MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi: what is the program, how does it work and why does the user need it?

If you’ve just purchased a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone or have been using it for a long time, but still don’t understand what MIUI is and why it’s so different from standard Android on other devices, this article is for you. MIUI (pronounced “My-Yu-I”) is not just a program, but a whole operating shell that radically changes the interface, functionality and even the logic of the phone. It is developed by Xiaomi itself and installed on all devices of the brand, including the Redmi line, POCO and flagship models.

Many users mistakenly think that MIUI is a virus, a bloatware, or an unnecessary add-on that can be removed. In fact, it is a complete replacement for the standard Android interface, with its pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss in detail what MIUI is, how it affects the work of Xiaomi Redmi, what features are hidden under the hood, and why some users like it, and others hate it and immediately reflash it on pure Android.

What is MIUI: In simple words

MIUI (MI User Interface) is Xiaomi’s proprietary shell that runs on top of the Android operating system. It completely redesigns the look and feel, adds unique features, and optimizes hardware for the brand’s tasks. In fact, it’s like taking standard Android and wrapping it in a new interface with advanced features.

The first version of MIUI was released back in 2010 and was originally inspired by CyanogenMod firmware (a popular custom build of Android), which is one of the most common shells in the world today, with hundreds of millions of users using it. It is pre-installed on Xiaomi Redmi by default, and it is impossible to remove it without flashing it.

• 📱 Not just a launcher: unlike launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, MIUI changes not only the look and feel, but also system functions (calls, messages, settings).
• 🔧 Deep Integration: The shell is optimized for Xiaomi’s hardware, allowing better battery management, performance and multitasking.
• 🌍 Regional localization: In China, India, and Europe, the MIUI versions differ due to legal restrictions (e.g., China does not have Google services).
• 📊 Regular updates: Xiaomi releases new versions of MIUI every few months, adding features and fixing bugs.

It's important to understand that MIUI is not a separate application, it's part of the firmware. It can't be removed through Settings → Apps like a regular program. However, you can turn off some built-in services (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) if you don't need them.

Distinguish MIUI from pure Android: what we win and what we lose

If you've used Google Pixel, Samsung's One UI or Motorola's near-naked Android smartphones before, the switch to Xiaomi Redmi may seem abrupt. MIUI changes the way you interact with your phone.

On the one hand, MIUI offers a lot more out-of-the-box capabilities, like:

• 🔒 Create a second space (essentially a second profile with separate applications and data).
• 🎮 Enable game mode that blocks notifications and optimizes performance.
• 📱 Cloning messengers (e.g. having two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts on the same phone).
• 🔋 Configure battery modes for different scenarios (maximum performance, battery savings).

On the other hand, MIUI has its disadvantages:

• 🗑️ Advertising in system applications (in some regions, such as China or India).
• 📵 Excessive background processes that may consume the battery.
• 🔄 Delays with Android updates (Xiaomi first adapts the new OS version to MIUI).
• 🛠️ Customization difficulty for power users (some settings are hidden deep in the menu).

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MIUI offers more features than pure Android, but requires more resources and sometimes suffers from bloated system.

What versions of MIUI are and how to find out

Xiaomi regularly updates its shell, and as of 2026, MIUI 14 (based on Android 13/14) is relevant. However, older Redmi models may have earlier versions — MIUI 12, 12.5 or 13. It is important to understand that the version number of MIUI and the version of Android below it are different things. For example, MIUI 14 can work on both Android 13 and Android 14 depending on the phone model.

To find out which version of MIUI is installed on your Xiaomi Redmi, follow the following steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version.

Open "Settings"|Find the "About the Phone" section"|See "The Version" MIUI" and “Android version"|Compare with the latest updates on Xiaomi-->

The MIUI versions are divided into:

• 🌍 Global – for the international market (includes Google services).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese (China) — without Google services, with local applications (WeChat, Baidu, etc.).
• 🇪🇺 European (EEA) - complies with GDPR standards, without unnecessary advertising.
• 🇮🇳 Indian (India) – adapted to the local market (often with advertising).

If your Redmi is bought in China, chances are it’s a Chinese version of MIUI without Google Play, which means you’ll either have to reflash your phone or install Google services manually (which can disrupt the stability of your experience).

