The China-exclusive beta phase is over. Xiaomi has officially kicked off the HyperOS 4 global beta program, about a month after the update started rolling out to users in China. And if you own one of the eligible phones, you can apply right now. Well, some of you can.
According to Gizmochina, Xiaomi is splitting the rollout into two rounds. The first round is already live, covering three phones: the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. A second wave is set to open on September 17th, adding four more devices to the mix.
- Xiaomi 17T Pro
- Xiaomi 17T
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra
- Xiaomi 15
Right now, the beta is only available for Global and EEA models. So if you’re in a different region, you may need to wait a bit longer. Xiaomi hasn’t given a hard timeline on when other markets will be included, but more regions are expected to join in the coming weeks.
To apply, open the Xiaomi Community app and go to ME, then Beta Testing, then Recruiting Test. Fill in the required info and hope for the best. If you get selected, an OTA update will show up on your phone. Simple enough, but there’s a catch. Seats are limited, and this is first-come, first-served. Dragging your feet could mean missing out entirely.
Now, a word of caution before you get too excited. This is beta software, which means bugs are part of the deal. Xiaomi is pretty upfront about that. Back up everything before you install, because rolling back to HyperOS 3 isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. You’d have to flash the device manually, which is not exactly a casual Tuesday afternoon project for most people.
So why does this matter beyond just one software update? Because HyperOS has become Xiaomi’s biggest bet on long-term software identity. After years of MIUI, which had a complicated reputation globally, Xiaomi is clearly trying to build something that feels more polished and more competitive with what Samsung offers through One UI and what Google delivers on Pixel. HyperOS 4 is the next step in proving that commitment is real and not just branding.
Global beta programs also signal that Xiaomi is taking its international user base more seriously. Historically, global users often waited significantly longer than Chinese users for major updates. Running a structured beta program with sign-ups and scheduled rollout waves is a more organized approach, and that’s a good sign for anyone who has Xiaomi as their daily driver outside of China.
If you’re eligible, get your application in today. Don’t sit on this one.