How to change the font in messages on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways to MIUI

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize the device's interface, from wallpaper to system fonts. But if changing the theme or wallpaper is intuitive, changing the font in messages raises questions. MIUI It offers limited typography settings by default, and in some firmware versions, the option is completely hidden. SMS, Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and system notifications on Redmi phones, POCO Mi – from budget models to flagships.

It's important to understand that the typeface in messages can be adjusted at three levels: system (for all applications), in the settings of individual messengers, and through third-party utilities. MIUI We'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the firmware, which works in the middle of the computer. MIUI 14, may not be available in MIUI 12 and vice versa.

Before you start making changes, check the version of your firmware in Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. This will help avoid errors in the choice of method. Also note that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights - we will warn you about the risks of such manipulations in advance.

1. Official font settings in MIUI: What can be changed without third-party tools

Firmware MIUI provides basic options for changing the font, but their functionality depends on the version and regional build. MIUI 12.5) Xiaomi developers have made it easier to access typographic settings, but some models (especially for the Chinese market) may have advanced options.

To open the font settings menu:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Screen.
  2. Select the Font item (in some versions - Font style or Text and scale).
  3. Here you will see the available system fonts: usually Mi Sans, Roboto and 1-2 additional variants.

Limitations of the official method:

  • πŸ”Ή The changes apply to all apps, including messages, but do not affect messengers like WhatsApp (they use their own fonts).
  • πŸ”Ή In budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The choice is often limited to 2-3 fonts.
  • πŸ”Ή Setting font size and style (greater/thin) is available separately, but does not affect specific applications.

If your menu does not have a Font item, it could mean:

  • πŸ“± You have an outdated version. MIUI (12.0).
  • 🌍 Firmware for the regional market (for example, China) ROM), where the settings are hidden.
  • πŸ”§ The manufacturer has disabled the option for a specific model (often found in devices for telecom operators).
πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12.5
Old version (up to 12.0)
I don't know.

2. How to change the font in the standard application "MessagesΒ» (SMS/MMS)

The standard Messages app on Xiaomi uses a system font, so it can only be changed through global settings (described in the previous section). SMS visually:

Method 1: Use of the topics MIUI

Some themes from the official Xiaomi Themes store change not only wallpaper and icons, but also fonts in system applications.

  1. Open the themes (the icon on the desktop).
  2. In the search, enter the font request or font.
  3. Select a theme marked Includes fonts (includes fonts).
  4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

Method 2: Manual editing of a configuration file (for advanced ones)

This method requires root rights and doesn't work on all devices.

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
  2. Cross the path. /system/font/.
  3. Copy.ttf font files into this folder (pre-rename them DroidSans.ttf and DroidSans-Fallback.ttf).
  4. Change the access rights to 644 (r-w-r-----).
  5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up the folder /system/font/.

What if the phone does not load after changing the font?
If the device gets stuck on the Xiaomi logo after changing the system fonts, try it: 1. Enter Recovery Mode (Squeeze Power) + Loudness up). 2. Select Wipe Cache Partition. 3. If it doesn’t help, do a Wipe reset. Data/Factory Reset (data will be deleted!). 4. In extreme cases, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool with official firmware.

3. Change of font in messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber

Popular messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) use their own fonts that do not depend on system settings. MIUI. However, there are ways to circumvent this limitation:

For Telegram:

  • 🎨 In the chat settings, you can enable Monster font (Settings) β†’ Type size β†’ Monowidthy).
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Bots, sort of. @fontgeneratorbot allow you to send messages in stylized text (does not change the font of the interface!).
  • πŸ“± Telegram X (alternative client) has additional text display settings.

For WhatsApp:

  • πŸ”€ You can not officially change the font, but you can use bold, italic or ~crossed-out~ text-formatting:
  • 🎭 Text-based sticker packs (such as Text Art) mimic different fonts.

For Viber:

  • 🎨 In chat settings, you can change the color of the theme, which indirectly affects the perception of the text.
  • πŸ–‹οΈ The function Drawing in messages allows you to create text blocks with non-standard fonts.
messengerPossibility of changing fontBypass
TelegramPartially (monowidth)Bots for Stylized Text, Telegram X
WhatsAppNo.Text formatting, sticker packs
ViberNo.Drawing in messages, changing the topic of chat
SMS (standard)Yes (through system settings)Topics MIUI custom-type

πŸ’‘

If you are critically interested in changing the font on WhatsApp, try using modified versions of the app (such as GBWhatsApp).However, please note that this violates Meta's security policy and may result in your account being blocked.

4. Install custom fonts through Magisk modules (for root users)

If you're ready for radical measures and have an unlocked bootloader with Magisk installed, the font customization modules will open up new possibilities, a method that is suitable for all applications, including instant messengers.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status β†’ Superuser).
  2. Download the module for fonts, for example: FontManager (universal), iFont (with support for Xiaomi) ZFont (for example, for the first time). MIUI)

Magisk

Modules. β†’ Install it from the vault.

.ttf

DaFont

Google Fonts

In the module application, select the downloaded font and apply it.

Reset the device.

Popular fonts for Xiaomi:

  • πŸ…°οΈ Product Sans (similar to Google font)
  • πŸ…±οΈ SF Pro (Apple font)
  • πŸ†Ž OnePlus Slate (Pure and Minimalistic)
  • πŸ…ΎοΈ Roboto Condensed (compact for small screens)

⚠️ Note: Installing modules through Magisk may conflict with some banking applications (due to SafetyNet policy).Before using, check Google Pay, Sberbank Online and other root-sensitive services.

