When you first turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, the first thing that catches your eye is its proprietary interface. But what exactly is behind the term "app interface" and how does it differ from standard Android? In fact, it's not just wallpaper and icons, but a whole ecosystem that determines how you interact with the device, from how you run programs to managing multitasking.
In 2026, Xiaomi is offering users two main interface options: the classic MIUI (for most models) and the new HyperOS (for flagships and devices of the latest generations). Both are built on Android, but have unique features that many do not even know. For example, did you know that MIUI can completely disable advertising in system applications through hidden settings? or that HyperOS automatically optimizes performance depending on the installed games?
In this article, we will not only explain what the application interface on Xiaomi is, but also show you how to customize it, what problems can arise and how to solve them. Without water, only proven data and practical tips.
What is the application interface on Xiaomi: definition and key elements
The application interface (or user interface, UI) on Xiaomi smartphones is a graphical shell that defines:
- 📱 Appearance: icons, fonts, animations, themes of design
- 🔄 Logic of interaction: gestures, menu, notification panel, control center
- 🔧 System features: multitasking, access to settings, integration with Xiaomi services
- 🛠️ Additional tools: app cloning, game mode, privacy protection
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is not just repainting standard Android, but deeply modifying it. for example, MIUI implemented a unique system Second Space (second desktop with separate data), and HyperOS added a mechanism Cross-Device Connectivity to synchronize with other devices of the ecosystem (laptops, smart watches, TVs).
The critical difference from pure Android is that MIUI/HyperOS lacks the default app drawer — all icons are displayed on the home screens, like iOS. This can be changed in settings, but this approach is originally embedded in the philosophy of the Xiaomi interface.
MIUI vs HyperOS: What’s the difference and which interface is better
Until 2023, all Xiaomi smartphones were powered by MIUI, a proprietary shell developed by the company since 2010, but with the release of Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70, a new interface was introduced, HyperOS, which is positioned as the “operating system of the future.”
| Characteristics | MIUI (up to version 14) | HyperOS (since 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic platform | Android with a deep modification | Android + elements of its own OS (for IoT devices) |
| Productivity | Optimization for iron, but sometimes "brake" due to background processes | Dynamic resource allocation, lower RAM consumption |
| Design | Bright colors, round icons, many animations | Minimalism, flat design, adaptive themes |
| Multitasking | Classic switching between applications | Grouping of tasks by project, "floating windows" for multi-tasking |
| Ecosystem | Integration with Xiaomi devices (but limited) | Full sync with laptops, watches, TVs (including Xiaomi SU7) |
In practice, HyperOS has shown better performance in gaming and working with heavy applications (such as Genshin Impact or Lightroom), but some users complain about less intuitive settings compared to MIUI. For example, HyperOS has moved the Battery section to the Device Settings submenu, which confuses those who are used to the old structure.
⚠️ Note: If you are updating your smartphone with MIUI 13/14 Before HyperOS, some settings (such as navigation gestures or themes) will reset to default values. FAQ below how to avoid this.
How to configure the application interface for yourself: step-by-step instructions
One of the big advantages of Xiaomi is its flexibility, and you can change almost everything from the layout of icons to system animations.
- Change theme and icons Go to Settings → Display → Themes. Here you can download free themes from the Xiaomi Themes store or download your own through.mtz files. Note: some themes change not only wallpaper, but also fonts, notification sounds and even the style of the notification panel.
- Set up gestures in Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Full screen gestures choose one of three options: 👆 Swipe up (like in iPhone) 🔘 Navigation buttons (classic three buttons) ⚡ Gestures MIUI (swipe off the edge for return)
Optimizing Multitasking
HyperOS adds Smart Screen Sharing (Settings → Special Options → Multitasking) to allow you to open two apps in floating window mode (e.g. YouTube over Telegram).
Set a minimalist theme to save battery |
Turn off animations in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (5 clicks)|
Configure gestures under one hand (for large screens)|
Remove unnecessary system applications via ADB (advanced only)
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Hidden Chip: If you don’t like the Google search opening up on the home screen when you swipe down, you can turn it off. Go to Settings → Apps → Default → Search and select No.
