Creating a custom theme for Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note: from idea to installation

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note with a shell MIUI Not only does it allow you to use pre-made themes from the official store, but it also allows you to create your own interface designs, which opens up endless possibilities for personalization, from changing icons and fonts to completely reworking animations and color schemes. However, the process of creating a theme requires not only creativity, but also technical knowledge – working with graphic editors, decompilation. APK-file-setting XML-configuration.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps in detail - from the preparation of working tools to the final build and installation of the theme on the Redmi 9 Note. MIUI, How to avoid common compilation errors, and where to test a topic before publishing, and we will focus on the nuances associated with this model: support for screen resolutions, compatibility with the version. MIUI and optimizing productivity.

If you’ve never done Android themes before, don’t worry: the manual is designed for beginners, but it also includes advanced techniques for power users, and the key is to follow the steps consistently and not miss details, especially when working with system files.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to create a topic

Before you start designing, make sure you have all the hardware and software you need, and without proper preparation, the process can be delayed by finding missing tools or version incompatibility.

Basic requirements:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note with unlocked bootloader and root rights (optional, but recommended for testing).
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional settings).
• 🎨 Graphic editors: Adobe Photoshop (or free analogues) GIMP, Krita) for working with icons and background images.
• 🛠 Decompilation Tools: APKTool, MIUI Theme Editor (official editor from Xiaomi), Android Studio (for viewing) XML-file).
• 📁 Archive with theme template MIUI (You can download from the official repository or use the basic theme as the basis).

Also, back up your phone data, and when you test themes, you might have a problem with the interface. MIUI Theme Store, register a developer account on Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 48 hours).

2. Selection of the basic topic and analysis of the structure

Creating a theme from scratch is a time-consuming process, so most developers use a pre-made theme as a template, which helps keep the files structured correctly and avoid compiling errors. 9 Note is better to choose themes that are optimized for MIUI 12/13 (Depending on the firmware version of your device).

Where to get the basic theme:

• 📲 Official MIUI Theme Store (download any free theme through your phone, then extract) APK-file /data/app/com.android.theme.iconpack/).
• 🌐 Topics repositories on GitHub or forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA). Look for themes marked deodexed – they are easier to edit.
• 🔄 Use the default theme (default or miui) that can be extracted from your phone’s system files.

After extraction APK-Decompile it with the APKTool command:

apktool d theme_name.apk -o output_folder

In a file. output_folder You will find key directories:

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If you’re editing a theme for the first time, start by replacing the icons in the folder. res/drawable — It is the safest way to make changes without risking breaking the topic.

3. Editing of graphic elements

The visual part of the theme is what the user will see first. - Redmi 9 Screen resolution Note 2340×1080 It's important to use high-quality images to avoid pixelation:

• 📱 Application icons: should be in format PNG transparent background, sized 192×192 px (for adaptive icons).
• 🔒 Background lock and desktop: optimal resolution — 2340×2340 px (to avoid pruning).
• 🎨 Color accents: edited in res/values/colors.xml (for example, #FF6B35 orange-colored MIUI).
• 🔄 Animations: files in assets/anim (format ZIP screensaver GIF minor effects).

Example of code to change the color of the status bar colors.xml:

<color name="status_bar_background">#FF1E1E1E</color>


<color name="status_bar_icon_color">#FFFFFFFF</color>

For convenience, use the layers in Photoshop or GIMP When you're working with icons, save the original file names, like, ic_launcher_phone.png should stay ic_launcher_phone.png, Otherwise, the topic will not recognize the replacement.

4. Work with MIUI Theme Editor (official tool)

MIUI Theme Editor is a program from Xiaomi that makes it easier to create themes without deep knowledge of programming.It allows you to edit basic interface elements through a graphical interface, but has limitations compared to manual editing. APK.

How to use the editor:

1. Download and install. MIUI Theme Editor from Xiaomi official website (registration required).
2. Import a decompiled theme through the File menu → Open Theme.
3. In the left panel, select the category to edit (e.g., Icons, Wallpapers, Colors).
4. Upload your graphics files by following the recommended sizes.
5. Export theme in.mtz format (for installation via MIUI Themes) or.apk (for manual installation).

