How to change the font color on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all working methods

Why the font color on Xiaomi doesn’t change in standard ways

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face a problem: the MIUI shell does not provide a direct option to change the color of the font on the desktop. Unlike modern versions of Android, where the theme setting includes flexible text settings, in the Redmi Note 7 (released in 2019), this feature is either hidden or absent. The reason lies in Xiaomi’s policy: the manufacturer limits customization to maintain the uniformity of the interface and minimize the risk of failures when settings are incorrect.

But that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are three main approaches: using embedded themes, activating developer mode for manual editing, and installing third-party launchers. Each method has its own nuances, from ease of implementation to potential stability risks. In this article, we'll go into detail, taking into account the specifics of the Redmi Note 7 firmware (codenamed lavender) and the MIUI 10-12 versions that are most common on this device.

Before you start, consider that changes in system settings can lead to unexpected consequences, such as the failure of the display of icons or slow down animations. Therefore, on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI Global Stable 12.5.3.0 and later, some methods can be blocked without unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Using embedded MIUI themes

The safest way to change the color of a font is to apply one of the predefined themes, and while they don't give you complete freedom, some themes contain alternative text palettes for icons and widgets. Here's how to do this:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the section Popular or For Me.
3. Choose a theme marked "Dark" or "AMOLED" - they often use contrasting font colors (white, blue, green).
4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

Note that the themes not only affect the color of the text, but also the icons, background and style of notifications. If you only need font changes, this method may be redundant. MIUI Some themes may be reset to standard settings.

Limitations of method

• 🔄 Not all topics change the font – many only touch wallpaper and icons.
• 🎨 No precise setting: you cannot select a specific shade (e.g, #FF5733).
• 🔒 Reset after update: MIUI Sometimes returns a standard theme when installing new versions.

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Before applying the theme, take a screenshot of your current desktop (click Volume Down + Power) to help quickly restore the location of the icons if the new theme drops them.

Method 2: Configure through Developer Mode

For advanced users, a way to activate the developer mode and manually change the system parameters is available, and this method requires caution, since incorrect actions can lead to interface failures.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Minimum width

Drawing

380 dp

Reset the device.

This method indirectly affects the color of the font, as it changes the scaling of interface elements. However, direct color change requires editing system files, which is impossible without unlocking the bootloader and root rights. On the Redmi Note 7, this can lead to loss of warranty and the risk of “bricking” the device.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Create a backup in Settings → Additional → Backup

Charge your phone at least 50%

Disable two-factor authentication in your Xiaomi account (if you plan to unlock the bootloader)

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Risks and warnings

⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable sensor operation, lags when scrolling or even overheating of the processor (Snapdragon 660 in Redmi Note 7 is sensitive to loads). → Reset.

Method 3: Installation of a third-party launcher

If the built-in methods don’t work, you can install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Action Launcher or Hyperion Launcher), which allows you to flexibly adjust the font color, icon size and even animation, the advantage of which is that there is no need for root rights and minimal risks to the system.

Instructions for setting up Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click Home and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
4. In the Colors section, select a palette for text (e.g. Dark theme with white font).
5. For fine tuning, go to Additional → Color labels and select the desired shade.

Third-party launchers consume a little more RAM (Redmi Note 7 has 3-4 GB of RAM), but this is offset by the ability to accurately customize. For example, in Nova Launcher you can set different font colors for folders and individual icons, as well as apply blur effects to the background.

Comparison of popular launchers for Redmi Note 7

Method 4: Editing System Files (for Advanced)

If you're willing to take risks, you can manually edit system theme files, which requires root rights and an unlocked bootloader, which voids the warranty, and we describe it for informational purposes only.

Steps to change the font color:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root through Magisk.
3. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and follow the path: /system/media/theme/default/
4. Find the file. colors.xml and edit the values of the parameters responsible for the text (for example, text_color_primary).
5. Save the changes, set the rights 644 and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of files in /system It can lead to bootloop. On the Redmi Note. 7 firmware MIUI 12 Xiaomi has tightened the integrity check system files – after changes, the phone can be locked with the requirement of authorization in the Mi Account.

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Without the unlocked bootloader and root rights, editing system files is impossible. Even with root, some changes can be reset once the MIUI is updated via OTA.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the color of the font on the Redmi Note 7, users face typical errors.

• 🔴 The font color does not change after the application of the theme: Check if a third-party launcher is installed over the standard. MIUI You may conflict with special features settings (go to Settings) → Special facilities → Color and movement and turn off color correction).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Settings reset: This is standard system behavior. To avoid losing settings, export the theme to Settings before updating → Topics → My themes (if available) or save the launcher configuration (in Nova Launcher this is done through Backup).
• ⚠️ Artifacts or text flickering: Reset your graphics settings in developer mode (Settings) → For developers → Reset the settings GPU). If the problem persists, return the standard launcher.

If none of these methods worked, it could be custom firmware with remote system components, in which case only flashing the device over Fastboot with an official MIUI image would help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions