How to transfer the theme Xiaomi to another phone: 3 working methods + error solving

Moving a favorite theme from one Xiaomi smartphone to another is a challenge that many users face after buying a new device or resetting settings. Unlike standard wallpaper, MIUI themes are stored in a closed system and are not exported through conventional backup methods. Moreover, after updating the firmware or switching to another model (for example, from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13T), users often find that previously downloaded themes have disappeared from the the theme gallery.

In this article, we’ll break down three proven ways to port themes – from official backup via Mi Account to manually extracting themes files using the help of a “message” file. ADB. We will pay special attention to common errors (for example, theme does not appear after import on devices with different versions). MIUI) The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Method 1: Backup of topics through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and safest way is to sync themes through a Xiaomi account, which works if both devices are tied to the same Mi Account and have access to the Internet.

• 🔄 Authorization is required on both devices.
• 📱 Only themes downloaded from the official theme store (custom themes from the official theme store) are supported. APK non-synchronize).
• ⚠️ On devices with different versions MIUI Some topics may not be displayed.

To transfer topics through the account:

1. On the original device, open the Themes app.
2. Go to the section My topics → Synchronization.
3. Turn on the option to Sync themes and wait for the process to be completed.
4. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account and repeat steps 1–2. The theme should appear in the My Topics section.

⚠️ Note: If the theme does not appear on the new device, check the version MIUI Theme Manager in Settings → Annexes → Application management: HyperOS devices may require manual installation APK older.

2. Method 2: Manual export and import of theme files (for power users)

If the theme is not synced through the account (for example, it is a custom theme from a third-party source), you can extract its files manually. The theme in MIUI is stored in.mtz format - archive with resources (wallpaper, icons, fonts).

/data/system/theme/

However, access to this folder requires root rights or ADB. Alternative path (no root):

1. Install File Manager+ (with root access support) on the original device.
2. Go to /sdcard/MIUI/theme/, where you can find downloaded themes in.mtz format.
3. Copy a theme file (such as MyTheme.mtz) to your computer or cloud.
4. On the new device, place the file in the same folder /sdcard/MIUI/theme/.
5. Open the Themes app and select Local → Import.

If /MIUI/theme/ is not, create it manually. Importantly, the folder name must match the register (MIUI, not miui).

Download File Manager+ root-supported|Find the theme file (.mtz) in /sdcard/MIUI/theme/|Copy the file to a new device|Create a folder. MIUI/theme, if she's not.|Restart the device after importation-->

Method 3: Transfer themes over ADB (for rootless devices)

If you don’t have root rights but you have access to ADB, you can extract the theme using the command line, which works on most Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked.

Instructions:

1. Connect the original device to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and do:

adb pull /data/system/theme/. [path on computer]

Replace [path on computer] with the folder where you want to save the topic (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Themes\).

1. Connect the new device and send the file back:

adb push [name file.mtz] /sdcard/MIUI/theme/

1. In the Themes app on the new device, select Local → Import.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, the path to the themes may be different. If the adb pull command returns a No such file or directory error, try an alternative path: /data/user_de/0/com.android.themes/com.android.themes.

4. Theme compatibility table between MIUI versions

One of the most common issues with themes porting is incompatibility between different versions of MIUI. For example, a theme downloaded on the Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 13 may not work on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14.

To convert themes between versions, use the MIUI Theme Editor utility (PC required) which allows you to edit.mtz files and adapt them to the new version of the shell.

5. Solving errors in transferring topics

Even with the right transfer of topics, errors can occur. Let's consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 Theme damaged error:.mtz file not fully downloaded or corrupted when copied Solution: Re-export theme and check check checksum (MD5).
• 🔍 The theme doesn't show up in the list: The file is in the wrong folder. Solution: Make sure the path is /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ It is correct (registration is important!).
• 🔄 Theme applies, but elements are not displayed correctly: Version incompatibility MIUI. Solution: Use MIUI Theme Editor for editing a file.
• 📵 When importing, there is an error “Insufficient memory”: Clear the cache of the application Themes (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Clear the cache).

💡

If the theme doesn't apply after importing, try restarting the device, which solves the theme cache problem 80 percent of the time.

6.Transfer of Custom Themes from APK

Many users install themes from third-party sources (such as the XDA Developers forum or telegram channels), which are unpacked in.apk format and not synced through Mi Account.

1. Download APK themes to the original device.
2. Use APK Extractor to extract the.apk file.
3. Transmit APK to a new device (via Bluetooth, cloud, or cable).
4. Install APK on your new device and apply the theme through Topics → Local.

Important: When installing APK themes from unknown sources, turn off signature verification in security settings (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications).

💡

Castomy themes from APKs may contain malicious code, and install them only from trusted sources (e.g., official Xiaomi theme developer cables).

7.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party applications

If none of the above methods worked, you can use third-party tools:

• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Upload the.mtz file to Google Drive or Mi Cloud, then download it to your new device.
• 📱 Annex "MIUI Theme Backup: Automatically backs up all installed themes.
• 🖥️ Xiaomi Tool V2 (PC: Allows you to manage themes and modules MIUI computer.

When using third-party apps, pay attention to reviews and rankings on Google Play. Some utilities may request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi themes portability