MIUI was Xiaomi's Android-based mobile operating system and software platform, used across Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and related smart devices from 2010 until its replacement by Xiaomi HyperOS.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
MIUI was Xiaomi's proprietary Android-based software platform for smartphones, tablets and selected connected devices. First released on 16 August 2010, it began as a customized Android ROM developed in China during Xiaomi's first year of operation. The software was built on the Android Open Source Project but added Xiaomi-developed applications, services and interface layers, including Notes, Backup, Music, Gallery, cloud functions, themes and system-management tools. Rather than serving only as a conventional visual skin, MIUI became a central part of Xiaomi's product strategy and helped define the company's user experience across multiple hardware categories. The name is commonly expanded as Mi User Interface. Early MIUI releases were distributed as alternative firmware and quickly developed a strong enthusiast and developer community. Xiaomi subsequently made MIUI the standard operating system for most of its own smartphones, while also adapting it for Redmi and POCO devices. Related variants and interfaces appeared on Xiaomi tablets under the MIUI Pad name, on smartwatches as MIUI Watch, and on televisions through MIUI TV and the PatchWall interface. Xiaomi also maintained device-specific builds and regional editions rather than one universal release. China, global, European Economic Area, India and other regional versions could differ in language support, applications, cloud services, advertising behavior, regulatory compliance and update timing. A defining characteristic of MIUI was its unusually extensive customization. Earlier versions used a home-screen layout without a traditional application drawer and displayed visual elements that some observers compared with Apple's iOS. Over time, the interface moved closer to contemporary Android design conventions. Later generations added or refined gesture navigation, an application drawer, multitasking, split-screen operation, floating windows, redesigned notification and control panels, dark mode, super wallpapers, privacy controls, widgets, battery-management tools, gaming utilities and cross-device functions. MIUI also supported downloadable themes and custom fonts through Xiaomi's theme ecosystem, giving users more control over icons, wallpapers, typography and system appearance. MIUI was also an important services platform for Xiaomi. Depending on region and device, it integrated Xiaomi Cloud, Mi Account, Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, GetApps, Game Center, security tools, backup features and other proprietary applications. Xiaomi used cloud services, paid themes, games and related digital functions as part of its broader internet-services model. Outside mainland China, MIUI devices generally included Google Mobile Services and Google applications where Xiaomi's products were certified and local distribution permitted them. Chinese editions instead reflected the domestic software and regulatory environment. The platform attracted criticism as well as loyalty. Reported concerns included pre-installed applications, advertising, performance problems, privacy questions, security vulnerabilities and delayed or incomplete publication of Linux kernel source code. Xiaomi released portions of device kernel source over time, but MIUI's mix of open-source Android components and proprietary applications remained a recurring subject of discussion. In India, Xiaomi produced modified MIUI editions after the Indian government banned numerous Chinese applications and services in 2020. MIUI's final phase coincided with Xiaomi's transition to Xiaomi HyperOS. HyperOS was introduced as the successor platform for Xiaomi's broader human-device-car-home ecosystem, and MIUI was deprecated for Xiaomi's mainstream mobile products by early 2024. The MIUI brand therefore represents a completed software generation rather than Xiaomi's current operating-system product. Its historical importance lies in transforming a customized Android ROM into a globally distributed software identity that ti…
History
MIUI began as an Android custom ROM developed by Xiaomi in China during the company's first year of operation. Its first public release, MIUI V1, arrived on 16 August 2010 and was based on Android 2.2 Froyo. Xiaomi modified the Android framework and added its own system applications, including Notes, Backup, Music and Gallery. The product initially appealed to Android enthusiasts who wanted a more heavily customized experience than stock Android provided. Xiaomi's emphasis on rapid iteration, online feedback and user-facing customization helped MIUI become a recognizable software identity before Xiaomi's hardware portfolio had reached the scale it later achieved. The early platform differed visibly from standard Android. Its home screen presented applications in a grid without the traditional application drawer, and the interface used uniform icon treatments, customized system settings, a redesigned dialer and distinctive toggles. These choices led observers to compare some aspects of MIUI with iOS, while also making the platform attractive to users who wanted an iPhone-like visual arrangement on Android hardware. MIUI supported themes and downloadable fonts, allowing users to alter the appearance of the operating system through Xiaomi's theme marketplace. The software also attracted third-party communities. Xiaomi Europe, an independent community using the xiaomi.eu domain and working with Xiaomi's distribution ecosystem, produced localized and modified ROMs based on China releases, although