Xiaomi’s current smartphones have enormous personalization potential that goes far beyond the standard factory shell. Many users are unaware that their device can look completely different without super-user rights or complex reflashing. MIUI shells and the new HyperOS provide built-in tools to change the visual style of the interface beyond recognition in minutes. Proper design not only delights the eye, but also enhances the ergonomics of using the gadget in everyday life.
In this article, we will explore all the ways you can transform the look of your device, learn how to properly select and set theme design, customize live wallpaper, change system fonts and create unique widget compositions, and pay attention to detail will turn a standard interface into a work of digital art that fully reflects your personal style and preferences.
Installation and configuration of themes through the Themes app
The main tool for changing the appearance of a smartphone is the regular Themes app. This is where thousands of design decisions created by both officially and the enthusiast community are concentrated. To get started, you need to launch the application and use the search bar or recommendations on the home screen. Algorithms will pick up options based on your previous settings, but it is better to search manually for keywords.
When choosing a style, pay attention not only to the preview, but also to the list of modifiable items. Some themes only change the icons, others completely redraw the settings menu, the notification curtain and the lock screen. After downloading and applying the theme, the system may require a reboot of the interface or the device itself to correctly display all graphic elements.
- 🎨 Full customization: Replacing icons, wallpaper, system sounds and fonts in one click.
- 🔒 Lock screen: Installing complex animations and touch-responsive clocks.
- ⚙️ System menus: Change the color of sliders, switches and background settings.
- 📱 Adaptability: Automatic fitting of elements under the camera cutout and screen shape.
It's important to note that some themes may be paid or require a certain level of content in the app store. However, free options with high-quality graphics are also abundant. If after installing you notice that some of the icons of third-party apps look incorrect, use the themes mixing feature or create your own based on your favorite.
Desktop: widgets, grid and space organization
Desktop organization is the foundation of a user-friendly smartphone. HyperOS and the latest versions of MIUI have the ability to flexibly customize the desktop grid. The standard version often offers 4x6 or 5x6, but to create a "beautiful" minimalist look, it is better to reduce the number of icons and use free space for large widgets.
To enter editing mode, pinch your two fingers on the screen or hold your finger on an empty area for a long time. You can change the size of the grid, which automatically scales all the icons. Larger elements look more modern and readable. You don't have to clutter the first screen with dozens of apps; leave only the essentials there, and put the rest in folders or in the menu of all the applications.
☑️ The ideal desktop plan
Special attention should be paid to widgets. Modern shells allow you to place widgets of different sizes, creating complex compositions. For example, you can combine a widget of weather, calendar and notes into a single visual unit. It is important to observe color harmony: if the theme is dark, the widgets should be translucent or black, so as not to cut the eye contrast.
- 🕰 Clock and Date: Choose large dials that serve as the centerpiece of the composition.
- 📸 Photo widgets: A dynamic gallery that changes pictures every few hours.
- 🎵 Music Players: Stylish miniatures with album covers in high resolution.
- 📊 Utilities: Battery, pedometer and memory widgets with graphical indicators.
⚠️ Note: Installing a large number of active widgets (especially those that are updated in real time, like news or weather) can significantly increase battery consumption and reduce device performance.
Always-On Display: Style in the off state
Always-On Display (AOD) technology allows you to display information on a screen that is turned off without consuming much energy thanks to the features of AMOLED-matrixes. In Xiaomi smartphones, this functionality is implemented very deeply. You can choose a static image, a digital watch, an analog dial or even a short animation that will be played when you lift the phone.
To set up, go to Settings → Wallpaper and Personalization → Lock screen. There is an AOD style store available where you can download new options. The unique option is to create your own style. You can upload your photo, select a time font, add a signature and adjust your time (constantly, 10 seconds after touching or on a schedule).
How does AOD affect the battery?
Creative approach AOD It allows you to make your smartphone recognizable even in your pocket or on your desk with a screen down (if you use transparent cases with a visible screen). AOD-Designs for mood or season, changing them as often as clothes.
Personalization of fonts and system sounds
The details decide everything. The standard font may not match the style of the theme you choose. Themes has a separate font section. Handwritten, Gothic, minimalist chopped fonts are a huge choice. When you install a new font, text throughout the system, including messages and the browser, changes instantly.
Don't forget the sound. The notifications, the ringing, the keyboard, create the atmosphere. You can create your own ringtone from your favorite song and assign it to your specific contacts. Visual and sound harmony make interaction with your gadget more enjoyable and expensive.
For advanced users, you can set the vibration. In the section Sounds and vibrations → Vibration, you can choose the response pattern of the tactile engine when you touch it. It's a trifle, but it affects the overall perception of the quality of the device.
| Element | Where to find out. | Influence on style |
|---|---|---|
| Font system | Shop Tham → Fonts | High (full text) |
| The sound of lockdown | Settings → Sounds | Average (audience) |
| Keyboard vibration | Settings → Sounds | Low (tactics) |
| Application icons | The Tham Store → Icons | High (visual) |
Creating a unique style with icons and launchers
If standard themes aren't enough, you can go ahead and replace the icons of individual applications manually. In desktop editing mode, click on the icon and select "Replace." The system will suggest you select an image from the gallery or download a new icon from the store, which allows you to create a completely unique set that no one else has.
For those who don’t have the capability of a standard shell, there are third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Niagara Launcher, etc.) that allow you to change the animations of the fold, gestures, docking behavior, and more. However, it’s worth remembering that third-party launchers can consume more resources and do not always integrate perfectly with the system functions of Xiaomi.
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When replacing icons manually try to select images in a single color scheme (for example, all in pastel colors or all neon) so that the desktop does not look like a chaotic set of heterogeneous elements.
Using folders is another way to clean up your folders, and you can not only rename them, but also change their background color and shape, and place folders with games, social networks and utilities at the bottom of the screen for easy thumb access.
Additional Interface Settings for HyperOS and MIUI
Recent firmware versions have added additional personalization features, such as a time capsule (analogue to Dynamic Island) on some models that beautifully displays timers and playback statuses, and deep control center tuning is also available: you can change the transparency of the background, the size of the sliders of brightness and sound.
Don't ignore the special features settings, where you can resize your cursor, enable color correction for people with color blindness, or invert colors, and these features can be used to create unusual visual effects, such as reading text at night in in inversion.
⚠️ Warning: Installing themes and fonts from unverified third-party sources (not through the official Theme Store) can lead to unstable system operation, the appearance of "broken" pixels in the interface or even a cyclic reboot.
Experiment with combinations. Try combining the dark theme of the system with bright neon widgets, or, conversely, light minimalism with black and white icons. Personalization is a creative process that has no hard rules.