Changing the theme on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the easiest ways to personalize a device to your liking. However, even in this seemingly elementary process, users are faced with nuances, from the lack of an “Apply” button to downloading themes from MIUI Themes. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change themes on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship models (including Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13), and also explain how to circumvent the typical system limitations.
It is important to understand that the functionality of the themes depends on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European) and the region of the device. For example, on Chinese firmware, access to MIUI Themes can be blocked without a VPN, and on some POCO models there is no pre-installed theme store.
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI functionality, which works on all devices with the shell version 12 and above, but has regional limitations.
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush) or go to Settings → Design → Themes.
- At the top of the screen, select the Online tab (to download new themes) or My Themes (to apply already installed ones).
- Find a topic you like and click on it, and the system will prompt you to download it (if it is an online topic) or apply it immediately.
- Confirm the changes with the Apply button.
⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware without a Mi Account and VPN Online themes will be restricted, and some topics require payment through Mi Credits.
If the Apply button is inactive or absent, check:
- 🔄 System Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI and install the latest patches.
- 📥 Sometimes the download process will “hang” by 99% – restart the Topics app.
- 🌍 Device region: Themes may not apply on Chinese firmware without linking to the account. The solution is to change the region to India or Russia through Settings → Additionally. → Region.
2.Using the MIUI Themes store
MIUI Themes (formerly MIUI Themes) is an official theme store with thousands of free and paid options, but it depends on the firmware version and region:
| MIUI version | Access to MIUI Themes | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Global (EEA/Russia) | Full access | Some topics are paid |
| Chinese (China) | Requires VPN + Mi Account | Many topics are blocked |
| POCO Launcher | Limited set | No, no, no. No. |
| Custom firmware (xiaomi.eu) | It works without restrictions. | There may be bugs with the application |
To download the theme from MIUI Themes:
- Open the Topics app → the Online tab.
- Use search or filters (e.g. Dark, AMOLED, Minimalism).
- Click on your favorite topic → Download (or Buy if it is paid).
- After downloading, tap Apply.
On Chinese firmware without VPN, the theme store will display the error "Service is not available in your region" Solution: connect to a VPN with a server in India or Singapore, then restart the application.
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If the theme doesn’t apply, try clearing the theme app cache in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Install theme through.mtz files
If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on POCO F5 or Redmi 12 with POCO Launcher), you can manually install the theme via.mtz.
Where to get.mtz files:
- 🌐 Official sources: Sites like miuier.com (check reviews!).
- 🤝 Communities: Telegram channels (MIUI Themes Russia, Xiaomi Themes).
- ⚙️ Creating your own theme: Through the app MIUI Theme Editor (requires root).
Installation instructions:
Download.mtz to your phone | Move it to MIUI/theme folder (create it if not) | Open the Topics app → My Themes → Local | Select the downloaded theme and click Apply
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⚠️ Note: Topics from unverified sources may contain malicious code:
1. Check the file through VirusTotal. 2. Make sure the theme size is no more than 50MB (large files may not be installed). 3. Avoid those with contact access requests or SMS.
4. Change the topic through third-party launchers
If you don't like the limitations of MIUI, you can use alternative launchers like Nova Launcher, Hyperion Launcher or Lawnchair.
- 🎨 Install icons (.apk or.zip).
- 🖼️ Change the styles and styles of folders without restrictions MIUI.
- 🔧 Customize animations and gestures.
How to set up the launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
- Download the icon pack (such as Whicons or Delta) and apply it to the launcher settings.
- To change the theme completely, use apps like KWGT (for widgets) and Substratum (requires root).
🔹 Cons of the method: Not all interface elements (such as notification panel or lock screen) will change – they remain under control. MIUI.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
5. Solving problems with the application of topics
Even after successfully downloading a theme, users are faced with errors. Consider typical cases and their solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The "Apply" button is inactive | Theme is incompatible with MIUI version | Update your firmware or download another theme |
| The subject is partially applied (e.g. only wallpaper) | App cache error Topics | Clear the cache and app data |
| Error "Can't upload the subject" | Problems with Xiaomi or VPN servers | Try it later or change the VPN server. |
| After the application of the theme, the application icons disappeared | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Restart your phone or reset your launcher settings |
If the theme is set but is displayed curved (for example, icons are stretched or fonts are not read), then:
- 📏 The theme is not adapted to your screen resolution (e.g. theme for the screen). FHD+ on HD+ screen).
- 🔍 The description of the topic does not indicate all supported devices.
- 🛠️ Manual editing of theme files (for experienced users) is required).
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Before installing themes from unverified sources, back up your current theme through Settings → Design → Theme Export (not available on all firmware).
6.Themes for specific Xiaomi models
Some themes are optimized for specific series of devices. Here's what you need to know:
For flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold):
- 🖥️ Supported themes with responsive design for large screens.
- 🎨 Exclusive topics are available in MIUI Themes (Premium tab).
- ⚡ You can install dynamic wallpapers (Live Wallpapers).
For budget models (Redmi 12, POCO M6):
- 📉 Limited choice of topics in POCO Launcher.
- 🔄 Frequent bugs with third-party themes.
- 🛒 It is recommended to use launchers like Nova Launcher.
For tablets (Xiaomi Pad 6):
- 🖌️ Topics should support permission 2.8K and ratio of sides 16:10.
- 🔍 V MIUI Themes has a special section for tablets.
7. Resetting themes to factory settings
If after experimenting with themes, the interface began to work incorrectly (laggit, applications fly out or the design is distorted), return the standard theme:
- Go to Settings → Design → Themes.
- Select the tab My topics.
- Scroll down and press Standard (or Default).
- Confirm the reset button Apply.
If the standard theme does not apply:
⚠️ Warning: This may indicate damage to system files.Try: 1. Clear cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup. 2. Update. MIUI Up to the latest version. 3. perform resetting via Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings (data not deleted).
8. Alternative methods of customization
If changing the topic doesn’t work, consider other personalization options:
- 🎨 Iconpaks: Apps like Icon Pack Studio let you create your own icons.
- 🖼️ Wallpaper: Use Wallcraft or Backdrops for adaptive wallpaper.
🔹 For advanced users: If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can install custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS, where Android 14 themes are available without restrictions. MIUI.
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On POCO Launcher devices (such as the POCO X5), the themes are often not re-switched using standard methods, with the only solution being using third-party launchers or manually installing.mtz.