The dark mode on Xiaomi smartphones has become an integral part of the MIUI brand shell, offering users a comfortable use of the device in low light conditions. However, not everyone likes the black interface: someone prefers a classic light design, someone prefers a dark theme interferes with the perception of text, and some users have problems with displaying content in individual applications. If you are among those who want to return the usual light interface, this article is for you.
Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process of turning off dark mode may be slightly different. We will look at all the current methods, including hidden settings that the manufacturer does not always advertise.
Before you start settings, make sure your device has the latest firmware installed. In older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), the settings interface may be radically different, and some features (for example, flexible dark theme management for individual applications) may not be available at all.
1. The main method: through the MIUI settings menu
The most obvious and universal method of turning off dark mode is using the standard settings menu, which works on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with a MIUI 12-15 shell.
Open the Settings app (the gear icon on your desktop or in the app menu). Go to the Screen section. Depending on the phone model, this item may be called Display or Makeup. Scroll down to the Style block and you'll find the Dark Mode switch.
To completely disable the dark theme, move the slider to the position Off. Changes are applied instantly - the system interface, standard applications (Messages, Contacts, Camera) and supporting third-party programs (WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Chrome) will return to light design.
Is the screen settings open?
The "Dark Mode" switch in the "Off" position?
Is the phone reset to apply the changes?
Checked for the mapping in 2-3 annexes?-->
β οΈ Warning: Some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro) may still have a black background in the Quick Settings menu after dark mode is turned off. MIUI or resetting themes to standard.
2. Quick shutdown via notification panel
If you don't want to dig into the settings, you can use the notification bar, which is the fastest way to switch themes. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain. In some versions of MIUI, the dark mode shortcut is displayed immediately, in others it needs to be added manually.
If the Dark Mode buttons are not in the main switches, click on the pencil icon (or Edit) in the lower right corner of the panel.In the list of available shortcuts, find Dark Theme and drag it to the active area.Now you can turn on and off the dark mode with a single touch without going into the settings.
Note that on devices with MIUI 14/15, the shortcut may be called Screen Mode, and when you click on it, a pop-up will appear with a choice between a light and a dark theme, which is done to save space in the notification bar, where the number of shortcuts is limited.
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If after turning off dark mode through the notification panel changes do not apply, try to hold the shortcut 2-3 seconds β this will cause an additional menu with schedule settings and exceptions.
3. Set up automatic switching on schedule
Many users are faced with a situation where the dark mode turns on on its own β usually due to the settings of automatic switching. To avoid this, you need to turn off the schedule or change its settings.
- Go to Settings β Screen β Dark Mode.
- Slip on the Schedule (or Automatic Enablement).
- Select Never or Off option if you want to completely deactivate automatic switching.
If you are comfortable using dark mode only at night, but the current settings are confused, check the following settings:
- π Turn on/off time: Make sure the correct time range is set (e.g. 22:00 to 7:00).
- π Geolocation Schedule: Some firmware has a feature to automatically turn on a dark theme based on sunset/rise time. Turn it off if it interferes.
- π Adaptive mode: Adaptive dark mode (available on Xiaomi) 13/14) It can include a dark theme depending on the light. It should also be deactivated.
| Parameter | MIUI 12/13 | MIUI 14/15 |
|---|---|---|
| The way to the schedule | Settings β Display β Dark Mode β Schedule | Settings β Screen β Design style β Automatically |
| The "Never" option. | Available. | Available (may be called "Off") |
| Geolocation schedule | Absent. | Available on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro and newer) |
| Adaptive regime | No. | Yes (in the settings Additional) |
β οΈ Warning: If the dark mode still turns on after the schedule is turned off, check the battery settings. MIUI Smart schedules in Power and Performance can override screen settings. Turn it off or add it to exceptions.
4. Disable dark mode for individual applications
MIUI 13 and later has the ability to flexibly customize a dark theme for each application separately, which is convenient if you like the dark interface of the system, but in some programs (for example, Google Chrome or Instagram), you prefer light design.
Open Settings β Screen β Dark Mode β Extra β Application Exceptions. Here you will see a list of all installed programs with the ability to turn on or off dark theme for them regardless of system settings. By default, all applications follow global settings (Like in the system), but you can manually choose Light or Dark for each of them.
Some apps (like YouTube or Twitter/X) ignore system settings and use their own theme-switching logic, in which case youβll have to change the theme directly in the appβs settings, usually in Settings β Appearance or Themes.