Creating a custom theme for Xiaomi: from idea to publication in the MIUI Themes

Creating your own theme for Xiaomi smartphones is an exciting process that allows you not only to personalize the appearance of your device, but also to share creativity with millions of users. MIUI Unlike standard wallpaper or icons, a full-fledged theme changes the interface at a system level, from fonts and animations to sound effects and notification style. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from the preparation of working tools to the moderation in the official theme store.

It is important to understand that developing themes for Xiaomi requires not only creativity, but also technical knowledge. XML-But don't worry, even without design or programming experience, you can create a quality theme, and follow the steps. Patience and attention to detail are the key, because every little thing (such as padding in pixels or color) can affect the perception of the final product.

In this article, we will look at current methods for 2026, given the latest updates. MIUI 15 and the requirements of the theme store. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid common layout errors, and what to do if your theme is not moderated. And at the end you will find a bonus: a list of hidden features Xiaomi Theme Editor, which are not written in the official documentation.

1.Preparation: What is needed to create a topic

Before you start designing, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum requirements are:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone on the MIUI 12+ (The latest version is better) with the bootloader unlocked. On devices with the bootloader locked, some features of the theme editor may not work properly.
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 or macOS (for working with graphics and XML-Linux may have problems with official software from Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Graphic editors: Adobe Photoshop (or free analogues like Adobe Photoshop) GIMP/Krita) for working with raster graphics and Adobe Illustrator/Inkscape vector-element.
• 📂 Xiaomi Theme Editor - the official utility for the assembly of themes. Download can be on the official website (registration is required).
• 🔧 Android Studio or APKTool – for decompilation of system APK (will be required at an advanced stage).

Also back up your smartphone data. When testing themes, there are sometimes crashes that can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot). This is especially true if you plan to edit system animations or fonts. For reliability, use the Mi Flash Tool and the original firmware for your model - in case you need a rollback.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new model) MIUI 2026) some topics may not display correctly.Be sure to test the topic on both types of firmware before publishing.

If you're a beginner, start with simple modifications: changing wallpaper, icons and color palettes, and it doesn't require a lot of technical knowledge. But to create themes with custom animations or modified system sounds, you have to dive into the real world. SMALI-code and work AndroidManifest.xml.

2.Installation and configuration of Xiaomi Theme Editor

The official Xiaomi Theme Editor is the main tool for assembling themes. MIUI Themes after you register your developer account, and the utility is only available in Chinese, but it's intuitive. Below is a step-by-step installation and basic setup guide.

After downloading the archive with the editor:

1. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\XiaomiThemeEditor).
2. Run the MiuiThemeEditor.exe file on behalf of the administrator (otherwise, settings may not be saved).
3. When you first start, the program will ask for a username and password from your Xiaomi account. Use the data you provided when you registered on the theme site.
4. In settings () select the interface language (English version is available, but the translation is incomplete).
5. Point the way to the folder with MIUI System APK (It can be extracted from your smartphone’s firmware using Mi Firmware Extractor).

If the editor doesn’t start, check:

• 🔹 Presence.NET Framework 4.8 (mandatory requirement).
• 🔹 Disabling the antivirus (sometimes it blocks Chinese software).
• 🔹 Windows Compatibility: The Editor Does Not Work ARM-OS versions (for example, on Surface Pro X).

After successful installation, it is recommended to back up the folder with the editor. MIUI You don't have to reconfigure everything, and you also have to save your username and password from your developer account, and without them, you can't upload themes to the store.

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If the editor issues a Failed to load system resources error, download the latest version. MIUI System APK for your smartphone model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and indicate the path to it in the editor settings.

Theme structure: what elements can be changed

Theme for MIUI — It's a set of files that redefine the standard resources of the system, and all of the elements fall into a number of categories, each of which is responsible for its own aspect of the interface:

The easiest elements to modify are wallpaper and icons, and it is enough to replace the graphic files in the corresponding folders, observing the resolution and format (.png for icons,.jpg/.webp But working with animations and system styles requires knowledge. XML Understanding the structure of Android resources.

Critically, all graphics must match the screen resolution of the target devices, such as icons for Xiaomi. 13 Pro (permission) 3200×1440) must be 3-4 More detailed than the Redmi Note 10 (2400×1080). Otherwise, the theme will look blurry on high-end devices. DPI.

To make things easier, use the templates from Xiaomi's official documentation, which contain blanks for all supported resolutions and formats, and can be downloaded from the Resources section of the website. MIUI Themes (authorization required).

4. Theme design: rules and recommendations

Creating a visually appealing and functional theme is an art that requires a balance between creativity and convenience.

• 🎨 Uniform style: All elements (icons, wallpaper, colors) should be in harmony with each other. Avoid mixing too bright colors or conflicting styles (for example, minimalist icons against the background of motley wallpaper).
• 👁️ Readability: Text on icons and notifications should be clearly visible. Check color contrast with tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker.
• 📱 Adaptability: The theme should be displayed correctly on all Xiaomi devices, from Redmi with small screens to Mix Fold with flexible displays.
• 🔄 Compatibility: Make sure your theme works on the latest versions MIUI HyperOS and Test on Multiple Devices.

One of the hardest things is to work with icons.

• Have the same style (flat, voluminous, with shadow, etc.).
• A single color scheme (or at least a palette)
• Adapt to all standard permits (48x48, 72x72, 96x96, 144x144).
• Have a transparent background (.png format).

To speed up the process, use icon generators such as Android Asset Studio or Icon Kitchen, which allow you to create a complete set of icons from one workpiece, and you can also use ready-made kits from sites like Flaticon or Flaticon. Icons8, But don’t forget to check the license for commercial use.

⚠️ Note: If you use copyrighted elements (such as logos of brands or characters from movies) in a topic, your theme will not be moderated in the official store. Xiaomi strictly enforces copyright and can block your account for infringements.

For inspiration, explore top topics in the store MIUI Themes. Pay attention to how popular designers combine colors, what typefaces they use, and how they adapt elements to different screen resolutions. Don't copy other people's work, but analyze trends.

5. Assembly and testing of the theme

When the design is done, it's time to put the theme together and test it on a real device.

1. Resource export: In Xiaomi Theme Editor, click File → Export and select the folder to save. The program will generate the structure of the theme files.
2. Error Check: Open the file description.xml In a text editor, and make sure that all paths to resources are correctly listed.
3. Packing in MTZ: Use the built-in Build Editor feature → Pack to MTZ. A file with the.mtz extension is a ready-made theme for installation.
4. Transfer to a smartphone: Copy.mtz file into folder /MIUI/theme/ In the internal drive or send it through the Mi Drop/Bluetooth.
5. Installation: Open the Themes app on your smartphone, go to My → Import and select your file.

After installation, carefully test the theme:

All icons are displayed without artifacts

The wallpaper does not stretch or cut.

Colors of buttons and text readable

Animations are smooth, without delay

The notification sounds are reproduced correctly

The topic does not cause overheating or increased battery consumption-->

If the theme does not apply or the device is restarted, check:

• 🔹 Correctness description.xml (tagged <item> and <preview>).
• 🔹 Image files permissions (they must match the target device).
• 🔹 All required folders (for example, without any /wallpaper/ theme is not set).

To debug, use Logcat in Android Studio. Connect your smartphone to USB, Turn on the debugging. USB In the developer settings and filter the logs by tag MiuiTheme.

⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS devices, the themes collected for MIUI 14 And below, it might not work. In this case, you'll need to manually edit. config.json In the theme folder, indicating support for the new shell: "support_hyperos": true.

If the theme is stable, you can start preparing it for publication in the store, but first make sure you don't break the rules. MIUI Themes – otherwise your work will not be approved.

6.Publishing the topic in the official store

To see your theme millions of users, it must be published in the official store. MIUI Themes, for that:

1. Log in to the site under the developer account.
2. Go to the Developer section → Upload Theme.
3. Fill in the information about the topic: 📌 Title (do) 20 symbols, without special symbols). 📝 Description (in Chinese and English). 🏷️ Tags (select to) 5 most relevant). 🖼️ Preview (required: 1 picture 1080×1920 and 3 screenshot).

