MIUI 10 – Quick Guide to Xiaomi’s Biggest Android Refresh
If you own a Xiaomi phone, you’ve probably heard the buzz around MIUI 10. It’s the skin that sits on top of Android and gives you a fresh look, faster performance, and a bunch of handy tweaks. In this guide we’ll break down the main changes, show you how to install it, and share a few shortcuts to get the most out of it.
First off, MIUI 10 runs on Android 9 (Pie) for most devices, but Xiaomi tailors the experience so it feels lighter and more personal. The design language shifts to a cleaner look: fewer shadows, slimmer icons, and a smoother color palette. It’s not just about looks – the new version also promises better battery life thanks to smarter background management.
Key Features of MIUI 10
One of the biggest draws is the Super Wallpapers. These live wallpapers change colors based on the time of day, giving your lock screen a dynamic vibe without draining the battery. Another highlight is App Vault, a hidden drawer that keeps less‑used apps out of sight but still at your fingertips when you need them.
The Security Center also gets a boost. It now bundles a virus scanner, privacy permissions, and a battery optimizer in one place. You can quickly see which apps are using the most power or data and take action. For fans of customization, the new Theme Store offers ready‑made themes that change icons, fonts, and even the system UI with one tap.
How to Update to MIUI 10
Getting MIUI 10 is straightforward as long as your device is on the supported list. Open the Settings app, scroll down to About phone, and tap System update. If the update is available, you’ll see a prompt to download and install. Make sure you’re on Wi‑Fi and have at least 50 % battery before you start – the process can take 20‑30 minutes.
After the update, you’ll be taken through a short setup wizard. This is where you choose whether to enable Super Wallpapers, set up App Vault, and import your old settings. If you prefer a cleaner look, you can disable the new animations in Settings > Display > Animation speed. That will keep the UI snappy without the extra visual flair.
Sometimes the OTA (over‑the‑air) update isn’t ready for your region yet. In that case, you can flash the official MIUI 10 ROM manually. Download the correct ROM from Xiaomi’s website, copy it to your phone’s internal storage, and use the built‑in recovery mode (Power + Volume Up) to install. Remember to back up your data first – flashing wipes everything.
Once MIUI 10 is running, take a few minutes to explore the new settings. Turn on Battery saver for low‑power days, enable Do Not Disturb schedules, and play with the Reading mode if you love e‑books. Small tweaks here can make a big difference in daily use.
Overall, MIUI 10 feels like a solid step forward for Xiaomi users. It keeps the familiar look you love but adds useful tools that help your phone run smoother and last longer. Whether you’re a power user or just want a pretty lock screen, there’s something in this update for you.