How to transfer the theme to Xiaomi: all working ways for TVs and smartphones

Transferring design themes between Xiaomi devices is a challenge faced by owners of both MIUI smartphones and PatchWall or Google TVs. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances, from licensing restrictions to technical synchronization features through Mi Account. In some cases, standard methods do not work, and you have to resort to workarounds - for example, manual transfer of files to themes or using third-party services.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring themes from official (via the cloud and embedded tools) to alternative (using ADB or file manager), and pay special attention to the differences between smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi) and TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV lines), and learn how to avoid mistakes, such as losing a license for premium themes after a transfer.

Before you get started, check out your device’s firmware version. On smartphones, you can do this in Settings → Phone → MIUI Version, and on TVs in Settings → Device → Device → Device. Some methods only work on MIUI 12+ or PatchWall 3.0+, so this step is critical to choosing the right way.

📊 What kind of Xiaomi device are you using?
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)
Television (Mi TV/Redmi TV)
Tablet (Mi Pad)
Laptop (Mi Notebook)
Other

1.Official method: synchronization through Mi Account

The most reliable and simple method is to use a Xiaomi cloud account, which is suitable for transferring themes between smartphones on MIUI, but has limitations for TVs. Here's how it works:

On the source device (from which you transfer the topic), follow the following steps:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Find the topic you want to convey and click on it.
  3. Slip on the Apply button, then on the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
  4. Select Save to Mi Cloud (if the option is not available, the theme does not support cloud storage).

On the receiving device:

  1. Sign in with the same Mi Account.
  2. Open Topics → My subjects. → Cloud.
  3. Find the saved theme and apply it.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for free themes or those purchased from an official store. If the theme was installed from a.mtz file (downloaded from third-party resources), sync through the cloud will not be available.

Sign in with one account on both devices

Make sure the theme supports cloud storage (cloud icon on the menu)

Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Update the "Subjects" app to the latest version-->

2. Theme transfer between smartphones over a local network (Mi Share)

If the cloud is not suitable (for example, due to restrictions on premium themes), you can use the built-in Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) feature, which allows you to transfer theme files (.mtz) directly between Xiaomi smartphones without the Internet.

Instructions:

  1. On the source device, open the file manager(s) and go to the MIUI/theme folder (if there is no folder, turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings).
  2. Find a theme file with the.mtz extension (e.g. com.example.theme.mtz).
  3. Slip the file, select Send → Mi Share.
  4. On the receiving device, accept the file via the Mi Share notification.
  5. After downloading, open the file - the system will prompt you to install the theme.

💡 Useful tip: If theme folder is empty, try applying the theme to the source device again – sometimes files only appear after re-use.

What if Mi Share doesn’t find the device?
Make sure both smartphones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled (even if they are not connected to the network). Check that Mi Share is activated in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Share. Reboot both devices - this often solves detection problems. If you use a VPN or proxy, turn them off (they can block the local network).

3.Telephone transfer to Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

With Xiaomi TVs, the situation is more complicated: there are no official ways to transfer themes over the cloud or Mi Share.

Method 1: Through USB-accumulator

  1. Download the theme file (.mtz) to your computer or smartphone (for example, from themes.mi.com).
  2. Copy the file to a flash drive in FAT32 format.
  3. Connect the flash drive to the TV, open the File Manager and find the.mtz file.
  4. Launch the file – the system will prompt you to install the theme.

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

If the TV does not support USB themes, you can use ADB:

adb install /path/to/theme.mtz

For this:

  1. Turn on USB debugging in your TV settings (Settings → Device → Software Information → Build Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Developer).
  2. Connect the TV to your PC via USB (OTG port).
  3. Execute the command above by specifying the path to the.mtz file.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of those through ADB This could lead to interface failures on Google TVs. TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 Xiaomi TV A2). Before the procedure, back up the settings in Settings → System system → Backup.

💡

Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall 4.0+ only support.apk themes, not.mtz. To convert the format, use the MTZ-to-APK Converter utility (available on 4PDA forums).

4. Use of third-party applications to transfer topics

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools, and here are the proven options:

  • 📱 Theme Editor (MIUI): Allows you to export themes to.mtz and share them via messengers or cloud storage.
  • 🖥️ MiXplorer: File Manager with access to system folders. You can manually copy the files of the themes from the system folders. /data/system/theme (Root rights are required).
  • ☁️ Telegram bots: For example, @MiThemesBot — Allows you to download and download themes in.mtz format without restrictions.
  • 🔄 Send Anywhere: A cross-platform application for transferring files between devices over a local network or over the Internet.

🔍 Important: When using third-party applications, the risk of running into viruses or unlicensed themes is higher, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

💡

The side of the application is convenient for transferring themes between devices of different brands (for example, Xiaomi → Samsung), but may violate the manufacturer’s license agreements.

5 Manual export and import of topics through the file system

For users who are willing to dive into technical details, there is a way to manually extract the theme from system files and transfer it to another device. ADB-access.

Steps for exporting topics:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB.
  2. Execute the command to extract the list of installed topics: adb shell pm list packages | grep theme
  3. Find the theme folder in /data/app/ or /system/priv-app/ (e.g. com.android.theme.icon.XXX).
  4. Copy the folder on PC: adb pull /data/app/com.android.theme.icon.XXX

Steps for import:

  1. Pack the theme folder in.zip and rename it to.mtz.
  2. Move the file to the target device and install through the file manager.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system files without root rights can result in loss of warranty or device “brick” (especially on Xiaomi TVs with a blocked bootloader).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you share themes, users face typical problems, and the table below shows the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The topic is not featured in "My Themes."The.mtz file is corrupted or incompatible with the MIUI versionDownload the theme again or check it on another device
"Failed to apply the subject."No license (for premium theme)Buy the theme officially or use an alternative transfer method
Mi Share doesn't find the deviceNetwork settings conflict or Bluetooth disabledReboot both devices and enable Visibility for All in Mi Share Settings
The subject is partially applied (e.g. only wallpaper)Incompatibility of the theme version with firmwareUpdate MIUI or find a theme version for your firmware
There is no.mtz on the TV.Outdated version of PatchWall or installation lockUpdate your TV software or convert.mtz to.apk

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 📵 Theme compatibility with the device model (e.g., Redmi Note 10 themes may not work on the device model) POCO X3).
  • 🔄 Version MIUI/PatchWall (Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system).
  • 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall (they can block the transfer of files.mtz).
Can I transfer the purchased theme to another Mi Account?
No, the premium theme license is tied to the Mi Account from which the purchase was made. If you try to transfer it through the cloud or file, the theme will either not appear or require repayment. The only way out is to use the manual export/import method (see Section 5), but this may violate the user agreement.
Why is it displayed without icons after transferring the theme to the TV?
This is a typical problem for Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (e.g. Mi TV Q1 or Xiaomi TV A Pro), because these models use a hybrid interface, where some elements are taken from Google TV Launcher, not from the theme. Solution: Install PatchWall launcher via ADB (instructions are available on 4PDA). Use themes adapted specifically for Google TV (.apk format).
How to transfer the theme from Android to iPhone?
Direct themes transfer between Xiaomi (Android) and iPhone (iOS) is not possible due to different ecosystems. However, you can: Copy wallpaper and sounds from the theme (they are stored in a folder). MIUI/theme/[theme_name]/). Use cross-platform launchers like Nova Launcher (for Android) and customize the interface manually on your iPhone. Find a similar theme in the App Store (for example, the ColorOS Themes app has similar styles).
Can I roll back changes if the theme has damaged the system?
Yes, for this: On a smartphone: go to Settings → Topics → My themes and select a standard theme (Default). On TV: reset settings to Settings → The device → Reset and restore (app data will be saved). If the system does not start, use Fastboot to flash (instructions for your model, look at Xiaomi Firmware Updater). ⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi TVs, the factory reset removes all installed apps, including Netflix or YouTube.
Where to download free themes for Xiaomi?
Official sources: themes.mi.com – Xiaomi theme store (authentication required). Themes app on your device (Free section); Third-party resources (at your own risk): 4PDA – community themes (check for viruses); Xiaomi.eu – European firmware with built-in themes. Telegram channels like @MiThemes or @XiaomiThemes.