Changing the visual design of a smartphone is not just a whim, but a way to personalize the device to your tastes. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO gadgets often wonder how to change the appearance of standard applications to make the interface look fresh and unusual. The Contacts app is one of the most used, so its design directly affects the overall perception of a MIUI or HyperOS system.
The process of changing the theme can seem confusing due to the peculiarities of the Android shell in conjunction with the manufacturer's proprietary add-ons. Standard tools of the system do not always allow you to change the design of individual applications without setting global themes. However, there are several proven methods that allow you to achieve the desired result without the need to obtain root rights. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from official to more advanced.
It's worth noting that the result depends on the version of the operating system and the region for which the device is released. Global firmware versions often have limitations that are not present in Chinese builds. However, with the right tools, you can radically transform your phone. Let's look at the basic methods in detail.
Use of the official “Themes” annex
The easiest and safest way to change the look of a call and contact list is to use the Themes app, a standard tool pre-installed on all the brand’s devices, and it contains thousands of designs created by the company and independent designers from around the world.
To get started, you need to launch the app and go to the search section. Type a query related to the style you want to see, such as "Minimalist Contacts" or "Dark Dialer." The system will offer a list of suitable options. Pay attention to the preview to make sure that the theme changes the contact interface, not just the desktop wallpaper.
⚠️ Note: Some themes may be paid or available only for accounts with India or Russia.If you don't see the right options, try changing the region in the Mi Account settings.
Once you have selected the right option, click Download and then Apply. The system will automatically apply stylization to the appropriate interface elements. It is important to understand that a global theme can change icons, notification curtains and settings menu, so choose comprehensive solutions.
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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current lock screen and desktop to quickly bring everything back if you don’t like the new style.
If the theme is successful but the changes in contacts are not visible, try restarting the device. Sometimes the cached data of the old design is stored in memory and requires resetting to display new graphic elements.
Set up fonts and element sizes
Often users want to change the readability of text and the size of the numbers in the phone book, rather than the picture, and for this purpose, the MIUI system has a separate settings section that affects the display of fonts throughout the interface, including the Contacts app.
Go to Settings → Screen → Text Size. You can slide the scale of the characters you display. Increase the font size will make numbers and names more visible, which is especially true for people with visual impairments or for using a smartphone as a device for elderly relatives.
And then there's the "Fonts" section in the Topics app, and by downloading and using a different font, you change the style of writing letters and numbers, and this indirectly affects how the contact interface is perceived, making it unique without having to install heavy graphical shells.
- 🔹 Open the screen settings and select “Text Size».
- 🔹 Move the slider to the right to zoom in or to the left to reduce the characters.
- 🔹 Go to the Topics app and go to the profile, then to the Fonts section».
- 🔹 Download your favorite font and click "Apply».
Some fonts have unique numerical signatures that can dramatically change the way you dial. Experiment with different options to find the best balance between aesthetics and readability.
Use of third-party launchers and applications
If standard methods do not provide the desired flexibility, you can resort to installing third-party applications from the Google Play store. There are specialized “callers” and contact managers that completely replace the standard application, offering advanced functionality and themes.
Popular solutions are Truecaller, Contacts+ or Simple Contacts. Once you install such an application, make it the default default one. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Three dots in the corner → Default apps → Phone and select the installed application.
The advantage of third-party solutions is that you can fine-tune color schemes, call list backgrounds and avatars, so you can set your photo or any picture to the dial background, which is often not possible in a stock app.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party calling apps, be sure to give them all the necessary permissions, including access to contacts, microphone, and call log, otherwise they won’t be able to function properly.
However, it’s worth remembering that third-party apps can consume more battery life and have access to your personal data.Select only proven programs with high ratings and a large number of positive reviews in the store.
Addressing problems with the application of topics
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the theme has been downloaded, but only partially applied: wallpaper has changed, and contacts have remained the same. This is a common problem associated with the theme cache or conflict versions of system components.
The first step is to remove the problematic topic and clear the theme cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Themes → Storage → Clean. After that, try to download the theme again. Often this solves the problem of misuse of resources.
Another reason could be that the theme is incompatible with your version of Android. Themes created for Android 11 may not show correctly on Android 13 or 14. Always pay attention to the requirements specified in the theme description and look for compatibility notes.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Subject not applicable | Server or network error | Change. IP-address or region of the account |
| Icons are knocked down | Conflict of fonts | Return the standard font before installation |
| Black screen in contacts | Incompatibility of the OS version | Select a theme marked "For Android 13+" |
| No buttons. | Theme without audio resources | Check the sound settings in the theme itself |
If nothing works, you can try resetting the theme to factory settings. In the Themes app, go to profile, select Settings, and find Reset All Themes or the like, which will return the standard design, after which you can try installing a new theme.
Deep Customization with MTZ Manager
For advanced users who want to change specific interface elements without affecting the rest of the system, there is a tool called MTZ Manager. This is a utility that allows you to edit the theme files and apply selective changes, for example, only for the Phone or Contacts application.
This method requires a deeper immersion into the file system, you need to download the.mtz theme file from a reliable source, and then, using a file manager with access to the system folders, you can replace specific graphical resources.
Where to get secure theme files?
It is important to note that interference with system files can lead to unstable operation of the device. Before starting any manipulation of the theme files, it is strongly recommended to create a full backup of the data.
- 🔸 Download and install the application MTZ Manager from a reliable source.
- 🔸 Download the theme file you want to modify.
- 🔸 Open the file in the manager and select the Dialer or Contacts component».
- 🔸 Apply the changes and restart the smartphone.
This method gives maximum control over the appearance, but requires caution. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to standard methods through the Themes app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you change the theme for Contacts only without changing the rest of the interface?
Why did all the installed themes disappear after the MIUI update?
Is it safe to download themes from third-party sources?
How do I get back to a standard theme if I don’t like the new one?
Does the complex contact topic affect battery consumption?
☑️ Checking before changing the topic
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Changing the theme is a great way to personalize your smartphone, but always use official sources to upload files to keep your data safe.