Editor's limitations:

• ❌ No way to edit animations or fonts.
• ❌ Not all elements MIUI Available for change (e.g., system dialogs).
• ❌ For export in APK Signature errors may occur.

5 Manual editing and compilation of the topic

If you want complete control of a topic, you have to work with the source files manually. XML structure APK, It allows you to customize even hidden elements. MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Open a decompiled theme in Android Studio or any text editor (e.g., a text editor, VS Code).
2. Edit files in res/values to change colors, styles and sizes. styles.xml You can change the style of the buttons:

<style name="AlertDialogStyle">


<item name="android:background">@drawable/dialog_background</item>




<item name="android:textColor">#FF4081</item>




</style>

1. To replace fonts, copy.ttf files to assets/fonts and update the links in styles.xml.
2. After editing, compile the theme back to APK:

apktool b output_folder -o new_theme.apk

1. Sign up. APK using an uber-apk signer:

java -jar uber-apk-signer.jar --apk new_theme.apk

Critical feature for Redmi 9 Note: when compiling themes for MIUI 12.5+ Please indicate the target version. SDK 30 (Android 11) in the apktool.yml file, otherwise the theme will not be installed.

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Manual compilation allows you to add non-standard elements (for example, charging animations or custom notification sounds), but requires strict adherence to the file structure.

6. Testing and installing theme on Redmi 9 Note

Before the final installation, the theme should be tested on the target device, which will help to identify display errors, incompatibility or animation bugs. There are several ways to test:

• 📲 Through MIUI Themes: If the theme is exported to.mtz, transfer the file to your phone and open it, the system will suggest applying the theme.
• 🔧 Hand-mounted APK: This requires root or debugging rights (adb install) theme_name.apk).
• 🛠 Through TWRP: If the theme is designed for deep integration (for example, changing system animations), install it through custom recovery.

Common mistakes in testing:

If the topic is working properly, you can start distributing it. MIUI Theme Store will need to download the.mtz file through the developer panel and wait for moderation (up to 7 days). XDA or 4PDA, lay out APK-file.

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Before publishing, test the theme on clean firmware MIUI without additional modifications, this will help to avoid complaints of incompatibility.

7. Optimizing and promoting your topic

Creating a theme is only half the battle, and in order for your work to be recognized, you have to present it properly and optimize it. Here are some tips to move forward:

• 📸 High-quality screenshots: Take high-resolution screenshots of the Redmi 9 Note showing all key elements (icons, lock, settings).
• 📝 Detailed description: Specify supported versions MIUI, features of the theme (e.g., "dark mode with an emphasis on blue") and installation instructions.
• 🔗 Social Media Links: Create a Telegram Page or VK feedback.
• 🔄 Updates: Regularly release patches with bug fixes and support for new versions MIUI.

For monetiation can be used:

• 💰 MIUI Theme Store: Xiaomi allows you to earn on paid themes (commission 30%).
• 🤝 Donation: Add a link to Qiwi or PayPal to the topic description.
• 📦 Premium versions: Release a free version with basic functionality and a paid version with advanced settings.

Remember to track user reviews, this will help improve the topic and fix unnoticed bugs, for example, if several people complain about incorrect display of icons in the Internet. MIUI Launcher, check the files in res/drawable-xxhdpi.

8. Solving typical problems and answering questions

Even with careful preparation, the themes are difficult to create, and here are some of the most common themes for Redmi 9 Note developers.

⚠️ Note: If after installing the theme, the phone stopped responding to touch, most likely, the file is damaged. framework-res.apk In the asset folder, restore it from a backup or reinstall the firmware.

Frequent errors and their correction:

• 🔄 The theme applies partially: check if all files from the res folder are included in the final file. APK. Sometimes APKTool skips files when compiling.
• 📱 Icons Reset After Rebooting: This Is a Bug MIUI, Clear the data of the com.miui.home app in the settings.
• 🎨 Colors in the settings do not change: some system applications (for example, Settings) use their own styles. res/values-miui/styles.xml.

If you encounter a unique problem, study the system logs through adb logcat or refer to the profile forums with a description of the error and screenshots.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions