MIUI Android-based: what is this shell, its pros and cons

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. This firmware has long been the hallmark of the brand, but many users still do not fully understand how it differs from “pure” Android and why Xiaomi decided to create its own ecosystem. MIUI Android-based, how it works, what pros and cons it brings to the user, and why some prefer it to Android stock, while others, on the contrary, seek to get rid of it.

MIUI — It's not just a design theme, it's a full-fledged proprietary shell that's deeply integrated into the system, and it changes everything from the interface to the logic of how applications work and how devices are managed. MIUI It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), But with a lot of improvements, Xiaomi has started to develop. MIUI Back in 2010, when Android was just gaining popularity, and since then, the shell has come a long way from imitating iOS to a unique product with its own chips. MIUI It is used on hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, but remains one of the most controversial shells among enthusiasts.

If you’ve just bought a Xiaomi smartphone or are thinking about buying one, this article will help you figure out what to expect from a smartphone. MIUI, How to customize it and whether it's worth it at all. MIUI with other popular shells (e.g., One) UI We'll give you a look at how to get around the main limitations of Samsung or Oppo's ColorOS, and for those of you who are already struggling, we'll give you practical tips on how to optimize your work.

What is MIUI and how it relates to Android

MIUI (Mi User Interface is a proprietary shell developed by Xiaomi for its devices that runs on top of the Android operating system, but is not a direct modification of it. MIUI Use Android Open Source Project (AOSP) as a basis, over which their own services, applications and interface solutions are superimposed.

The main difference MIUI The thing about pure Android is that Xiaomi has completely redesigned the user experience: there is no standard launcher, settings menu, or even notification logic. Instead, the user gets a unique interface with its own rules. MIUI There is no App Drawer, all the icons are displayed directly on the desktop, like in iOS, and there are native system applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) that replace the standard Google services.

It is important to understand that MIUI — It's not just an "Android build," it's a separate product with its own ecosystem. Xiaomi regularly updates the shell, adding new features that often outpace similar novelties in stock Android. MIUI long ago:

• 🔄 Dual applications (cloning of messengers for multiple accounts)
• 📱 Second Space mode (separation of data for work and personal use)
• 🔒 Advanced privacy settings (e.g. blocking access to clipboard)
• 🎨 Deep customization of themes (up to changing system icons)

However, this approach has a downside: MIUI It is often criticized for excessive advertising in system applications, data collection (especially in global versions), and sometimes suboptimal work with device resources.

⚠️ Attention: Global versions MIUI (For markets outside China, there are often more ads and restrictions than Chinese versions, such as the Mi Browser Global Assembly, which may display banners that are not in Chinese firmware.

Differences MIUI from pure Android: pros and cons

To see if it's right for you. MIUI, Compare it to naked Android (like Google Pixel) or other shells, and here are some key differences that affect the user experience.

One of the main advantages MIUI The shell offers many unique features that are not even in the top flagships of other brands:

• 🎮 Game Turbo – Optimizes performance for games, blocks notifications and adds floating control panels.
• 🔄 Quick Ball – a floating button for quick access to frequently used functions (screenshot, backup, lock screen).
• 📊 Traffic Monitor – detailed statistics of mobile Internet use with the ability to block background traffic for individual applications.
• 🔒 Hidden albums – the ability to hide photos and videos from prying eyes without third-party applications.

But MIUI There are serious shortcomings:

• 🐢 Delays with Android updates. Xiaomi often delays the release of new versions of Android for their devices.For example, Xiaomi Mi 11 received Android 12 only 8 months after release.
• 📢 Advertising in system applications. Global versions MIUI Advertisements can appear in Mi Browser, Mi Music, Cleaner and even in the settings.
• 🔋 Problems with autonomy: Some users complain of increased battery consumption due to background processes MIUI.
• 🔒 Limits on unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi has made it harder to unlock the bootloader, making it harder to install custom firmware.

