Dark theme on Xiaomi: how to turn on any smartphone in 30 seconds

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-Despite the apparent simplicity of the feature, many users have difficulty configuring it, especially on newer versions of the shell. MIUI 14, where the menu interface has changed. This article will help you understand how to activate a dark theme on any Xiaomi, Redmi device, POCO Black Shark, including hidden system features and solutions to typical problems.

We will look at not only the standard way to enable through settings, but also alternative methods: automatic switching on a schedule, forced use of a dark theme for all applications (including those that do not support it), as well as the nuances of the function on different versions. MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to models with hybrid display mode, where the dark theme works selectively – for example, only in the system menus or only in supported applications.

If you recently upgraded your smartphone and found that your dark mode switch is gone or not working properly, don’t rush to reset. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by changing one setting in the Developer Settings or updating Google Play services, all of which we will discuss below with step-by-step screenshots and explanations.

1. Standard method: Enable via MIUI settings

The most obvious method of activating a dark theme is to use a built-in switch in the Settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi devices with a shell. MIUI 11 and newer, including the latest versions MIUI 14 Android-based 13/14. Here's how to do it:

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu). Scroll down to the Screen section and tap it. At the top of the screen, you'll see Screen Style with two options: Light and Dark. Select Dark, and the changes will apply instantly to all system menus and support apps.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), this section may be called “Decoration” or “Themes.” If you don’t find Screen Style, try searching at the top of the Settings menu – type in “dark theme” or “dark mode.”

• 📱 For MIUI 14: The path may look like settings → Registration → Screen style. There's also an accent color setting available.
• 🔄 Quick switch: Add Dark Mode tile to the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) → pencil → Find the dark theme tile).
• ⚙️ For POCO: On smartphones. POCO F5 or POCO X5 The path may be different: Settings → Display. → Dark mode.

If after turning on a dark topic, some apps (for example, Instagram or Instagram) VK) It's okay. Many programs have their own theme settings that don't depend on the system settings.

2. Automatic switching on schedule

The function of automatically turning on dark theme by time or depending on the level of illumination is available on all Xiaomi devices with a different light. MIUI 12 and newer. This is convenient if you want your smartphone to go dark in the evening and return to light in the afternoon:

Go to Settings. → Screen. → Screen style (or design) → Dark theme on new versions. Tapping on Schedule or Auto Switch. There are three options available:

1. Turned off – the dark theme works only when manually turned on.
2. By time – specify the hours of on/off (for example, from 21:00 to 7:00).
3. At sunset/dawn, the mode will synchronize with the sunrise and sunset times in your area (geolocation access is required).

On devices with MIUI 14, an option called Adaptive Mode, which analyzes the light level through the ambient light sensor and automatically adjusts the theme, is added, but this feature may not work smoothly on budget models (e.g. Redmi). 10A), where the light sensor is less accurate.

⚠️ Warning: If the dark theme doesn't automatically turn on after setting the schedule, check if the power saving mode is turned off. MIUI block background processes, including automatic theme switching, when the battery Ultra Mode is activated.

3. Forced inclusion of dark theme for all applications

Many applications (e.g. Tinkoff Bank, Yandex.Maps or 2GIS) ignore system settings and remain light even when a dark theme is activated, and this problem can be solved using the hidden function “Forced use of dark theme”, which is available in the developer’s Settings menu.

First, you need to activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, and the notification will appear "You became a developer!".
3. Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section → Developer settings.

Now, in the developer menu, find the option "Forced Dark Theme" (or "Override Force-Dark" in English firmware). Turn it on - after the device is restarted, all applications, even those that do not officially support dark theme, will appear in dark colors. Note that this method can lead to visual glitches in some programs (for example, white text on a light background).

Backup of important data|Check the version. MIUI (must be at least 12 years old)|Close all background applications|Be prepared for possible display bugs-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ Override force-dark may conflict with some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or VTB Online). If you cannot log in after activation, turn off the forced dark theme and use the built-in app settings.

An alternative way is to use apps like Dark Mode Fix or Night Mode Enabler from Google Play, which work on the same principle, but allow you to flexibly configure exceptions for individual programs, but they will require root rights or activation. ADB-Teams that are not safe for beginners.

4. Dark theme on specific Xiaomi models

Despite the general logic of the work MIUI, Some Xiaomi devices have the nuances of enabling a dark theme. Let's look at the features for popular series:

Redmi Note smartphones (10/11/12 series):

On these devices, the dark theme may not work smoothly due to performance optimization. If you notice slowdowns after you turn on, try turning off animations in the developer settings. → Window animation scale (Off) Also on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and younger may not have adaptive mode.

Devices POCO (F3/F4/F5, X3/X4/X5):

On smartphones. POCO The dark theme is often associated with the corporate shell POCO Launcher.If after the upgrade the switch disappeared - try to update the launcher through Google Play or reinstall it. POCO F5 Pro is available with the Super Dark Mode option, which darkens even system notifications.

Xiaomi 12/13/14 flagships:

On top models, the dark theme is integrated with Eye Comfort if you activate Read Mode in Settings. → The screen, it can conflict with the dark theme, causing the screen to flicker. So, turn off Adaptive backlight in the same menu.

