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

Why users change fonts to Redmi 8T

Xiaomi Redmi 8T, released in 2019, is still a popular budget device with a MIUI shell. One of the frequent requests of owners is to change the system font. The reasons are different: someone does not like the standard MiSans, someone wants originality, and someone is looking for a font with better readability for low vision.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change the font, from simple (through theme settings) to complex (manual editing of system files). Importantly, on Redmi 8T with MIUI 12+ and Android 10+, some methods require unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty. If you’re a beginner, start with the first two methods β€” they’re safe and don’t require root rights.

Method 1: Change the font through standard MIUI themes

The simplest and most official method is to use embedded themes. Xiaomi offers several pre-installed fonts that can be activated without any further manipulation, which works on any version of MIUI and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
  • πŸ” In the lower menu, select the Font section (may be called Font in English firmware).
  • 🎨 Scroll through the list of available fonts. Popular options: MiSans (standard), Roboto, SF Pro (similar to the iPhone font).
  • πŸ‘† Click on the font you like and confirm the application button Apply.

Limitations of the method:

  • ⚠️ The choice is limited to 5-7 fonts (depending on version) MIUI).
  • ⚠️ Some fonts may not display correctly in third-party apps (e.g. Telegram or WhatsApp).
  • ⚠️ After updating MIUI The font may be reset to standard.
πŸ“Š Which typeface do you like better?
MiSans (standard)
Roboto
SF Pro (like on iPhone)
Other

Method 2: Install fonts via MIUI Theme Store

If you don't have enough built-in fonts, you can download additional ones from the official theme store. Many themes include unique fonts that are automatically used when you activate a theme. This method also doesn't require root rights, but it has its own nuances.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Topics app β†’ go to the Online (or Online) section.
  2. In the search bar, enter a query in English: font or typeface.
  3. Choose your favorite theme marked Includes font (includes font). Popular options: iOS Font, Samsung One UI Font, Pixel Font.
  4. Click Download β†’ Apply. The font will change along with the topic.

Important observations:

  • πŸ”„ To return the standard font, apply the Default theme or Basic.
  • πŸ’° Some topics are paid (cost from 50 to 300 rubles).
  • ⚠️ After resetting the settings, the font will reset to the standard.

πŸ’‘

Before installing the theme, check reviews – some fonts can β€œmove” into the menu or distort symbols in Cyrillic.

Method 3: Manually Replace Fonts with ADB (without root)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to replace the system font without getting root permissions. This method works on Redmi 8T with MIUI 11-14, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging over USB.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • πŸ“ Archive with.ttf font (you can download from sites like Google Fonts).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).

Instructions:

  1. Turn on USB Debugging: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message β€œYou’re a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developers β†’ Debugging on USB.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
  3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
  4. Follow the commands in turn: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell su (if requests root, skip this step - the method works without it) mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/your_font.ttf /system/fonts/ (substitute your_font.ttf to your file name) chmod 644 /system/fonts/your_font.ttf reboot

Risks of the method:

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If the phone doesn't turn on after a reboot, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot. Some fonts may not support Cyrillic or special characters.

Download and unpack Platform Tools|Enable USB debugging on your phone |Download font in.ttf|Create a backup of data |Check battery (minimum 50%)

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Method 4: Using Magisk and FontManager

If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk installed (to obtain root rights), you can use the FontManager module, which gives you maximum freedom in choosing fonts and supports dynamic change without rebooting.

What needs to be done:

  1. Install the FontManager module through Magisk Manager.
  2. Download the font in.ttf or.otf format and place it in the /sdcard/FontManager folder.
  3. Open Magisk Manager β†’ Modules β†’ Find FontManager and click Set up.
  4. Select the downloaded font and restart the device.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Support for any typefaces (including custom fonts).
  • βœ… Ability to change quickly without re-flashing.
  • βœ… Compatible with most applications.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Requires unlocked bootloader and Magisk (warranty lost).
  • ⚠️ Some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working due to root.
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8T?
1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings β†’ Mi. 2. Go to Mi Unlock and download the utility. 3. Launch your phone in Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down). 4. Connect to your PC and follow the instructions in the program (it may take 7-15 days to unlock).

Method 5: Applications for changing the font (with restrictions)

There are apps on Google Play that promise to change the font without root, like iFont or FontFix. However, on Redmi 8T with MIUI, they work partially - the font changes only in some applications (such as Chrome or Gmail), but not systematically.

How to use iFont:

  1. Download and install iFont.
  2. In the application, select the Online section and download the font you like.
  3. Click Set β†’ Select Without Root.
  4. Follow the instructions (usually you need to confirm installation via ADB).

Limitations:

AnnexWorks on Redmi 8T?Need root?System replacement?
iFontβœ… Yes.❌ No (partially)❌ Only in certain applications
FontFixβœ… Yes.❌ No.❌ Partially (Cyrillic bugs)
ZFont 3⚠️ Sometimes.❌ No.❌ Only in the launcher.

⚠️ Note: Rootless applications often use an overlay method that may conflict with the MIUI. If after installing the font, the phone began to brake or overheat, remove the application and restart the device.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To facilitate the choice, we will bring all methods into one table with pros and cons:

MethodDifficultyNeed root?System replacement?Risks.
Standard MIUI themes⭐ (simple)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Limited choice
MIUI Theme Store⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Paid themes, reset after update
ADB (no root)⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Bootloop risk requires PC
Magisk + FontManager⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Loss of warranty, problems with banking applications
Annex side (iFont)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)❌ No.❌ Partially.Bugs with display, lags

Selection recommendations:

  • πŸ†• If you're new. β†’ Use Method 1 or 2 (themes) MIUI).
  • πŸ’» If you're willing to work with ADB β†’ Try Method 3.
  • πŸ”§ If you already have root β†’ Method 4 (Magisk) gives you maximum freedom.
  • ⚠️ If you don't want to risk it. β†’ Avoid Methods 3-5.

πŸ’‘

On Redmi 8T with MIUI 12+ and Android 10+, system font replacement without root can only be done via ADB or themes. All other methods are either partial or require unlocking the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing font to Redmi 8T

Can I return the standard font after the changes?
Yes. If you've used MIUI themes, use the standard theme. If you've changed them through ADB, repeat the procedure with the original MiSans.ttf font. For Magisk, remove the FontManager module.
Why do some characters appear in squares after changing the font?
This means that the font chosen does not support Cyrillic or special characters.Solution: download a font with full Unicode support (for example, Noto Sans or Roboto).
Will the ADB work on the Redmi 8T with MIUI 14?
Yes, but with reservations: MIUI 14 has enhanced system partition protection, and you may need to run an adb disable-verity command first (but that requires an unlocked bootloader).
Can you change the font only for a specific application?
Yes, but only if the app supports custom fonts (like WhatsApp or VK). Use apps like iFont to do this and select the "Apply for selected apps" option.
What if after changing the font the phone stopped turning on?
It means the font has damaged the system files. Solution: Load to Fastboot. + Loudness down. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash system. system.img (You need original firmware for your model. If it doesn't work, do a full reset with the Mi Flash Tool.