Common interface problems and how to fix them
Even the most advanced interface is not immune to bugs, and here are the typical problems Xiaomi users face and how to solve them:
1.Lags and braking
If the interface starts to stutter when scrolling or opening applications:
- 🔄 Restart the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- ⚙️ Turn off animations: activate Developer Mode (7 clicks on build number in Settings) → About the phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install all animations on the off..
2. Application icons are not updated
Sometimes, after the app is updated to Google Play, the icon stays old, and it's linked to the launcher cache, to fix:
- Click the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings.
- Select Reset Launcher Settings.
- If it doesn’t work, clear the Lawnchair app data (for HyperOS) or MIUI Launcher.
3.Gesturals don't work
If the swipes are no longer recognized:
- Check if left-handed mode is enabled (Settings → Additional → Gestures).
- Make sure that the screen protection (film or glass) does not block the sensors at the edges.
- Reset gesture settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset gesture settings.
What to do if the interface is completely "slow"?
⚠️ Note: If some features (such as Game Turbo) are missing after upgrading to HyperOS, check for them in Settings → Annexes → They may have been part of a new Xiaomi Services section.
Hidden interface features you didn’t know about
Xiaomi likes to hide useful chips in the depths of settings, here are a few that will make it easier to use your smartphone:
- 🔍 Search by Settings: At the top of the Settings menu, there is a search bar. type in a keyword (e.g., type in a keyword, "NFC" or "Print"), and the system will show all associated parameters.
- 📱 Application cloning: C Settings → Annexes → App cloning can create a second account for WhatsApp, Telegram or games, and is useful for work and personal correspondence on one device.
- 🔇 Do not disturb mode according to schedule: In Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb you can set up automatic shutdown of sounds at a certain time (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
- 🎮 Game mode Pro: HyperOS added an advanced game mode with the ability to block notifications from specific applications and optimize tactile response.
Exclusive for HyperOS: Cross-Device File Drop allows you to drag and drop files between your smartphone and Xiaomi laptop without an Internet connection. Enable it in Settings → Connections and Sharing → File Drop.
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If you’re lacking the functionality of a standard interface, try the Nova Launcher launcher from Google Play.It supports gestures, responsive icons, and even integration with Google Discover instead of Xiaomi search.
How to bring back the standard Android interface to Xiaomi
Not everyone likes Xiaomi's branded interface. If you prefer a "clean" Android, there are a few ways to do this:
Installation of an alternative launcher
The easiest way is to download one of the popular launchers from Google Play:
- Nova Launcher is a flexible setup of gestures and icons.
- Lawnchair is a simulator of Pixel Launcher with themes support.
- Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office 365.
After installation, select the launcher as the main one in the application settings.
2. Unlocking the bootloader and firmware custom OS
For advanced users, there is a radical way to install LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but it requires:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours to wait).
- Installations of custom recavery (TWRP).
- Firmware alternative OS (risk of loss of warranty!).
⚠️ Attention: On HyperOS devices, the process of unlocking the bootloader has become more complicated. Now you need to link your Mi Account to the device on the official Xiaomi website before unlocking.
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The use of alternative launchers does not affect system performance, but may conflict with some MIUI/HyperOS features (e.g. gestures or an always active display).
The future of Xiaomi: What to expect in 2026
According to insiders, in 2026 Xiaomi plans to completely transfer all devices to HyperOS, abandoning MIUI.
- 🤖 AI assistant for automatic interface optimization to the user’s habits (similar to Google Assistant, but with deep integration into the system).
- 🖥️ Full PC sync: the ability to run mobile apps on Xiaomi laptops (like Windows 11 for Android).
- 🎨 Dynamic themes that will change depending on the time of day or weather.
- 🔒 Improved data protection with hardware encryption for sensitive applications (banks, instant messengers).
HyperOS is also expected to be the foundation for all Xiaomi’s devices, including smartwatches, TVs and even electric cars (such as the Xiaomi SU7), meaning that the smartphone’s interface will be closely linked to the management of other gadgets.