Black Shark gaming smartphones:

On Black Shark devices 5/6 The dark theme is managed through Shark Space, a proprietary app. Go to Shark Space. → Settings → Themes and select Dark. You can also set up a separate theme for game mode.

5. Solving the Dark Theme Problem

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

Problem 1: The dark theme switch is missing from the settings.

• 🔍 Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone, if it's lower. MIUI 11 - Update firmware.
• 📲 Install or update the Themes app via Google Play.
• 🔄 Reset the design settings: Settings → Registration → Additionally. → Resetting settings.

Problem 2: The dark theme turns on, but then it resets in a few minutes.

• 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode for the Topic app (see spoiler above).
• ⏰ Check your schedule settings – it may be automatic shutdown installed.
• 🛠️ Clear the app cache Topics: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache.

Problem 3: Some apps (like Telegram or WhatsApp) don't use the dark theme.

• ⚙️ Check the theme settings inside the app itself (usually in the Settings section). → Registration).
• 🔄 Reinstall the app – sometimes resetting its settings helps.
• 📱 Use Forced Dark Theme (see Section 3), but be prepared for visual bugs.

💡

After the update MIUI dark theme has become worse (for example, artifacts appeared on the menu), try to temporarily roll back to the previous version of the theme. APK-File old version of the application Topics from the site APKMirror and install it manually (pre-disable automatic update in Google Play).

6. Additional settings: accent colors and transparency

V MIUI 14 Dark Theme is now more customizable. Users can now customize:

• 🎨 Accent color - changes the shade of the selected elements (blue, green, purple, etc.).
• 🌌 Transparency Level – regulates the degree of background element blur (available on Android 12 devices)+).
• 📱 Icon Style – Choice between round, square or adaptive icons.

To access these options:

1. Go to Settings. → Registration → Additional settings.
2. Choose Color or Personalization.
3. Experiment with combinations to make the best look possible, for example, a dark theme with a green accent and maximum transparency looks particularly stylish on the surface. AMOLED-screen.

On devices with MIUI 13 and older, Super Wallpapers are also available, which adapt to a dark theme:

1. Download the official super wallpaper from the Themes app (Wallpaper section).
2. Apply wallpaper and turn on a dark theme - the background will automatically adjust.

⚠️ Warning: Transparency settings can increase the CPU load on budget devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M4 If you notice increased battery consumption, return the parameter to the default value.

7. Dark theme in Xiaomi's proprietary apps

Xiaomi has integrated dark mode support into all its services, but some of them need to include it separately.

Mi Home (Smart Home):

1. Open the application and go to Profile → Settings.
2. Select Dark Theme or How to System (to sync with settings) MIUI).

Mi Fit/Zepp Life (Fitness Trackers)

1. Go to Profile. → Settings → Registration.
2. Activate Dark Mode. You can also set up the graphs here (the dark background improves the readability of tracker data).

Mi Browser (Browser):

1. Open your browser, tap three dots at the bottom. → Settings.
2. Go to the Registration. → Dark subject.
3. Additionally, you can enable Dark Mode for web pages (an experimental function, does not work on all sites).

Gallery and Chamber:

In these applications, the dark theme is activated automatically when the system mode is turned on, but in the Gallery you can further configure the display of albums:

• 🖼️ Go to Gallery Settings → Registration.
• 🌓 Choose Dark or Adaptive (changes depending on the lighting).

💡

Xiaomi’s proprietary apps (Mi Home, Mi Fit, Mi Browser) can ignore the system settings of a dark theme. Always check their individual settings in the Settings menu. → Registration.

8.Alternative methods: third-party launchers and themes

If built-in capabilities MIUI You don't like it, you can use third-party solutions to make it more flexible to customize the dark theme:

1. Launchers with support for dark mode:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher allows you to set up a dark theme for icons, folders and search bar. Select Appearance in the settings → Dark subject.
• 🎯 Lawnchair – open source launcher, supports adaptive dark theme based on the time of day.
• 🔄 POCO Launcher – even if you don’t have a smartphone POCO, This launcher can be installed on any Xiaomi device for additional themes.

2.Themes from Mi Theme Store:

The Themes app has hundreds of custom themes with dark designs to find.

1. Open the topics and go to the Dark or Dark section. AMOLED.
2. Choose a theme you like and apply it. Pay attention to the ratings and reviews — some topics may contain ads.

3. Applications for forced dimming:

• 🌑 Dark Mode for All Apps – uses a dark filter overlay on top of all applications (does not require root).
• 🔮 Night Mode Enabler – activates hidden dark theme functions ADB (power-user).

⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party themes from unverified sources can lead to ads in system menus or even data leakage. download themes only from the official Mi Theme Store or proven resources like XDA Developers.

If you decide to use ADB-commands to force the inclusion of a dark topic, here is the basic instruction:

adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 2

This command activates the system-level dark mode. To return the bright theme, replace 2 with 1. ADB You'll need to turn on the debugging USB in Developer Settings.

Remember that not all third-party solutions are compatible with the latest versions. MIUI 14.Before installing, check the date of the last update of the app or theme.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark topic on Xiaomi