MIUI Xiaomi smartphones: what it is and why it is needed?

Introduction: why MIUI — It is more than just a “shell»

When you buy a Xiaomi, Redmi or Smartphone POCO, You get not just a device on Android, but a gadget with a proprietary shell MIUI. Many users mistakenly believe that it is just a “design theme” or “launcher”, but in fact, it is not a “stop” or “stop”. MIUI — It's a full-fledged Android operating system with deep customization of the kernel, interface and functions, and it defines everything from what app icons look like to how multitasking works and how the battery is controlled.

MIUI Developed by Xiaomi with 2010 During this time, the company has moved from a modest modification of Android. 2.2 It's now installed on hundreds of millions of devices every year, competing with ColorOS (Oppo/Realme), One UI (Samsung and EMUI (Huawei, but what exactly? MIUI It's different from pure Android, and why do some people love it and others hate it.

In this article, we will explain in detail:

• 🔹 What is it? MIUI And how did she come in?
• 🔹 Than. MIUI It is different from standard Android
• 🔹 Main versions MIUI and their characteristics
• 🔹 How to Upgrade, Reverse or Replace MIUI
• 🔹 Pros and cons of shells for different types of users

1. MIUI — Is this Android? We understand terms.

To understand what it is. MIUI, There are several concepts to be distinguished:

• 📱 Android is Google’s open source operating system that underlies most smartphones.
• 🎨 A shell is a program that changes the appearance of the interface (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher).
• 🛠️ Custom firmware is a deeply modified version of Android that changes not only the appearance but also the operation of the system (for example, LineageOS or the Android version). /e/OS).
• 🔧 MIUI — It's a hybrid between custom firmware and shell, and it's built on Android, but it's so much modified that it's more functional than a separate OS.

MIUI It replaces almost all standard Android components:

• 📱 Interface: own settings, notification panel, multitasking menu.
• 🔒 Security: built-in antivirus, permission manager, personal data protection.
• 🔋 Optimization: Unique Battery and Performance Management Algorithms.
• 📲 Features: branded applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Remote).

And yet, MIUI It is compatible with Google Play Services and most Android apps, but some features (such as Digital Wellbeing or Google Discover) may work differently or not at all.

2. History. MIUI: From Chinese “homemade” to global standard

MIUI It was launched in 2010 as an internal project by Xiaomi to test a modified version of Android 2.2 (Froyo (MIUI V1) It was released in August 2010 and was only available for Nexus One devices. HTC Desire.It was just a beautiful shell back then with a minimalist design and a few chips like:

• 🎨 Design themes (one of the first in the world for Android).
• 🔒 Built-in antivirus (at the time, rare).
• 📱 Optimization for weak devices (MIUI It worked smoother than stock Android).

In time. MIUI evolved:

• 2011–2014: Xiaomi’s own smartphone versions (starting with Mi 1) and branded apps and cloud services.
• 2015–2018: Global distribution, support for Redmi devices and POCO. Implementing features like Second Space and Game Turbo).
• 2019–present: transition to MIUI 12/13/14 with a focus on privacy, performance and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, lamps, robot vacuum cleaners).

Today. MIUI It is installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, And some other brands, like Black Shark for gaming smartphones, the latest version at the moment. 2026 year-end — MIUI 14, Android-based 13/14 (model-wise).

3. MIUI vs. pure Android: 5 key differences

If you’ve ever used a Google Pixel or Motorola smartphone (which has a pure Android installed), the difference is that you’re not using a Google Pixel. MIUI It's a big difference:

One of the most notable differences is the absence of an app drawer by default. MIUI All app icons are displayed on the home screen (like iOS), but you can turn this feature on in the settings. Another feature is Super Wallpapers, which are animated when scrolling and change depending on the time of day.

On the other hand, MIUI It is often blamed for over-optimization, which may cause some applications (such as messengers or fitness trackers) to fail in the background, due to aggressive battery management that can be manually disabled.

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If you do not receive notifications from Telegram or Viber, check the autorun settings in Settings → Annexes → Autostart Control. Add the problem app to the Autostart list and turn off battery optimization for it.

4. Versions MIUI: How to find out your own and what the numbers mean

MIUI It is updated regularly, and each new version brings changes in design, performance and functionality:

• 🔢 Principal number (e.g, MIUI 14) — indicates a major update with new features.
• 📅 Assembly (e.g, 14.0.5.0.TKMCNXM) — contains information about the region, device model and release date.

To find out the version MIUI on your smartphone:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to About the Phone. → Version. MIUI.
3. You will see the current version (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4).

