We know that MIUI is a very complete layer full of useful options and exclusive functions. But not everything does it well and it’s that every time I need change a setting on my mobile, MIUI makes it difficult for me. With the release of MIUI 14 that might change but I don’t have much hope.
I will give you my opinion on the settings menu of the Xiaomi customization layer. And I will be critical: needs an upgrade. Finding a certain configuration on a Xiaomi mobile is tedious, since its infinite menus (and submenus) complicate our lives. Fortunately, we can always learn some tricks to better control our Xiaomi or POCO mobile.
MIUI’s endless tweaks and changes are driving me crazy
MIUI, in addition to having its own design which is highly appreciated (and hated by others), changes some aspects compared to other Android manufacturers. The developers of the famous Xiaomi layer change the order of many elements as they wish, and add other interesting functions such as themes or their optimization. But on a daily basis, certain changes pose a tragedy for users coming from other manufacturers.
There are times when I need to access the MIUI Settings app Well, there’s a certain configuration that I can’t (or don’t want to) do from quick settings. For example: share mobile Internet. Used to finding this option in the network or WiFi settings of my previous phone, now I have to go to the “Connection and sharing” section where we find all the settings related to connections such as NFC, or interconnectivity aspects such as My share.
On the left, the settings in MIUI 13. On the right, the Settings menu of a Pixel.
This menu seems long and includes functions that could be included in other sections, increasing the difficulty of finding something concrete. Luckily I remember the existence of the “Search in Settings” function, otherwise I might go crazy.
The same thing happens when I go to uninstall an app, I have to go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps. There, I see the list of my installed applications, but before it was faster and more intuitive. In a Pixel, for example, just go to Settings > Applications and that’s it, I already have the latest applications on the screen. I could go on forever and it’s that MIUI’s high level of customization, makes it harder and more confusing to find certain options. It’s not just the number of options but the logical order of them.
The difference is clear: uninstalling or managing an application is more direct on pure Android, MIUI contains more options but makes this action more complex.
On other phones with lighter versions of Android, to manage the permissions I give to apps I I go to the security section, something that seems more reasonable to me. In MIUI I have to navigate longer. This option can be found in the applications menu under the name “Permissions”, which in turn opens a new screen where there are two versions of the permissions manager: one ordered with the permissions which are granted as access to the Calendar or the Camera , and another section to look specifically at each app’s permissions.
You have to pass the broom from time to time
This only complicates things and is that although Android, manufacturers and developers are free to work. Sometimes they could simplify them. Mobile phones are made to lighten our daily tasks and with some settings a little chaotic, Don’t take it. Here are some other examples of this chaos that could be improved upon:
- on the phone: includes not only device information, but also update, storage, backup, certification, etc.
- System app update: We already have an application menu, we don’t need another one.
- Lock screen: The elusive Screen Time setting is here. Also, this whole submenu could be included in “Display”.
- Home screen, wallpaper and themes: are customization aspects that could be grouped into one.
- Passwords and Security, Security and Emergencies, Privacy: as easy as adding them to a Security & Privacy menu.
- additional parameters: This submenu contains a multitude of settings that fit into other categories or sections such as a “System” section.
It gives me the feeling that MIUI has accumulated many settings options throughout its development and the same creators do not know how to resolve such confusion. Some functions can be replaced by native solutions and many others must be reordered, opening up a reflection on where the user would look for it and how to present it more clearly.
Three captures I needed to hunt all MIUI 13 settings.
The depth of MIUI settings is excellent, however, finding a certain option becomes tedious
As an Android enthusiast and Xiaomi user practically from birth, I have seen how the MIUI settings have gained functions but at the same time they have lost order and control. The diaper got bigger and bigger and they couldn’t find the balance between simplicity and functionality.
As in any aspect of this world, I hope that the developers will be able to adapt the enormous amount of options they offer to the user in the future. Thus promoting a more comfortable use of our mobileswhich are part of the personal tools of our life.