Versions MIUI: How to know what kind of firmware you have

MIUI It has its own version system, which doesn't always match the Android versions, for example, a smartphone can run Android 13, but it can have a version. MIUI 14.This is often confusing for users. To find out your firmware version, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Xiaomi produces several types of firmware:

• 🌍 Global - for the international market, contains Google services, but may have advertising.
• 🇨🇳 China – no Google services, but no ads and with additional features.
• 🇪🇺 European (EEA) — similar to the European Union, but in compliance with European privacy standards.
• 📱 For specific regions (e.g, MIUI IN for India or MIUI RU for Russia).

Also. MIUI It is divided into stable and development (Beta) versions:

• Stable - tested, fewer bugs, updated less often.
• Beta – new features appear earlier, but errors are possible.

To check which version MIUI installed on your device, follow the following steps:

Open the Settings.|Go to the About Phone section.|Find the item Version. MIUI|Write down the assembly number (for example, V14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM)

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Assembly number MIUI It has its own structure, for example, in the version. V14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM:

• V14 — version MIUI (14th).
• 0.5.0 is the assembly number.
• T is the code name of the model (here Redmi) K50).
• CN is a region (China).
• XM — suffix.

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware not for your region (e.g., Chinese on a global device) may cause problems with mobile, Google services, and updates. Before firmware, make sure the version is compatible with your model!

How to update MIUI last-minute

Xiaomi regularly releases updates to the MIUI, This can include new features, bug fixes or security patches, and can be updated in two ways: through settings or manually (if automatic updates are not available).

To update MIUI via settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, download it and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install the Beta version, you can do it manually:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website MIUI Downloads.
2. Place the update file (usually in.zip format) in the root folder of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select the Update File.
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

If you want to upgrade from stable to Beta (or vice versa), you will need to unlock the bootloader and perform a full flashing through Fastboot, a process that is more complex and requires caution, as if the device is mistaken, it can turn into a “brick”.

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Before the update MIUI Backup your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. This will save your contacts, messages and app settings in case of a crash.

How to Remove Advertising and Optimize MIUI

One of the main claims to MIUI And that's actually advertising in system applications, and fortunately, you can turn it off, although Xiaomi doesn't advertise it:

To disable ads in Mi Browser, Mi Music and other apps:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Cleaning Settings.
3. Turn off the recommendation option (or personalized recommendations).

To disable advertising in Settings:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the version several times MIUI, Until the message comes out, you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the option to disable personalized advertising and activate it.

You can also turn off advertising through ADB-commands (requires a computer and enabled debugging on the USB):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

Besides advertising, MIUI Sometimes suffers from excessive background processes that consume the battery to optimize the system:

• 🔋 Turn off Auto Sync for unnecessary applications in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
• ⚡ Include Economy mode in Settings → Battery and productivity.
• 🚫 Limit the background activity of applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start.

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Disabling Advertising Through ADB If errors occur after executing commands, return the default settings with the command adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution

MIUI vs. other shells: comparison with One UI, ColorOS and OxygenOS

MIUI — It's not the only customized shell on the market. It has competitors like One. UI from Samsung, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme And OnePlus's OxygenOS, let's compare them by key parameters.

MIUI It stands out among competitors with maximum customization and a large number of unique features, but loses in the stability of updates and the lack of advertising. UI Samsung offers longer device support (up to 4 years of updates), and OxygenOS is famous for its speed and minimalism.

If you want performance and cleanliness, OxygenOS or pure Android on Google Pixel is the best choice. MIUI It may be a more interesting option, provided you are willing to put up with its shortcomings.

How to install a pure Android instead of a MIUI

If you're not happy with it. MIUI, You can replace it with pure Android or custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience). However, this process requires unlocking the bootloader and can deprive you of warranty:

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware may result in data loss, device failure, or mobile communication issues!

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Launch the utility on your PC, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down) and wait for unlocking.

Step 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP)

1. Download TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
3. Run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).

Step 3: Install custom firmware

1. Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) from your website XDA Developers.
2. Put the firmware file on the phone.
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart the device.

Important: After installing custom firmware, some features may not work properly, such as a camera, NFC or a fingerprint sensor. Before installing, check the firmware reviews for your model on the forums.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI