The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still a popular device even after years, thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. However, standard fonts in the system can get bored β especially if you are used to a different style of text display. Fortunately, you can change the font on this device in several ways, from simple settings in the menu to install custom solutions through root rights.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing the font, including official MIUI tools, third-party applications like iFont or FontFix, as well as manual edits of system files for experienced users. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on different versions of the firmware - from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, and also based on Android 10/11, which are on most Mi 8 after updates.
It's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. ADB-The commands or modification of system files can lead to bootloop if you act carelessly, so we will describe each step in detail, point out the possible risks and give recommendations for backing up data before experiments.
1.Official method: change font through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, the functionality is limited to just a few preinstalled fonts, but for most users, this is enough.
To change the font by standard means:
- Open the Settings β Screen.
- Select the Font option (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Font Style).
- Scroll through the list of options available. Usually there are Mi Sans, Roboto, SF Pro (on MIUI 14) and 1-2 optional options.
- Tap your favorite typeface to apply it. The changes will take effect immediately - no reboot is required.
Limitations of the method:
- π The choice is extremely scarce - usually no more 3-5 variant.
- π« It is impossible to install custom fonts from external sources.
- π± On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) Font item may not be available at all.
If you don't have this section on your menu, the manufacturer has disabled it for your region or version of the software, and you'll have to use alternative methods.
2. Install fonts through the iFont application (without root rights)
iFont, from developer uYou+, allows you to install third-party fonts without obtaining root rights.It works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Mi 8, but requires pre-configuration.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install iFont from Google Play.
- Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested (including file access).
- In the main menu, select Online (online directory) or Local (if the font is already downloaded to the device).
- Find your favorite font (like Product Sans or Montserrat) and click Download.
- Once you download, tap the font and select Set. The system will suggest switching to iFont as a font management app β agree.
- Reboot your smartphone so that the changes take effect.
Important nuances:
- π Nana MIUI 12 and later, you may need to additionally enable the option of Install unknown fonts in security settings.
- π Not all fonts from the iFont directory are correctly displayed on the Mi 8 - some may "move out" or not support the Cyrillic alphabet.
- π± If the font has not changed after the reboot, try re-installation or select another option.
Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)|
Check the version. MIUI (Android 10+ limitations may be)|
Backup of the current screen settings |
Disable the energy saving mode (it can interrupt the installation)-->
β οΈ Note: Some firmware (for example, MIUI EU Or custom builds) block the change of fonts through third-party applications, in which case only the method of using the ADB ortho-right.
3. Using ADB to change font (advanced method)
If the standard methods do not work, you can apply ADB-This method does not require root rights, but involves connecting the smartphone to the computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- π± Included debugging by USB on Mi 8 (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π A font file in.ttf format (for example, downloaded from Google Fonts).
Instructions:
- Connect the Mi 8 to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
- Copy the font file to the system folder: adb push path/to/font.ttf /sdcard/Download/font.ttf
- Set the font as system (replace font.ttf with your file name): adb shell "su" -c 'mount -o rw,remount /system && cp /sdcard/Download/font.ttf /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf && chmod 644 /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf && Reboot'" Note: This command replaces the standard Roboto-Regular.ttf. If you want to keep the original, pre-backup it.
β οΈ Attention: Inappropriate use ADB If the smartphone does not turn on after rebooting or the fonts are displayed in characters, try returning the original file via fastboot or reflash the device.
What if the ADB font became "squares"?
4. Install custom fonts via TWRP and Magisk (for rooted devices)
If your Xiaomi Mi 8 has an unlocked bootloader and custom TWRP recaps installed, you can change fonts at the system file level, which gives you maximum freedom, but requires firmware experience.
Conditions required:
- π Unlocked bootloader (official instructions Xiaomi).
- π± Established recaveri TWRP (The Mi 8 version is dipper).
- π οΈ Superuser rights (Magisk or SuperSU).
Step-by-step process:
- Download the archive with.zip fonts (e.g. XDA Developers) Popular builds: Google Sans, OnePlus Slate, SamsungOne.
- Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when turned on).
- In Recaveri, select Install and specify the path to the archive with the font.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.
- Clear the cache (Wipe β Dalvik / ART Cache) and restart.
Advantages of the method:
- π¨ Full freedom of font selection β you can install even exclusive options (for example, Apple San Francisco).
- π Possibility of rollback through backup TWRP.
- π± Fonts apply to the entire system, including system applications.
β οΈ Note: Some custom fonts may conflict with MIUI, Calling out applications or display artifacts. Before installing, check for reviews about a particular build on forums.
π‘
Before installing custom font via TWRP, back up /system/fonts to the recave, which will allow you to quickly restore the original files if you have problems.
5 Problems and Solutions: Why the Font Has Not Changed
Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter difficulties, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Font does not change after selection in MIUI settings | Restriction of regional firmware | Use iFont or re-shoot to MIUI EU |
| iFont app doesn't see downloaded fonts | Incorrect permissions or corrupted file | Reboot the device and download the font again |
| After ADB-commands, the smartphone does not turn on | Damage to the system file | Restore the original font via fastboot or reflash |
| The font is displayed in "squares" | There is no support for Cyrillic | Choose a font with full Unicode support (e.g. Noto Sans) |
| TWRP issues an error when installing | Incompatible version of a Recovery or archive | Update TWRP to the latest version for Mi 8 |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Version MIUI Android on your device (some ways donβt work on Android 12)+).
- π Presence of an antivirus or MIUI Optimization β They can block change.
- π± System File Integrity (Maybe Reflashing Needs).
π‘
On MIUI 14 and later, Xiaomi tightened control over system files. If your Mi 8 has upgraded to this version, the most reliable way to change the font is to use Magisk modules (for example, FontManager).
6.The best fonts for Xiaomi Mi 8: recommendations for choosing
The typeface you choose depends on your preferences: some people like minimalist versions like Roboto, others more expressive like Bebas Neue. We have selected proven options that look good on the Mi 8 screen (2248Γ1080 resolution):
Top.-5 print MIUI:
- Google Sans is clean and modern, perfect for the interface.
- Mi Sans (updated) β optimized specifically for Xiaomi
- SF Pro - font from Apple, gives the smartphone an "iPhone-like" look.
- Noto Sans supports all languages, including Cyrillic and hieroglyphics.
- Product Sans β used in the Google logo, looks futuristic.
π Where to download?
- π Google Fonts is a free library with an open license.
- π XDA Developers β Thematic Builds for Android.
- π± DaFont - a large selection of decorative fonts (check the license!).
Important: Fonts with a "Personal Use" license cannot be distributed or used commercially, and make sure that the option you choose is allowed to be installed on your smartphone.
7 How to return the standard font if something went wrong
If the interface becomes unreadable or the system is unstable, return the original settings.
For standard MIUI settings:
Just select the default option or Mi Sans from the Font menu.
For iFont:
For ADB/Magisk/TWRP:
- If you have a backup, restore it through TWRP.
β οΈ Note: If after manipulation with fonts, the smartphone does not turn on or boots in the bootloop, try it: