The Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and deep customization capabilities, and one of the most popular settings among owners of this device is to change the system font β whether due to fatigue from the standard Roboto, a desire to improve readability or just for the sake of originality. However, not everyone knows that Redmi 5 can solve this problem in several ways, from built-in MIUI tools to installing third-party applications.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods of changing the font - from the simplest (available even to beginners) to advanced (require unlocking the bootloader: MIUI 9βMIUI 14, and also bypass the pitfalls that can lead to system failures. If you want your Redmi 5 to look unique, read on.
1. Method: Standard MIUI settings (without ROOT)
The safest and easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, on Redmi 5, the default font choice is extremely limited (usually 2-3 options are available), but even this can diversify the appearance of the interface.
To change the font through system settings:
- Open the Settings menu β Display β Size and style of font.
- In the Font Style section, select one of the available options (e.g. Mi Sans or Roboto Condensed).
- Click "Apply" and confirm the change.
β οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI 10 or below, this section may not be available.
2. Method: Application "Themes" (Mi Themes)
Xiaomiβs official Mi Themes app allows not only to change wallpaper and icons, but also to install custom fonts, a method that works without ROOT, but requires an Internet connection and a Mi Account.
Step instructions:
- π± Open the Themes app (if not, download from Google Play).
- π Go to the "Fonts" section (may be in the "Category" or "Recommended" menu").
- π¨ Select the font you like and click "Apply".
- βοΈ Confirm the change in the system window (reboot may be required).
π‘ Useful tip: Some fonts in Mi Themes are paid, but you can get them for free if you participate in Xiaomi promotions or use promo codes.
Download the latest version of the "Themes" app"|Sign in to Mi Account|Check the stability of the Internet connection|Close background applications to speed up loading-->
Method: Third-party applications (without ROOT)
If you don't like the built-in MIUI options, you can use third-party utilities, and one of the most reliable solutions is the iFont app (available on Google Play), which allows you to install fonts in.ttf or.otf format without superuser rights, but with few restrictions.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install iFont.
- In the app, go to the "Online" section and select your favorite font (or upload yours via "Local").
- Click Set and select Miui (for Xiaomi).
- Confirm the installation and restart the device.
β οΈ Note: Some fonts from iFont may not display correctly in individual applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
Why is the font not used through iFont?
4. Method: via TWRP and Magisk (for advanced)
If you're willing to take more drastic measures, you can change the font by manually replacing system files. TWRP and the Magisk module to obtain ROOT-It's good for power users, because if you make a mistake, you can damage the firmware.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the archive with a font in.zip format (for example, from the XDA Developers forum).
- Reboot the phone to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up).
- Install the archive through Install β Select a file β Swipe to Confirm.
- Clear the cache (Wipe) β Dalvik/Cache) and reboot.
π§ Technical detail: Redmi 5 will be suitable fonts designed for Android 7-9 devices. Avoid files for new versions MIUI β They can cause conflicts.
| Method | Need a ROOT? | Compatibility with MIUI | Risk of failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | β No. | All versions. | Absent. |
| Mi Themes | β No. | MIUI 9β14 | Low. |
| iFont | β No. | MIUI 10β14 | Medium. |
| TWRP + Magisk | β Yes. | MIUI 9β12 | High-pitched |
| ADB-team | β No. | MIUI 11β14 | Medium. |
5. Method: Change the font through ADB (without ROOT)
Little known but working method - use ADB-commands to replace font without receiving ROOT. This method is suitable for MIUI 11 and newer, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.
What you'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- π± Included debugging by USB Redmi 5 (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Font in.ttf format, renamed Roboto-Regular.ttf (replaces the standard one).
Commands to execute (enter Command Prompt or Terminal):
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
rebootβ οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI After such a replacement, Cyrillic may disappear from the system menu. Before executing commands, make a backup of the original font (adb pull command). /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf).
π‘
If some characters are shown squares after changing the font through ADB, try installing a font that supports Unicode (for example, Noto Sans).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 5 users sometimes face difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The font has changed, but some applications have remained standard.
Solution: This is normal behavior, many apps (like Facebook or Instagram) use their own fonts, and you can only change them through modifications. APK-file (requires) ROOT).
Problem 2: After installing the font via iFont or Mi Themes, the phone started to brake.
Solution: Remove newly installed fonts and clear the cache in the settings (Settings β Apps β Application Management β iFont/Mi Themes β Clear the cache). If the problem persists, do a soft reset (Settings β Additional β Reset).
Problem 3: When you try to replace a font with ADB, you get a βRead-only file systemβ error.
Solution: Make sure you follow the command mount -o rw, remount /system. If the error repeats, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device.
π‘
Before any typeface manipulation, back up your system via TWRP or Mi Cloud, which will save your data in the event of a crash.