MIUI on Android: what is this shell, its capabilities and differences from standard Android

If you have ever held a smartphone in your hands Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, then you have probably come across the term MIUI —a proprietary shell that radically changes the appearance and functionality of the standard Android. But what is it really? Why do some users praise it for its flexibility and additional functions, while others criticize it for advertising and “heaviness”?

In this article we will analyze in detail what it is MIUI, how it appeared, how it differs from “naked” Android and other shells (like One UI from Samsung or ColorOS from Oppo), and we’ll also tell you how to work with it - from checking the version to disabling unnecessary elements. You will find out whether it is worth choosing a smartphone with MIUI or whether it is better to go with a device with pure Android.

Spoiler: the shell has both undeniable advantages (for example, advanced camera settings or unique gestures) and controversial issues (like pre-installed services Xiaomithat cannot always be removed). Let's look at it in order.

What is MIUI and why do you need it?

MIUI (pronounced “May-Yu-Ay”) is a proprietary shell developed by the company Xiaomi for its smartphones based on Android. Essentially, this is a modified version of the operating system, where the interface has been changed, proprietary applications and functions have been added, and work with the hardware of the brand’s devices has been optimized.

The first version of MIUI appeared back in 2010 —at that time it was custom firmware for smartphones on Android 2.2, created by enthusiasts. Today, the shell is installed on all devices (with rare exceptions, for example, lines with pure Android). MIUI is not just a “wrapper” over Android - it is deeply integrated into the system, influencing everything from animations and icons to energy management. Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO (with rare exceptions, for example, rulers Xiaomi A with pure Android). MIUI is not just a “wrapper” over Android - it is deeply integrated into the system, influencing everything from animations and icons to energy management.

The main tasks of MIUI:

• 🎨 Unique design: bright icons, smooth transitions, design themes (including custom).
• ⚡ Additional functions: gestures, split screen, reading mode, game accelerators.
• 🔒 Security: built-in tools for data protection, application blocking, virus scanning.
• 📱 Optimization for hardware: fine-tuning for processors Qualcomm, MediaTek and even their own chips Xiaomi (for example, Surge).

Interesting fact: MIUI exists not only on smartphones. Its adapted versions work on tablets (Xiaomi Pad), smart watches (Mi Watch), TVs (Mi TV) and even electric cars (for example, in Xiaomi SU7However, in this article we will focus specifically on the mobile version for Android.

Differences between MIUI and pure Android and other shells

If you are used to “bare” Android (as on Google Pixel or Nokia), then after switching to MIUI you can feel like you are in a different universe. Let's compare the key ones. differences:

Characteristics	Pure Android	MIUI	One UI (Samsung)	ColorOS (Oppo/Realme)
Interface	Minimalistic, without unnecessary elements	Bright, with an abundance of animations and themes	Simplified, with large elements	Balanced, with an emphasis on design
Pre-installed applications	Only basic ones (Google, YouTube, etc.)	Many branded ones (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps)	Samsung Apps (Galaxy Store, Knox, etc.)	Oppo/Realme services (HeyTap, Game Space)
Settings	Limited, without “deep” options	Maximum customization (from gestures to CPU)	Moderate, with an emphasis on convenience	Wide, but less flexible than in MIUI
Updates	Fast, directly from Google	Delayed, depends on Xiaomi	Long, especially for budget models	Average in speed
Advertising	Absent	Available in system applications (can be disabled)	Minimal or absent	Advertising in some regions

The main advantage of MIUI over pure Android is flexibility. For example, here you can:

• 🔄 Change size and shape of icons, configure transitions between screens.
• 🎮 Activate game mode with notification blocking and CPU overclocking.
• 📊 Use duplication of applications (two WhatsApp accounts at the same time).
• 🔒 Hide applications from prying eyes in "Secret" folder".

However, you have to pay for this performance (the shell consumes more resources) and intrusive services (for example, Mi Account required for many functions). In addition, MIUI is often criticized for delays in security updates - Xiaomi is not always responsive. releases patches for all models.

