How to change the theme on Xiaomi tablet: 5 ways with instructions

Xiaomi tablets based on MIUI HyperOS offers a lot of customization options, including changing system themes, but many users have difficulty finding the right themes, how to install them, and why some methods don’t work on all models. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from the standard methods through MIUI Themes to manual installation through APK-files ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.

We will look at current methods for Xiaomi Pad 5, Pad 6, Pad 6 Pro and other models on MIUI 14/HyperOS, given the limitations of regional firmware. Particular attention will be paid to the problems with installing themes on global versions of software where MIUI Themes functionality is often stripped down. Ready to turn your tablet into a unique device? Let's start with the simplest way!

1. Standard method: MIUI Themes (for Chinese firmware)

The official MIUI Themes store is the easiest way to change the design of the tablet, but it only works on Chinese (CN) firmware. On global versions (Global, EEA, RU), this section is either missing or contains a minimum set of themes.

To use the standard method:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush) on the home screen.
  • πŸ” In the search box, type the title of the theme (for example, β€œDark Mode” or β€œOcean Blue").
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Choose your favorite theme and click Apply.
  • βš™οΈ For fine-tuning, go to Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ The style of the.

Limitations: No more than 5-10 themes are available on global firmware, and many popular options (such as "MIUI 13 Super Wallpapers") are not available at all. If your tablet is on Global ROM, move on to the following methods.

πŸ“Š What firmware you use on your Xiaomi tablet?
Chinese (CN)
Global (Global/EEA)
Russian (RU)
Castomic (LineageOS, etc.)
I don't know.

2. Installation of themes through APK-files (for all firmware)

If the standard theme store is not available, you can install themes manually through APK-This method works on any firmware, but requires prior preparation.

You'll need:

  • 🌐 Download APK-Theme file from verified sources (e.g, MIUI Themes Russia or Xiaomi.eu).
  • πŸ”§ Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special rights β†’ Install unknown applications (select browser or file manager).
  • πŸ“ Move over APK-file in tablet memory (for example, in the Download folder).
  • πŸ“² Install the file as a regular application and apply the theme through Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Topics.

Download APK from official source | Check file integrity (size, hash) | Allow installation from unknown sources | Install APK and restart tablet | Apply theme in the settings-->

Important: Some themes require a specific version of MIUI/HyperOS. For example, the themes for MIUI 13 may not work on HyperOS due to changes in system file structure.

⚠️ Attention: Installing themes from unverified sources can cause launcher failures or even bootloops (cyclical reboot).Always check reviews about the topic before installing and back up the data.

3.Use of MTZ-Files (for advanced users)

.mtz files are MIUI theme archives that can be installed without APK, a method that is suitable for users who want to test informal themes or create their own.

Instructions:

  1. Download. MTZ-theme file (e.g., with MIUI Themes).
  2. Rename the file to theme.mtz (if the name is different).
  3. Connect the tablet to your PC and transfer the file to /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ (if theme is not available, create it manually).
  4. Reboot the tablet.
  5. Open Settings β†’ Display β†’ Themes β†’ Local and select your theme.
File typeSupported firmwareRisks.Need a reboot?
APKAll (Global/CN/HyperOS)Low (with verified source)Yes.
MTZOnly MIUI (not HyperOS)Medium (possible interface glitches)Yes.
ADB-teamEverything (requires an unlocked bootloader)High (risk of system brooking)Yes.

If the topic does not appear in the list, check:

  • πŸ“Œ Correctness of the path to the file (/MIUI/theme/).
  • πŸ“Œ Compatibility of the theme with your version MIUI/HyperOS.
  • πŸ“Œ Write rights to system folders (Root may be required).

πŸ’‘

Before installation MTZ-Then create a backup copy of the folder. /MIUI/theme/ β€” This will help you to quickly roll back if the topic crashes.

