Comprehensive Guide to Modding and Installing the MIUI and HyperOS Launcher

MIUI launcher moded features often include the ability to arrange items in recents, and incorporate ios, cube, or vr styles. This guide covers the installation of official HyperOS Launcher applications and unofficial alpha builds for the Xiaomi European Community.

Installation Methods for System Applications

To install SystemApps you can use these options and tools:

  • Google Package Installer
  • Xiaomi System app updater
  • Split APKs Installer (SAI)
  • adb install name.apk
  • MT-Manager
  • TWRP (Custom Recovery)

Manual Installation via TWRP

To perform a manual installation by your own, follow these steps:

  1. Rename the file on your PC or device to MiuiHome.apk.
  2. Start TWRP and mount "system"; do not mark it as "read only".
  3. Go to Advanced -> File Manager.
  4. Change directory to "/system/priv-app/MiuiHome/".
  5. Rename the old "MiuiHome.apk" to "MiuiHome.apk.bkp".
  6. Copy your new file into this directory.
  7. Set the permission (chmod) to 644 or 664 on the "MiuiHome.apk" file.
  8. Reboot your device.

Standard APK Installation

For the official HyperOS Launcher or certain alpha builds, you can follow these instructions:

  • Download the APK file.
  • Open the downloaded APK file on your device.
  • If prompted, enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your device settings.
  • Tap "Install" and wait for the installation to complete.

Technical Caveats and Requirements

Update the SystemApps on your own risk, as changes on SystemApps can crash your phone. Note the following limitations:

  • Root Access: Mostly you need root access to modify system files.
  • Modded Signature: If the app is "modded", you will not be able to install it as an update to the original launcher regardless of whether you use SAI or the Google package installer.
  • Dynamic Partitions: If a device came with Android 10 from the factory, it most likely uses the new dynamic partition, which makes it not possible to modify the "system" partition using TWRP without breaking stuff.

Launcher Versions and Feature Comparison

Different builds offer varying stability and features, such as horizontal recents animations or fixed space character issues while typing.

Launcher Version Key Features / Status
ALPHA-4.22.0.2562 Includes "animation style" and horizontal recents animations.
RELEASE-6.01.03.1940 Official HyperOS Launcher application.
Build 03-01-2020 Working animations; space character error fixed.
Build 03-21-2020 Reported to start with force close.

Extracting Files for Custom ZIP Creation

If you need to extract the launcher from a ROM for a manual TWRP-File, follow this detailed description:

  • Unzip the ROM (e.g., "xiaomi.eu_multi_MI8LITE_20.3.26_v11-10.zip").
  • Identify system.new.dat.br and system.transfer.list.
  • Use brotli.exe to decompress: brotli.exe --decompress --in system.new.dat.br --out system.new.dat.
  • Use IMG_Extractor to extract the "system.new.dat" files to the "/system/" directory.
  • Navigate to the folder: /system/priv-app/MiuiHome.apk.

Troubleshooting Animations

If the "animation style" menu is missing, go over to "arrange items in recents" to find the settings. In some cases, you may need to uninstall the updates (SystemLauncher) for the modded features to function correctly like a charm.