How to completely remove themes on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 proven ways

Why theme is taking up memory on Redmi 8 and how to fix it

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8, despite modest by modern standards characteristics (4/64 GB in the basic version), remains a popular device due to balanced performance and extensive customization capabilities through the proprietary shell MIUI. However, many users face a problem: installed themes take a precious place in internal memory, and standard methods of removing them do not always work correctly.

Unlike apps, themes in MIUI are not deleted through the Settings → Applications menu. They are stored in secure system folders, and their residual files can accumulate even after being “deleted” through the theme store. This article will help you understand how to completely clear unnecessary topics, including cache and temporary data, and what to do if the system gives an error when you try to uninstall.

Redmi 8 features limited memory (especially in the 3/32GB version), so even 200-300MB of themes can become critical. Below we look at all the current ways, including hidden MIUI 12/14 features and manual methods for power users.

Method 1: Remove themes from the standard MIUI Themes menu

The most obvious and safe method is to use a built-in theme store.It is suitable for most users, but has limitations: not all themes can be removed this way, especially if they were manually installed (via.mtz files).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 Go to My Themes tab (or Management in older versions) MIUI).
• 🗑️ Find an unnecessary theme, click on it and select Remove (or basket icon).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive or absent, the theme is system (preinstalled). Such topics cannot be removed without root rights or special utilities.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About phone)| Backup important data | Close background applications for stable operation | Make sure there is an Internet connection (for synchronization)

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Method 2: Clearing the cache of themes and temporary files

Even after deleting the theme, its residual files can take up to 100-150 MB in cache folders, cleaning up this data will not only free up space, but also eliminate possible interface display errors.

How to clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Topics list (or com.android.themes) and open it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete cleanup, click Clear Data (this will reset all custom theme settings!).

Additionally, it is recommended to clear the cache of system services:

• 🧹 com.miui.system (responsible for system themes)
• 🧹 com.android.themes (main theme module)
• 🧹 com.miui.miservice (Sync Service) MIUI)

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If, after cleaning the cache, the topics continue to appear in the list, restart the phone. This will update the application registry.

Method 3: Manually delete theme files via file manager

For experienced users who are willing to work with system folders, there is a method of manual removal, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the MIUI.

The path to themes in Redmi 8:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/theme/


/data/system/theme/

Instructions:

1. Use a root-access file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to the indicated paths and delete folders with the names of unnecessary themes (format: name theme.mtz or com.theme.name).
3. Clear /data/system/theme/ from files with the.xml or.dat extension associated with deleted themes.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/system/theme/ If you don't have a backup, you might crash the interface. If you have a black screen after you reboot, reset your settings through Recovery.

Method 4: Reset theme settings to factory

If the themes are not deleted or cause errors (for example, Unfortunately, Themes has stopped), resetting the shell settings will help. This method does not affect user data, but returns all visual settings to the factory.

Step-by-step:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🔄 7 times press the version MIUI, activate the developer mode.
• 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
• 🎨 Select Reset Theme Settings (or Reset UI in New Versions).

Once rebooted, all custom themes will be deactivated and system themes restored, and this method also eliminates conflicts between themes and MIUI updates.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when it fails.|Never change.-->

Method 5: Remove themes via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Steps required:

1. Activate debugging over USB in Settings → For developers.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep theme

This command will list all packages related to the topics, such as:

com.android.theme.iconpack.folder.mytheme


com.miui.tsm.client

To remove unnecessary topics, use:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.theme.iconpack.folder.mytheme

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages called com.miui.tsm.client or com.android.themes are system components without which to use the name. MIUI will not be able to work properly.

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ADB-This method allows you to delete even system themes, but requires accurate knowledge of packet names.

Table: Comparison of theme removal methods on Redmi 8

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When removing themes on Redmi 8, users often face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Failed to delete the topic": Check if the theme is systemic. If so, use it. ADB or manual root removal.
• 🔄 "After deleting the theme remained in the list": Clear the cache of the app Topics and restart the phone.
• 📱 "Black Screen After Deletion: Reset via Recovery (Press Power) + Volume Up when downloading).
• 🔧 "No Delete button: Theme is set as system. Try updating MIUI Up to the latest version – sometimes this will unlock the deletion.

If none of the methods worked, consider completely resetting your settings (with data loss) or flashing it through Fastboot.These are extreme measures, but they are guaranteed to remove all unnecessary themes.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions