How to change the font on the Xiaomi smartphone: from standard themes to custom solutions

The problem with the font on Xiaomi: when the standard settings are not satisfied

Are you tired of the small system font on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or want to add the personality of the POCO X5 Pro?Changing the font on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular customizations among MIUI and HyperOS users. The manufacturer offers a limited selection of typography out of the box, but there are legal and non-obvious ways to expand this functionality.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing the font – from official themes to manual implementation through ADB. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for new devices on HyperOS (2026), where the logic of working with typography has changed, you will learn how to avoid typical errors when installing custom fonts and what restrictions the manufacturer imposes on different models.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. If you're a beginner, start with the official themes -- this is the easiest way to do this without risking the system. MTZ-Packages and modifications of system files.

Method 1: Official MIUI/HyperOS themes are the easiest option

The manufacturer has provided a basic font change capability through the built-in Themes app, which works on all Xiaomi devices without having to get root rights or use a computer.

Open the “Themes” app (icon with a brush on your desktop)
Go to the Fonts section in the lower menu
Scroll through the list of available options (usually 5-7 fonts)
Click on the sample you like, then select Apply

Among the standard options you will find:

📱 Mi Sans – Xiaomi’s signature font (recommended for high-end screens) PPI)
📱 Roboto is a classic font from Google (readable on any size)
📱 SF Pro – Apple’s version (popular among users who switched from iPhone)
📱 Noto Sans is a universal font with support for 100+ language

📊 What typeface is used on your Xiaomi?

Standard Mi Sans

Roboto

SF Pro

The other official

Castomy

Note that after upgrading to HyperOS (2026), the list of available fonts may differ. Some older variants (such as Mi Lanting) have been removed from the official directory. AMOLED-Matrix (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) can display them differently than on the IPS-panels (Redmi) 10C).

⚠️ Note: Use of fonts from third-party sources (not from the official store) MIUI) It can cause problems with the SwiftKey keyboard and some banking applications.

Method 2: Installation of fonts through MTZ-packets (without root)

For those who don’t have the standard options, there is a semi-official method of installing fonts through.mtz files, which contain not only fonts but also other design elements, but when set up properly, you can download only typography.

Installation instructions:

Download. MTZ-File from a verified source (recommended) [miuithemes.com](https://miuithemes.com))

Backup your current theme in Settings → Themes → My themes

Make sure that there is enough free space on the phone (minimum 200 MB)

Turn it off. VPN (Some Xiaomi servers block the download of themes when active VPN)-->

1. Move the downloaded file to /MIUI/theme/ folder


2. Open the "Subjects" app → "My topics"




3. Find the downloaded MTZ-file and click on it




4. In the preview window, select "Apply font only"




5. Confirm the changes and restart the device

Popular sources MTZ-typeface:

Resource	Features	Risks.
MIUI Themes	The largest database of themes, there is a section with fonts	Some files may contain advertisements
Telegram channels	Relevant assemblies, often laid out exclusive	High risk of viruses in archives
XDA Developers	Technical support from the community	It is difficult to find the current files for new models

What to do if MTZ-file is not installed?

If you see an error when you try to install, “I failed to apply the theme” try it: 1. Rename the file, removing special characters and spaces from the name 2. Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS — Some fonts only work on specific versions. 3. Set the theme completely and then manually disable all elements except font in the theme settings 4. Use an alternative method through the "FontApp" application (see the next section)

Method 3: Applications for changing fonts (without root rights)

If you don't want to mess with MTZ-These programs offer a user-friendly interface for previewing and installing fonts, although the functionality may be limited by the latest security updates. MIUI.

Top.-3 tested applications:

📱 FontApp supports more support 1000 It's a preview function on the wallpaper. MIUI 12-14 HyperOS, but requires permission to access system settings.
📱 iFont – allows you to install fonts from the built-in library or download your own TTF/OTF Has the function of backing up the current font.
📱 ZFont 3 is a typeface specialization in Asian fonts, but there are also European fonts, and it supports smooth font change without rebooting.

Instructions for iFont (the most universal solution):

Install the app from Google Play
Select the "Online" section to view the available fonts
Click on your favorite option and select "Set"
Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need permission to change system settings)
Restart the device to apply changes

💡

If after installing the font through iFont, some system applications (such as Contacts or Messages) display text incorrectly, try clearing their cache in the application settings.This often solves the problem without the need to roll back the font.

Important: Font change apps may conflict with Dark Mode and MIUI Reading. If these modes start to work incorrectly after changing the font, return the standard font or update the application to the latest version.

Method 4: Manually modifying font through ADB (for advanced)

For users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a method of changing the font through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to install any.ttf or.otf files without the need for root rights, but requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of working with the terminal.

Conditions required:

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools
📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode)
📁 Font in.ttf or.otf format (we recommend using files no larger than 5 MB)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode)


2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB




3. Enter the commands in order:





Adb devices (Connection Check)




adb shell




su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/Download/yourfont.ttf /system/fonts/




chmod 644 /system/fonts/yourfont.ttf




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot





4. After rebooting, select a new font in the theme settings

💡

In the case of ADB-Never replace system fonts (Roboto-Regular.ttf, NotoSansCJK.ttf, etc.) – this can lead to system failure.

For HyperOS (2026), the path to the font folder has changed: /system/product/fonts/ instead of the standard /system/fonts/.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, make a full backup through the adb backup before you start manipulating. On devices with a locked bootloader (most official firmware Xiaomi) recovery is possible only through the official service.

Method 5: Change the font via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

For enthusiasts with an unlocked bootloader and custom recovery TWRP installed, the most flexible method of changing fonts is available, which allows you to install any typeface, including modified versions of the system, but requires technical training.

Advantages of the method:

🔧 Fully replace system fonts (including fallbacks)
📦 Install font packages with support for multiple languages at the same time
🔄 Easy rollback to standard fonts through backup

Instructions:

Download. ZIP-file-type TWRP (for example, XDA)
Reset the phone to recovery mode (clip Power + Volume up)
V TWRP Choose Install and point the way to ZIP-file
Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.
Clear the Dalvik/ART cache and restart the device

Popular TWRP-fonts for Xiaomi:

Package name	Features	Compatibility
Google Sans Pack	Fonts from Android 12+, optimized OLED-screen	MIUI 13+, HyperOS
OnePlus Slate	Clean minimalist font with good readability	All versions of MIUI
SamsungOne UI	Port of fonts from galaxy devices, supports Cyrillic	Requires MIUI 14+

Important: Installing fonts via TWRP resets the display settings in some applications (for example, Google Chrome may be confused with text scale). Once installed, it is recommended to manually check the font settings in:

Settings → Screen → Text Size
Settings → Special features → font size
Settings of individual applications (Telegram, VK, Chrome)

Solving problems after changing the font

Even when installed correctly, new fonts can cause a variety of system glitches, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: Hieroglyphs instead of Cyrillic

🔹 Reason: Installed font does not support Cyrillic alphabet or file is damaged fallback_fonts.xml

🔹 Solution: Install a font with full Unicode support (we recommend Noto Sans or Roboto) or add a DroidSansFallback.ttf file to your font folder

Problem 2: Slow scrolling in menus and lags

🔹 Reason: Too heavy font (file size) >10 MB) or conflict with animations MIUI

🔹 Solution: Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Window animation = Off.)

Problem 3: Font gets lost after system update

🔹 Reason: Updates MIUI/HyperOS Often overwrites user fonts

🔹 Solution: Create a task in the MacroDroid app to automatically re-apply the font after the update

How to return the standard font if the system does not load?

If after changing the font the phone only boots to the MIUI logo: 1. Go to fastboot (press Power + Volume down) 2. Connect to the PC and follow the command: fastboot erase cache 3. If it doesn't help, run the standard font through TWRP or Mi Flash (backup required) 4. In extreme cases, reset via fastboot -w (remove all data!)

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing font to Xiaomi

Can I change the font to Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, there are three ways without PC: through the official "Themes" app (limited selection) MTZ-Files (requires download to phone and use via "Themes") Through applications like iFont or FontApp (the easiest option) For devices on HyperOS (2026), we recommend first try official themes, as third-party solutions can work unstablely.

Why do some apps display text incorrectly after changing the font?

This is because: The App uses its own font (e.g. Instagram or Facebook) The installed font does not support special characters (emoji, mathematical characters) Conflict with the "Dark Mode" or "Read" settings Solution: clear the problem app's cache or return the standard font for system applications through the theme settings.

How to make a font bolder on Xiaomi without replacing it?

There are several ways: In screen settings (Settings → Screen → Text Contrast) move the slider to the right Include the “Improved Readability” mode in special features Set theme with a bold version of the standard font (for example, Mi Sans Bold) Use the Font Scale application to increase the font weight programmatically On HyperOS, these settings may be in another section: Settings → Personalization → Text.

Does this work on POCO and Black Shark?

All of the methods described apply to: 📱 All devices. POCO (F-series, X-series, M-series) 📱 Black Shark smartphones (based game models) MIUI) 📱 Xiaomi Pad tablets (but you may need to adapt fonts for the big screen) Exception: on Black Shark 5 Pro with a branded shell JoyUI may not work installation through the MTZ-In this case, use the files. ADB or TWRP.

How to save your font after resetting settings?

To avoid losing custom font: Back up your font file (.ttf or.otf) in cloud storage Save theme settings via Settings → Themes → Export tomes Use the Swift Backup app (requires root) to create a backup folder /system/fonts/ Write down the sequence of installation actions (e.g. ADB commands) After reset, first restore the font backup, then apply the saved theme.