How to reduce the font in SMS on Android-smartphones Xiaomi: all ways

Too large text in messages on Xiaomi interferes with comfortable reading, takes up extra space on the screen and spoils the perception of dialogue. 5.8") Or users who are used to compact display of information. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of reducing the font in the standard application (SMS/MMS) on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi under control MIUI 12–14.

It is important to understand that text size settings in SMS depend on three factors: firmware version, device model and messenger used. The standard Message application from Xiaomi does not always provide direct options for changing the font, so some solutions affect system parameters. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI (2023-2026) and selected only working ones.

1. Change the system font in the MIUI settings

The most obvious and universal method is to reduce the global font size of the system, which will affect not only SMS, but also all applications that use the standard text style MIUI. The method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Screen.
  2. Select Text Size (or Font and Display Size in Older Versions).
  3. Move the slider left to Small or Very Small (if available).
  4. Confirm the changes by clicking Ready.

⚠️ Note: This method reduces the font in all applications, including the browser, contacts and menus of the system. SMS, move on to the next section.

πŸ’‘

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C), text size is hidden in the submenu Additional screen settings. If you do not find the item, use the settings search (the magnifier icon at the top).

2. font setting in the application "Messages"

The standard Messages app from Xiaomi in the latest versions of MIUI 13/14 has hidden personalization options, including changing the text size, but access to them depends on the regional firmware and device model.

Steps:

  • πŸ“± Open the Messages app.
  • πŸ”§ Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  • πŸ” Scroll down to the section Design or Appearance (in English firmware - Display).
  • πŸ“ If you have text size, select Small or Medium.

If you don't have an option, your version of the app doesn't support it, and one of the alternatives below will help.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI You're using it?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12 or older
I don't know.

3. Use of small print themes

MIUI allows custom themes to be set, which can include modified font styles. Some themes are specifically optimized for compact text display, including SMS. This method does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi devices.

How to apply the topic:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Themes (or the Themes app on the desktop).
  2. In the search bar, enter a query: small font or compact font.
  3. Choose your favorite theme with the tag Small Text or Minimal.
  4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

πŸ”Ή Recommended topics:

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Pure Black Small Font is a dark theme with reduced text.
  • πŸŒ“ Minimalist Compact – a light theme with optimized font.
  • 🎨 Pixel Like Small – Imitation of the style of Google Pixel with small text.
What to do if the topic is not applied?
If the font in SMS has not changed after installing the theme, try: 1. Reboot the device. 2. Clear the theme app cache in settings (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Themes β†’ Clear the cache). 3. Set the theme again, resetting the current one to standard.

4. editing of the configuration file (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can manually change the text display settings through the system file settings.db. This method requires root rights or access to ADB, as well as caution – incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions in the application.

Instructions for ADB:

adb shell


su




sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db




update system set value='0.85' where name='font_scale';




.exit

⚠️ Attention: Change of value font_scale will affect all system applications, including Messages. 0.8 (vertigo 1.3 (After completing the command, be sure to restart the device, otherwise the changes will not apply.

Make a backup copy of the data

To ensure that root rights are available or ADB-access

Write down the current value font_scale (kickback)

Use a reliable file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer)-->

5. Installation of alternative SMS-messenger

If Xiaomi’s standard Messages app doesn’t provide flexible font settings, consider using third-party messengers, many of which offer detailed customization of the interface, including text size.

πŸ“Œ Top.-3 messenger:

AnnexType settingAdditional benefits
Textra SMSSettings menu β†’ Appearance β†’ Text size (5 levels)Dark theme, backup, spam blocking
QKSMSSettings β†’ Design β†’ Text size (slider)Open source, support for RCS
Pulse SMSSettings β†’ Topics β†’ Font size (3 options)Synchronization between devices, web version

πŸ”Ή How to transfer SMS new-appendix:

  1. Install the selected messenger from Google Play.
  2. At the first start, allow access to SMS.
  3. In the settings of the new application, find the item Import messages.
  4. Confirm the data transfer from the standard Message application.

πŸ’‘

Third-party messengers not only solve the font problem, but often offer advanced features: delayed sending, response templates, and spam protection.

6. Resetting the settings of the Messages app

In rare cases, incorrect font display in SMS is associated with damage to the cache or settings of the application. Reset will help to return the standard settings, after which you can re-apply one of the methods described above.

How to reset:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the messages in the list and tap it.
  3. Select Warehouse β†’ Clear cache and Clear data.
  4. Confirm the action (this will delete the message history if no backup is made!).

⚠️ Attention: Messages remove all correspondence, including attachments. Before reset, export important messages SMS via the application menu (Settings) β†’ Export messages) or use third-party utilities such as SMS Backup & Restore.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the font in SMS on Xiaomi

Can I change the font only for a separate chat in SMS?
No, the standard Messages app from Xiaomi doesn't support customized font settings for different dialogs. Alternative messengers (like Textra SMS) also apply changes globally to all chats. If you want different text sizes for different contacts, you'll have to use separate accounts or apps.
Why did the text text in SMS become big again after the MIUI update?
Updates MIUI Sometimes they reset user settings, including text size, which is due to a change in system settings or a reset of the Messages app cache: πŸ”„ Font size in Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Size of text. πŸ“± Messages Application Settings (if they have been changed previously). 🎨 Applicable design theme (sometimes reset to standard).
Is there a way to reduce the font in SMS without changing the system settings?
Yes, there are two options: Use an alternative messenger (e.g., QKSMS) where the font setting is system independent; Set theme with a fine print (as described in Section 3). This method does not affect the global parameters of MIUI. Both methods do not require root rights or editing system files.
Why is the font in some SMS more prominent than in others?
Different text sizes in messages may be associated with: πŸ“§ Formatting sent SMS (Some operators add bold or increased size for advertising messages). πŸ”€ Using emojis or emojis – they are automatically scaled by the system. πŸ“± Failure in the app cache – try clearing the cache as described in Section 6. If the problem persists, check the display settings in the Special Features menu (Settings) β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Size of text).
Can I return the standard font if it becomes too small after the changes?
Yes, for this: If you have changed the system font - return the slider to Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Text size to standard position. font_scale through ADB β€” Follow the command: adb shell sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db "update system set value='1.0' where name='font_scale';" If you've used a theme, reset it to the standard Theme menu. After any changes, reset the device so that it can take effect.