.mtz

Send to moderation (check period - from 1 to 7 days).

To increase your chances of getting approved, follow these tips:

• 📌 Use a unique name. Topics with names like "Cool Theme" or "Dark Mode" almost always get rejected.
• 📝 Write a detailed description in both languages, specify which items have been changed, which devices have been optimized for the theme.
• 🖼️ The preview should showcase key features of the topic. Avoid watermarks or logos.
• 🔍 Before downloading, check the theme for compatibility with the latest versions. MIUI/HyperOS.

If the topic is rejected, you will receive a letter with a reason.

• 🚫 Copyright infringement (such as using Apple or Samsung logos).
• 🚫 Incorrect work on test devices of moderators.
• 🚫 Non-compliance with the rules of registration (for example, too small screenshots).
• 🚫 Repeated content (if your topic is too similar to the one already published).

After posting, follow user feedback. If a topic is gaining popularity, Xiaomi can offer you collaboration or placement in recommendations, and you can earn money selling premium themes (income depends on the number of downloads).

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To get the topic in the top store, it is important not only its quality, but also correctly selected tags, as well as activity in the first days after publication (ask friends to like and write reviews).

7 Advanced Techniques: Animations, Sounds and System Modifications

If you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex modifications, and let's look at three advanced techniques that will set your topic apart from thousands of others.

1. Castom animations

To change animations, you will need to edit files in the folder /anim/. For example, to change the effect of unlocking the screen:

1. Find the file. unlock_screen_anim.xml system-resource MIUI.
2. Copy it into your theme folder and edit the settings (e.g., duration, interpolator).
3. Use Adobe After Effects to create a completely new animation + Lottie plugin for export to.json.

2. Replacement of system sounds

The audio files must be in.ogg or.mp3 with a bitrate not higher than 192 kbps:

• notification_sound.ogg — notification.
• alarm_sound.ogg — alarm.
• lock_sound.ogg — lock/unlock sound.
• charge_sound.ogg — charger.

3. Modification of system fonts

To add custom font:

1. Place font files (.ttf or.otf) in the folder /fonts/.
2. Edit the file. fonts.xml into /values/, pointing out the paths to new fonts.
3. Make sure the font supports Cyrillic and special characters (otherwise they will be displayed with squares).

Decompilation may be required to work with system files framework-res.apk or miui-system.apk. Use APKTool with the team:

apktool d framework-res.apk -o framework_output

Be careful: improper editing of system files can lead to bootloop.Always test changes on a backup device or in an emulator.

8. Alternative means of disseminating topics

If your theme is not approved in the official store or you want to distribute it yourself, there are several alternative ways:

• 🌐 Own website or blog: Upload.mtz files to a hosting site and share a link, such as on GitHub Pages or Telegram channel.
• 📱 Telegrambots: Create a bot that will automatically send a theme to users after payment (for example, through Yoomoney or Donation Alerts).
• 🛒 Platforms for Sale: Gumroad, Sellfy or Etsy Allow You to Sell Digital Goods, Including Themes for Xiaomi.
• 🤝 Communities: Post topics on forums like XDA Developers, 4PDA or in thematic groups VK/Facebook.

When distributing yourself, consider:

• 🔒 Security: Protect files from viruses (users should be sure they are downloading a clean theme).
• 💰 Monetization: If you sell themes, specify the license and terms of use (e.g., no resale).
• 📈 Feedback: Collect feedback to improve future versions of themes.

One of the most effective ways to promote is to create a video review of a topic on YouTube or TikTok, and show you what the theme looks like in action, share its unique features, and that will attract attention and increase downloads.

⚠️ Note: If you share topics through third-party sources, avoid using titles that contain words"MIUI","Xiaomi" or "HyperOS" -- this can lead to claims from the company".

You can also collaborate with other designers, like you create icons, and someone else creates wallpaper and animations, and collaborative projects often get better quality and attract more users.

FAQ: Frequent questions about creating themes for Xiaomi