How to Include a Dark Theme on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Use a MIUI 12-15

Dark mode on Xiaomi smartphones not only reduces the load on the eyes in the evening, but also saves battery power on devices with a high-powered smartphone. AMOLED-However, many users have difficulty configuring it: somewhere the option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and somewhere additional activation is required for specific applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to include a dark theme on any Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

It is important to understand that MIUI is regularly updated, and the location of settings may vary depending on the firmware version. We have taken into account all the current changes up to MIUI 15 (2026) and prepared universal instructions. If your smartphone is running on an older version, use alternative methods from the last sections of the article.

1. Standard method: through system settings

This is the simplest and most obvious method that works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 11 and later. Instructions are suitable for models Redmi Note 12/13, Poco X5/F5, Xiaomi 13T and other modern devices.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and follow the following steps:

• 📱 Go to the Screen section (or additionally) → Screen on some models)
• 🌓 Find the Dark Subject item (in) MIUI 14/15 This may be called the Dark Screen Mode)

On some devices (e.g. Poco F4), the option may be in Settings → Display → Screen Style. If you don’t see Dark Theme, upgrade to the latest version or use alternative methods in the following sections.

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On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later, the dark theme automatically applies to all system applications, including Settings, Phone and Messages.

2. Quick activation through the notification panel

If you need to switch between light and dark theme quickly, add the appropriate button to the notification curtain.This works on all devices with MIUI 13+:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar
2. Swipe down again to open the full panel.
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (or ➕ Add)
4. Find Dark Theme (or Night Mode) in the list and drag it to the active area.
5. Save the changes.

Now you can turn on/off the dark mode with a single touch, and note that on some models (Redmi 10C, Poco M5), this option may be called Night Mode or Read Mode — not to be confused with the vision protection feature!

Make sure you have the latest version. MIUI|Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)|Close all background applications|Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates (if required)-->

3. Set up a dark theme for individual applications

Many apps (e.g. Google Chrome, Telegram, YouTube) have their own dark mode settings that are independent of the system settings.

An important detail: some apps (such as Instagram) automatically adapt to the Xiaomi system theme, and they do not have a separate setting. If the application does not support dark mode, try updating it through Google Play or installing an alternative client (for example, Instagram Lite often has advanced settings).

Only light |Only dark |Automatic switch |Depends on the time of day-->

Activation through Developer Mode (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, on custom firmware or after resetting), you can turn on the dark theme through developer mode.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified that you are a developer)
3. Return to the main settings menu and open More →

Now do this:

1. Find the option "Forced to turn on dark theme" (or "Override force-dark")


2. Activate it.




3. Reset the device

⚠️ Warning: This method may cause some applications to display incorrectly, and if you see interface artifacts after activation, return the setting to its original state.

5.Use of MIUI design themes

Xiaomi offers its own system to those with hundreds of dark design options, a method that is suitable for users who want not just a dark background, but a full-fledged stylistic solution:

Instructions:

• 🎨 Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen)
• 🔍 In the search box, type "dark" or "dark"
• 🖼️ Choose your favorite theme and click Apply
• 🔄 If necessary, customize individual elements (badges, fonts, animations)

Please note that some themes require subscriptions (from 190 rubles per month), free options usually have limited functionality, and note that after applying the theme, the appearance of system applications and animations can change.

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Topics from the official store MIUI They are tested for compatibility, so they are safer than third-party APK-dark-themed files.

6. Solving the Dark Theme Problem

If the dark theme doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work properly, use this troubleshooting instruction:

If none of the methods worked, check the device for viruses (use MIUI Security) or reset to factory settings. Before resetting, remember to back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup.

⚠️ Note: on devices with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, the dark theme may not work stable, in which case it is recommended to install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark topic on Xiaomi