Backup data through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup

Check out the Magisk version (should be 25.0)+)

Download the font in.ttf format (not.otf!)

Disable antivirus (can block installation of modules)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

5. Alternative methods: ADB-teams and third-party launchers

If root access is not available and system settings are not good, then semi-official methods remain. ADB-commands to change font without superuser rights.

The ADB method:

  1. Activate Debugging on USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on the item, then return to the optional β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put system font_scale 0.85 (where 0.85 β€” font scale; range: 0.8–1.3).
  3. To change the style of the font, use: adb shell settings put secure sysui_font_style 1 (where 1 β€” ID The available values can be found by the adb shell settings list command. | grep font).

Use of launchers:

Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) allow you to change the fonts for icons and widgets, but this does not affect the text in messages. MIUI You can achieve visual unity:

  • 🏠 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  • 🎨 In the launcher settings, select Icons β†’ Type style.
  • πŸ”„ Apply the topic MIUI with custom fonts (as described in section 2).

It's important: ADB-The font change commands don’t work on all Xiaomi devices. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with the X-rays). MIUI 13) these settings are ignored by the system.

Problems and Solutions: Why the Font Has Not Changed

If after all the manipulations the font in the messages remained the same, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Font does not change in SMSApplication cache Messages not updatedClear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Messages β†’ Storage
New font is displayed curvedThe font file is corrupted or not supportedDownload a font from a trusted source (e.g. Google Fonts)
No font settings are availableOutdated version of MIUI or firmware for another regionUpdate the firmware through Settings β†’ System Update
After rebooting, the font is resetMagisk module not activatedCheck the status of the module in Magisk Manager and reinstall it

Frequent user errors:

  • πŸ”„ Do not restart the device after changing the font (required for application of changes!).
  • πŸ“± Use.otf fonts instead of.ttf (MIUI It only supports.ttf).
  • πŸ”§ Do not check the permissions to access font files (should be 644).
  • πŸ“² Install Magisk modules on the blocked bootloader (this is useless).

πŸ’‘

If you use Xiaomi.eu firmware (unofficial European build), it often has more fonts available than the standard global version. MIUI. However, such firmware may contain bugs and do not support OTA-update.

7.Safety and Risks: What to Know Before Changing Fonts

Customization of typefaces is a seemingly harmless exercise, but it can have serious consequences for system stability, and let's look at the key risks and how to minimize them:

Loss of warranty:

Any manipulation of system files or unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty.

  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  • πŸ› οΈ Magisk installations or custom firmware.
  • πŸ“‚ Editing files in /system/.

If you are interested in a guarantee, limit yourself to the official settings MIUI orthodox.

Annex conflicts:

Some fonts may:

  • πŸ…±οΈ Break the text display in banking applications (due to non-standard characters).
  • πŸ“± Lead to the crash of system utilities (for example, Settings or Camera).
  • πŸ” Cause problems with Google Services (e.g. errors in Google Play).

3. Data security:

By downloading fonts from unverified sources, you risk:

  • 🦠 Snatch a virus (malware can be embedded in a.ttf file).
  • πŸ•΅οΈ Transfer data to third parties (some "free" fonts contain trackers).

Use only proven resources: Google Fonts, DaFont (with a filter under a 100% Free license), or official Xiaomi repositories.

⚠️ Warning: If you use your phone to handle sensitive data (such as corporate email), avoid custom fonts.Some companies lock devices with modified system files through a MDM-Solutions: Mobile Device Management).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the font to Xiaomi

Can I change the font in messages without root rights?
Yes, but with reservations: In the standard Messages app, the font changes through system settings (Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Fonts: In messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), you can't change the font officially, but you can use themes or format text. Topics MIUI From the official store, sometimes custom fonts are included. Without root, you can't install arbitrary font, but you can choose from pre-installed options.
Why did the font drop after the MIUI update?
This is the standard behavior of the system during major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14). Reasons: Cache reset system applications. Replace font files in /system/font/ Magisk modules conflict with the new firmware version Solution: Re-apply the font settings or reinstall the modules after the update.
How do you get back the standard font if something goes wrong?
The methods of rollback depend on the method of change: System settings: Return to Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Font and select Default. Topics. MIUI: Apply the standard theme in the Themes app. Magisk modules: Disable the module in Magisk Manager or remove it. Manual editing: Restore the original font files from backup or reflash the device. If the phone doesn’t load, use Fastboot to flash the official version. MIUI.
Is there a difference in font settings for Redmi, POCO mi?
Functionally, there is no difference – all Xiaomi devices work on the same platform. MIUI, And the font settings are unified: POCO: In the firmware POCO Launcher may not have Font option in screen settings. Use global themes. Redmi (budget models): Often limited font selection (only Mi Sans and Roboto). Mi (flagships): Support more options, including dynamic fonts (for example, San Francisco on Mi 11). Also on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) There may be more options, but they require Chinese language skills to navigate the menu.
Can you change the font for only one application (for example, only for the same application) SMS)?
No, in the standard configuration. MIUI The font changes globally for all system applications. Exceptions: Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) use their own fonts. Some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) allow you to change the font only for icons and widgets. Theme-enabled applications (such as Viber) may offer limited customization within chat rooms. Selective font change will require a deep system modification (such as decompilation). APK Applications Messages), which is not appropriate for most users.