MIUI versions: how to find out yours and what the numbers mean

MIUI is updated regularly, and each version brings new features, bug fixes and design changes. The version number consists of two. parts:

• Major number (for example, MIUI 14) - indicates a major update with new functionality.
• Assembly (for example, 14.0.5.0) - minor patches and fixes for a specific model.

To find out the MIUI version on your smartphone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to section About phone (or About device).
3. Find item MIUI version —the current firmware will be indicated here.

Example of version decoding MIUI 14.0.3.0 (SKUEUXM):

• 14 —the main version of the shell.
• 0.3.0 —build number (the higher, the newer).
• SKU —model code (for example, Redmi Note 12).
• EU —region (Europe).
• XM — firmware type (stable or beta).

Important: MIUI comes in stable (recommended for everyday use) and development (beta version with new functions, but possible bugs). You can switch between them in the application. Update, but this is fraught with data reset!

What happens if you install the beta version of MIUI?

Beta firmware often contains undocumented features and bugs that can lead to overheating, rapid battery drain, or even “brick” (inoperability) of the device. For example, in MIUI 14 Beta, some users complained about problems with Bluetooth and the camera. If you are not ready to take risks, stay on the stable version.

How to update MIUI: step by step. instructions

MIUI updates are released regularly, but not always automatically. To check for new firmware:

Next follow the instructions:

1. Open the application Update (icon with an arrow in a circle).
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download (required confirmation).
4. After downloading, select Install and wait for the reboot.

Attention: if the update weighs more 1.5 GB, this major update (for example, from MIUI 13 to 14). In this case:

• 🔋 Charge the phone to 100% or connect to charging.
• 🕒 Highlight 15–30 minutes —the process may take time.
• 📱 Do not interrupt the installation, otherwise you risk getting a “brick.”

If the update does not arrive automatically, you can try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and check again.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates arrive with a delay in certain regions).
• 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official website Xiaomi and install via Recovery mode (only for experienced users!).

MIUI problems: advertising, bugs and how to deal with them

Despite the abundance of functions, MIUI is not without its shortcomings. The main complaints of users:

1. Advertising in system applications (for example, in Mi Browser, Mi Music or even in the settings).
2. Background processesthat eat up battery power.
3. Delays in updates for budget models.
4. Inability to delete some applications (for example, GetApps or Mi Pay).

Fortunately, most problems solvable:

1. How to disable advertising in MIUI

Advertising in MIUI is shown to users from some regions (for example, India or China). data-i="221">disable

• 📵 B Settings → Memory → Cleaning turn off Recommendations.
• 🔍 In Settings → Google → Advertising disable Advertising personalization.
• 🚫 For individual applications (for example, Mi Browser) go to their settings and deactivate items like Show recommendations.

2. How to reduce battery consumption

MIUI is known for consuming battery even in standby mode. To extend the operating time:

• ⚡ Turn on Mode. energy saving in Settings → Battery.
• 🔄 Limit background activity of applications in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
• 📴 Disable Permanent network search in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.

3. How to remove unnecessary applications

Many MIUI system applications cannot be removed using standard means, but they can disable or remove using ADB (for advanced users). For example, to remove Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

The list of packages to remove can be found on thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Hidden MIUI functions that you don’t know about knew

MIUI hides a lot of features that are not obvious at first glance. Here are some of them:

1. Second space mode (Dual Apps)

Allows you to create a second user profile with separate applications and settings. in:

Settings → Accessibility → Second space

2. Gestures and hotkeys

MIUI supports unique gestures that are not available in pure Android:

• 👆 Swipe down on the lock screen — quick access to the flashlight.
• 🔄 Double tap the screen —wake up the device (configurable in Settings → Lock screen).
• 🎵 Triple press the power button —launch the voice assistant or camera.

3. Hidden developer settings

To access advanced options (for example, enable USB debugging or change animation):

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Press MIUI version 7 times in a row.
3. Return to main settings - it will appear new section For developers.