Decoding of the assembly (on the example) 14.0.5.0.TKMCNXM):

• 14.0.5.0 - version MIUI (14) and assembly number.
• T is the model code (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• KM — region (CN — China, RU — Russia, EU — Europe, IN — India).
• CN — country (China).
• XM — firmware (XM — global, XIAOMI — Chinese).

It is important to understand that the Chinese (CN) global (Global/EU) version MIUI distinctly:

• 🇨🇳 Chinese MIUI: No Google services, lots of Chinese apps, aggressive optimization.
• 🌍 Global MIUI: Google Play, less advertising, adapted for the international market.

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If you buy a Xiaomi smartphone in China or on AliExpress, there is a great chance to get a device with Chinese. MIUI. It can be reflashed to the global version, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and risks voiding the warranty.

5. How to update. MIUI: formal and informal means

Updates MIUI They come out regularly and are divided into two types:

• 🔄 Incremental (weekly/monthly) – fix bugs and improve stability.
• 🆕 Large (once a year) – bring new functions (for example, transition from the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).

To update MIUI officially:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it and install it (requires at least 50% battery life).

If the official update does not come, you can install it manually:

• 📥 Download the firmware from the official website MIUI Downloads (select a version for your model!).
• 📁 Place the file in the root folder of the device (not in the folder!).
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least 60%|Download the firmware only for your model|Disable the antivirus (can block the installation)|Do not interrupt the update process

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For experienced users, there are also informal ways to:

• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) – require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔓 Transition to a global MIUI Chinese - risky, but possible via Fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty, unstable operation, or even “bricking” of the device (completely inoperable).Be sure to have a backup of the data before experimenting and you understand the risks.

6.Pros and cons MIUI: Who is it for and who is not?

MIUI — It's an amateur shell, and it's perfect for some users, and it's not like the rest of us.

✅ Pluses MIUI

• 🎨 Deep customization: themes, fonts, animations, widgets - everything can be changed for yourself.
• 🔋 Battery optimization: smartphones on MIUI They often keep the charge longer than competitors.
• 🆕 Regular updates: even Redmi’s budget models get updates longer than many other brands’ flagships.
• 🔒 Built-in security features: antivirus, Wi-Fi scanner, personal data protection.
• 📱 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem: easy to manage smart devices (Mi Band, Roborock, Yeelight).

❌ Cons MIUI

• 🗑️ Advertising and Blaatware: Chinese and some global versions have a lot of unnecessary apps and ads.
• 🐢 Slowdown over time: After a year of use, many users complain of "brakes».
• 🔄 Aggressive optimization: kills background processes, which does not come notifications.
• 🔓 Closed: it is difficult to remove pre-installed applications without root rights.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some features (e.g. Mi Pay) only work in China.

MIUI I'll like it best:

• 📱 For beginners – thanks to the intuitive interface and a large number of built-in functions.
• 🎮 Gamers – due to Game Turbo mode and performance optimization.
• 🏠 Xiaomi ecosystem users – to manage a smart home.

And for those who appreciate:

• 🔍 Cleanliness and minimalism (like in Pixel or iPhone),
• 🛠️ Maximum productivity without optimization,
• 🔒 Confidentiality (MIUI collects a lot of telemetry),

It is better to consider alternatives like Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

7 How to remove or replace MIUI: possibility

If you don't like it. MIUI, You have a few ways to get rid of it:

🔄 Option 1: Install another launcher

This is the easiest and safest way to change the appearance. MIUI without loss of functionality:

• 🎨 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office Tools.
• 🔍 Niagara Launcher – a minimalist interface with easy search.

To set up the launcher:

1. Download it from Google Play.
2. Open the app and follow the instructions.
3. In the settings MIUI Select the new launcher as the main one (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Launcher).

🔧 Option 2: Install custom firmware

For complete removal MIUI You'll need to unlock the bootloader and flash the alternative firmware:

• 📱 Xiaomi.eu – “cleaned” version MIUI Advertising-free and Chinese-based apps.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• 🆕 LineageOS is a lightweight and stable open source firmware.

The firmware process (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
3. Download the firmware and run it through TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Also, it can cancel the warranty and lead to unstable work if the firmware is selected incorrectly. Before the procedure, study the guides for your model on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

⚠️ Option 3: Recoil on the old version MIUI

If the new version MIUI It's worse than the last one, you can roll back:

1. Download the desired version of the firmware from the official website.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
3. Confirm the rollback (the data will not be erased, but it is better to make a backup).

The rollback is possible only within one branch of Android. MIUI 14 (Android 13) can be returned to the MIUI 13 (Android 13), but not on MIUI 12 (Android 11).

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI