How to change the font on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from MIUI to ADB

Xiaomi’s standard MIUI font isn’t popular with everyone β€” too small for some, too round for others, or just tired after years of use. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to change it, from built-in tools to customization through themes or even manual intervention in system files. But there’s a nuance: not all methods work on new versions of MIUI 14/15, and some require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the font on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β€” from the simplest (through display settings) to the advanced (through ADB We will focus on compatibility with the latest versions. MIUI And the limitations of the locked-down bootloader models, if you want to not just zoom in on the text, but completely transform the look of the system, read on.

1. Standard font change via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI options. It doesn’t require root rights or unlock the bootloader, but offers a limited choice of fonts (usually 3-5 options) and works on all devices, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T and POCO F5.

To change the font in the standard method:

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Display.
  2. Select the font size and style (on some firmware - Text and font).
  3. Slip by Font Style and select your favorite option from the list (for example, Mi Sans, Roboto or System Default).
  4. Confirm the changes – the system will restart (some devices require a restart of the Launcher).

⚠️ Limitations of method:

  • πŸ”„ Fonts are updated along with firmware - new options rarely appear.
  • πŸ“± In some models (for example, POCO X5) The choice can be reduced to 2-3 options.
  • πŸ”’ You can’t install a font from third-party sources – only system.
πŸ“Š Which typeface do you like better?
Mi Sans (standard)
Roboto (Android classic)
SF Pro (like on iPhone)
Another custom

2. Installation of fonts through MIUI Themes

If you don't have many built-in options, you can use the official MIUI Themes store, which offers hundreds of free and paid fonts, including imitations of iOS fonts, Samsung One UI, or even pixel retro fonts, which works without root, but requires an Internet connection and a Mi Account.

Installation instructions:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the Fonts section (may be in the Text or Personalization category).
  3. Select the font you like and click Apply.
  4. Wait until the system downloads and installs the package (reboot may be required).

πŸ’‘ Selection advice:

  • 🎨 For minimalism, San Francisco is suitable (similar to Apple font).
  • πŸ–₯️ Fans of computer style – Monospace or Consolas.
  • πŸ“± For better readability on small screens (Redmi) A2, POCO M6) Choose bold-serif fonts.

πŸ’‘

Before installing the font through MIUI Themes, check reviews – some users complain of β€œdowned” characters in Cyrillic or hieroglyphics.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Custom fonts can reset to standard. To avoid this, save a backup of the theme in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.

3. Manual font addition via file system (for advanced)

If you need to install your own font in.ttf or.otf format (for example, downloaded from Google Fonts or DaFont), you can do it manually through the file system, which requires root rights or access to ADB, but gives you complete freedom of choice.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the.ttf font to your device (for example, to the Download folder).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version).
  3. Open the command line on PC and execute: adb push /sdcard/Download/your_font.ttf /system/fonts/ adb shell chmod 644 /system/fonts/your_font.ttf
  4. Reset the device.

πŸ”§ Technical nuances:

  • πŸ“ The font must be compatible with Android (not all.ttfs work correctly).
  • πŸ”„ On some firmware (MIUI 14+) folder /system Protected – Magisk or modified core will be required.
  • πŸ“± After updating the system, the font may disappear - you will have to repeat the procedure.

Download the font in.ttf format|Enable debugging on USB|Install ADB PC-only|Make a backup of the current font (/system/fonts/)-->

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing files in /system This can lead to a "bootloop" before experimenting with a complete backup. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

4.Use of Magisk modules to change font

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk installed, the most reliable way to change the font is to use special modules.

  • πŸ”€ FontManager – allows you to install fonts without replacing system files.
  • 🎨 iFont – Supports more 1000 typeface MIUI 13/14.
  • πŸ“± MiuiFontChanger – optimized specifically for Xiaomi firmware.

How to install font through Magisk:

  1. Download a module (for example, FontManager) in.zip format.
  2. Open Magisk Manager and go to Modules.
  3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
  4. Reset the device.
  5. After downloading, open the module app (such as FontManager) and select a font.

