How to change the font on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: from standard settings to ADB

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, which is still used by many users. Despite the outdated version of MIUI (maximum MIUI 12 based on Android 9), the device supports flexible interface configuration, including changing fonts. However, not all methods work equally well: somewhere you will need root rights, and somewhere there are enough standard tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of changing the font from simple (via MIUI themes) to complex (manual replacement through ADB). Particular attention will be paid to the restrictions on older versions of MIUI, where some functions can be blocked by the manufacturer. If you want to not only resize the text, but also install custom font (for example, San Francisco or Roboto Condensed) – read on.

1. Standard MIUI settings: changing the size and style of the font

So, to start with, the simplest thing is the built-in MIUI tools, and even without installing additional applications, you can:

• 🔍 Change the font size (from “Very small” to “Very large»)
• 🎨 Apply bold text (option "Bold»)
• 📱 Scaling the display (affects the size of all elements)

To get into these settings, go to: Settings → Display → Text and Display Size

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It is impossible to install custom font - only system options.
• ❌ On some versions MIUI 9/10 The option “Bold font” may not be available.
• ❌ Changing the scale of the display affects all interface elements, not just the text.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 11 and older after changing the font size, some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may display text incorrectly.

2. Installation of fonts through MIUI themes (without root)

The official MIUI theme store offers hundreds of free and paid themes, many of which include unique fonts.This method does not require root rights and works on any version of firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Fonts section (may be called Text or Typography).
3. Select the font you like and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes and the system will restart.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ The fonts are optimized for MIUI (No problem with the display).
• ✅ You can return the standard font in one click.

Cons:

• ❌ The choice of fonts is limited to theme store (no popular foreign fonts).
• ❌ Some fonts are paid (price from 50 to 300 rubles).
• ❌ After updating MIUI font may be dropped.

3. Use of third-party applications (without root)

If built-in options are not enough, you can use third-party utilities. Redmi 5 Plus works:

• 📱 iFont is the most popular application for replacing fonts without root.
• 🎨 FontFix supports.ttf and.otf files.
• 🔧 ZFont 3 – has a built-in font gallery.

Step-by-step instructions for iFont:

Download iFont from Google Play| Download your favorite font (.ttf format)| Open the font file via iFont| Press "Install" and follow the instructions |Reboot the phone-->

Important: Apps like iFont work through a overlap method -- they don't replace the system font, they overlay their own.

• ✅ No root required.
• ❌ Font can be reset after updating the application or system.
• ❌ Not all apps will display a new font (e.g. Chrome or Instagram often ignore it).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 9/10 Font replacement applications may require additional permissions in Settings → Special facilities → Special Opportunity Services, without this, the font will not apply.

4. Manual font replacement via ADB (for advanced)

If you're ready to dive into technical details, you can replace the font with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a technique that requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but gives you complete control over the typography.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 5 Plus (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 📁 A font file in.ttf format (e.g. Roboto-Medium.ttf).

Instructions:

adb devices # Checking the connection of the device


adb shell # Going to the shell of the phone




su # Getting root rights (if any)




mount -o rw, remount /system Rewire the system to write mode




cp /sdcard/Download/MyFont.ttf /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf # Copying font




chmod 644 /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf # Assignment of rights




reboot #Reboot

Warnings:

• ❌ Without root rights, the su command won’t work – the font won’t be replaced.
• ❌ The wrong file name or path will lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).
• ❌ A backup copy of the original font is mandatory!

5. Replace font with Magisk (root)

If you have Magisk installed on your Redmi 5 Plus, you can use the font replacement modules, which is more reliable than ADB, because it allows you to roll back to the original in one click.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
2. Download a font module (such as FontManager or iFont Magisk Module) from the XDA Developers forum.
3. Install the module through Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
4. Select a font from the list or upload your.ttf file.
5. Reset the device.

Advantages:

• ✅ No risk of damaging system files (modules are isolated).
• ✅ It's easy to roll back to standard font.
• ✅ Support for dynamic fonts (can be changed without rebooting).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.
• ❌ Some modules may conflict with MIUI-optimization.

💡

Before installing any Magisk module, back up your current firmware through TWRP Recovery, which will save your data if the module causes errors in the system.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change your typeface to Redmi 5 Plus, you're going to have a problem, and we're going to look at some of the most common ones.

1. The font does not change in some applications

Reason: Many apps (like Facebook or VK) use their own fonts, ignoring system fonts.

• 🔄 Try to clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → [Name of name] → Clear the cache).
• 📥 Install an alternative client (e.g. Hermit for light versions of social media).

2. After the font was replaced, "squares" (unreadable characters) appeared

Reason: The font does not support Cyrillic or special characters.

• 🔍 Check the font for support of the Russian language (open.ttf file on PC via FontForge).
• 🔄 Go back to the standard font and choose another.

3.The phone stopped turning on after being replaced via ADB

Reason: Wrong file name or access rights. Solution:

• 🛠️ Restore the original font through TWRP Recovery (see spoiler above).
• 📥 Fly your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (extremely).

💡

On Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 10 and below, it is better not to use the ADB font replacement without root - there is a high probability of errors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions