How to create a copy of Xiaomi: a complete guide to cloning the interface

The desire to experience the functionality of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often arises from owners of other Android smartphones. Users are attracted to deep customization capabilities, convenient widgets and specific design that has become the hallmark of the brand.

You can create a visual and functional copy of Xiaomi on most devices running Android version 8.0 and higher. This process does not require root rights or complex flashing, which makes the method safe for the average user.

In this guide, we will go into detail every step of your gadget’s transformation: installing a launcher, replacing system fonts, setting up the control panel, and integrating proprietary applications. Full visual similarity is achieved only by replacing all interface elements, not just desktop wallpaper.

Selection and installation of MIUI launcher

The foundation of any shell is the launcher, which is responsible for displaying the desktop, application menus and docking panel. To recreate the atmosphere, Xiaomi needs to replace the standard launcher of your device with a specialized counterpart. The best copies are MIUI Launcher and its modifications from third-party developers.

Finding the right one APK-The file should be conducted exclusively on verified resources, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers: Installation of software from unverified sources can lead to the introduction of malicious code. Once the installer is downloaded, you must allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings of your browser or file manager.

Once the installation is complete, the system will suggest you select the default desktop app. Select MIUI Launcher and confirm the action. Now your desktop should visually resemble the interface of a Xiaomi smartphone, but you will need additional configuration of the icon grid and indentations to fully resemble the interface of a Xiaomi smartphone.

• 📱 Download the current version of the launcher MIUI 14 or HyperOS from a verified forum.
• 🔒 Allow installation of applications from the File Manager source or browser.
• ⚙️ Assign a new launcher to the main in the system settings of Android.
• 🎨 Set up a desktop grid (recommended) 4x6 or 5x6) matchingly.

⚠️ Attention: Some OEM-Launchers (such as those from Samsung or Huawei) can block third-party applications. If you see a standard interface after installation, go to settings and force-select MIUI Launcher.

It is important to understand that a standard launcher may not support all of the original system's animations. To improve compatibility, it is sometimes necessary to activate the developer mode and rescale the interface.

Cloning of system applications and services

The visuals are only half of the success, and the uniqueness of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is that it has pre-installed applications that are deeply integrated into the system, including Security, Files, Themes, and Explorer, and without them, the interface will look empty and functionally limited.

Start by installing the Security app, which is responsible for the characteristic green shield icon, memory cleaning and permission management. In the original firmware, this module has access to low-level functions, but in the form of a low-level version. APK-It operates in a limited mode, providing mostly visual functionality and basic cache cleaning.

Next, install Themes Theme Store. This is a portal through which fonts, wallpaper and icons are downloaded. However, on third-party devices, the theme store may not open or work unstable due to its binding to the Mi Account account and the device region, in which case it is recommended to use alternative theme stores or manually install themes through the file manager.

Don't forget system utilities. Replace the standard calculator, voice recorder and gallery with their Xiaomi counterparts. This will ensure a uniform style across all windows. Use adb install commands if the system blocks installation of system replacements to install.

• 🛡️ Install Security app to simulate system scanner.
• 🎨 Integrate Themes Store to Access the Design Catalogue.
• 📂 Replace the standard file manager with Xiaomi’s File Manager.
• 🔊 Install the original voice recorder and player to preserve the style.

⚠️ Attention: Security and Themes applications require extensive permissions, and on devices without root rights, they won’t be able to effectively manage power consumption or block calls at the system level, working only as a simulation.

Setting up the control panel and notification curtains

One of the most notable features of Xiaomi’s interface is the split notification curtain and control panel. In standard Android, these elements are often combined, whereas in MIUI, the swipe on the left opens notifications and the swipe on the right opens quick settings.

To implement this feature on third-party devices, you will need to install a dedicated module or launcher with extended rights. If your launcher does not support curtain separation, you can use add-ons such as Control Center iOS 15/16 (which often have Android compatibility modes) or specialized Control Centers from the Play Market.

Once installed, you need to give it permission to "Above Other Windows" and "Access Notifications", only after that, the swipe from the corner of the screen will call the characteristic panel with brightness sliders and Wi-Fi buttons, made in the style of Xiaomi.

It's important to set up the transparency and the blue effect so that the panel looks harmoniously on any desktop, which is automatically adjusted in the original system, but in a clone, settings often need to be manually set in the module application settings.

Introduction of fonts and visual elements

Typography plays a key role in the perception of the interface: Xiaomi fonts (usually modifications of Roboto or proprietary MiSans) have a boldness of marking and rounding. Without the correct font, even the perfect launcher will give out an “alien” origin of the system.

There are two ways to install fonts: One is through the Themes app if it runs on your device; the other, more reliable for customization, is through the use of substitute font applications like zFont 3 or FontFix, which allow you to use fonts without root rights using Android accessibility mechanisms.

Besides fonts, look for system icons. Launcher clones often come with built-in icon packages, but for perfect similarity, it is better to download a separate MIUI Icons package in APK format or through the theme app. This will replace the icons of settings, phone and messages with branded ones.