How to remove the dark mode on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

The dark mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones saves battery power and reduces eye strain, but not everyone likes it. The bright colors of the standard theme are often perceived as more familiar, especially during the day or when working with graphics. Fortunately, the manufacturer has envisaged several ways to bring back the light interface, from basic settings to hidden MIUI features.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods for turning off dark mode on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models, including cases where standard settings don’t work. You’ll learn how to change the theme for individual applications, reset to factory settings, and even force light mode to be enabled via ADB (for power users).

Important: The instructions are valid for MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 10–14. If your smartphone is running on an older version, some menu items may differ.

1. disable dark mode via standard MIUI settings

The easiest way to bring back a bright theme is to use Xiaomi’s built-in settings, which work on all Redmi models with current firmware versions and require no additional knowledge.

To turn off the dark mode:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Screen section (or Display in some versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on the item Dark Mode (may be called Dark Theme).
4. Move the slider to the off position. or select the option Light.

The changes will be applied immediately – the system interface, standard applications (Messages, Contacts, Phone) and some third-party programs will switch to a light theme. If after that individual applications (for example, YouTube or Telegram) remain dark, their settings will have to be changed separately (for this, in the next section).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8) Dark Mode may be in the Additional Settings section → If you didn't find him on the Screen, check out this path.

2. Dark mode setting for individual applications

MIUI allows you to flexibly manage a dark theme: you can leave it for some apps and turn it off for others. This is handy if you like the dark interface in Chrome but want a light one on Instagram.

How to customize a theme for specific programs:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as WhatsApp).
3. Slip on the item Dark theme (or display style).
4. Set the switch to the Light or Default position (to follow the system settings).

Not all apps support this feature, for example, VK or Tinkoff Bank can ignore MIUI settings and use their own theme switching logic, in which case you will have to change the theme within the application itself (usually in its settings, in the Appearance or Design section).

💡 Useful tip: If the app doesn't respond to theme changes, try clearing its cache. → Annexes → Application management, select the program and click Clear Cache. After restarting the application, the theme can update.

3. Automatic dark mode switching on schedule

MIUI can automatically turn on and off dark mode depending on the time of day. If this feature is activated, your Redmi can return to dark theme in the evening, even if you turn it off during the day.

To cancel the automatic switching:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Dark Mode.
2. Slip on the Schedule (or Automatic Enablement).
3. Select the option No or Off.

If you want to leave automatic switching but adjust the time, select Sunset before sunrise or Schedule and set a convenient clock, for example, you can set a light theme from 7:00 to 21:00, and dark theme for the night.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware, the Adaptive option may conflict with manual settings. If the theme stops changing after it is turned on, try restarting your smartphone or resetting your screen settings to factory settings (see section 5 for more on this).

4. Reset dark theme through MIUI settings (if the standard method doesn't work)

Sometimes dark mode gets stuck and doesn't turn off through the regular menu, and this can be due to a MIUI malfunction or a theme conflict, and resetting the display settings will help.

How to Reset the Theme to Factory:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap the MIUI version several times until you become a developer! (this unlocks hidden settings).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional Settings → Reset.
4. Slip on Resetting Display Settings (or Reset Themes).
5. Confirm the action.

Once reset, the smartphone will reboot and all screen settings (including dark mode, font size and wallpaper) will return to factory settings, which also helps if dark theme management options are no longer available after the MIUI update.

5. Forced dark mode shutdown via ADB (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is a method for advanced users, because it requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (including ADB) on your computer.
2. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi (see Section 4, Step 2).
3. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable and confirm the debugging permit.
5. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 1

To turn off dark mode, replace 1 by 2 (light theme) or 0 (automatic mode).

After completing the command, restart your smartphone. If the dark mode is still left, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode_custom 0

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose. Also make sure you have official Xiaomi drivers installed for your Redmi model.

💡

ADB-commands are a last resort. Before using them, try all the other methods and back up the data.

6. Problems and errors when disabling dark mode

Even after all the instructions are followed, the dark mode can remain active. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to address them.

Problem 1: Dark mode returns after the reboot.

• 🔄 Reason: Automatic Schedule or Geolocation Switching is Activated.
• 🛠 Solution: Turn off the schedule in the dark mode settings (see Section 3).

Problem 2: There is no Dark Mode option in the settings.

• 🔄 Reason: An outdated version MIUI custom-made.
• 🛠 Solution: Update the system through Settings → Update the topic or reset the topic through ADB (section).

Problem 3: Some applications remain dark.

• 🔄 Reason: The app ignores system settings and uses its own theme.
• 🛠 Solution: Change the theme within the app itself or clear its cache (see Section 2).

Problem 4: After the MIUI update, the dark mode turned on itself.

• 🔄 Reason: New firmware version resets display settings.
• 🛠 Solution: Manually turn off dark mode (section 1) and check schedule settings.

💡 Useful tip: If none of these methods worked, try installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher). Many launchers allow you to force a light theme for your home screen and app menus.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark mode on Xiaomi Redmi