How to change the font on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom TTF-file

Xiaomi’s font is not just a set of characters, it’s part of the visual experience of the interface. It depends on how comfortable you are with reading messages, browsing websites or working with documents. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change the font, from simple theme settings to deep customization through MIUI Theme Editor or even manual implementation of.ttf files. But not all methods are equally safe β€” some require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which may deprive you of warranties.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to change the font on Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO and Black Shark is managed MIUI 12/13/14 You will learn how to use built-in themes, install custom fonts through MTZ-And what if you change the text, you see the characters, or the system starts to slow down, and we'll focus on the hidden method. ADB, which works without root rights on most models 2020–2026 year-end.

1. Standard method: changing the font through MIUI themes

The easiest and safest method is to use embedded themes. Xiaomi offers dozens of free and paid themes with unique fonts that change not only the characters, but also the style of display of text in menus, messages and applications, this method requires no technical skills and is suitable even for beginners.

To change the font through the themes:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the Font tab (on some firmware it is hidden in the Categories β†’ Text section).
  3. Select the font you like and click Apply.
  4. Confirm the changes – the system will automatically update the text display in all standard applications.

⚠️ Note: Some fonts from the theme store may contain ads or plugins. Check other users' reviews before installing. Also note that after changing the topic, the font may reset to the standard one, in which case you will have to install it again.

  • βœ… Pros: does not require root rights, works on all devices, you can return the standard font in one click.
  • ❌ Cons: limited choice, not all fonts support Cyrillic, possible bugs with display in third-party applications.
πŸ“Š What type of font do you prefer on a smartphone?
Standard (Roboto/SF Pro)
Thin and minimalist
Fat and contrasting
Handwritten or decorative
Other

2. Installation of custom fonts through MTZ-file

If you don't have many built-in options, you can download a.mtz font, which is a MIUI theme archive that contains not only fonts, but also icons, wallpaper, sounds, and these are distributed on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA. Importantly, install MTZ only from trusted sources to avoid viruses.

Installation instructions:

  1. Download the.mtz font file to your device (for example, to the Downloads folder).
  2. Open the Topics application β†’ Profile β†’ Import.
  3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the unpacking.
  4. Go to My Themes, find an imported theme and apply it.

If the font has not changed after application:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ“ Check that the file is not damaged (try to download again).
  • πŸ› οΈ Make sure the theme is compatible with your version MIUI (for example, topics MIUI 12 may not work on the MIUI 14).

Download the file from a verified source only

Check compatibility with the MIUI version

Make a backup copy of the current theme

Charge your phone at least 50%

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3. Manual font change via ADB (no root)

This method is suitable for advanced users who do not want to get root rights, but are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), it allows you to replace system fonts without unlocking the bootloader, but requires care - an error can lead to a "bootloop".

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB and drivers for Xiaomi.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (7 times press) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ“ Font in.ttf format (e.g. Roboto-Regular.ttf).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
  2. Copy the font to the system folder: adb push C:\path\k\font\Roboto-Regular.ttf /sdcard/
  3. Transfer the file to the system partition (write rights required): adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system cp /sdcard/Roboto-Regular.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/Roboto-Regular.ttf reboot

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS system partition can be protected from writing even through ADB. In this case, only obtaining root rights or using Magisk will help.

What if the font has not changed after ADB?
If the font remains the same after the reboot, check: 1. Is the file path correctly indicated in the adb push command (registrar is important!). 2. Does your firmware support replacing fonts via ADB (it is disabled on some custom firmwares). 3. Is the system partition blocked (mount -o rw, remount /system should run without errors). If nothing helps, try an alternative method with MIUI Theme Editor (see the next section).

4.Using MIUI Theme Editor for deep customization

MIUI Theme Editor is Xiaomi’s official app that allows you to create and edit themes, including fonts, and is available on Google Play, but doesn’t work on all devices.

  • 🎨 Change the font for individual interface elements (headers, buttons, notifications).
  • πŸ”€ Add Cyrillic support to custom fonts.
  • πŸ“¦ Export the finished theme to.mtz for distribution.

How to use the editor:

  1. Install MIUI Theme Editor from Play Market.
  2. Open the app and select Create a new theme.
  3. Go to the Fonts section and upload your.ttf file.
  4. Set up the display parameters (size, letter spacing, mark).
  5. Save the theme and apply it through the standard Theme app.

πŸ’‘ If you can’t upload a font to the editor, try converting it to.ttc (TrueType Collection) using online services like FontForge or TransType.

MethodNeed root?CompatibilityRisks.
Standard topics❌ No.All devices.Low.
MTZ-file❌ No.MIUI 12–14, HyperOSMedium (viruses in files)
ADB❌ No (but you need recording rights)MIUI 11-14 (on HyperOS limited)Tall (bootloop)
MIUI Theme Editor❌ No.Only with an installed editorLow.
Ruth + Magiskβœ… Yes.Any firmwareVery high (loss of warranty)

5. Font replacement via root and Magisk (for experienced)

If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty, the most flexible way is to get root rights and use Magisk modules.

  • πŸ”§ Install fonts directly into /system/fonts/.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Restore standard fonts through TWRP.
  • 🎯 Use fonts even on custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

Instructions:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
  2. Install TWRP and run Magisk to get root.
  3. Download the FontManager or iFont module from the Magisk repository.
  4. Reboot and select the font through the module app.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (2026), the method may not work due to the changed system partition structure. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

πŸ’‘

If, after installing the font through Magisk, text in some applications is displayed in squares, try clearing the cache of those applications or reinstall the module with a different font.

6. Solving problems after changing font

Even if you've done it right, sometimes there are bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

  • πŸ”€ Hieroglyphs instead of text: Font does not support Cyrillic. Install an extended encoding version (e.g. Noto Sans) CJK).
  • βš™οΈ System brakes: Too heavy font (many decorative elements). Try a simpler version.
  • πŸ“± Font reset after update: MIUI It resets custom settings when you update it. Save the.mtz file and reuse it.
  • 🚫 You can’t return the standard font: Delete theme through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Topics β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.

If nothing helps, reset your settings through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset, but note that this will delete all user data.

πŸ’‘

Before experimenting with fonts, always back up the current theme through the Topic app (My Themes β†’ Export section).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing font to Xiaomi

Can I change the font to Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, if you use standard themes or.mtz files, you only need the device and Internet access, and methods with ADB or Magisk require a PC.
Why does the text appear incorrectly after you install the font on WhatsApp?
Some apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram) use their own fonts and ignore the system ones. To fix this, try: Clear the app cache; Set the font using Magisk (if there is root); Use the Xposed Framework with the App Settings module (for power users).
How to return a standard font if the system does not boot?
If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after changing the font, try: Load to Safe Mode (hold the power button β†’ long tap on Turn off β†’ Reboot in Safe Mode). Delete the theme through Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Topics β†’ Delete data. If it doesn’t help, flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
Does this manual work on the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12?
Yes, all of the methods described are compatible with POCO F5 (MIUI 14/HyperOS) and Redmi Note 12 (MIUI 13/14). Exception is that the ADB method may not work on HyperOS due to writing restrictions in /system.
Where to download safe MTZ-font-file?
Verified sources: Xiaomi.EU Forum (Themes section), 4PDA (Russian fonts), XDA Developers (Xiaomi Themes section) Avoid sites with suspicious domains (e.g..xyz,.top) - they often spread viruses.