How to change the font on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Why Change Your Phone Font and What You Need to Know Before Starting

The font on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a set of letters, but a key element of the visual perception of the interface. Its size, shape and style determine how comfortable you will be reading messages, browsing sites or working with documents. By default, the smartphone uses the system font Mi Sans (or Roboto in global firmware), but not everyone likes it: some seem too small, some – too β€œchildish”, and someone just wants to personalize the device to suit their style.

Before you start making changes, consider three key points: first, not all methods are equally safe: some require superuser rights (root), which automatically deprives you of warranty and increases the risk of β€œbricking” the phone. Second, on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12 firmware and newer methods can be blocked by the manufacturer β€” this is part of Xiaomi’s policy of unifying the interface. Third, after changing the font, there are possible bugs: for example, characters in some applications or incorrect display of characters in messengers.

Method 1: Using embedded MIUI themes (without root)

The simplest and most official method is to change the font through the Themes app, which does not require super-user rights and is suitable even for beginners, and MIUI preinstalled several free fonts, and in the theme store you can find hundreds of options (including Cyrillic ones).

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
  2. Go to the Fonts section in the lower menu.
  3. Scroll through the list of available fonts or use the search (magnifying glass in the upper right corner).
  4. Click on the font you like, then select Apply.
  5. Confirm the changes in the pop-up window.

Important: not all the fonts in the theme store support Cyrillic. To make no mistake, pay attention to the screenshots in the description of the topic - it usually shows examples in Russian. If after use some letters are displayed in squares, return the standard font and try another option.

User reviews (rated above 4.5)⭐)

Examples of text in Russian in screenshots

Date of last topic update (relevant fonts are updated every 1-2 months)

Compatibility with your version MIUI (described)-->

If the font is not available for free, you can buy a premium option (usually $1-3), pay through Mi Account β€” the same data as for Xiaomi cloud storage. The purchase is tied to the account, so when you reset your phone or change your device, the font can be re-downloaded at no additional cost.

Method 2: Install fonts via APK (for advanced users)

If you don't have enough built-in themes, you can manually install the font through a.ttf file. This method doesn't require root, but it will take you to install a third-party application like iFont or FontFix. Both are available on Google Play, but work differently:

  • πŸ”Ή iFont – simple interface, support for Cyrillic, but limited functionality in the free version.
  • πŸ”Ή FontFix – More settings, but requires manual copying of font files to a folder /sdcard/FontFix.
  • πŸ”Ή ZFont 3 - Supports MIUI, It may conflict with some versions of the firmware.

Instructions for iFont (the most universal option):

  1. Download and install iFont from Google Play.
  2. Download a font file in.ttf or.otf format (for example, from DaFont or Fontsquirrel sites).
  3. Open iFont, click Local β†’ Import and select the downloaded file.
  4. Slip on the imported font, then select Set.
  5. Follow the instructions of the application (usually you need to confirm the replacement of the system font).

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Before you install the font via APK, back up the current font to iFont (Backup button) and this will help you get it back if the new font breaks down the interface.

The main disadvantage of this method is that not all applications will use the new font. System menus, MIUI Launcher and some programs (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) can ignore the changes, and after updating the firmware, the font can reset to the standard one.

Method 3: Change font through ADB (for tech-savvy)

If you're not afraid of the command line, you can change the font through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root, but involves computer work and basic knowledge of the terminal, and the advantage is a deeper integration of the font into the system compared to third-party applications.

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB Redmi 9 (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times to tap the version; then additionally β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ“ A.ttf font file rebranded Roboto-Regular.ttf (or other system font you want to replace).

Step-by-step:

adb push Roboto-Regular.ttf /sdcard/


adb shell




su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/Roboto-Regular.ttf /system/fonts/




chmod 644 /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf




reboot

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Check if debugging is included on USB 2. Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (you can download on the official website). 3. Try another one USB-4. Enter adb devices in the command line – if the device is displayed as β€œunauthorized”, confirm access on the phone screen.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If the phone doesn't turn on or restarts after you restart, try resetting with Recovery Mode. + Volume up when switched on).

Method 4: Replace the font via TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader)

For the most experienced users, there is a method using the custom TWRP Recovery. It allows you to replace system fonts directly, but requires:

  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
  • πŸ“± Established recaveri TWRP (The version should support Redmi 9).
  • πŸ“ Archive with.zip fonts (for example, from the forum) XDA Developers).

Instructions:

  1. Download the archive with fonts (for example, with XDA).
  2. Reboot your phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
  3. Select Install β†’ indicate the path to the downloaded archive.
  4. Swipe to confirm installation.
  5. After completion, press Reboot System.

The advantage of this method is the complete replacement of fonts in all applications, including system ones. However, the risks are high: if an error in the archive or incompatible with the firmware, the phone may stop loading. TWRP (Backup β†’ select all sections).

Through standard MIUI themes

Third-party applications (iFont, ZFont)

ADB-team

TWRP and custom firmware

Not yet.-->

Method 5: Castom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you don't have enough superficial changes, you can install custom firmware with alternative fonts. Popular options for Redmi 9:

  • 🌍 LineageOS – pure Android without fonts imposed by Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”„ Pixel Experience – firmware with fonts and interface like on Google Pixel.
  • ⚑ Havoc-OS – flexible firmware with font settings in the Havoc Settings menu.

The process of installing custom firmware includes:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (via the official Xiaomi tool).
  2. TWRP installation.
  3. Formatting data, system, cache sections.
  4. Install firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs that affect the operation of the camera, module NFC Redmi 9 with MediaTek Helio processor G80 Some firmware may not support hardware video acceleration. Check forum reviews before installing (e.g., forum reviews, 4PDA or XDA).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have collected the key parameters of each method in the table:

MethodDifficultyRequired. root/TWRPCyrillic supportRisks.Coverage of applications
MIUI's built-in themes⭐ (simple)❌ No.βœ… Yes (manually checked)Low.Partial (not all applications)
Third-party applications (iFont)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Medium (possible interface glitches)Partial
ADB⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)❌ No.βœ… Yes.High (risk of system failure)Complete (if you replace all system fonts)
TWRP⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)βœ… Yes (unlocked loader)βœ… Yes.Very high (risk of "bricking")Complete.
Custom firmware⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (expert)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Critical (loss of warranty, bugs)Complete.

For most Redmi 9 users, built-in themes or iFont will be the best solution. If you need full customization and you are ready to take a risk, try ADB or TWRP. Castom firmware should be considered only if you are not satisfied with MIUI in principle (for example, due to advertising or unnecessary features).

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On Redmi 9 with MIUI 13 firmware and later, some methods (such as manual font replacement via ADB) can be blocked due to Xiaomi's policy to protect system files, in which case only unlocking the bootloader or custom firmware will help.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your font to Redmi 9, you're faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”  Hieroglyphs instead of letters: Font does not support Cyrillic. Return the standard font and choose another option (check the screenshots in the description of the topic).
  • πŸ”„ Font resets after update: This feature MIUI. After the firmware update, you will have to re-use the font through themes or iFont.
  • ⚠️ The phone will not turn on after ADB/TWRP: Try to boot up in Fastboot Mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down) and stream the device through the Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ“± Some apps don't change the font: This is normal - many programs (like banking) use their fonts for security.

If the interface is slowing down after changing the font, clear the cache through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Application Management β†’ Topics β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache. Rebooting the phone will also help.

Can I return the standard font after the changes?
Yes. If you've used embedded themes, go to the Themes β†’ Fonts β†’ select Default. For iFont, click Backup β†’ Restore. After ADB or TWRP, you'll have to re-switch the original fonts or reset the settings.
Why did some characters (e.g. emoticons) disappear after the font change?
This happens if the new font does not support Unicode or specific characters. Solution: return the standard font or find a version with full support for Unicode 12+ (as indicated in the font description).
Will this work on the Redmi 9A/9C/9T?
The built-in themes and iFont methods are suitable for all Redmi 9 series models (9A, 9C, 9T). Methods with ADB and TWRP also work, but require appropriate recovery and firmware versions for a particular model.
Can you change the font only in individual applications?
Most of the time, no. The font changes globally for the system or for supporting applications, except that some messengers (like Telegram) allow you to choose the font in their settings.
How to make a larger font without replacing it?
Go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Text size and move the slider to the right. You can also include Enlarged font in the Special Features section.