4. Change theme through ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can apply the theme via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled USB debugging, but allows you to install any themes, including system ones.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings β†’ About Tablet β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times in a row until the notification appears).
  2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  3. Connect the tablet to the PC and execute the command: adb devices (should display your device).
  4. Download. APK or MTZ-Theme file and install it through ADB: adb install path to file.apk
  5. Apply the theme through the tablet settings.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause data loss or block the tablet. Do not execute commands unless you are sure of their purpose. -k --user 0 com.android.themes will remove the standard application in a way that can cause system failures.

For installation MTZ-thereafter ADB use the command:

adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/


adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --es theme_path /sdcard/MIUI/theme/theme.mtz

πŸ’‘

ADB-The method is the only way to install themes on HyperOS tablets, where standard methods are often blocked.

5. Alternative methods: launchers and wallpaper

If the change of the system theme is impossible (for example, on the Global ROM without root rights), you can use alternative methods of customization:

  • 🎨 Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher allow you to change icons, fonts and animations without interfering with system files.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Dynamic Wallpaper: Apps like Wallpaper Engine or KWGT Add interactive elements to the main screen.
  • πŸ”§ Magisk modules: modules like "MIUI Blur or Theme Engine Enabler, which unlocks hidden themes.
  • πŸ“± Icon Pack Studio or CandyCons Apps Change App Icons.

Example of settings through Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Download your favorite Icon Pack (for example, "Whicons" or "Delta").
  3. Open the Nova settings, select Appearance β†’ Icon Style and apply a new pack.
  4. For additional customization, use Settings β†’ Docking Station β†’ Widgets.
How to return the standard launcher Xiaomi?
If you want to return to the standard MIUI/HyperOS interface after installing a third-party launcher, follow the following steps: 1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Default. 2. Find the Launcher section and select the System Launcher (or MIUI Launcher). 3. Reboot the tablet. If the standard launcher is not on the list, install it via APK from the official Xiaomi website.

6. Solving problems when changing topics

Even if you do the right things, you can get some errors, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Theme does not apply after installationIncompatible with MIUI/HyperOSCheck the theme requirements on the developer’s website or try another version.
No annex β€œThemes”Global firmware with reduced functionalityInstall MIUI Themes applications APK manually or use ADB
After the application of the theme, the icons disappearedConflict with the current launcherReboot the tablet or reset the launcher settings in Settings β†’ Apps
The "Theme is damaged" errorThe wrong structure MTZ-fileDownload the topic again from a verified source

If after changing the theme, the tablet began to brake or overheat, follow the following steps:

  1. Remove the installed theme through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Installed.
  2. Clear the cache of system applications: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application management β†’ System β†’ Clear the cache
  3. If the problem persists, reset settings (without deleting data): Settings β†’ About tablet β†’ Reset settings

Last Chance: If the tablet is stuck on the logo after changing the theme, try booting into Safe Mode (hold the power button when turned on) and remove the problematic theme.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing themes on Xiaomi tablets

Can I install a theme on Xiaomi Pad 6 with global firmware?
Yeah, but the standard theme store won't be available. APK-file, MTZ-archive ADB. The most reliable way is to install through APK followed by the use of the theme in the display settings.
Why did the theme change only the wallpaper and the icons remained the same?
This means that the theme does not support full customization of the interface. Try: Install another icon pack via Nova Launcher. Check if the option is included Apply to all apps in the theme settings. Clear the launcher cache (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ MIUI Launcher β†’ Clear the cache).
How to remove the established topic?
Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management, find the theme name (e.g., β€œOceanTheme”) and click Delete. If the theme is system, reset the display settings to standard: Settings β†’ Display β†’ Themes β†’ Standard
Is it safe to install themes from unverified sites?
No. Unofficial topics may contain malicious code or spyware. Always download files from trusted resources: MIUI Themes Russia (for Russian-speaking users); Xiaomi.eu (official forum); XDA Developers (for advanced users); Before installing, check the hash file (MD5 or SHA-1) and read the reviews.
Can I create my own theme for Xiaomi-tablet?
Yes, you'll need: MIUI Theme Editor (available on GitHub), XML knowledge and graphics editors (like Photoshop or GIMP), a test device (preferably with an unlocked bootloader), a finished theme can be packaged in MTZ and distributed through forums, detailed guides are available on 4PDA.