installing such firmware required an unlocked bootloader and manual flashing. As Xiaomi expanded its smartphone business, MIUI shifted from an enthusiast ROM into the standard software layer for most Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi developed separate builds for individual phone models and regions. China, global, European Economic Area, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey could receive different software packages, reflecting local languages, applications, carrier configurations, advertising rules, privacy requirements and availability of Google services. Global editions generally included Google Play Services and Google applications where applicable, while mainland-China editions operated within a different software and regulatory environment. Xiaomi also released some devices with Google's Android One rather than MIUI, showing that MIUI was strategically important but not universal across every Xiaomi phone. The numbered generations progressively broadened the platform's capabilities. MIUI V2 and V3 delivered redesigned interfaces. MIUI V4 added a new interface and antivirus functionality. MIUI V5 continued the visual redesign and became associated with the removal of Google services from the Chinese edition. MIUI 6 introduced another major design change, while MIUI 7 and MIUI 8 refined the experience and added more device-management functions. MIUI 8 introduced Second Space and Dual Apps, giving users separate environments and duplicated application instances. MIUI 9 added split-screen, improved notifications, App Vault changes, shortcuts and face unlock. MIUI 10 and MIUI 11 represented a transition toward a more contemporary Android aesthetic. Xiaomi revised the notification shade, recent-apps screen, volume controls, system applications, animations and gesture behavior. MIUI 11 added system-wide dark mode, scheduled dark mode, ultra battery-saving functions and an optional application drawer. MIUI 12 was more ambitious, introducing Super Wallpapers, floating windows, a redesigned notification system, enhanced gestures, privacy permissions, one-time permissions, a first-party application drawer and additional camera, gallery and video features. MIUI 12.5 concentrated on animation, folder, notification and note-taking refinements, although some users reported touch-response, overheating, frame-rate, stability and storage problems. MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 increasingly emphasized ecosystem integration. MIUI 13 added widgets, a redesigned Control Center and App Vault, tablet multitasking improvements, a sidebar, refreshed live wallpapers and revised gaming tools. MIUI 14 introduced the Photon Engine and Razor Project, new widgets and wallpapers, family-sharing functions, MIUI Interconnect and other features intended to coordinate Xiaomi devices. The operating system was not limited to phones: Xiaomi adapted related software for tablets under MIUI Pad, selected watches under MIUI Watch, and televisions through MIUI TV and the PatchWall interface. The platform also supported Xiaomi's services business. MIUI integrated Xiaomi Cloud, Mi Account, backup, synchronization, paid themes, games, GetApps, Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video and other proprietary applications. This created a software and services layer around Xiaomi hardware, but it also generated criticism. Users and researchers raised concerns about bloatware, advertising, privacy, security flaws and the proprietary nature of some components. Xiaomi released certain kernel sources over time after criticism relating to Linux GPL obligations. Reported security problems included browser address-bar spoofing and a lock-screen bypass involving a wallpaper-carousel service. In 2020, Xiaomi produced special Indian MIUI editions without applications and services affected by India's ban on numerous Chinese apps. MIUI's final stage began with Xiaomi's announcement of HyperOS in 2023. HyperOS was positioned as a broader operating platform for Xiaomi's human-device-car-home ecosystem rather than simply a phone interface. Xiaomi gradually replaced MIUI on new and updated products, and MIUI became deprecated by early 2024. Although no longer the current Xiaomi operating-system brand, MIUI remains historically significant as the software platform that helped Xiaomi standardize its user experience, build an international enthusiast community and connect smartphones with Xiaomi's growing cloud, application and smart-device ecosystem.
- 2024
MIUI deprecated
[1]Xiaomi completed the transition away from MIUI for mainstream mobile products, making HyperOS the successor platform.
- 2023
Xiaomi announces HyperOS
[2]Xiaomi presented HyperOS as the successor to MIUI and as a broader platform for connected Xiaomi devices.
- 2022
MIUI 14 released
[1]MIUI 14 added the Photon Engine, Razor Project, new widgets and wallpapers, family-sharing features and MIUI Interconnect.
- 2021
MIUI 13 released
[1]MIUI 13 introduced new widgets, updated control surfaces, sidebar tools, tablet multitasking improvements and refreshed system applications.
- 2020
MIUI 12 released
[1]MIUI 12 added Super Wallpapers, floating windows, new gestures, privacy permissions, redesigned notifications and an application drawer.
- 2020
India-specific MIUI editions introduced
[1]Xiaomi produced India-specific versions without applications and services affected by the Indian government's 2020 ban on numerous Chinese apps.
- 2020
MIUI 12.5 released
[1]The update focused on smoother animations, redesigned folders, notification sounds, Mi Notes improvements and new wallpapers.
- 2019
MIUI 11 released
[1]MIUI 11 added dark mode, an ultra power-saving mode, refined animations, updated system applications and an optional app drawer.
- 2018
MIUI design shifts closer to stock Android
[1]Later MIUI 9 and MIUI 10 builds increasingly adopted Android-like multitasking, gesture controls and visual conventions.
- 2017
MIUI 9 expands multitasking and personalization
[1]MIUI 9 introduced split-screen, notification improvements, shortcuts, a revised App Vault and face unlock.
Products and positioning
A feature-rich, highly customized Android platform designed to differentiate Xiaomi hardware, integrate Xiaomi internet services and support a broad connected-device ecosystem.
Mobile operating system · 2010
MIUI for Xiaomi smartphones
The core MIUI product was a customized Android firmware layer used on Xiaomi-branded smartphones. It combined the Android Open Source Project with Xiaomi's proprietary user interface, system applications, update mechanisms, cloud integration, privacy controls, themes, device-management utilities and regional software services. Builds were produced for individual phone models and differed by market, with China, global, EEA, India and other editions offering different applications, languages, certifications and regulatory behavior.
Mobile operating system
MIUI for Redmi and POCO
MIUI was adapted for Xiaomi's Redmi and POCO smartphone brands. These versions shared the core MIUI framework but could differ in pre-installed applications, supported features, update schedules, regional services and hardware-specific optimizations. The software allowed Xiaomi to maintain a common ecosystem identity across products positioned at different price points and for different international audiences.
Tablet operating system
MIUI Pad
MIUI Pad was the tablet-oriented adaptation of MIUI. It extended Xiaomi's Android software environment to larger displays and included tablet multitasking, split-screen behavior, revised layouts and ecosystem functions. Later MIUI generations placed greater emphasis on large-screen productivity and coordination between Xiaomi tablets and smartphones.
Wearable operating system
MIUI Watch
MIUI Watch was associated with Xiaomi's smartwatch software experience. It represented an extension of Xiaomi's branded interface and services approach beyond phones, although supported devices, features and software architecture varied by product.
Smart television software
MIUI TV and PatchWall
MIUI TV and the PatchWall interface provided Xiaomi television software and content-navigation functions. They applied the MIUI brand and Xiaomi's ecosystem approach to connected televisions, combining device controls, applications and content discovery in a television-oriented experience.
Software customization service
Mi Themes
Mi Themes was MIUI's customization marketplace and interface system. Users could install theme packages, wallpapers, icon treatments, fonts and other visual modifications. The service also formed part of Xiaomi's internet-services model, which included paid themes and other digital content in selected markets.
Cloud software service
Xiaomi Cloud integration
MIUI integrated Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account functions for backups, synchronization and connected-device services. The exact functions varied by regional edition, but cloud integration helped connect Xiaomi phones with the company's broader software and hardware ecosystem.
Controversies
2022
Bloatware criticism
MIUI devices were criticized for including numerous pre-installed applications and services that some users considered unwanted or resource-intensive. The criticism concerned system storage, performance, advertising and the difficulty of removing certain bundled software.
2021
Glance wallpaper lock-screen bypass
A vulnerability in the Glance wallpaper-carousel application on Indian MIUI editions reportedly allowed a user to bypass the lock screen and access clipboard data. Xiaomi later fixed the issue.
2021
Performance and stability complaints
Users reported touch-response problems, overheating, slow performance, frame-rate drops, unstable applications and randomly missing files in connection with MIUI 12.5 and related updates. MIUI 13 was described as bringing performance improvements.
2019
Browser address-bar spoofing vulnerability
A reported vulnerability in Mi Browser and Mint Browser on Indian and some global MIUI editions could allow the address bar to be spoofed. Xiaomi reportedly issued a bug bounty to the researcher but did not initially fix the specific vulnerability.
2013
Linux GPL compliance controversy
MIUI attracted criticism because parts of its kernel were proprietary despite being based on the Linux kernel, which is distributed under the GPL. Xiaomi subsequently published source code for selected components and later released kernel sources for several devices, but the issue remained part of the platform's open-source compliance history.
Brand decisions
2023
Transition from MIUI to Xiaomi HyperOSGeneration changeBackground
Xiaomi sought a broader software foundation for phones, tablets, wearables, smart-home products, vehicles and other connected devices.
Action taken
Xiaomi introduced HyperOS and began replacing MIUI on new and updated products.
Aftermath
MIUI was deprecated by early 2024, ending its role as Xiaomi's principal mobile operating-system brand.
2020
Create India-specific MIUI editionsStrategyBackground
India banned more than 100 Chinese applications and services in 2020 amid national-security and privacy concerns, including applications associated with Xiaomi.
Action taken
Xiaomi produced regional MIUI versions for India without the affected applications and services.
Aftermath
MIUI became more visibly differentiated by market, demonstrating how regional regulation could affect Xiaomi's bundled software.
2013
Publish selected MIUI source componentsStrategyBackground
Criticism focused on MIUI's proprietary kernel and its relationship to Linux GPL obligations.
Action taken
Xiaomi released source code for certain components on GitHub and later published kernel sources for several devices.
Aftermath
The releases addressed part of the open-source compliance criticism, while MIUI continued to contain proprietary applications and framework components.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Xiaomi says Android 11-based MIUI 12 will be released soon[7]
Xiaomi's mobile operating system software director said on Weibo that an Android 11-based MIUI 12 version would be released soon; the source said its updates were not yet known.
- Unconfirmed
MIUI System Update adds a system rating feature[8]
MIUI System Update added a feature for users to rate the current system version and view recent version rating records.
MIUI and iFlytek launch an accessible input method[9]
MIUI announced that the MIUI team and iFlytek Input Method jointly developed and launched an accessible input method, with accessibility features including system voice announcements during typing and panel operation.
- Unconfirmed
Xiaomi pushes MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update to Civi phones[10]
Xiaomi pushed the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update to Xiaomi Civi phones, adding liquid storage, atomic memory management, and focus computing.
Redmi Note 9 receives MIUI 12.5 stable release[11]
Xiaomi made the MIUI 12.5 stable package for Redmi Note 9 available for download and installation.
Reported
Xiaomi starts rolling out MIUI 12 for Mi 10 users in India[12]
Xiaomi started rolling out the MIUI 12 software update to Mi 10 users in India in a phased manner.
Xiaomi announces an India MIUI version without banned apps[13]
Xiaomi said it would introduce a new MIUI system in India that would not preinstall apps banned by the Indian government, including Mi Browser Pro.
Reported
MIUI announces camera-feature rollout plans[14]
MIUI announced which Xiaomi and Redmi phone models already support certain camera features and which models are planned to receive additional camera-feature updates. The announcement describes the planned updates, not their completion.
Reported
Xiaomi launches MIUI 12[15]
Xiaomi formally launched MIUI 12, a system update featuring animation, privacy, and other functionality changes.
Reported
Xiaomi announces earthquake alerts for MIUI users in China[16]
Xiaomi said it was integrating an earthquake warning function into MIUI for select users in China and had activated the feature in Sichuan, with plans to expand it elsewhere in the country.
Sources26 sources
- 1MIUI - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Xiaomi HyperOSmi.com
- 3Xiaomi HyperOS official global pagemi.com
- 4Xiaomi investor-relations contact informationir.mi.com
- 5MIUI 12 Security White Papertrust.mi.com
- 6MIUI 14 锐意新生home.miui.com
- 7小米称基于Android 11的MIUI 12即将发布digi.hsw.cn
- 8MIUI系统更新新增系统评分功能zhongce.sina.com.cn
- 9MIUI与讯飞输入法推出无障碍输入法chinaz.com
- 10小米向Civi手机推送MIUI 12.5增强版更新chinaz.com
- 11Redmi Note 9 推送 MIUI 12.5 稳定版digi.hsw.cn
- 12小米开始向印度 Mi 10 用户推送 MIUI 12timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- 13小米宣布将在印度推出不预装禁用应用的MIUI系统chinaz.com
- 14MIUI公布相机功能移植计划tech.sina.com.cn
- 15小米发布 MIUI 12tech.sina.com.cn
- 16小米宣布为中国 MIUI 用户集成地震预警techcrunch.com
- 17MIUI 11新增功能finance.sina.com.cn
- 18刚刚，小米发布了史上最便宜和最贵的5G手机：一手性价比，一手黑科技finance.sina.com.cn
- 19可媲美iOS？小米发布MIUI 12，雷军称是小米十年巅峰之作finance.sina.com.cn
- 20十周年巨献 MIUI12正式发布 iOS遇最强挑战finance.sina.com.cn
- 21小米 MIUI 12.5 發佈，賣點不只一點點，媲美 iOS - Qooahqooah.com
- 22小米 MIUI 12.5 正式发布itbear.com.cn
- 23小米全新系统MIUI 12发布：挑战iOS、22款机型首发升级finance.sina.com.cn
- 24Here's When You'll Get Xiaomi's New MIUI 12.5 With Better Performance And Gesturespropakistani.pk
- 25MIUI 12.5正式发布：纯净比肩iOS 内置App全面可卸载finance.sina.com.cn
- 26Xiaomi announces Android-based MIUI 12 operating system for its smartphonesbusiness-standard.com
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