How to remove dark mode in applications on Xiaomi: all ways

Dark mode in Xiaomi has become standard with the release of MIUI 11, but not all users like it. Some prefer the classic light interface because of the better readability of the day, some face display bugs in individual applications, and some just get tired of dark tones. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable dark mode, both globally for the entire system and selectively for individual applications.

It is important to understand that the settings may differ depending on the MIUI version (12 to 15) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.). We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on most devices. If you do not find your option, check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Why does the dark mode turn on on its own?

Automatic switching is most often associated with one of three reasons:

• 🌙 Time schedule – the settings set automatically enable dark theme with a sunset or schedule (for example, from 21:00 to 7:00).
• 📱 Adaptive brightness – the system analyzes lighting through the sensor and switches the theme (does not work on all models).
• 🔄 Sync with Xiaomi account – if you previously enabled dark mode on another device under the same account, the settings could be transferred.

Before you manually turn off the mode, check these settings. For example, on Xiaomi 14 with MIUI 15, the schedule is hidden in Settings → Screen → Dark Mode → Schedule. On older versions (for example, MIUI 12 on Redmi 9), the path may be different: Settings → Display Style → Display Style.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F3, Black Shark 5 is power-saving, and if you turn it off in the battery settings, the theme can reset automatically.

Method 1: Turning off the dark mode for the entire system

This is the most radical method, and it will bring back the light interface in all applications and menus, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 13-15:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Screen section (on some models – Display).
3. Select Dark Mode (or Display Style → Dark Theme).
4. Move the slider to the off position or uncheck (depending on the version of MIUI).
5. Confirm the changes if a pop-up window appears.

On MIUI 12 and older, an additional step may be required: after disabling the mode, restart the phone (hold the power button and select Reboot).This involves caching themes in some applications (such as Gallery or Settings).

Rebooted phone after changes

Checked system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages)

Opened 2-3 third-party apps (Telegram, Chrome)

Make sure the background is light in the notification menu

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If some apps are still dark after these actions (like Google Chrome or YouTube), the problem is their own settings – read about this in the next section.

Method 2: Selectively disabling for individual applications

Some programs (e.g. WhatsApp, VK, SberBank Online) ignore the system settings and use their own theme, so to change it, you need to go to the parameters of the application itself.

Social media (Vkontakte, Instagram) often require you to update the app to the latest version — older versions may not have the option to disable the dark theme. If you don't find the right item, try:

• 🔍 Search in the settings by the keyword "theme" or "design".
• 📱 Reinstall the application (sometimes cached settings are reset).
• 🌐 Check if the topic is linked to the account (for example, in the Twitter/X settings are synchronized between devices).

Google Chrome

Telegram

YouTube

Sberbank Online

Other (write in the comments)

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Method 3: Disconnection through "Special Opportunities"

If standard methods didn’t work, try an alternative path through Special Features, which helps on devices with MIUI 14+, where dark mode can be tied to accessibility features:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Color and Motion → Color Scheme.
3. Make sure you select the Standard option (not Dark or Inverted).
4. Go back and check the Text and Display section – there should be no active color filters.

On some firmware (Xiaomi.eu or custom), this section may be called Color Correction or Screen Filters. If you use unofficial firmware, be sure to check the theme settings in the developer menu (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 5 times tap) - there may be a separate switch.

⚠️ Attention: On Poco F4 GT Black Shark 4 on the Special Options menu has a "Game Dark Mode" option that doesn't affect normal apps, but can knock down settings in games.

Method 4: Reset theme settings to factory

If the dark mode turns on on itself even after manually turning off, the problem may be the failure of the configuration files, in which case only resetting the theme settings (without deleting data) will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press on. ⋮ → Show system (in the upper right corner).
3. Find the Themes app (or Theme Manager) and open it.
4. Select Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm.
5. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the system will restore the standard light theme, and note that this method will reset all user themes (wallpaper, icons, fonts), but will not affect personal data (photos, messages, etc.).

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Before reset, take screenshots of the current wallpaper and fonts in Settings → Themes → My themes, so you can quickly restore them later.

On MIUI 15 (like Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this may not work because of the theme architecture.

adb shell pm clear com.android.themes

This command should be typed through ADB (Developer Tool). If you are not familiar with ADB, you should skip this step - improper use can lead to failures.

Method 5: Disconnect through the Developer Menu

On advanced firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or HyperOS), dark mode can be controlled via hidden settings to open them:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Scroll down to the Drawing or Interface block.
5. Find options: Forced to turn on dark mode (should be off). Forced to turn on light mode (can be turned on for the test).

On MIUI 14 and later, the Override Force-Dark option appeared on the developer menu. If it's active, some apps may ignore the system settings. Disable it and restart the phone.

Problems and Solutions: Why is the Dark Mode not switched off?

If none of these methods worked, check out these points:

On devices with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50 Ultra: Dark mode can be turned on automatically to save battery life:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Power Modes → Mode settings.
3. Turn off the option to automatically switch the theme (if any).

Check the screen type in the model characteristics on the official Xiaomi website.