How to change the font on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: from standard settings to ADB-team

You can change the font to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T in at least five ways, from basic MIUI settings to manual editing of system files. But not all methods are equally safe: some require unlocking the bootloader, others work only on certain versions of the firmware, and still others can cause all data to be reset if installed improperly. In this article, we will discuss each option with the nuances for the Redmi Note 8T (code name willow), including limitations and possible errors.

Many users want to change the font because of the inaudibility of the standard Mi Sans or the desire to personalize the interface. However, it is important to understand that Xiaomi strictly controls system files, so some methods (such as replacing through recovery) can cause problems with updates or work of Google services. We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware and identified those that work stably.

If you're a beginner, start with the built-in MIUI tools. For advanced users, ADB or custom firmware will work, but they require preparation. Either way, back up before you make changes, and that will keep you from losing data when you crash.

1. Standard font change via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI options. It does not require superuser rights and works on all firmware versions for the Redmi Note 8T. However, the choice of fonts here is limited: 3-5 options are usually available, including Mi Sans, Roboto and regional fonts (for example, for Arabic or Thai).

To change the font:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Language and input β†’ Font.
  2. Select your favorite option from the list.
  3. Confirm the change and the system will restart (to take ~30 seconds).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for global version), the Font option may not be available, which is due to Xiaomi's policy for specific regions.

If you don’t like standard fonts but don’t want to risk the stability of the system, consider installing them. MIUI-Alternative fonts (about this in the next section).

πŸ“Š Which typeface do you like better?
Mi Sans (standard)
Roboto
San Francisco (like on iPhone)
Custom print
I don't care.

2. Installation of fonts through MIUI-topic

MIUI-Themes allow you to change not only wallpaper and icons, but also fonts, a method that is safer than manual editing of system files, but requires a connection to a Xiaomi account and a stable Internet connection. The main plus is a large selection of fonts (including handwritten and decorative), minus - not all themes are optimized for Redmi Note. 8T.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the Font section (may be in the Category submenu).
  3. Select the font you like and click Apply.
  4. Wait until the theme loads and applies (reboot may be required).

πŸ”Ή nuance:

  • πŸ“± Some fonts from the themes may not display correctly in apps (such as WhatsApp or Chrome).
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI The subject line can be reset to standard.
  • πŸ’Ύ Free themes often contain ads – be prepared for pop-up banners.

If the desired font is not in the theme directory, you can try to download it manually through the.ttf file.

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Before installing the topic, check the reviews of other users. If there are complaints about "outs" or "unreadable text" in the comments, you should choose a different font.

3. Manual installation of font through.ttf file (without root)

This method is suitable for users who lacked options in standard settings or themes. It does not require root rights, but it does not work on all versions of MIUI. The point is to replace the system font through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

πŸ“Œ What's the matter:

  • πŸ–₯️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on the Redmi Note 8T (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ“„ A font file in.ttf format (such as Open Sans or Montserrat).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing the font can lead to a "bootloop" (a looped reboot.

πŸ”§ Step-by-step instruction:

Download and unpack Platform Tools on PC|

Connect Redmi Note 8T to your computer via USB|

Allow debugging over USB on your phone |

Download the font file (.ttf) and rename it to font.ttf|

Put font.ttf in the folder with Platform Tools-->

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt in the ADB folder (hold Shift + right mouse button β†’ β€œOpen PowerShell window here”).
  2. Check the device connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your Redmi Note 8T.
  3. Copy the font to the system folder: adb push font.ttf /data/local/tmp/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /data/local/tmp/font.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/font.ttf reboot

πŸ”Ή Possible challenges:

  • 🚫 If the su command does not work, you do not have root rights (you need to unlock the bootloader).
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI font may be dropped.
  • ⚠️ Some applications (for example, banking) may not run with custom font.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after changing the font?
If after the reboot, the Redmi Note 8T stuck on the logo or went to the bootloop, try: 1. Go to Recovery (keep Power + Volume up when turned on). 2. Select Wipe Cache Partition β†’ Reboot. 3. If it did not help, swipe your phone through Fastboot with the official firmware (instructions on the Xiaomi website).

4. Use of third-party applications (with root)

If you have root rights, the process of replacing the font is simplified. Popular applications like iFont or FontFix allow you to install fonts in a few clicks, but require an unlocked bootloader. Remember: unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi erases all data and can be unwarranted.

πŸ“Œ Top.-3 font-changer:

AnnexNeed root?PlusesCons
iFont❌ No, but the functionality is limited)Large font library, simple interfaceWithout root, it doesn't work on all firmware.
FontFixβœ… Yes.Supports system font replacement, backupA complex interface for beginners
ZFont 3❌ No (partially)It works on most versions of MIUI, there is a Russian-language menu.Advertising in the free version

πŸ”§ How to use iFont (without root):

  1. Download and install iFont from Google Play.
  2. Select the font from the directory or upload your (.ttf).
  3. Click Install β†’ Apply (the app will suggest restarting the phone).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8T s MIUI 14 apps without root often don't work because of Xiaomi's limitations. If the font hasn't changed, try the method with a new one. ADB or unlock the loader.

5. Replace font through custom Recovery (TWRP)

This is a risk-averse, high-end method that allows you to replace the font directly through TWRP, but requires an unlocked bootloader and customized Recovery installed, and the advantage is that you can roll back the changes.

πŸ”§ Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 8T (instructions on the official website).
  2. Install TWRP for the willow model (you can download it on twrp.me).
  3. Download the archive with a font in.zip format (for example, from the XDA forum).
  4. Reboot your phone to TWRP (Power + Volume Up).
  5. Select Install β†’ Specify the path to the archive with font β†’ swipe for confirmation.
  6. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

πŸ”Ή Risks:

  • πŸ”₯ An incorrectly selected font archive can lead to soft-brick (the phone will turn on, but will glitch).
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI through OTA drop off.
  • ⚠️ Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) can block access on phones with an unlocked bootloader.

πŸ’‘

Use TWRP only if you are confident in your actions. Before replacing the font, be sure to back up through TWRP β†’ Backup by selecting the System partition.

6.Alternative methods: Magisk modules and Substratum

If you use Magisk to get root rights, you can install special modules to replace fonts, which is more flexible than standard settings, and allows you to return the original font in one click.

πŸ“Œ Popular Magisk-modules for fonts:

  • 🎨 FontManager – allows you to install fonts from the gallery.
  • πŸ”€ TypeFace supports dynamic font replacement without rebooting.
  • πŸ“± MiuiFontChanger – a specialized module for Xiaomi devices.

πŸ”§ How to install a module:

  1. Download the module file (.zip) from XDA or Pling.
  2. Open Magisk Manager β†’ Modules β†’ Install from storage.
  3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation.
  4. Reboot the phone.

πŸ”Ή Substratum (for Android 8-10):

If your Redmi Note 8T has Android 9 or 10 installed, you can use Substratum with the Andromeda plugin.This method is more complicated, but allows you to change fonts without replacing system files:

  1. Install Substratum and Andromeda from Google Play.
  2. Download the theme with fonts (like Swift Black or Flux).
  3. In Substratum, select a theme β†’ Select to install β†’ System interface β†’ Fonts.
  4. Click Compile and Install β†’ Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12.5+ Substratum may not work due to changes in the overlay system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing font to Redmi Note 8T

Can I change the font without a computer?
Yes, but the options are limited. Use the standard settings (Settings) β†’ Fonts) or applications like iFont (without root, it doesn't work on all firmware). ADB.
Why do some apps display characters after replacing the font?
This happens if the font you choose does not support Cyrillic or special characters.Solution: Set a font with full Unicode support (like Noto Sans). Return the standard font via ADB or TWRP.
How to return the standard font if the phone is not turned on?
If the phone went to the bootloop after changing the font: Load to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down). Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi website). If there is a backup in TWRP, restore the System partition.
Does the change of font to MIUI Global and MIUI China work?
Yes, but there are nuances: MIUI Global: The Font option may not be available in the settings (depending on the region). MIUI China: More built-in fonts, but requires a Xiaomi account to unlock some features. MIUI EU (unofficial): Supports all methods, including ADB and Magisk.
Can I change the font only in individual applications?
Yes, but not on all versions of MIUI. Options: Use apps like Tasker + AutoTools (requires root). Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to change the font for icons. On WhatsApp or Telegram, the font changes only through system settings.