MIUI 500M Monthly Active Users: Fact Check
Yes, MIUI surpassed 500 million monthly active users globally. Xiaomi announced this milestone in November 2021, and the number has continued to grow since then, though the company no longer reports MIUI-specific figures as it transitions to the newer HyperOS interface.
Background: Xiaomi’s Software Evolution
MIUI (pronounced “Me You I”) is Xiaomi’s custom Android operating system. It launched in 2010 as one of the first third-party Android ROMs, even before Xiaomi released its first smartphone. The name stands for “Mobile Internet User Interface.” Over the years, MIUI evolved from a hobbyist ROM into a full-featured operating system preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.
The 500 million user figure was a significant milestone for Xiaomi, reflecting its rapid global expansion. Xiaomi’s strategy of offering high-spec hardware at competitive prices, combined with MIUI’s feature-rich interface, helped it gain a massive following, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
How the 500 Million Figure Was Announced
Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun announced the 500 million monthly active users (MAU) milestone during a company event in November 2021. The announcement highlighted that MIUI had reached this number across all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices running the OS. This figure represented a significant jump from the 400 million MAU reported in early 2021.
It’s important to note that “monthly active users” counts unique users who interact with the system at least once per month, not total devices sold. This metric is standard in the tech industry and provides a clearer picture of actual engagement than cumulative sales figures.
What Counts as a MIUI User?
Xiaomi counts a user as “active” if they use a device running MIUI at least once during a 30-day period. This includes:
- Smartphones and tablets with MIUI preinstalled
- Devices that have been updated to MIUI
- Users who sign in with a Xiaomi account, though this is not required to be counted
The figure does not include devices running Xiaomi’s other operating systems like the Android-based Android One (used in some older models) or the newer HyperOS, which replaced MIUI starting in 2023.
Transition to HyperOS: What Happened to MIUI?
In October 2023, Xiaomi announced HyperOS, a new operating system designed to unify all of Xiaomi’s products—from smartphones to smart home devices and even its electric car. HyperOS is built on a self-developed microkernel, but it remains compatible with Android apps. Xiaomi has stated that MIUI will continue to receive support for existing devices, but new devices launched after 2023 ship with HyperOS.
This transition means that MIUI’s user base is gradually decreasing as users upgrade to HyperOS devices. However, the 500 million milestone remains a testament to MIUI’s success and its role in establishing Xiaomi as a major player in the smartphone market.
How MIUI Compares to Other Android Skins
MIUI is one of the most popular Android customizations, alongside Samsung’s One UI, Oppo’s ColorOS, and Vivo’s Funtouch OS. Each skin offers a distinct user experience:
- MIUI: Known for its extensive customization options, themes, and a feature-rich interface. It includes a built-in security app, app lock, and dual-app support.
- One UI: Focuses on one-handed usability, with a cleaner and more minimalist design.
- ColorOS: Offers a balance between customization and simplicity, with a strong focus on battery optimization.
MIUI has historically been criticized for including ads in its system apps, though Xiaomi has reduced these in recent versions. It also offers a high level of control over permissions and notifications, which appeals to power users.
Common Misconceptions About MIUI’s User Count
One common misconception is that the 500 million MAU figure includes all Xiaomi users, even those on older versions of MIUI that are no longer supported. In reality, Xiaomi counts any device running a MIUI version that can connect to its servers, which includes older versions still in use. Another misconception is that the figure represents global users only; it includes users from all regions, including China, where MIUI is the dominant Android skin.
Some also wonder if the number is inflated by users who own multiple Xiaomi devices. However, MAU counts unique users, not devices, so a person with two Xiaomi phones is counted only once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIUI still being updated?
Yes, Xiaomi continues to provide MIUI updates for existing devices, including security patches and Android version upgrades. However, the focus has shifted to HyperOS, and new features are primarily developed for HyperOS. Users of older devices may receive MIUI updates but will not get the full HyperOS experience unless the device is officially supported.
Will my MIUI device receive HyperOS?
Many recent Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are eligible for the HyperOS update. Xiaomi has published a list of supported devices, which includes most models launched in 2022 and later. Older devices may not receive HyperOS due to hardware limitations or software support policies.
Does MIUI include ads?
MIUI has been known to show ads in system apps like File Manager, Security, and GetApps. These ads can be disabled in the settings, but they are enabled by default in some regions. Xiaomi has reduced the number of ads in recent versions, and users can opt out of personalized ads in the privacy settings.
How does MIUI’s user count compare to Samsung’s One UI?
Samsung’s One UI has a larger user base, estimated at over 1 billion monthly active users, due to Samsung’s higher global smartphone shipments. However, MIUI’s 500 million figure is still impressive and places it among the top Android skins.
Why did Xiaomi move to HyperOS?
Xiaomi created HyperOS to unify its ecosystem of devices, including smartphones, smart home products, and the Xiaomi electric car. HyperOS is designed to be lighter, faster, and more integrated, with a focus on seamless connectivity between devices. The move also aligns with Xiaomi’s goal of becoming a leading player in the Internet of Things (IoT) space.
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