4. "Ultra saving" mode

If the battery is running low, activate this mode in Settings → Battery → Ultra saving. It turns off all background processes, leaving only calls, SMS and a few applications you select.

5. Built-in screen recorder

MIUI has screen recording without third-party applications. To enable it:

1. Lower the notification shade.
2. Find the tile Screen recording (if it is not there, add it to Edit tiles).
3. Click on it and confirm to start recording.

How to record a screen with internal sound?

By default, MIUI records only the microphone. To capture sound from a game or video, before starting recording, click on the gear in the recording panel and turn on the option Record internal sound (not available on all models).

MIUI vs HyperOS: what has changed in the new Xiaomi shell

At the end of 2023, Xiaomi announced HyperOS a new shell that should replace MIUI on future devices. However, this is not a complete rejection of MIUI, but rather its evolution: Here are the key changes:

Parameter	MIUI (until 2023)	HyperOS (from 2026)
Main platform	Android only	Android + own microkernel (for IoT devices)
Design	Bright, with lots of animations	More minimalistic, with an emphasis on performance
Performance	Sometimes slows down due to background processes	Optimized for multitasking and gaming
Device support	Smartphones and tablets only	Smartphones, IoT, cars, laptops
Updates	Slow for older models	Support promised for 4-5 years

Flagships were the first to receive HyperOS Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70. Owners of older devices (for example Redmi Note 11 or POCO X3) should not worry - they will remain on MIUI, but with some borrowed features from HyperOS (for example, improved memory management).

If you buy a new Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 and later, most likely it will be on HyperOS. You can distinguish it from MIUI by:

• 📱 Inscriptions HyperOS in Settings → About phone.
• 🎨 New icons and animations (for example, smooth transition between applications).
• ⚡ Functions HyperMind (AI performance optimization).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about MIUI

❓ Is it possible to install pure Android instead of MIUI?

Technically yes, but this requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and flashing an alternative OS (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).However:

• 🚫 The warranty will be void.
• 🔧 Not all functions may work (for example, camera or NFC).
• 📱 Risk of “bricking” device.

For most users, it is easier to get used to MIUI or buy a smartphone with pure Android (for example, Google Pixel or Nokia).

❓ Why does MIUI get so hot?

Overheating in MIUI is usually associated with:

• 🔥 Background processes (check in Settings → System status).
• 🎮 Games (activate Game mode to optimize).
• 🔄 App updates (turn off auto-update in Play Market).
• 📡 Bad network signal (the phone spends a lot of energy searching for a connection).

If the problem persists, try resetting the settings to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!).

❓ How to transfer data from MIUI to another phone?

Use the built-in function Data migration:

1. On the old phone: Settings → About phone → Data migration.
2. On a new phone: select Transfer from Android when setting up for the first time.
3. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions.

Alternative: use Google Account (contacts, photos, applications) or third-party services like ShareMe (from Xiaomi).

❓ Does MIUI spy on users?

Xiaomi has been repeatedly accused of collecting unnecessary data (for example, in 2020, researchers discovered that MIUI sends data about browser activity to the company’s servers). However:

• 🔒 In European firmware, data collection is limited by law GDPR.
• ⚙️ You can disable most tracking functions in Settings → Privacy.
• 🌍 In China and India, the rules are different - MIUI collects more information there.

If you are concerned about privacy, disable:

• Advertising personalization (in settings Google).
• Diagnostics and error reporting (in Settings → About phone).
• Mi Cloud (if you do not use backups).

❓ Which Xiaomi smartphones work without MIUI?

Xiaomi releases several lines of devices with pure Android:

• 📱 Xiaomi A-series (for example, Xiaomi A3 or A2 Lite) - part of the app Android One.
• 💼 Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 2 (in some regions it comes with pure Android).
• 🌍 POCO F-series (for example, POCO F1) - sometimes they offer a choice of firmware.

However, most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices come with MIUI by default if you need. pure Android, pay attention to Google Pixel, Nokia or Motorola.