How to remove a dark theme on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

The dark theme on Xiaomi smartphones has become a standard feature since MIUI 10, but not everyone likes it.Some prefer the classic light interface because of better readability in daylight, some face display bugs in apps, and some just get tired of the constant contrast. If you are looking for a way to get back to the familiar look of the system, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

The process of disabling dark mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO depends on the version of the MIUI shell and the device model. In the new versions (MIUI 13/14), the algorithm has changed, and on older smartphones, additional manipulation may be necessary. We will consider all current methods, from standard settings to hidden capabilities for power users.

Before you start, consider that some apps (like Google Chrome or YouTube) have their own theme settings that are independent of the system.

If the dark theme is still displayed in dark colors after the dark theme is turned off, the problem may be in the settings of a particular application or in energy saving mode, in which case a full reset of the themes or manually configuring each software will help.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

The easiest method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices is to use the built-in system settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic is maintained.

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on your desktop) and follow the following steps:

• 📱 Go to the Screen section (or the Display on some models)
• 🌓 Find the Dark Subject item (in) MIUI 14 It may be called Dark Theme Mode)
• 🔘 Translate the slider to the off position. or select the Light option
• 🔄 Wait. 5-10 Seconds: The system will automatically change the system.

On some devices (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11), this item may be in the submenu of Style and Wallpaper → Dark Theme. If you do not find it right away, use the search bar in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

If after these actions, some elements remain dark, check the settings of individual applications. For example, in the Google Play Store, the dark theme is managed separately: Settings → Theme → Light.

2. Disconnect through the Quick Settings Panel

A quick way to switch a theme without diving deep into the menu is to use a notification curtain, which is especially handy if you need to switch between modes frequently.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.

• 🔽 Fully open the curtain (swipe down again)
• 👁️ Find the Dark Theme icon (usually a crescent or sun/moon)
• 🔘 Slip it once, the topic will change immediately.
• 🔒 If there is no icon, click Edit (pencil) and add it manually.

On some firmware, this switch may not be available by default, in which case it can be added through editing the Quick Settings Panel or using another method from this article.

Note that if you have custom firmware installed (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the appearance and location of the icon may differ, in which case it is better to use the first method through the basic settings.

3. Set up a dark theme schedule

Many users don’t even realize that a dark theme can be turned on automatically on a schedule, so if you manually disabled it but it reappears at a certain time, check these settings.

Go to Settings → Screen → Dark Theme → Schedule. Here you will see three options:

• 🌅 Theme does not change automatically.
• 🌇 From sunset to dawn – switching by time of day
• ⏰ Schedule – manually adjusting time intervals

Select Off to completely cancel automatic switching. If this option is missing, your version of MIUI does not support schedule, and the dark theme is manually enabled only.

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) have an option called Responsive Theme, which adapts to lighting, and it’s worth turning off if you want to use the light interface all the time.

4. Resetting themes to factory settings

If standard methods don't work, maybe the theme settings have failed in the system, and then resetting to factory design parameters will help.

Follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Wallpaper and Style (or Themes on older versions)
2. Choose My Themes or Theme Management
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset.
4. Confirm the action – the system will return the standard light theme

This method is also useful if you've previously installed custom themes from the Mi Theme Store that could change system colors.

Important: Resetting themes doesn’t affect user data, but it can return standard wallpaper and icons. If you want to save your wallpaper, back it up in advance.

5. Disabling dark theme for individual applications

Some apps (especially Google) ignore system settings and use their own theme settings.

Google Chrome:

• Open your browser and tap on three points → Settings
• Select Topics → Light or Systemic
• Restart the application

YouTube:

• Go to profile → Settings → General
• Select a dark topic → Disconnected

Google Play Store:

• Select the Avatar → Settings → Theme
• Choose the Light.

For other applications, the algorithm is similar: the theme settings are usually found in the main menu of the program settings. If you do not find it, check if the theme is linked to the account (for example, in Telegram, the theme is synced through the cloud).

One important detail: some apps (like Mi Browser) may reset the theme after the update, so you’ll have to reconfigure them.

6.Problems and solutions

If the dark topic doesn't turn off or returns on its own, the reasons can be different.

Special attention should be paid to the power saving mode. On some devices (for example, Redmi 9A), the dark theme is forcedly turned on when the energy saving is activated.

• Go to Settings → Battery and Performance
• Select Power Saving Mode
• Turn off the option Dark theme in energy saving mode

If neither method worked, there are two radical solutions: resetting the device to factory settings (with data loss) or manually editing system files via ADB. The latter method requires technical knowledge and can lead to a loss of warranty.

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Before resetting, back up your important data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, messages and photos.

7. Alternative methods for experienced users

If the standard methods don't work, you can try more advanced solutions, which require caution and are only suitable for users with Android experience.

Method 1: ADB-team

This will require a computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB Connect the device and execute the command:

adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 1

Then reboot your phone. To return a dark theme, use the same command with option 2 instead of 1.

Method 2: Editing the build.prop file

This method requires root rights and can disrupt the system. In /system/build.prop, find the line:

ro.vendor.display.dark_theme_enable

Change the value to 0, save the file and restart the device.

Method 3: Installation of custom firmware

Some custom firmware (like Havoc-OS or CrDroid) offer more flexible theme settings. note that this will lead to loss of warranty and potential security issues.

We warn that inexperienced users should avoid these methods, and incorrect actions can lead to a "brick" of the device (completely inoperable).

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Before using ADB or editing system files, make sure that your device has a bootloader unlocked. On new Xiaomi models, this requires official permission through the Mi Unlock Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions

If your question is not covered in this section, check the official Xiaomi documentation for your device model or contact support via the Mi Community app. Specify the exact smartphone model and MIUI version - this will help you get a more accurate answer.

Remember, the interface settings may vary even on devices in the same line due to different firmware regions. If you use the global (Global), Chinese (China) or European (EEA) version of MIUI, some menu items may be called differently or in other sections.

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To find out the exact version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This information will come in handy when looking for solutions for a particular firmware.