How to remove or change the font on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face the need to return the standard font after experimenting with custom solutions or random changes in settings. The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI offers limited tools for managing system fonts, and incorrect manipulation can lead to interface failures. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from simple resetting through settings to manually removing fonts through ADB and TWRP.

It is important to understand the difference between deleting a font (total erasure of files from the system) and resetting to a standard one (returning to factory text display settings). The former requires root rights and technical training, while the latter is available to anyone, and we will also look at how to correct the consequences of failed experiments - when the phone refuses to boot due to damaged font files.

This article is relevant for all Redmi Note 9 modifications (including Note 9 Pro, Note 9S, Note 9 Pro Max) based on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-13. If your device is running on an older version of the software, some methods may require adaptation.

1. Reset font through standard MIUI settings

The safest way to return the source font is to use the built-in tools of the system, a method that does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most users.

Open the Settings menu → Display → Font size and style. Here you will see three key parameters:

• 📏 Font size – regulates the scale of the text (does not affect the font itself).
• 🎨 Font style – allows you to choose one of the preset options (Mi Sans, Roboto, etc.).
• 🔄 Reset to standard – button to return factory settings (may be absent on some firmware).

If the reset button is missing, try the following algorithm:

1. Select any other typeface style from the list (e.g. Roboto).
2. Confirm the changes and wait for the application.
3. Go back to the menu and select Mi Sans (standard font for Redmi Note 9).
4. Reboot the device – this often helps to “reset” the font cache.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) may not have a font menu at all. ADB or TWRP.

2. Removal of custom fonts through File Manager (without root)

If you installed fonts through apps like iFont or FontFix, their files could remain in the device’s memory even after resetting, usually stored in /sdcard/Download/Fonts/ or /sdcard/Miui/Fonts/.

To remove them:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /sdcard/Download/Fonts/ (or similar if you used another app).
3. Delete all files with.ttf or.otf extensions.
4. Clear the application cache through which the fonts were installed (Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage → Clear the cache).

Then restart your phone. If the font doesn't go back to standard, try to clean the system cache further:

Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Cash system

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Before deleting fonts, back up /sdcard/Download/Fonts/ to your computer to help restore files if the text on the screen does not appear correctly after deleting it.

3. Manual font removal via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods didn't work and you don't have root rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

First, turn on the USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.

Now connect Redmi Note 9 to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal (cmd for Windows or Terminal for macOS/Linux):

adb shell


su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system"




su -c "rm -rf /system/fonts/[name font.ttf]"




su -c "mount -o ro,remount /system"




reboot

Replace [name font.ttf] with the name of the file you want to delete. To see a list of all fonts in the system, use the command:

adb shell ls /system/fonts/

⚠️ Note: Deleting system fonts (e.g. DroidSansFallback.ttf) can lead to a critical interface failure when the phone stops displaying text in Chinese, Japanese or other languages.Always make sure that the deleted file is not critical to the job MIUI.

4. Removal of fonts via TWRP (root required)

If you have custom TWRP recaps installed, you can remove fonts directly from the /system section.This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Load the phone into TWRP mode (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Select Mount → System (if it doesn’t connect, check that the system partition is not encrypted).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Open the /system/fonts/ folder.
5. Remove unnecessary font files (.ttf or.otf extensions).
6. Reset the device.

If the phone doesn't load after it's deleted (hangs on the Redmi logo), it means that the critical font has been removed.

• 🔄 Come back in TWRP and restore the backup of the system partition (if you did backup).
• 📥 Download the original firmware for your model and reflash your phone via Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool to fully restore your system.

Backup system| Check battery power (minimum 50%) | Download original firmware for your model | Connect your phone to your PC for quick access to files-->

5. System Restore through reset to factory settings

If all previous methods failed and the phone's interface is not displayed correctly (character instead of text, no fonts), the last option is hard reset, which will return the phone to the "out of the box" state, but delete all user data.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data (hard reset).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If the phone is not loading, use Recovery reset:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After hard reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account account. Make sure you remember your login and password, otherwise your phone will remain locked!

6. Solving problems after unsuccessful font removal

If you manipulate the fonts and your phone displays characters, squares, or text, it means that the system files have been damaged. Here's how to fix it:

If the phone doesn't turn on at all, try booting into Safe Mode (keep Volume down when you turn on) and uninstall the problem apps. If that doesn't work, you just have to flash it back.

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Before any typeface manipulation, back up the system partition via TWRP or Mi PC Suite, which will save you hours of recovering your phone in the event of a crash.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fonts on Redmi Note 9