In October 2023, Xiaomi unveiled their new Android-based operating system, or Android skin as some of you could refer to it. It was the successor of MIUI and is called HyperOS. Sincerely, HyperOS ended up looking a lot like MIUI, and although it did provide some nice modifications, it also brought about some unfavorable ones. HyperOS is undoubtedly a highly powerful piece of software, but there is still a lot of space for improvement. Although Xiaomi’s HyperOS has a lot of promise, a few things must alter if it is to advance.
So far, I have been running HyperOS on several Xiaomi and Redmi devices. I have discovered a number of things that I would alter during my time with it. To be clear, you might not have an issue with some or all of these things. Nevertheless, I think HyperOS has a lot of promise and can reach that point with just a few smart actions from Xiaomi. Keep in mind that, as is typical with these kinds of pieces or editorials, personal opinion does come through. Views vary. So, let us examine HyperOS’ shortcomings, shall we? I will not do it in any specific order.
Home screen customization
There is a lot of flexibility available with HyperOS. Still, there is potential for improvement. I made the decision to pay close attention to the home screen. Why? Xiaomi can improve this in a number of ways that will help consumers. First and foremost, using icon packs from the Google Play Store would be great. Setting up icon packs is practically impossible since we are unable to use third-party launchers. Xiaomi has no reason not to implement this change in their stock launchers, as many other Android OEMs do.
Plus, it would be fantastic to give customers additional grid size options. There are very few options available presently. However, there is a problem with nearly all other Android OEMs. The home screen’s app dock row comes next. It would be great if we could eliminate it completely and have a single, consistent canvas on the home screen because some users choose not to use it at all.
Unblock third-party launchers
One of my main complaints with HyperOS is this. The only significant Android skin that totally prevents third-party launchers from working is this one. Although it is likely that you will have problems with gesture navigation, other OEMs let you set them. Actually, Google is to blame for this, as it restricts access to certain APIs for third-party developers. It has been a persistent problem. To change that, they even petitioned Google.
However, for some reason, Xiaomi chose to restrict third-party launchers entirely. Actually, it was not the case with MIUI in the past. In actuality, third-party launchers performed best on Xiaomi smartphones in terms of animations and other features. It was a significant shift when Xiaomi blocked them. Since many fans use Xiaomi phones, it should be possible to enable third-party launchers and let them function properly.
Toggles
The Quick Toggles screen might be enhanced by Xiaomi as well. Although it makes us think of iOS, it is not an issue in this case. This Android skin lacks a dedicated Settings toggle, in contrast to the majority of others. Although there is a toggle, it is a component of every other toggle. Although you can move it around and position it wherever you choose, it is not independent and lacks sufficient intuitiveness. It would be convenient if it were distinct because many users are accustomed to opening Settings from there.
In addition, there are just two sizable toggles there, and regrettably, you are unable to alter that. The WiFi and mobile data toggles are the only sizable toggles you receive. For example, the Bluetooth toggle and the screen rotation toggle cannot be made huge. If Xiaomi made this possible and let users fully design the Quick Toggles interface, it would be great.
Push notifications
Unbelievably, HyperOS still has problems with push notifications. At least the way it is configured right out of the box. I have been experiencing problems with the majority of apps. By default, apps are set to “Battery Saver,” which is the suggested setting. You will not have these problems, though, if you unblock them from their limitations in the settings (each program independently). It will be possible for notifications to reach their destination on schedule.
The problem is that ordinary consumers will not be aware of that. They will not consider changing that function by going into the settings. Of course, that is problematic. Many of them will find it annoying because they will not be receiving notifications right away. As a result, they become irritated with the business—in this example, Xiaomi—and develop a bad opinion of their goods. To be honest, Xiaomi should make changing this a high priority. Push alerts need to function normally right out of the box.
The 10-second countdown
Another noticeable issue when it comes to HyperOS has to do with the timeout Xiaomi is placing on its consumers. Essentially, a warning pop-up will appear each time you attempt to modify a more complex setting, such as an accessibility setting. That is typical, is not it? Yes, it is; all OEMs carry it out. The 10-second countdown, however, is unusual. You cannot approve or reject anything on Xiaomi until ten seconds have elapsed. This is most likely in place to allow you sufficient time to read the warning.
You truly do not need to read it again after you have seen it for the first time. That countdown is incredibly annoying since you know exactly what you want to do. It makes sense if Xiaomi only did it once after you had configured your device. However, in HyperOS, you receive it each time a more complex configuration is altered.
Notifications
I wanted to draw attention to a few more notifications-related problems besides push notifications. For other people, lock screen notifications are an additional problem. They work similarly to what you get on iOS the way they are currently configured. It goes without saying that many individuals will find that offensive. What is wrong? You will notice your new notifications when you get to the lock screen. However, they will not be there the next time you get to the lock screen, even if you do not read or open them and then lock the device.
Yes, they will still remain in the notification shade, however this is a problem if you use your lock screen a lot. That is not what the great majority of other Android OEMs do. Similar to the notification shade, notifications will remain on your lock screen unless you choose to dismiss or open them. This distinction between the lock screen and notification shade is completely superfluous, and I sincerely hope Xiaomi will eliminate it soon.
Status bar icons
Xiaomi can also make the HyperOS status bar better. When it comes to it, there are a number of various irritations. Notification icons are the subject of the first one. Xiaomi restricts you to a single app notification icon in the upper-left area by default. However, you have the option to enable up to three app notification icons to show. Only the three most recent alerts from various applications will show up if you have more than three.
Almost all other Android OEMs permit as many app notification icons as they can fit on the screen. It does not restrict you in that manner, which is the proper approach. The fact that Xiaomi only allows one icon by default and that you are unable to enable more than three icons is not the only issue. Simply put, HyperOS introduced a totally needless modification that was not a problem on MIUI.
Additionally, if HyperOS allowed users to remove some of the status bar icons, that would be great. For instance, it is superfluous that the Bluetooth indicator is always up there. Many individuals always have Bluetooth turned on for their headphones, smart watches, or other accessories. That icon does not really need to be up there all the time if it is always on. If we could take it off and forget about it, that would be great.
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Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.
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