How to change fonts on Xiaomi: from standard settings to custom solutions

The standard fonts in MIUI are not popular with all Xiaomi users, some consider them too thin, some too round, and some just want a variety. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change the system font, from simple settings in the menu to deep customization through recaps or ADB. But not all methods are equally safe — some can lead to interface failures or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of changing fonts on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 12-15, including official and informal solutions. You will learn how to install fonts from the Theme, through ADB, using Magisk, and what you risk using each method.

1.Official method: fonts from the "Themes" app

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app (com.miui.themeeditor), which Xiaomi regularly adds new fonts, including Cyrillic variants, with the advantage of having no system risk and the ability to roll back to the standard font in two clicks.

To change the font through "Themes":

1. Open the “Themes” app (icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Font section (tab in the lower menu).
3. Scroll through the list of available fonts. Pay attention to the markings: 🔹 "Supports the Cyrillic alphabet" - for the Russian language; 🔹 "Premium – paid options (cost) ~100-300 rubles); 🔹 "Systemic" - pre-installed fonts.

Click on the font you like and select Apply. The system will request confirmation — accept.

Restart the device (required!) to make the changes effective.

Popular free fonts on Topics include MiSans (standard for HyperOS), Roboto, Noto Sans, and SF Pro (similar to iOS fonts). Paid options often include handwritten or decorative fonts, but using them can impair readability in some applications.

⚠️ Note: Some of the fonts in the "Tem" may not display characters correctly in third-party applications (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp!

2. Installation of fonts through APK-files without root)

If the Themes don’t have a suitable option, you can install a font from a third-party.apk file, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+, but requires the installation to be enabled from unknown sources, the main advantage is that you do not need to obtain root rights.

Instructions:

1. Download the.apk font file from a trusted source (we recommend FontSpace or Google Fonts). Please note that the file must be in TTF/OTF format and support Cyrillic.
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Telegram or Google Drive).
3. Install any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
4. Find the downloaded.apk file and click on it. The system will suggest installing the application — confirm.
5. After installation, go to Settings → Display → Font and select a new font from the list.

Popular fonts for installation via APK:

• 📌 Product Sans (Google font, similar to Roboto, but with more rounded letters);
• 📌 Inter (optimized for high-resolution screens);
• 📌 Manrope (geometric font popular in design);
• 📌 Comic Neue (Stylized Comic Books, but Not for Everyone).

Download the font in TTF/OTF| Check support for Cyrillic | Enable installation from unknown sources | Back up the current font | Reboot the device after installation-->

If the font does not appear in the settings after installation, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device;
• 🔄 Delete the cache of the com.android.thememanager app;
• 🔄 Install the font through ADB (method №3).

3. Change font through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who do not want root rights but are willing to work with the command line, which allows you to install any typeface, even if it does not appear in the Topics.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Activate USB Debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone; Click 7 times on the MIUI Version to enable Developer Mode; Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers; Enable USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).

Download the archive with the font in.ttf format and rename it to font.ttf.

Transfer the file to the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command:

adb push font.ttf /data/local/tmp/


adb shell "su -c 'mount -o rw,remount /system'"




adb shell "su -c 'cp /data/local/tmp/font.ttf /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf'"




adb shell "su -c 'chmod 644 /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf'"




adb shell "su -c 'reboot'"

⚠️ Note: Replacing the Roboto-Regular.ttf system font may cause some applications to crash.We recommend backing up the original file first!

If the font has not changed after the reboot, try replacing other files in /system/fonts/:

• Roboto-Bold.ttf – for bold text
• Roboto-Italic.ttf – for italics
• NotoSansCJK-Regular.ttc – to support Chinese/Japanese characters.

4. Install fonts via Magisk (for root devices)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed, you can use the modules to replace the fonts. This method is the most flexible, allowing you to install any typeface, including custom ones, and easily roll back. TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Download the module for Magisk (such as FontManager or iFont) from the XDA Developers forum.
2. Transfer the module file (.zip) to your smartphone.
3. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
4. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
5. After installation, restart the device.
6. Download the font in.ttf format and place it in the /sdcard/Download/Fonts/ folder.
7. Open a font management app (like iFont) and apply a new font.

Popular modules for Magisk:

⚠️ Note: Some modules for Magisk may conflict with MIUI Optimizations. If you have lags after installing the font, turn off optimization. MIUI in the Magisk settings!

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Before installing the module through Magisk, make a backup of the /system partition in TWRP. This will help restore the system if the font causes critical errors.

5. Manual editing of system files (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. It allows you to completely replace the system fonts, but requires accuracy - an error can lead to "soft-brick" (system failure without physical damage).

What you need:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked loader;
• 🖥️ Established TWRP Recovery;
• 📁 Backup copy of section /system;
• 🔤 Fonts in.ttf format (can be downloaded from Google Fonts).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the font archive and unpack it. You will need the files: Roboto-Regular.ttf (main); Roboto-Bold.ttf (fat); Roboto-Italic.ttf (emphasis added).

Rename your fonts as system fonts (e.g. MyFont-Regular.ttf → Roboto-Regular.ttf).

Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).

Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the fonts to /system/fonts/, replacing the original files.

Change the access rights to the files:

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

Reset the device.

Important: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro or Xiaomi 12T) system-part /system It can be protected from records even in TWRP. In this case, you will have to use ADB magisk.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most users, the best solution is the Themes app or installation via APK. If you need unique fonts and are willing to take a risk, use Magisk. Methods with ADB and manual editing are suitable only for advanced users who can restore the system through Fastboot.

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On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), some methods may not work due to a changed system file structure. Check compatibility on forums (e.g. 4PDA) before experimenting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing fonts to Xiaomi