How to turn on a dark theme on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but its owners still face a problem: the official MIUI firmware does not support the system dark theme on this model. While new Xiaomi devices get night mode out of the box, Redmi 4X users have to look for workarounds.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working methods for enabling dark interfaces, from hidden MIUI settings to third-party apps and custom firmware. You’ll learn what limitations each method has, how to avoid common bugs, and what to do if a theme is reset after a reboot. And we’ve tested each method on current firmware versions (including MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) and collected user feedback on the stability of the work.

Why is Redmi 4X not a dark theme?

The reason lies in the hardware limitations and policy of Xiaomi. the Redmi 4X model was released in 2017 with a Snapdragon 435 processor and 2/3 GB of RAM - these resources were barely enough for the stable operation of the MIUI 8/9, not to mention additional features.

• 📱 There is no support for system dark theme in official firmware (even in the latest builds). MIUI 12.5 for the santoni).
• 🔄 Security updates for the model stopped in 2021, so new features (including night mode) do not spoil.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) supports dark theme, but requires unlocking the bootloader and risks stability.

But that doesn't mean Redmi 4X owners have to put up with a bright interface, and there are at least 5 alternative ways to turn on the dark mode, from the simple to the radical, and then we'll go through each with pros and cons.

Method 1: Hidden MIUI settings (works on some firmware)

Despite the lack of official support, some MIUI 10-12.5 builds for the Redmi 4X have a hidden flag that allows you to force the dark theme to be activated, a method that does not require root rights, but does not work on all versions of the software.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app and go to the About Phone section.
2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version bar to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Find the option to Forced Enable Dark Theme (or Override Force-Dark) and activate it.
5. Reset the device.

Backup data | Check the MIUI version (must be at least 10)| Charge the phone at least 50% | Turn off the energy-saving mode-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, this method leads to interface artifacts — white text on a white background in the system menu or “broken” icons. If the screen becomes unreadable after rebooting, return the settings to the original state through For Developers or reset the theme settings to Topics → My subjects. → Reset.

Method 2: Third-party launchers with support for dark theme

If the system launcher MIUI It refuses to work in dark mode, you can replace it with an alternative. 4X:

• 🌙 Nova Launcher – supports dark theme at the interface level, but does not affect the system menus. Plus: minimalist design and high performance even for 2 GB of RAM.
• 📱 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher. has a built-in night mode, but can brake on weak devices.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher is a lightweight launcher with dark theme support and Windows sync. Suitable for users using the Microsoft ecosystem.

How to set up:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Run it and select Dark or AMOLED Black in the settings.
3. In the system settings (Applications → Default → Launcher), select the new launcher as the main one.

💡

To make the dark theme applicable in system menus (for example, in Settings), combine the launcher with the Override force-dark method from the first method.

⚠️ Note: Third-party launchers do not change the theme in system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages). To fully immerse in dark mode, you will need to use additional tools (see Method 3).

Method 3: Applications for overlaying themes (Substratum, Swift Installer)

For deep customization of the interface, applications that redefine system styles without the need for firmware are suitable.

• 🎨 Substratum Theme Engine – requires root rights or support for Andromeda, allowing you to install custom themes, including dark ones.
• 🖌️ Swift Installer is a simplified version of Substratum without root, but with limited functionality.
• 🌗 Dark Mode for MIUI — A specialized application for Xiaomi devices that simulates a dark theme through overlay.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Swift Installer:

1. Download and install Swift Installer from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select the Overlay section.
3. Find a theme marked Dark or AMOLED and click Install.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Theme overlay apps may conflict with system updates. Once you install an OTA-apatche, the theme may fly off, and in the worst case, it may lead to a bootloop. Always back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup before experiments.

Method 4: LineageOS (Pixel Experience)

If you don't like half-measures, you can install custom firmware with full support for dark theme. Redmi 4X is available:

• 📱 LineageOS 16/17.1 — stable firmware based on Android 9/10 It supports system dark theme and regular security updates.
• 🔹 Pixel Experience – firmware with the Google Pixel branded interface, including adaptive night mode (Dark Theme) + Night Light).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – custom build with advanced design settings, including gradient dark themes.

🔧 What's needed:

• Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Installed Custom Recavery (TWRP)
• Backup of data (firmware erases internal memory!).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP for Redmi 4X via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Install. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Reboot.

💡

Custom firmware gives you full control of the interface, but it takes away official Xiaomi support. Before installing, check the feedback on the stability of a particular build on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X 2GB of RAM with some custom firmware (e.g. Android 11)+) It can run unstablely, such as lags, spontaneous reboots, or overheating, and the best choice for this model is LineageOS 16 (Android 9) or Pixel Experience 10.

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)

If you're not afraid to dig through system files, you can force a dark theme to be enabled by editing configuration settings, a method that requires root rights and ADB commands.

🔧 Instructions:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open ADB Shell.
3. Use the command to include dark theme: settings put secure ui_night_mode 2
4. To apply changes to system applications, add settings put global force_dark_mode 1
5. Reset the device.

📌 Alternative option (via file editor):

1. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer.
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases.
3. Open the settings.db file in the text editor.
4. Find a line. ui_night_mode and replace the value with 2.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

settings delete secure ui_night_mode


settings delete global force_dark_mode

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to the ruin of system applications or soft-brick (the device is turned on, but not loaded completely). TWRP!

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods, taking into account the complexity, risks and the final result:

💡 Recommendations for selection:

• 👍 For beginners: Third-party launchers (Nova or Lawnchair) + hidden settings MIUI.
• 🛠️ For advanced: Substratum with root or custom firmware (LineageOS).
• ⚠️ Not recommended: Manual editing system files without backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark topic on Redmi 4X