (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) is only possible through custom firmware.This requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss.
Method 1: Official Update by Air (OTA)
The safest method is to wait for the update to be available or force a check. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Download the latest version.
- If the update is available, click Download (file weight ~2.5GB).
- After downloading, select Reboot and install.
It's going to take 15 to 20 minutes. It's going to reboot 2-3 times, which is normal. If you don't get an update, try:
- 🔄 Change the region in settings to India (sometimes updates are released there earlier).
- 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes operators block update traffic).
- 🕒 Wait 1-2 weeks – Xiaomi releases updates in waves.
Battery charge > 60%|
Connection to Wi-Fi|
Free space > 5 GB|
VPN and proxy disabled |
Backup of important data is made-->
⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, force it to restart by pressing the power button for 15 seconds. If the problem recurs, reset to factory settings is required.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery
If OTA-Update is not available, but your model is officially supported, you can install it. MIUI 13 manually through Recovery:
- Download the official service pack for your model (file with.zip extension).
- Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Install update.zip (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
Once installed, the device will automatically restart. If the error "Can't verify update" appears, it means:
- 🔍 The firmware file is damaged – download it again.
- 📌 Wrong file name – check that it is accurate update.zip.
- 🔐 The device is not supported – try alternative methods.
💡
If the Recovery Mode does not display Cyrillic, use MIUI Recovery in Russian (available for most models).
Method 3: Unofficial firmware (for unsupported models)
If your device is not compatible (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi A3), but you still want MIUI 13, you'll have to use custom firmware.
- 🛠️ Xiaomi.eu – modified version MIUI It's ad-free, it's ad-free, it's ad-free, it's ad-free, it supports even older models.
- 🔧 LineageOS 19 (based on Android 12) – an open source alternative, but without branded features Xiaomi.
- 🧪 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface, but based on Android 12 (compatible with Google Pixel) MIUI 13 core).
The installation will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
- Switch ZIP-file firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 10), unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss of power. IMEI. Before the procedure, save it using the application MTK Engineering Mode.
What is “bricking” and how to avoid it?
Problems with MIUI 13 installation
Even after a successful installation, bugs can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fast battery discharge | Background optimization disabled | Enable Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization for All Applications |
| The mobile network is not working | Resetting IMS settings | Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Resetting network settings |
| Apps fly out | Dalvik's cash not cleared | In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik Cache |
| Face Unlock is not working. | There are no camera drivers | Separately run a vendor for your model |
If the data (photos, contacts) is lost after the update, check the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder - the system could create a backup automatically.
💡
Before installing any firmware, be sure to back up through Settings → Additional → Backup or using TWRP. This is the only way to return data when a crash occurs.
MIUI 13 vs HyperOS: Which is the best choice in 2026?
With the release of HyperOS (based on Android 14), many users are wondering whether to go back to MIUI 13.
- ⚡ Productivity: MIUI 13 is lighter and more stable on devices with 4-6 GB of RAM, whereas HyperOS can “brake” on weak chipsets (Snapdragon). 720G, Helio G95).
- 🎨 Design: HyperOS uses flat design and new animations, and MIUI 13 retains the usual "material" style.
- 🔒 Privacy: HyperOS has enhanced permissions for applications, but MIUI 13 allows you to silence background activity without root.
- 🔋 Autonomy: B MIUI 13 more aggressive battery optimization, which extends the life of 10-15%.
The choice depends on priorities:
- 👍 MIUI 13 is suitable for those who appreciate stability, long battery life and the usual interface.
- 👍 HyperOS is worth a try for flagship owners (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60), where new features work without lags.
If you decide to upgrade from MIUI 13 to HyperOS, consider that rollback is possible only through a full reset and firmware in Fastboot mode.