βœ… Pros of the method:

  • πŸ”„ The font is not reset after the update MIUI.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ More secure than manual change /system.
  • 🎨 Support for animations and dynamic fonts (e.g. Google Sans with effects).
What to do if the module is not used?
If the font has not changed after installing the module: 1. Check if the module is active in Magisk (the tick must stand). 2. Remove the cache of the com.android.systemui application via Settings β†’ Apps. 3. Try another module (for example, iFont instead of FontManager). 4. Some firmware (MIUI 15) require you to disable MIUI Optimization in the Magisk settings.

5. Change the font through custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you use custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS), the process of changing the font is simplified. Most alternative firmware supports:

  • πŸ”§ Built-in font manager (e.g. in Havoc) OS).
  • 🎨 Installation via Substratum or LSPosed.
  • πŸ“ Manual addition of fonts to /system/product/fonts.

Example for Pixel Experience:

  1. Download the font and place it in /sdcard/Fonts.
  2. Open Settings β†’ Display β†’ Font Style β†’ Add font.
  3. Select the file and apply the changes.

πŸ“Œ Important: On custom firmware, fonts may not display correctly due to lack of localization. Check compatibility on forums before installing. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Problems and Solutions: Why the Font Has Not Changed

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and let's look at the typical problems and ways to solve them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Font is not applied after selectionCash system not clearedGo to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ System β†’ Android System and clear the cache
Symbols are displayed in squaresThe font does not support Cyrillic.Choose a font that supports Cyrillic (for example, Noto Sans)
After rebooting, the font is resetNo rights to record in /systemUse the Magisk module or change the rights through ADB:
No "Font Style" option is visible in the settingsRestriction of regional firmwareChange region to India or Global in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Region
Font applies, but lays the interfaceToo heavy font (lots of details)Choose a lighter option (e.g. Roboto Thin instead of Black)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI EU (unofficial firmware) some fonts may not work due to modified system libraries, in which case only manual file replacement through the system will help. TWRP.

πŸ’‘

If the font does not change in any way, check the integrity of system files through the Mi Flash Tool – it is possible that previous experiments have damaged the /system partition.

7. Best fonts for Xiaomi: top-5 variant

The choice of font depends on your preferences, but we have prepared a selection of proven options that look good on MIUI:

  1. Noto Sans is a universal font from Google that supports 100+ languages, including Cyrillic. Perfect for reading.
  2. SF Pro is a font from Apple that gives the interface the style of iOS. It requires manual installation.
  3. Roboto is a standard Android font, concise and readable. Available in MIUI Themes.
  4. Mi Sans – Xiaomi’s signature font, optimized for MIUI. It's easy to see AMOLED-screen.
  5. Product Sans, which is used in the Google Pixel, gives a modern look, and you need to install it through Magisk.

πŸ” Where to download?

  • 🌐 Official Google Fonts: fonts.google.com
  • 🎨 Castomy fonts for MIUI: zhuti.xiaomi.com (required) VPN for access to Russia)
  • πŸ“ Font Archives: dafont.com (check the license before using!)

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing font to Xiaomi

Can I change the font to Xiaomi without root?
Yes, there are two ways to do it without root: through standard settings (Settings β†’ Display β†’ Style) through MIUI Themes. However, the choice of fonts will be limited. You will need root or ADB to install custom.ttf files.
Why did the font drop after the MIUI update?
When you upgrade your system, the files in /system/fonts are replaced with the standard ones. To avoid this: Use Magisk modules (they are saved after updates); Create a font backup using TWRP before upgrading; Install fonts using MIUI Themes, they are attached to your Mi Account.
How do you get back the standard font if something goes wrong?
Methods of rollback: For fonts from MIUI Themes: Open the Themes app and select Default Style. For manual changes, remove the added font from the /system/fonts through ADB: adb shell rm /system/fonts/your_font.ttf If the system does not boot, reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata ⚠️ This will remove all data from the device!
Does this work for POCO and Redmi?
Yes, all of the methods described are applicable to POCO and Redmi devices, as they run on MIUI. Exceptions: POCO Launcher can reset fonts after updating - re-configuration is required. On Redmi with MIUI for POCO firmware, font selection in settings may be limited.
Can you change the font only for specific applications?
Yes, but it will require: Install LSPosed and PerAppFonts. Or use Substratum with overlay support (requires Android 10+). WhatsApp example: Download the font and place it in /sdcard/PerAppFonts. In the module settings, select WhatsApp and specify the path to the font. Re-launch the application.