How to put another font on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom solutions

Why Change the Font to Xiaomi and What You Need to Know Before You Start

A font on a smartphone is like a handwriting in a notebook: it forms a first impression of the interface. Xiaomi devices with the MIUI shell use the MiSans branded font, optimized for screen resolutions from 720p to 4K. But what if you don’t like it? Maybe you want to bring back the usual Roboto from pure Android, install a stylish SF Pro on the iPhone, or even experiment with handwriting fonts for creativity.

Before you make any changes, consider three key points: First, not all methods are equally secure: some require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which may deprive you of warranty. Second, on devices with MIUI 14 and later, some system fonts are digitally signed, replacing them without root will cause a failure of the display in some applications. Third, after updating the firmware, all changes can be reset if you do not use the method with deep integration.

In this article, we’ll look at three ways, from the simplest (via standard themes) to the most advanced (using ADB and modified.ttf files). Each method has been tested on current models: Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 running Android 13/14.

Method 1: Change the font through standard MIUI themes (without root)

The safest and most reversible method is the use of the built-in MIUI Theme Store, which requires no technical skills and works on all devices, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. The main drawback is that the choice of fonts is limited to official collections, and many of them are paid (prices range from 50 to 300 rubles).

To change the font:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Fonts section in the lower menu.
3. Scroll through the list or use the search (magnifying glass in the upper right corner).
4. Select the font you like and click Apply.
5. Confirm the changes in the pop-up window.

Some fonts in the store are marked as “Premium” – you can pay through Mi Account or get them for free by completing daily tasks (viewing ads, evaluating topics, etc.). Please note: after using the font, the system may suggest rebooting the device – this is normal and takes no more than 30 seconds.

Make sure you have the latest version of the Themes app (update to Play Market)

Check the balance of the Mi Wallet if you plan to buy the font

Backup your current theme in your profile settings

Turn it off. VPN — It can block the download of themes.-->

Among the popular free fonts in the MIUI Theme Store:

• 📱 MiSans Rounded – rounded versions of the standard font
• 🎨 Artist Bold – bold font for creative tasks
• 📜 Classic Serif – imitation of printed books
• 🖥️ Monospace is a mono-width font for programmers

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T For the European market, the Fonts section may not be available due to regional restrictions, in which case, try changing the region in your Mi Account settings to India or China.

Method 2: Install custom fonts through the iFont app (without root but with ADB)

If the built-in fonts are not enough, you can install any.ttf file from the Internet using the iFont app.This method does not require superuser rights, but will require a one-time setup via the iFont app. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. Suitable for MIUI 12–15 and Android 10–14.

Steps for installation:

1. Download and install iFont from the Play Market.
2. Download your favorite font in.ttf or.otf format (for example, from DaFont or Fontsquirrel sites).
3. Transfer the font file to the Download folder on your phone.
4. Open iFont, click Local and select the downloaded file.
5. Click Set – The app will offer two options: Without Root (via ADB) or With Root.
6. Select Without Root and follow the ADB connection instructions.

To work with ADB, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and a platform-tools package (download from the official Android website).

adb devices


adb shell pm grant com.kapp.ifont android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS




adb shell pm grant com.kapp.ifont android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION

These commands will give iFont the rights to change system settings. Once you do them, go back to the application and re-click Set, the font will apply automatically. Note: some system applications (such as Settings or Calls) may not change the font - this is a limitation of MIUI.

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Before installing the font through ADB, check its compatibility with Cyrillic. Some Western fonts (for example, Helvetica Neue) do not support Russian characters, which will result in the display of "Krakozyabr".

Method 3: Manual replacement of system fonts (root required)

This method is suitable for experienced users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty for the sake of full control over the interface. It allows you to replace all system fonts, including those used in boot animation and recovery. On devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, replacing fonts in the /system/font folder blocks the dm-verity mechanism - without disabling this check, the phone will not boot.

Instructions for devices with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk:

1. Download the archive with replacement fonts (e.g. XDA Developers).
2. With a root file manager (such as Root Explorer), go to /system/font/.
3. Create a backup of the original files (copy them on the SD-map).
4. Remove old fonts and paste new ones by following the original file names (e.g. Roboto-Regular.ttf).
5. Change the permissions to access new files: 644 (rw-r-----).
6. Reset the device.

To bypass dm-verity on new versions of MIUI will require:

• 🔧 Install the Magisk module Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.
• 📱 Edit the fstab file in /vendor/etc/, delete the parameters with certainty.
• 🔄 Complete the full reboot with fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect replacement of fonts in /system If the phone doesn't turn on after rebooting, try booting into Fastboot and returning the original files via the command: fastboot flash system system.img (where system.img — backup).

Where to download fonts for Xiaomi: verified sources

Not all fonts on the Internet are suitable for smartphones, but here is a list of trusted sources with verified files:

• 🌐 DaFont is the largest database of filtered fonts under license (see 100% Free).
• 🎨 Fontsquirrel – only legal fonts for commercial use.
• 📱 XDA Developers (a section of Xiaomi) - modified fonts specifically for MIUI.
• 🖥️ Google Fonts – open fonts from Google (all support Cyrillic alphabet).

When choosing a font, pay attention to:

• 📌 License: marked fonts OFL Apache 2.0 is available for free.
• 📏 File size: optimal weight – 200-500 KB. Too heavy fonts (>1 MB can slow down the interface.
• 🌍 Language support: check for Cyrillic, hieroglyphics (if necessary) and special characters (e.g., for example, ₽, €, →).

For devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60 Ultra fonts with thin lines (e.g. Product Sans or Circular Std) are recommended, as they are less loading on the matrix and save battery life.

Standard (MiSans)

Roboto (like on pure Android)

SF Pro (like on iPhone)

Castomy (in its own version)

I don't care.-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if installed correctly, fonts can not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If artifacts appear after the font change (such as blurred characters or incorrect indentations), try:

1. Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → iFont → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”).
3. Install a different font with a similar style, but from a different developer.

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If the font has been replaced, or the animation has stopped working, chances are you have replaced the system files in the wrong folder, restore the original fonts from the backup, or reflash the device via Fastboot.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the way to change the font, evaluate your skills and goals:

• 🆓 For beginners: use built-in themes MIUI — It is safe and does not require technical knowledge.
• 🛠️ Advanced Users: iFont + ADB It gives you more freedom without the risk of losing your guarantee.
• 🔧 Root enthusiasts: manually replacing system fonts allows you to achieve a unique look, but requires caution.

If you choose between iFont and manual method, consider:

• ✅ iFont is easier to use and supports rollback of changes.
• ✅ Manual replacement gives 100% control, but is risky on new versions MIUI.
• ❌ Both methods can conflict with Dark Mode – test fonts in light and dark themes.

For devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi, which debuted in 2026), only the first method (themes) is available so far, since the security mechanisms are not yet bypassed by developers.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions