Many owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are faced with the desire to get rid of intrusive advertising, preinstalled software and heavy graphics shell MIUI. Deleting this system opens access to “pure” Android, which works much faster and allows you to fully control the device. However, this process is not trivial and requires careful study of all steps, as an error can lead to the inoperability of the gadget.
Before you take any action, you have to realize that you can't do this with the standard settings menu, you have to get superuser rights, unlock the bootloader, and flash the device through your computer, and most smartphone warranties will be nullified and all data will be lost forever, so preparation is a critical step that you can't ignore.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the details of the procedure, from applying to the final installation of the Custom ROM. You’ll learn what tools you’ll need, how to set up your environment correctly, and what alternatives exist to completely uninstall the system if the risks seem too high.
Why do users want to get rid of MIUI?
The main reason for enthusiasts to change software is optimization. The MIUI shell contains many background processes that consume RAM and battery power. On low-end Redmi models, this often leads to noticeable interface delays and long application response. Removing heavy services returns the device to its former frolic.
The second important aspect is privacy and no advertising: built-in ad units can be displayed in system applications, which annoys many users, switching to pure Android or light custom builds eliminates this factor completely, and you get access to the latest versions of the operating system, even if the manufacturer has already stopped supporting your model.
⚠️ Attention: The procedure for modifying the software carries risks; incorrect actions can lead to a brick when the phone stops turning on.
It's also worth noting that deep customization is possible, because standard MIUIs limit the user's ability to customize the interface, and third-party firmware allows you to change the kernel, improve the soundtrack, and customize the processor, making a regular smartphone a powerful tool for those who like experimentation.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
To do this successfully, you'll need not only the smartphone itself, but also a personal computer running Windows. On a PC, you'll need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers that provide special mode communication between the computer and the phone, and without these components, no commands will be executed.
It is important to make a full backup of all data. During the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing the new firmware, internal memory will be completely cleared. Photos, contacts and documents must be stored in advance to the cloud service or external drive. Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader is officially possible only 168 hours (7 days) after submitting an application.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
You will also need a stable internet connection and an original USB-Using cheap cables often causes a breakdown at a critical moment, which can have a fatal impact on the result.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first technical step is to unlock Bootloader, which is a security mechanism that prevents untested code from running on the device. First, you need to turn on the developer mode by clicking on the build number several times in the About Phone section, then activate the Unlock MIUI and Debug over USB in the Developer menu.
Then the official Mi Unlock Tool is installed on the computer. The smartphone is put into Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when you connect the cable. The program will check the status of the account and, if enough time has passed since the binding, will allow unlocking. The process can take from a few minutes to several days of waiting.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically clear all data and reboot, which is a standard security measure. When turned on, the screen will now display an open lock icon warning you that protection is reduced, and the path to installing third-party software is now open.
What to do if Mi Unlock is writing an error?
It is important to understand that with an unlocked bootloader, some features, such as contactless payment for NFC or banking applications, can stop functioning correctly without additional manipulation (for example, hiding root rights).
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow you to install modified firmware. You need to flash TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) - a specialized environment with touch control that gives full access to memory partitions. The recaveri file should be strictly compatible with your device model.
The firmware process is done through the command line, and the phone is converted to Fastboot mode, and the computer sends the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgAfter the command is executed, you must immediately press the button combination to enter the recovery mode, otherwise the standard system will overwrite the TWRP back.
The TWRP menu recommends that you make a full backup of your current system (Boot, System, Data) as a rollback point in case the new firmware is unstable, and you can clear the Dalvik and Cache partitions before installing the new software.
TWRP allows you to mount partitions as drives, which is convenient for transferring firmware files directly to the phone. Make sure that the downloaded firmware file and the necessary patches (for example, Magisk for root rights) are already in the internal memory of the device before installing.
Selection and installation of Custom ROM
The choice of operating system is key. There are many projects like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu. The latter is an improved version of MIUI without advertising and Chinese software, which is a great compromise alternative to completely removing the shell. Pure Android builds are usually lighter and faster.
Installation is done via the TWRP menu. You need to select Install, find the firmware archive and confirm the swipe. The process takes a few minutes. Once completed, you need to perform Wipe Data (data cleanup) to avoid file conflicts between old and new systems.
| Name of firmware | Basis | Difficulty | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi.eu | MIUI | Low. | Tall. |
| LineageOS | Android AOSP | Medium | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | Android | Low. | Tall. |
| ArrowOS | Android AOSP | Medium | Tall. |
After the first boot, the new system can run slowly. 10-15 So you don't have to panic and restart the device at this point, but let the process finish to get an objective impression of the speed.
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If your camera or Bluetooth isn’t working after installing the firmware, try flashing a compatible Firmware file from the official global firmware before installing the Custom ROM.
Possible problems and solutions
There are a lot of errors in the software modification process, and users often experience a bootloop, which is an endless reboot, so you have to log in to TWRP again and clean the Data and Cache partitions, and then re-install, and if that doesn't work, you'll need to return to the official firmware.
Another common problem is the broken Widevine L1, which only causes streaming services to show low-quality video, which is a consequence of unlocking the bootloader, and you can only get back a high level of certification by re-locking the bootloader, but only if you install the original, unchanged firmware.
⚠️ Warning: When you lock the bootloader back, make sure the firmware is completely stock. If you block the bootloader with the installed bootloader. TWRP or custom firmware, the phone will turn into a "brick" and require disassembling and soldering the memory chip to restore.
If the phone has stopped responding to buttons and screens, but vibrates when connected to a PC, it is in EDL (Emergency Download) mode, exiting this mode only through an authorized Xiaomi Service account or specialized paid software, which is a last resort.
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Always have a link to the official firmware for your model on hand so that in the event of a critical failure, the device can be quickly restored to work.