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi Redmi from hand or on foreign sites (e.g. AliExpress), always check the firmware region. Chinese versions of MIUI may not support Russian and have problems with banking applications (due to the lack of Google Mobile Services).

How to upgrade MIUI to Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

MIUI updates come out regularly, bringing not only new features, but also security fixes, battery optimization and performance improvements. You can update the shell in two ways: through phone settings or manually by downloading firmware from the official website. Let's consider both options.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

It's the easiest and safest method.

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi (updates weigh between 1GB and 3GB).
2. The battery should be at least 50% charged.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. If the update is available, download and install it.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can install the firmware manually:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi MIUI Downloads (choose Stable, not Developer, if you are not sure).
2. Place the firmware file (usually in.zip format) in the root of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the upgrade process! If the phone is stuck in the installation phase (the MIUI logo burns longer than 20 minutes), try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it through the Fastboot.

Hidden MIUI features you didn’t know about

MIUI is filled with Easter eggs and hidden features that aren’t obvious at first glance. Here are some useful tips that will make it easier to use your Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🔍 Search by settings: In Settings, swipe down and a search bar will appear to help you quickly find the desired parameter.
• 📲 Double tap to wake up: Turn on Settings → Screen → Double tap to wake up to unlock the phone by tapping the screen off twice.
• 🔋 Hidden Battery Mode: Activate Settings → Battery → Extremely long-term mode to turn off background processes and extend battery life.
• 🎵 Gestures for music: In Settings → Special features → Gestures for music can be configured to control the swipe player on the lock screen.
• 📸 Hidden camera in lock screen: Swipe right on locked screen to quickly open camera (works even without unlocking).
• 🔒 Hidden folders: In the Gallery or Files, you can create a folder with a password: select files → More → Block.

Another little-known feature is Mode for Kids (Settings → Special Features → Children Mode), which allows you to restrict access to certain apps and set a phone timer, which is useful if you give a smartphone to a child.

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If you don’t like standard MIUI icons, install the Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher from Google Play. They allow you to completely change the look of the interface, retaining all the features of MIUI.

MIUI problems and how to solve them

Despite all the advantages, MIUI is not perfect. Xiaomi Redmi users often face typical problems that can be solved without flashing.

If your Redmi is slowing down after the MIUI update, try the following steps:

1. Restart your phone (sometimes a simple shutdown for 1-2 minutes helps).
2. Clear the cache of system applications in Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Turn off animations: turn on Developer Mode (tap 7 times on the MIUI version in About Phone), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, install Windows Animation = Off..
4. Reset the settings to factory (before that, make a backup!).

⚠️ Warning: If banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) have stopped working after the MIUI update, check if the date and time settings have gone wrong. Disabling Mi Pay in Settings → Applications can also help, as some banking programs conflict with Xiaomi payment services.

MIUI vs Other Shells: Which Is Best for Xiaomi Redmi?

If you don't like MIUI, you can consider alternatives, but it's important to understand that replacing the shell with Xiaomi Redmi is not just a launcher, but a complete flashing of the phone, which can deprive you of warranty and damage the device if you do not act correctly.

• 🤖 Pure Android (AOSP): Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offers naked Android without the bells and whistles. Pros: high speed, no ads, quick updates. Cons: no branded Xiaomi features (such as game mode), possible bugs with the camera or sensors.
• 🌐 Custom firmware (Custom ROM): Like Havoc-OS or Corvus OS. They combine pure Android with extra chips. Pros: flexible setup, no bloatware. Cons: installation complexity, possible hardware issues.
• 📱 Other shells (via launcher): Install Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher from Google Play. This won't replace MIUI completely, but will change the look and feel of the interface. Pros: simplicity, doesn't require root. Cons: the system features MIUI will remain.

Before you check the phone, consider:

• ⚠️ Warranty Loss: Any firmware manipulations may void the Xiaomi warranty.
• 🔧 Process complexity: To install custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader, which takes time and requires technical knowledge.
• 📉 Possible bugs: Unofficial firmware may not work well with a camera, fingerprint sensor, or wireless modules.

If you do decide to flash it, follow the official guides on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. First, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, then flash TWRP Recovery, and only then install custom firmware.

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For most users, MIUI is the best option, as it is maximally adapted to Xiaomi hardware. Flashing only makes sense if you are annoyed by specific skin flaws (for example, advertising or lags).

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi