Why Change the Theme to Xiaomi Mi2 Lite
Xiaomi Mi2 Lite (also known as Redmi 2 Lite) is still popular with users who value compactness and simplicity. However, the standard MIUI interface based on Android 4.4 KitKat or Android 5.0 Lollipop (depending on the firmware version) can get boring over time. Changing theme is one of the easiest ways to refresh the look of the device without installing custom firmware.
In this article, we will explore all the ways to change the theme on the Mi2 Lite, from standard MIUI Themes tools to third-party launchers. We will focus on the nuances associated with the outdated version of Android and the limitations of the iron platform (Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, 1 GB of RAM). If your smartphone is slow or does not support new themes, here you will find solutions.
Before you start, check the MIUI version: go to Settings β About β About Phone β MIUI version. It depends on what methods are available. For example, the versions below MIUI 7 do not have a built-in theme store, and on MIUI 8/9 it is already present, but with limited functionality.
Method 1: Standard MIUI Theme Store (for MIUI 7 and later)
If your Mi2 Lite has a MIUI 7 or higher installed, you can use the built-in theme store.This method is the easiest, but requires an Internet connection and a Xiaomi account.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- π In the lower menu, select the Online section (or Recommended ones).
- π Scroll through the list of topics and select the one you like. Click on it, then Apply.
- βοΈ If the theme does not apply, check the settings: Settings β Additionally. β Personal settings β Topics.
Nana Mi2 Lite because of weak iron, some themes may slow down or display incorrectly. We recommend choosing light themes without animations (for example, Classic or Default). MIUI 7 Theme Store is slower than the newer versions.
Backup your current settings | Connect to Wi-Fi (themes weigh 10-50MB) | Battery charge >30% | Close background apps to speed up loading
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β οΈ Attention: MIUI 6 and below the theme store is missing. If you have old firmware, go to Method 3 (third-party launchers).
Method 2: Installation of themes through MTZ-files (manual method)
If the standard store doesnβt work or doesnβt have the right themes, you can manually install the theme through a.mtz file, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI, including the oldest ones.
Step-by-step:
- Download the.mtz theme file from a trusted source (e.g., the official Chinese MIUI website or forums like 4PDA).
- Transfer the file to the phoneβs memory (for example, to the Downloads folder).
- Open the Topics β Local β select the downloaded file.
- Click Apply and confirm the action.
If there are errors after using the theme (for example, the theme is not supported), try:
- π Reboot the phone.
- π Set the topic through MIUI Theme Editor (requires root rights).
- ποΈ Remove the app cache Topics in Settings β Annexes.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Subject not applicable | Incompatibility with the MIUI version | Search for topics specifically for MIUI 6-9 |
| File corrupted error | Incomplete download.mtz | Download the file again, check the checksum |
| The launcher stops working | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Disable Safe Mode in Settings |
| Slow work after changing the topic | Heavy animations/effects | Choose a light theme or reset the settings |
Where to download safe MTZ-topic?
Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (for all versions of Android)
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can install a third-party launcher, which will not only change the theme, but also completely change the interface. On the Mi2 Lite with 1 GB of RAM, we recommend light launchers:
- π Nova Launcher β optimized, supports customization of icons.
- β‘ Lawnchair β open source, minimalist design.
- π¨ Action Launcher β flexible settings, but can brake on weak iron.
- π± Microsoft Launcher: Simple and Stable (suitable for older users).
How to determine:
- Download the launcher's APK from APKCombo or APKMirror (Mi2 Lite Google Play may not be supported).
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β Security β Unknown sources.
- Install APK and click Home β select a new launcher.
On the Xiaomi Mi2 Lite with MIUI 6 and below, some launchers may not be installed due to the limitations of Android 4.4.In this case, try Lawnchair 1.x (older version) or Holo Launcher.
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Before installing the launcher, back up your desktop: in the standard MIUI launcher, press and hold the blank space on the screen β Settings β Backup.
Method 4: Modify theme through ADB (for advanced users)
If you're familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can change the theme through the command line, which is suitable for MIUI 7-9 and requires you to connect your phone to a PC.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock Developer Settings), then Settings β Additional β Developers β Debugging over USB.
- Connect Mi2 Lite to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS).
- Check the connection command: Adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Set the theme with the team (replace). /path/to/theme.mtz On the real path: Adb push /path/to/theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --es theme_pkg_name "title"
List of commands for managing themes through ADB:
| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| adb shell pm list packages | grep theme | Show established topics |
| adb shell rm -r /sdcard/MIUI/theme/* | Delete all downloaded themes |
| adb shell am force-stop com.android.themes | Reset the Topics app |
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. If after the commands the phone began to brake, reset the launcher settings: Settings β Annexes β Topics β Clear the data.
Problems solved after changing the topic
On Xiaomi Mi2 Lite, due to weak iron and outdated firmware, errors can occur after changing the theme. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: The phone is slowing down.
- π Close all background applications through Settings β Battery β Close it all down.
- ποΈ Clear the cache in Settings β Memory. β Kesh.
- π Return the standard theme or choose an easier one.
Problem 2: Icons or fonts are not displayed correctly
- π Check the compatibility of the theme with your version MIUI.
- π± Restart your phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button) β Restarting in Safe Mode).
- π οΈ Install a patch for fonts through MIUI Font Changer (requires root).
Problem 3: Theme Store is not working
- π Check your internet connection (better via Wi-Fi).
- π Update the Themes app through Settings β Annexes β Topics β Update.
- π Reset the application settings: Settings β Annexes β Topics β Warehouse β Clear the data.
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If the phone stopped turning on after changing the theme, try Recovery (keep Power + Volume up) and run Wipe Cache Partition. This won't delete data, but it can restore performance.
Additional ways of customization
In addition to changing the theme, other interface elements can be changed on Xiaomi Mi2 Lite:
1. Changing icons
- π¨ Use icon packs through launchers like Nova Launcher.
- πΌοΈ Install the Icon Changer from APK (For example, Awesome Icons).
2. Font setting
- π€ V MIUI 7+ You can change the font in the settings β Screen. β font.
- π² For MIUI 6 will require root and iFont application.
3. Animations and transitions
- ποΈ B Settings β Additionally. β System animation can be turned off or reduced animation speed (speed up work).
- π Advanced changes require Xposed Framework (only for the MIUI 6-8).
4. Sounds and notifications
- π Replace sounds in Settings β Sounds or through Zedge (APK).
- π³ For custom tunes, copy audio files to a folder /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone.