How to make bold font on Xiaomi: all the ways for TVs and smartphones

You want to highlight text on your Xiaomi screen β€” make it clearer and more visible? Fat font helps improve readability, especially on large screens of Mi TVs or on the menu of smartphones with MIUI. But in standard settings this option is often not. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to enable bold on different Xiaomi devices β€” from simple settings to advanced methods using ADB and system modifications.

It is important to understand that not all models support changing the weight of the font out of the box. For example, on Mi TV 4S/5X or Mi Box S TVs you will have to use workarounds, while in MIUI 14+ there are hidden options on smartphones, we will also explain what risks informal methods carry (for example, resetting to factory settings or loss of warranty) and how to minimize them.

1. Standard MIUI settings: where to look for bold?

To start with, the simplest way to check the standard settings is to check the latest versions of MIUI 12-14, and sometimes the option to change the font saturation appears on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones.

Open Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Text size and font. Some firmware may have a Thickness slider or a Fat Text switch, and if you don’t have one, your model doesn’t support it (most often on budget devices like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3).

  • πŸ“± Supported models: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 (on MIUI 14 Global/EEA).
  • ❌ Not supported: devices on MIUI 11 and below, and Mi TVs TV (Other methods are needed).
  • βš™οΈ If you have an option but it doesn’t work, try restarting your device.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) bold option may not be available even on flagships, in which case it will help to change the region of the system or install global firmware.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi device do you have?
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)
Mi TV TV TV
The Mi Box console
Other

2.Bold font on Mi TV: workarounds through display settings

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (including Mi TV 4A/4S/5X/6 and Mi TV Q1/Q2), there is no direct option to include bold font.

  1. Settings β†’ Image β†’ Image Mode β†’ Custom: Increase Contrast to 60-70 and Sharp to 50. This visually "weights up" the font.
  2. Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Enlarge text: zoom in at 110-120%. Text gets bigger and sharper.
  3. Use dark themes (Settings β†’ Personal β†’ Theme) where white text on a black background appears bolder.

For Android TV 10+ models (such as the Mi TV Q1 2023), there is another trick: turn on the Visually Impaired Mode in Special Features, which will make the font bold, but will change other interface elements.

Model Mi TVDoes bold support it?Recommended method
Mi TV 4A (2018–2020)❌ No.Increased contrast + text scale
Mi TV 4S/5X (2021–2022)⚠️ Partially.Mode for the visually impaired or ADB-team
Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2023)βœ… Yes.Special Opportunities β†’ Text Customization
Mi Box S❌ No.Only through third-party launchers.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (India), changing the font can cause widgets to malfunction. Before experimenting, back up your settings in Settings β†’ Account. β†’ Mi-account β†’ Backup.

3.Use of ADB-commands for forced inclusion of bold

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for Xiaomi smartphones and TVs, but requires a connection to a computer.

Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone)

Activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

Install ADB Tools on PC

Connect the device to USB (Use it on the TV. OTG-cable)

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After preparation, perform in the command line:

adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.1


adb shell settings put system font_weight 500

The first command zooms in on the font, the second sets the font weight (500 = bold). For Mi TVs, an additional command may be required:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS

The effect is applied after rebooting. If the font becomes too thick, reduce the value. font_weight before 400–450.

What to do if ADB is not working?
If the commands do not apply, check: 1. Are the ADB drivers installed correctly (there should be no exclamation points in Device Manager). 2. Have you allowed debugging on the device (a request will appear when you first connect). 3. For Mi TVs, you may need to enable Network Debugging in Settings β†’ About TV β†’ Android TV Version (click 7 times).

4. Third-party launchers and applications for changing the font

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can install an alternative launcher or a dedicated app, which is suitable for smartphones and Mi Box consoles, but doesn't work on Mi TVs because of manufacturer restrictions.

  • πŸ“² Nova Launcher: allows you to change the style of the font (including bold) in the settings β†’ Font. Supports Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12+.
  • πŸ”€ iFont (from Google Play): a custom font installation utility that requires root or permission to modify the system.
  • πŸ–₯️ TV Launcher (for Mi Box): replaces the standard interface where you can configure text display.

