How to change the interface to Xiaomi: from themes to custom firmware

Xiaomi’s MIUI interface is known for its functionality, but not everyone likes its design or logic. Fortunately, the manufacturer and the development community offer several ways to transform it, from cosmetic changes to a complete shell replacement. In this article, we will examine all available methods, their pros, cons and potential risks.

Many people mistakenly think that customization requires root rights or unofficial software. In fact, even standard MIUI tools can dramatically transform the look of a device. And for advanced users, there are options with alternative launchers or a complete firmware replacement. The main thing is to understand what each action can lead to.

Before you make any changes, make sure you have a backup of important data.Some methods (especially those involving firmware) can lead to loss of information or even a device brilliance. Also check your smartphone model - not all methods work on all Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices.

1. Standard themes of design in MIUI

The easiest and safest way to change the interface is to use built-in themes. Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid themes in its Theme Store. They change icons, fonts, animations, sounds, and even the style of system menus.

To apply a new theme:

1. Open the Themes app (usually on the desktop).
2. Select a category (such as Popular or Minimalism).
3. Slip on your favorite topic and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes – some elements (such as fonts) may require a reboot.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 No need for root rights or technical knowledge
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI
• 🎨 A wide range of styles – from dark themes to anime designs

❌ Cons:

• 🔒 Not all interface elements change (e.g. system notifications remain standard)
• 💰 The best themes are often paid (price from 50 to 300 rubles)
• 🔄 After updating MIUI topic may be thrown off

⚠️ Note: Some themes from third-party sources (not from the official store) may contain malicious code. Install only proven high-ranking options.

2. Use of alternative launchers

If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install the side launcher from Google Play.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of gestures, icons and animations
• 🎨 Lawnchair – Minimalist launcher with Material You themes support
• 🔧 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with the Windows ecosystem
• 🌌 Niagara Launcher – an unusual vertical interface

After installing the launcher, it must be made by default application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Select Louncher and specify the desired application.
3. Restart the device if the changes do not apply.

💡 Tip: Nova Launcher can import settings from other launchers (for example, from the MIUI), To do this, use the option Backup/Restore in the launcher menu.

💡

If widgets (such as weather or calendar) are missing after installing the launcher, try reinstalling them or using analogues from Google Play.

⚠️ Important: Some launchers may conflict with branded features MIUI, for example:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (due to constant operation in the background)
• 📱 Xiaomi navigation gestures may not work
• 🔊 System notification sounds disappear

3. Customize icons and fonts without root

If you don't like the style of icons or fonts in MIUI, you can change them without installing a launcher or obtaining root rights.

For icons:

• 🎨 Icon Pack Studio – Creates custom icons based on your images
• 🖼️ X Icon Changer – Replaces the app icons individually
• 📦 CandyCons – a collection of free Material Design icons

For fonts:

• 🔤 iFont – installs fonts from the directory or from your device
• 📜 FontFix – fixes font display problems in MIUI

🔧 Instructions for changing fonts through iFont:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 14 system font menu may disappear, in which case only installing a launcher with support for custom fonts will help.

4. Installation of custom firmware (for advanced)

If you are not satisfied with MIUI in principle, you can install alternative firmware, for example:

• 🤖 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary applications
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel
• 🔧 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many functions
• 🌍 ArrowOS – Balance between performance and settings

⚠️ Warning: Installation of custom firmware requires:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader)
• 📱 Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP)
• 🔧 Skills of working with ADB and Fastboot

📌 Step-by-step instruction (simplified):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the firmware (for example, from forum.xda-developers.com).
4. Download to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data.
5. Install the firmware through Install.
6. Reset the device.

Installing unofficial firmware voids the warranty and can cause the device to fail. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), unlocking the bootloader blocks access to banking applications due to the SafetyNet trigger.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the compatibility of the firmware with the model|Charge your phone at least to 70%|Download the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Prepare the cable. USB (original)-->

5. Modification of system files (requires root)

For the most advanced users, you can edit MIUI system files directly, and this allows you to:

• 🎨 Completely redesign animations and transitions
• 🔧 Remove embedded applications (bloatware)
• 📱 Change screen resolution or pixel density (DPI)
• 🔊 Modify system sounds

🔧 Essential tools:

• 📱 Magisk (to obtain root rights)
• 🖥️ MT Manager or Root Explorer (File Managers with Root Explorer)
• 📝 Build.prop Editor (for editing system parameters)

💡 Example: How to change DPI (screen-density)

1. Open Build.prop Editor and find the line ro.sf.lcd_density.
2. Change the value (standard 440 for Full HD). For example, 400 will make the elements smaller.
3. Save the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Risks of modifying system files:

• 🚨 Brick device in case of editing error
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized changes
• 🛡️ Loss of warranty and SafetyNet issues
• 🔄 Possible failures after update MIUI

💡

Before editing system files, always back up the /system partition via TWRP. This will allow you to restore the device in case of an error.

6.Reset to factory settings as a last resort

If the device is unstable after experimenting with the interface (lagging, overheating, and applications are flying out), it can help reset to factory settings, which will return MIUI to its original state, but delete all user data.

🔧 How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📷 Photos, videos and music (if not saved) SD-map)
• 📞 Contacts, SMS Call logs (if not synchronized with your account)
• 🔧 Settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other modules

💡 Tip: If the reset didn't help (for example, the device won't turn on), try flashing the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Instructions and firmware files can be found on the official Xiaomi website in the support section.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the interface Xiaomi