How to change the color of text on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12-15

Text color on Xiaomi devices is not just an aesthetic element, but an important part of the user experience. From standard black on a white background to bright accents in a dark topic, the possibility of customization in MIUI is wider than it seems. However, many users face the problem: how to change the color of the font in messages, menus or system applications, if standard settings do not allow this?

In this article, we will explore all available methods, from basic theme settings to hidden features for power users, learn how to change the color of text in MIUI 12-15 on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and others), and pay special attention to unique tricks using ADB and third-party launchers that are not described in the official documentation.

Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, changing the color of system text through Developer Options only works on hardened devices, and some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) ignore the global settings of MIUI. We will note such nuances in each section.

1. Basic settings: dark theme and accent colors

Let's start with the simplest of them all, the built-in MIUI options that are available without root rights or extra apps, and even if you're a beginner, these steps will help make text more readable.

The main tool is the dark theme mode, which automatically changes the color of text from black to white (or gray) in most system and third-party applications, to activate it:

  1. Open the Settings → Display.
  2. Choose Dark Mode.
  3. Activate the switch or set a schedule (for example, 21:00 to 7:00).

For more fine-tuning, go to Settings → Themes. Here you can:

  • 🎨 Apply ready-made themes from the Mi Theme Store (some change the color of text in menus and notifications).
  • 🔄 Use the accent color function (not available on all devices) – it changes the color of the highlighted elements, but not the entire text.
  • 🖼️ Download custom themes from the community (e.g. Pitch Black for a full dark theme).

⚠️ Note: Some themes from the Mi Theme Store contain ads or collect data. Check reviews and theme rating before installing.

If you only need to change the color of text in a particular app (such as SMS or Contacts), try:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Go to your settings (usually through the ⚙️ top-right).
  3. Find the topic section or the design.
📊 What theme mode you use more often?
Light.
Dark.
Automatic shift
I don't use theme settings.

2. Change the color of the text through settings of special features

Few people know, but MIUI has hidden options for visually impaired users that allow you to adjust the color of text and background, which are not completely free, but can help if standard themes do not suit you.

To find them:

  1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
  2. Select Visibility Settings (or Color and Contrast on new versions).
  3. Activate options: High contrast text makes the text bolder and clearer; color inversion changes the palette completely (white text on a black background and vice versa); color correction allows you to choose a filter (for example, for colorblind people).

These settings affect all system applications, but do not affect most third-party programs (such as Instagram or VK).

What if the text becomes invisible after the color inversion?
If after activating Color Inversion, some elements (such as icons or buttons) have merged with the background, try: 1. Disable the inversion and use Dark Mode instead. 2. Enable High contrast text - this often solves the problem of invisible inscriptions. 3. Set a custom theme with high contrast (for example, AMOLED Dark from the Mi Theme Store).

For a more flexible setup, try the combination:

  1. Activate Dark Mode in Settings → Display.
  2. Enable Color Correction (Datetanium or Protanopia filter) in Special Options.
  3. Apply an accent theme (e.g. blue or green) to Settings → Themes.

This will create a unique color scheme that cannot be obtained by standard means.

Third-party launchers: full customization of text

If the built-in MIUI settings don't suit you, look for alternative launchers, which allow you to change the color of text on your desktop, in the app menu, and even in some widgets.

  • 📱 Nova Launcher supports color change in folders, shortcuts and docking bars. To do this: Install Nova Launcher from Google Play. Click and hold the empty space on your desktop. → Settings. Go to Appearance. → Color of icons and text.

Lawnchair

Hyperion Launcher

Xiaomi

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Open Nova Settings → Look & feel → Icon layout.


2. Select "Text color" and select the desired shade (e.g. #FF5722 for orange).




3. Save the changes and restart the launcher.

Limitation: Launchers only change text on the desktop and in the application menu, but do not affect system settings or third-party programs. Full customization will require more radical methods (see the following sections).

💡

If the text becomes blurry after installing the launcher, try disabling the option “Adaptive Icons” in its settings. This often solves the problem with font rendering on Xiaomi.

4.Use ADB to change system colors (no root)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to change system text colors without getting root permissions. This method works on MIUI 12-14 and requires connecting the device to a computer.

You'll need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (you can download from the Android Developers website).
  • 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).