Owning a Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone is a great opportunity not only for communication and work, but also for creativity. The standard MIUI interface, although functional, often seems to users of the same type and devoid of individuality. Which is why the question of how to make your theme becomes one of the most popular among owners of this model. Deep customization allows you to turn the device into a unique gadget that reflects your personal style and preferences.
The process of creating your own theme on Redmi 9 may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, Xiaomi has provided quite flexible tools to change the appearance of the system without having to get super-user rights. You don't have to be a programmer or designer to start experimenting with the appearance of your smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing the necessary files to the final installation of the finished product. We will look at working with official tools and third-party solutions that make the process as simple as possible. Creating a theme on Redmi 9 is possible without root rights, using only the standard theme store and third-party APK editors. This ensures that you do not lose the warranty and do not violate the stability of the system.
Preparation for customization of the MIUI interface
Before you start directly modifying files, you need to make sure your device is ready to work with modified elements. Xiaomi Redmi 9 runs on the basis of the MIUI shell, which has its own file structure and security requirements. The first step is to back up all important data. Even if the process of changing the theme is considered safe, unforeseen failures can lead to the loss of personal files.
Temporary files, app cache and old downloads can slow down the editors of the theme or cause errors when compiling new resources. It is recommended to have at least 1-2 GB of free space for comfortable work. This will ensure smooth switching between interface elements and fast loading of heavy graphic elements.
It's important to understand the difference between a simple wallpaper change and a full-fledged theme. A theme is a comprehensive package that includes styling system windows, settings menus, notification curtains, and even audio. These packages often require access to hidden developer functions, and can be activated by clicking on the build number in the About Phone section several times.
⚠️ Warning: Before making any changes to system files, make sure that the battery is at least 60% charged. interruption of the data writing process due to battery discharge may cause damage to the software shell.
Be sure to check for system updates. Sometimes newer versions of MIUI change paths to system files or algorithms to verify the signatures of the themes. Using the current version of the software minimizes the risk of compatibility conflicts. If you plan to use complex graphical modifications, system stability is a priority.
Use of the official annex “Themes”
The main look management tool on Redmi 9 is the pre-installed Themes app, which allows you to not only download the finished solutions, but also edit them. Once you go to the user profile, you can find the My Themes section, where all downloaded packages are stored, and this is where you start your journey to create your own unique design.
To start, try modifying an existing theme. Choose a style that is close to your desired one, and click the "Set up" button. There are changes to fonts, icons, lock screen wallpaper and home screen. Once you make changes, the system will suggest saving the result as a new theme with a unique name, which is the safest way to start familiarizing yourself with customization.
- 🎨 Choose the basic theme as close to your taste as possible to minimize the number of edits.
- 📂 Save backups of source files before each edit cycle.
- 🔄 Test changes across multiple screens, including the settings menu and task manager.
The official theme store offers a huge library of items, you can combine fonts from one theme, icons from another, and wallpaper from a third. However, to combine all these elements into a single installation package (.mtz) often requires more advanced tools. The standard application is great for quick personalization, but has limitations in the depth of code editing.
When working with an official application, it is important to follow the rules of the developer community if you plan to publish your topic in the public domain. Infringement of copyright to use other graphic elements can lead to account blocking. Always use licensed fonts and images created by you or available under a free license.
Work with APK-editors and file system
For those who want to go beyond standard settings, there are powerful editing tools available. APK-On Xiaomi Redmi 9 popular applications like MT manager or APK Editor. They allow you to open the installation packages of theme, replace graphical resources (PNG, XML) And this is a method that requires care, because a code error can make the topic unworkable.
Android File System on Redmi 9 System themes are often located in hidden directories, which may require special permissions. APK-You actually replace the images in the theme archive with the editor, for example, to change the view of the battery, you need to find the corresponding file in the folder. res/drawable and replace it with yours.
The key is to sign the app, after modifying any APK-The file's digital signature is reset. Android won't install the modified signature app on top of the original without the appropriate rights. So the modified theme needs to be installed as a new application or use special modules to replace the signature.
You'll encounter a lot of files with the.xml extension as you go about it. These are markup files that determine the position of items on the screen. By changing them, you can move the clock on the lock screen, change the size of the widgets, or hide unnecessary interface elements. However, the XML syntax requires precision: one extra bracket can disrupt the whole theme.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete system files from the theme folders unless you are sure of their purpose.The lack of critical resources can cause the smartphone interface to become unreadable or no longer respond to touch.
Creating icons and graphic elements
The visual part of the theme is what catches your eye in the first place. For Redmi 9 with its FullHD+ resolution screen, it's important to create or match high-quality icons. The standard icon size in Android is usually 192x192 pixels, but for the DPI densities of modern smartphones, it's better to use 512x512 pixels source codes. This will ensure that the image is clear at any scale.
There are special icon sets that you can adapt to your style. You can use graphics editors on a PC like Photoshop or GIMP, or mobile analogs like Ibispaint X. The main thing is to follow a single style. If you choose a flat design (Flat), you should not mix it with three-dimensional (3D) elements, because this will create visual noise.
The process of replacing icons in the topic involves mapping. You need to match the file names in your topic with the file names in the system. icon_config.xml Or similar, where you write down which image corresponds to which application, and it's actually automated by scripts, but on a mobile device, it's often done manually or semi-automatically.
- 🖼️ Use the format. PNG with the support of a transparent channel for icons, so that they look beautiful in any background.
- 📐 Observe proportions and indentations so that the icons do not stick together and have a neat look in the grid.
- 🎨 Support a uniform color gamut for all interface elements, including folders and widgets.
Pay special attention to the icons of system applications. They are the basis of the MIUI interface. If the standard icon "Phone" or "Messages" will be out of style, it immediately catches your eye. Try to find or draw alternatives that harmoniously fit into the overall concept of your author's theme.
Set up fonts and animations
Fonts are clothing, and the choice of text depends on the perception of information. On Xiaomi Redmi 9 you can use fonts format.ttf or.otf. When replacing the system font, it is important to consider readability. Too decorative fonts can look bad in a small pin, for example, in the contact list or settings. The optimal choice is sans serif fonts, such as various variations of Roboto or Open Sans.
Interface animations add speakers and make smartphone use more enjoyable. MIUI is famous for its smooth transitions. Theme files can adjust the speed and type of animations to open apps, fold windows and switch tasks. However, excessive heavy animation can reduce device performance, especially on budget models.
Sound design is also part of the theme. You can replace the system notification sounds, screen locks, and even camera shutter sound. Files should be in.ogg or.mp3 format and have the optimal bitrate to keep space low and load quickly into memory. Heavy audio files can cause delays when playing.
When you set up fonts through configuration files, you can change the letter spacing and the line height, which is useful if the standard font seems too compressed or stretched. XML-theme files and require rebooting the interface or the device itself to apply changes.
Testing and installation of a finished theme
Once all the elements are ready, it's the assembly and testing phase. APK-Redmi 9 often requires third-party themes to be installed in security settings, and without that, the system will block the installation of the modified file.
Testing needs to be thorough. Go through all the menus, open the settings, run a few apps. Check what the keyboard looks like, check how the notifications in the curtain are displayed, if there are artifacts on the lock screen. Often, replacing one element breaks the layout elsewhere, and this is necessary before final use.
If the theme is unstable, try clearing the theme app cache and restarting your smartphone. Sometimes the system caches old graphics resources and new ones don't apply immediately. In extreme cases, if the theme has led to critical errors, boot into Safe Mode (clicking the off button on the lock screen) and delete the problem package.
Install the finished theme through file.mtz or.miui. Just click on the file in the file manager, and the system will suggest to apply the theme. After application, it is recommended to take screenshots of the best screens to share the result or save memory of your work.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing the theme, the smartphone stopped responding to touch or the screen went out, do not panic. 10-15 - It's a second for a forced reset. MIUI Automatically rolls back the theme when critical download errors are detected.
Comparison of theme-creating methods
The method of creating a theme depends on your goals and skills, and for beginners, a standard editor will suit, and for pros, code work. Below is a table that helps you determine the toolkit.
| Method | Difficulty | Flexibility | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard annex | Low. | Limited. | Minimum |
| APK Editor | Medium | Tall. | Medium. |
| PC Tools (MT Manager) | Tall. | Maximum | High-pitched |
| Online designers | Low. | Medium | Low. |
Each method has its advantages: the standard application is fast and secure, but it doesn't give you complete freedom. APK editors allow you to change almost everything, but they require knowledge of the structure of Android. The choice is yours based on how much time you are willing to devote to training.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches. You can start by simply replacing the wallpaper in a standard application, then try changing the font, and then move on to editing APK. This gradual approach will allow you to master customization without risking spoiling the system.