For Mi TVs, third-party launchers are not suitable - the system blocks their installation.

  1. Install APK-font file via File Manager (e.g. Google Sans Bold).
  2. Use cloud services like Send Files to TV to transfer font files.

⚠️ Note: Installation of third-party fonts on Mi TV It can cause system failure if the font file is corrupted. Before installing it, check for viruses and Android compatibility. TV.

πŸ’‘

If after installing custom font text became blurry, return the standard font through Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Reset font.

5. Modification of system files (for power users only)

The most radical way is to manually edit system files, which requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader, which voids the warranty, and we don't recommend this method for beginners, but if you're willing to take a chance, here's a quick guide:

On Xiaomi smartphones:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Download the modified framework-res.apk file in bold (see XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
  4. Replace the original file in /system/framework/ via TWRP.

On Mi TVs:

  1. Activate root through an exploit (e.g., MiTV Root Tool).
  2. Edit the file /system/etc/fonts.xml by adding the line: <family> <nameset> <name>sans-serif</name> </nameset> <fileset> <file>Roboto-Bold.ttf</file> </fileset> </family>
  3. Reset the device.
MethodNeed root?Risks.Difficulty
ADB-team❌ No.Minimum (setting reset)Medium
Third-party launchers❌ No.Conflicts with MIUILow.
Modification of system filesβœ… Yes.Brick device, loss of warrantyTall.

πŸ’‘

Modifying system files is an extreme method, and 90% of Xiaomi devices are enough with ADB or third-party applications.

6. Alternative solutions: why can bold not work?

If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in the following:

  • πŸ”„ Outdated firmware: on MIUI 10 android TV 8/9 Many text display features are limited. Check for updates in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Manufacturer lock: Xiaomi sometimes disables font change on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 8A or POCO C31).
  • πŸ“Ί TV restrictions: on Mi TV With an Amlogic processor (models up to 2021), custom fonts are not supported at the hardware level.
  • πŸ”§ Conflict of topics: Some design themes (Mi Theme) override system fonts. Try to bring back the standard theme.

If you are using a Mi TV and none of the ways have worked, consider the following workarounds:

  • Connect an external media player (such as Nvidia Shield or Fire TV Stick) where you can configure text display.
  • Use voice control (Settings β†’ Smart Assistant β†’ Voice search) instead of reading fine text.
  • Install applications that support text zooming (such as Kodi or Plex).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with a diagonal of more than 55 inches (Mi) TV Q1 75", Mi TV 665”) the problem of small print is often solved by a simple setup Screen resolution in Settings β†’ Picture β†’ Permission. Try to install it. 4K instead 1080p β€” text becomes clearer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about bold font on Xiaomi

❓ Can I make a bold print on Mi? TV computer-free?
Yes, but the options are limited. Try: Increase contrast in the image settings; Enable Visually Impaired Mode in special features; Set a dark theme β€” white text on a black background visually appears bolder; without ADB or root, you can't completely change the weight of the font.
❓ Why? ADB-Commands font has not changed?
Possible reasons: Commands entered with errors (check register and spaces). font_weight (It's relevant to old models. It's not enough rights. ADB You need to restart the device (sometimes changes are only applied after it). TV You may need to use an additional command: adb shell setprop persist.sys.font.weight 500
❓ How to Return Standard Font After Failed Changes?
Ways of rollback: For ADB: Adb shell settings delete system font_weight For MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ Screen. β†’ Reset type. For custom fonts: delete the installed type APK-file via Settings β†’ For system modifications: reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.
❓ Does bold font work in apps (YouTube, Netflix)?
No, the system font settings do not affect most third-party apps. To change the display of text in: YouTube: use the web version through the browser (in the browser settings you can zoom in). Netflix: include subtitles and select bold style in the playback settings. Prime Video: change the subtitles size in the video settings. Some applications (for example, Kodi) allow you to install custom fonts in their settings.
❓ Can you make bold font on Mi Band or other Xiaomi gadgets?
No, on wearable devices (Mi Band 7, Xiaomi Watch S3), you can’t change the font – their screen is too small and the firmware is closed for modifications. The only way is to increase the text size in the accompanying application (Mi Fitness or Zepp Life).