How to change the theme Xiaomi Mi2 Lite: all ways and solutions to errors

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 We will focus on the nuances associated with the outdated version of Android and the limitations of the iron platform (Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, 1 GB of RAM).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.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI use it on Xiaomi Mi2 Lite?
MIUI 6 or lower
MIUI 7
MIUI 8
MIUI 9
I don't know.

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:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
  • πŸ” In the lower menu, select the Online section (or Recommended ones).
  • πŸ‘† Scroll through the list of topics and select the one you like. Click on it, then Apply.
  • βš™οΈ 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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⚠️ 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 doesn’t work or doesn’t 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:

  1. Download the.mtz theme file from a trusted source (e.g., the official Chinese MIUI website or forums like 4PDA).
  2. Transfer the file to the phone’s memory (for example, to the Downloads folder).
  3. Open the Topics β†’ Local β†’ select the downloaded file.
  4. Click Apply and confirm the action.

If there are errors after using the theme (for example, the theme is not supported), try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ“‚ Set the topic through MIUI Theme Editor (requires root rights).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove the app cache Topics in Settings β†’ Annexes.
Problem.Reason.Decision
Subject not applicableIncompatibility with the MIUI versionSearch for topics specifically for MIUI 6-9
File corrupted errorIncomplete download.mtzDownload the file again, check the checksum
The launcher stops workingConflict with MIUI optimizationDisable Safe Mode in Settings
Slow work after changing the topicHeavy animations/effectsChoose a light theme or reset the settings
Where to download safe MTZ-topic?
The most reliable sources: 1. Official Chinese Store MIUI (https://zhuti.xiaomi.com/) β€” Registration and translation of the page. 2. Forum 4PDA (section β€œThemes for MIUI") β€” Check user reviews before downloading. 3. Telegram channels like @MIUIThemes β€” They often provide customized themes for older devices. ⚠️ Avoid sites with suspicious domains (such as *.xyz) – they can spread viruses under the guise of themes.

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:

  • πŸš€ Nova Launcher – optimized, supports customization of icons.
  • ⚑ Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design.
  • 🎨 Action Launcher – flexible settings, but can brake on weak iron.
  • πŸ“± Microsoft Launcher: Simple and Stable (suitable for older users).

How to determine:

  1. Download the launcher's APK from APKCombo or APKMirror (Mi2 Lite Google Play may not be supported).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β†’ Security β†’ Unknown sources.
  3. 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.

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Connect Mi2 Lite to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS).
  3. Check the connection command: Adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
  4. 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 themeShow established topics
adb shell rm -r /sdcard/MIUI/theme/*Delete all downloaded themes
adb shell am force-stop com.android.themesReset the Topics app

⚠️ 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.

  • πŸ”‹ Close all background applications through Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Close it all down.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Kesh.
  • πŸ”„ Return the standard theme or choose an easier one.

Problem 2: Icons or fonts are not displayed correctly

  • πŸ” Check the compatibility of the theme with your version MIUI.
  • πŸ“± Restart your phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button) β†’ Restarting in Safe Mode).
  • πŸ› οΈ Install a patch for fonts through MIUI Font Changer (requires root).

Problem 3: Theme Store is not working

  • 🌐 Check your internet connection (better via Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”„ Update the Themes app through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Topics β†’ Update.
  • πŸ“‹ Reset the application settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Topics β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.

πŸ’‘

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

  • 🎨 Use icon packs through launchers like Nova Launcher.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Install the Icon Changer from APK (For example, Awesome Icons).

2. Font setting

  • πŸ”€ V MIUI 7+ You can change the font in the settings β†’ Screen. β†’ font.
  • πŸ“² For MIUI 6 will require root and iFont application.

3. Animations and transitions

  • 🎞️ B Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ System animation can be turned off or reduced animation speed (speed up work).
  • πŸ”„ Advanced changes require Xposed Framework (only for the MIUI 6-8).

4. Sounds and notifications

  • πŸ”” Replace sounds in Settings β†’ Sounds or through Zedge (APK).
  • πŸ“³ For custom tunes, copy audio files to a folder /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone.
How to get root on Xiaomi Mi2 Lite?
The process of obtaining root rights to Mi2 Lite depends on the version MIUI: 1. MIUI 6-7: Use KingRoot or iRoot (single-click solutions). 2. MIUI 8+: You need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, then flash TWRP Magisk. 3. Android 4.4: On some firmware root is obtained through the exploit TowelRoot. ⚠️ Root voids warranty and can lead to a "brick." Make a backup through TWRP before experimentation!

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing themes to Xiaomi Mi2 Lite

Can I play a MIUI 12 theme on Mi2 Lite?
No, the themes from the newer versions of MIUI (10+) are incompatible with older firmware (MIUI 6-9). The most you can do is download adapted themes for Android 4.4/5.0 from forums like 4PDA. You can also use third-party launchers that mimic the design of MIUI 12 (for example, Lawnchair 2 with MIUI settings).
Why do app icons disappear after a theme change?
This is due to a conflict between the theme and the version of MIUI. Solutions: Reboot your phone. Return the standard theme and try another. Clear the launcher cache: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Launcher β†’ Clear the cache. If you use a third-party launcher, reinstall it. If the problem persists, check if the the theme supports your screen resolution (720x1280 for Mi2 Lite).
How to bring back the standard MIUI theme?
To reset the theme to factory: Open the Themes app. Select My Themes or Installed. Find Default theme or Standard and click Apply. If a standard theme is not listed, reset the Themes app settings to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Themes β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data.
Can I install Google Launcher on Mi2 Lite?
Technically, yes, but Google Launcher (aka Pixel Launcher) is not optimized for Android 4.4/5.0 and will be very slow. Instead, we recommend Nova Launcher β€” lightweight and customizable. Lawnchair β€” mimics Pixel Launcher, but it works faster. Holo Launcher β€” specifically for older Android devices. Download APK from trusted sources (like APKMirror), as Google Play may not be supported on Mi2 Lite.
Why doesn’t the animation work when changing the topic?
Xiaomi. Mi2 Lite animations may not work for several reasons: πŸ”‹ Lack of RAM (1 GB of RAM). Disable background applications. βš™οΈ System animations disabled. Check: Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Animation of the system. πŸ“± Incompatibility of the topic. Some topics require MIUI 10+. πŸ”„ Launcher malfunction. Restart your phone or clear your cache. If animations are critical, try installing an animation-enabled launcher (like Action Launcher) and disable the standard launcher. MIUI.