How to change the theme on the Xiaomi phone: all ways and life hacks

Changing the theme on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the quickest ways to refresh the look of the device without installing custom firmware.The manufacturer offers dozens of built-in themes in the branded shell. MIUI, It also supports downloading user solutions through the official store. MIUI However, not everyone knows that in addition to the standard functionality, there are hidden opportunities: from installing themes through the Internet. APK-files before using third-party launchers for deep customization.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change the theme to Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, from basic settings to advanced methods for power users, focus on common mistakes (such as why the theme doesn’t apply or resets after a reboot), and give recommendations for optimizing performance after installing heavy themes. If you want to not just change the wallpaper, but completely transform the interface, read on.

Method 1: Standard theme change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in shell functionality, which is suitable for all MIUI 12-14 devices (including HyperOS for new models) and does not require superuser rights.

Open the Themes app (an icon with a brush and palette) on the home screen. If it's not available, search the system (Settings → Search). At the top of the screen, you'll see tabs:

• 🎨 My themes - here are stored previously installed options.
• 🌍 Online – Xiaomi’s official themes catalog (requires internet connection).
• 📁 Local – To install themes from.mtz files (more on this below).
• ⭐ Favorites - saved favorite options.

To apply the topic:

1. Select your favorite option in the Online section and click on it.
2. Slip the Apply button (or Download and Apply if the theme is not already installed).
3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window – the changes will take effect in 10–30 seconds.

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If the app icons are gone after you use the theme, reboot your phone. This is a MIUI bug that can be solved with a simple reboot.

Please note: some themes can change not only wallpaper and icons, but also:

• 🔊 Notification and alarm sounds.
• 📱 Animations of transitions between screens.
• 🎯 The shape and color of control panels (notification curtains, multitasking menu).

Method 2: Install custom themes through.mtz files

If the built-in themes aren't enough, you can install custom solutions from third-party sources, and you'll need a.mtz theme file. Where do you get one?

The most popular sites for downloading:

• 🌐 MIUIer Themes – the largest database of themes with ratings and reviews.
• 📱 Telegram channels (e.g, MIUI Themes Collection).
• 💾 Forums 4PDA or XDA Developers (sections dedicated to Xiaomi).

How to install.mtz file:

1. Download the theme file to your phone (for example, via a browser or Telegram).
2. Open the Themes app and go to the Locals tab.
3. Click Import and select the downloaded file.
4. After importing the theme will appear in the My Themes section – you just have to apply it.

Use only verified sources (MIUIer, 4PDA)

Check out other users’ reviews about the topic

Scan the.mtz file for viruses (for example, via VirusTotal)

Create a backup of data before installation

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Important: Some custom themes may conflict with system applications or contain ads. If after installation the phone started to slow down or foreign banners appeared, return the standard theme and delete the problem.mtz file.

⚠️ Note:.mtz themes may contain scripts that change system files. On devices with an unlocked bootloader, this can cause disruption. MIUI. Before installing, check if your model supports custom themes (see forums for specific firmware for information).

Method 3: Using MIUI Themer for deep customization

For users who want maximum flexibility, there is a tool called MIUI Themer, an application for creating and editing themes from scratch.

• 🎨 Change each interface element separately (icons, fonts, colors).
• 📏 Customize indentations, sizes and animations.
• 🔄 Export your themes to.mtz for further distribution.

How to work with MIUI Themer:

1. Download the app from Google Play (it is officially supported by Xiaomi).
2. Choose a basic theme to edit or start from scratch.
3. Use the built-in editor to change elements. For example, to change icons: MIUI Themer → Editor → Icons → Select an icon package → Apply
4. Save the theme and export it to.mtz, then import it through the standard Theme app.

MIUI Themer requires permissions to access system resources. On some firmware (for example, the global versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 12), some functions can be blocked, in which case unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware like xiaomi.eu will help.

Method 4: Change theme through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If you don't like the limitations of MIUI, you can completely replace the standard launcher with an alternative.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher – Lightweight launcher with support for themes.
• 🌿 Lawnchair – open source project with dynamic themes.

How it works:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch it and select the Themes or Style section in the settings.
3. Download your favorite theme directly from the launcher interface (for example, in Nova this is done through Nova Settings → Look & feel → Icon theme).
4. Apply changes – the interface will be updated instantly.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 More customization options (e.g., changing icon sizes, hiding app names).
• 📱 Support for icon themes from Icon Pack Studio.
• ⚡ Less stress on the system compared to MIUI-Themes (no reboot of the interface).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) when using third-party launchers, branded functions may disappear MIUI: navigation gestures, quick curtain settings or reading mode. Check compatibility on forums before installing.

Problem Solving: The topic is not applied or reset

Sometimes, when you change the subject, you get errors, like the interface doesn't update, you get back to the standard look, or you get artifacts, and then you look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Theme is not installed from the.mtz file

Possible causes:

• 📌 The file is corrupted or not completely downloaded (check the size – it must match the one listed on the site).
• 🔒 The theme is intended for another version. MIUI (for example MIUI 13, and you have MIUI 14).
• 🚫 The device has disabled the rights for the Themes application (check in Settings). → Annexes → Permits).

Decision:

1. Reboot your phone and try again.
2. Try installing the theme through MIUI Themer (if the file is supported).
3. Remove the theme app cache (Settings → Apps → Topics → Storage → Clear cache).

Problem 2: Theme resets after rebooting

This is a common bug on HyperOS or custom firmware devices.

• 🔄 Conflict with the optimizer MIUI (It resets the settings to save battery life).
• 📦 Damaged theme files in the system folder.

Decision:

1. Disable Optimization for the Application Topics: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Applications → Topics → Without Limits
2. Install the theme again and do not update MIUI during the day (sometimes the reset is due to background system updates).
3. If the problem persists, try a different theme (the current one may not be compatible with your firmware version).

Problem 3: App icons are missing or are displayed incorrectly

This is due to the incompatibility of the icon package in the theme with your applications.

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the icons are delayed.
• 🎨 Use a third-party icon package through the launcher (like Nova Launcher). + Whicons).
• 📦 Remove the Launcher app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

How to bring back a standard theme on Xiaomi

If customization experiments fail, you can always go back to factory interface settings, and you can do this in two ways:

Method 1: Through the "Themes" app

1. Open the Topic app.
2. Go to the tab My topics.
3. Find a theme called Standard (or Default) and click Apply.

Method 2: Through resetting the launcher settings

If the standard theme is not listed:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (this will reset all launcher settings, including the location of the icons).

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will delete all your personal settings on the home screen (folders, widgets, icon order). Before doing this, take screenshots of the current location or use the backup function in Nova Launcher (if installed).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing themes to Xiaomi

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Before experimenting with themes, always check their compatibility with your MIUI version and phone model, which will save time and avoid interface problems.